Guerlain: Lingerie de Peau Invisible Skin Fusion Foundation

Back in 2015 I purchased my bottle of Guerlain Lingerie de Peau, which is still to date the most I've ever spent for a foundation. While high-end foundations (and skincare in general) is no longer my thing as I've since realized there are many high quality and more budget friendly options from Korean and other international brands, I figured I would post up my impressions of this in case anyone was debating whether to buy this.

I posted up a video with me trying out the foundation live, so feel free to watch to get a better feel of the consistency.

To start with, the packaging is quite typical of high end brands, in a transparent and hefty glass bottle. The price is certainly not for the budget seeker, as a 1 oz bottle runs for $63. That said, what always drew me to this foundation is the incredibly smooth and natural coverage it gives my skin, without causing flakes and other issues (which I too commonly experience with other foundations due to my dry skin.)

The reason I haven't reached for it as much as hoped (I mean I've had this now for 5 years, but just can't bear parting with given how much I paid...) is because of the relative lack of skincare benefits and SPF vs the many Korean alternative BB creams I have, which also give good coverage. It feels unnecessary as well for me to wear such a high coverage cream in my day to day, as while I want to impress people, I'd rather do it while wearing something that's better for my skin.

I've included the ingredients snapshot below - indeed, a lot of stuff in there featuring chemicals (as I find to be true with most classic Western brands) and also SPF 20 is quite insufficient for daily use. As an aside, if your tinted moisturizer or foundation contains greater than SPF 30, you can usually use your FSA funds towards its purchase, as it qualifies for SPF benefits (at least for me that's been the case). Thus, it's always a shame when foundations shirk us with not only less protection but remove that option (and especially when they're as pricey as this one!)

That being said, the finish is undeniably beautiful. The consistency of the product is fairly runny, enabling an even application, and it never feels drying on my skin unless I've worn for the whole day (in which case, I do sometimes see some cracking). It's not the most moisturizing though, and I find my skin generally reacts better to hydrating BB creams and such. 

I keep this product sealed up in my fridge for now, which I hope will help it preserve its efficacy and strength. My recommendation for you? The landscape of face creams / foundations is so broad now, so venture out beyond the big names. It's a good foundation, but if I could go back in time I would not repurchase, as you could get 2-3 other great options for this price. 

 

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.