L'Oreal Infalliable Matte Foundation and Primer

Nothing pleases me more than a great affordable foundation, I realise this is an odd statement but it is true. I somewhat live for bases be they bronzers, concealers or foundations -you can bet I will be all over them (I apologise wholeheartedly to the staff at beauty counters for my overly enthusiastic approach). The duo that has recently set my heart a flutter is by L'Oreal (King of budget bases in my opinion) that offers the perfect matte base that is both natural and long wearing. There is a reason everyone is raving about the new L'Oreal Infalliable Matte Foundation; it delivers all it promises to and more, especially when teamed with the new L'Oreal Infalliable Mattifying Base Primer. Say hello to your new foundation dream team...

L'Oreal Infalliable Matte Foundation and Primer
L'Oreal Infalliable Matte Foundation and Primer

As I begin with primer when I am applying my make-up it only makes sense that I start my review here too. The new L'Oreal Infalliable Mattifying Base Primer is a somewhat thick, silky gel that instantly mattifies the skin - leaving it looking and feeling softer than ever before. Despite the texture this feels lighter than air on the skin, glides on effortlessly with a little going a long way. Much as most mattifying primers do this contains silicones, these somewhat refines the texture of the skin, filling in open pores and optically blurring fine lines. Truthfully this is not this primers strong point, yes it does deliver to some extent but it is no match for the likes of Clarins Instant Smooth Perfecting Touch Primer. On the other hand it is excellent at creating a non-drying matte base, often easier said than done when you have oily skin. Not only does it instantly mattify the skin but it also offers oil control throughout the day, as well as prolonging make-up wear. Consider this the primer that keeps on giving - if pressed or loose powder is not quite your thing you can gently dab a little of this primer over make-up to eradicate any shine throughout the day. At just £7.99 I am tempted to say that every make-up bag should contain a bottle. Annoyingly I can not find this online but I did pick this up via Superdrug for £7.99.

L'Oreal Infalliable Matte Foundation and Primer
L'Oreal Infalliable Matte Foundation and Primer
L'Oreal Infalliable Matte Foundation and Primer

Now on to the foundation that everyone has been raving about, if you like L'Oreal True Match then I have a sneaky feeling you will love L'Oreal Infalliable Matte Foundation. Again this has a thicker than average texture but quickly melts and blends into the skin (similar to MAC Studio Sculpt Foundation); personally I prefer applying with my fingertips, the heat helps the texture to move around on my face but it applies and blends just as well with a brush or sponge - again a little goes a long way. The L'Oreal Infalliable Matte Foundation is a full coverage foundation in the sense that it covers scarring, dark circles and uneven skin tones without the need of a concealer - all the while offering a soft matte finish that does not mask the skin. If you are fed up of flat, matte foundation that cakes, appears heavy this is the foundation you have been waiting for. I have tried this both with and without the matching primer and can vouch that it is very long and hard wearing. With the primer my skin stays beautifully matte for up to 10 hours, without it is closer to the 8 hour mark before my t-zone appears a little shiny. The good news is that either way it looks fresh all day long - no clinging to dry areas, no oxidisation and no fading. I am a huge fan and can not quite believe that a tube costs a mere £6.99 - it can and does rival the likes of Estee Lauder Double Wear Foundation both in wear and coverage in my opinion. The shade range needs improving - six shades aren't nearly enough but other than that it is a stellar base I urge you to try. You can find it here via Boots for £6.99 - link.

Long live the budget base!