Bourjois: Healthy Mix Serum Foundation and Healthy Mix Concealer

I've heard a lot of buzz over the Bourjois Healthy Mix line of skin products, but as a U.S. resident had never given much thought to owning them. However, recently I had a layover at London Heathrow, and decided to give the foundation a test after seeing it at the Boots there. I have to say I love how Boots has trial versions of most foundations available at the display, which makes it so much easier to color match before you buy. 

I immediately fell in love with the formulation for the Healthy Mix Serum foundation, which comes out like a thin gel. I have dry skin, so most foundations end up looking cakey or accentuate patches of dry skin. So anything that is moisturizing and offers a dewy finish is completely up my alley. Note, they have a similarly named foundation line that's just Healthy Mix (not Serum), which is far more of a traditional matte formula. It didn't work for me, but I could see more oily-skin users enjoying that.

The foundation claims to have "Vitamin-rich fruit therapy" to counteract fatigue, with extracts of lychee, goji berries and pomegranate. It has a fruity-scent when you first pump it, but that goes away and I personally find it very pleasant.

For reference, I'm an Asian with typical olive undertones, and shade 52 was a pretty good match for me (a little light but definitely wearable). I apply about one pump with a damp sponge, which gives just the right level of coverage and keeps it looking natural. It's very light, and considering I usually just stick to BB cream this feels like a perfect step up.

As for the concealer, to be honest I only tested it once at the store. I picked that up in 52 as well, and found it a bit cakey for my liking (it doesn't have the gel texture) but still got it because there was a buy one get one half off deal, and because I don't currently have a concealer in my collection. I'm not a big concealer user overall, since foundation or BB cream is generally enough for me. But if applied lightly around problem areas, this could be very useful.

Overall, I'm fairly impressed with the line and understand the rave reviews. The foundation retailed at 10.99 pounds and the concealer for 7.99 (half off made it 4). This converts into about $24 total, which is on the high-end of drugstore prices but which I feel to be relatively worthwhile for the quality.

The only caveat I'll add is that I dislike how neither product contain sunscreen. I'm someone who will never go outside without sunscreen on, so unlike with other BB creams / foundations, I have to first apply sunscreen and then this on top. A bit of a hassle.