'I tested this £28 foundation - it's a dream and made my face glow all day'
A good foundation can make or break a makeup look, and this one left shopping writer Lauren seriously impressed
Foundation is one of those products that can divide people - some love it, some avoid it altogether - but there's no denying it's a staple in many makeup bags. A good base can smooth out redness, soften imperfections, and help the rest of your routine apply more smoothly, but the wrong one can feel heavy, cakey, or disappear by lunchtime.
That's why I was curious when I got my hands on Sculpted by Aimee's Cream Cushion Foundation (£28). Drawing inspiration from K-beauty, this product arrives in an impressive 30 shades and promises long-lasting wear with a buildable formula that allows users to customise the coverage they want.
Essentially, it sounded like the solution to my "sometimes I want natural skin, sometimes I want full glam" predicament, reports Bristol Live. But how would it perform on my patchy skin tone? Let's find out.
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My honest review of Sculpted by Aimee's Cream Cushion Foundation
The foundation arrives in a refillable compact that's pretty in pink, which is very on-brand for Sculpted by Aimee. Inside, you get the foundation plus a built-in puff applicator, which makes it incredibly easy to pop in my handbag without needing extra brushes or sponges.
At first glance, I was a bit puzzled. Rather than liquid, there's a mesh surface that you press with the puff to dispense the product. The firmer you press, the more foundation you collect.
The Cream Cushion Foundation provides buildable formula, allowing users to customise coverage from light to full.
Upon first opening it, I was taken aback by a layer of oil on top, but the brand reassured me that this is entirely normal. It's simply the hydrating liquid rising to the surface, and you're supposed to press it in and let the puff absorb it.
Applying it turned out to be surprisingly soothing. The puff feels gentle on the skin, and it was enjoyable to experiment with the level of coverage I could achieve. A single light layer didn't entirely mask my redness and uneven skin tone, but once I built it up, it provided me with a radiant, even base without appearing heavy.
It also felt immediately moisturising, which is understandable given it's enriched with vitamin E and niacinamide. A big plus: it's also laced with SPF 30, offering an additional layer of protection (though wearing sunscreen remains crucial!).
As for its longevity, it held up impressively well throughout the day. I set it with my reliable Rodial setting powder, which I use with all my foundations, and it certainly helped keep it in place.
Another point worth mentioning is that the compact is refillable, so once I've used up the product, I can insert a refill instead of repurchasing the entire thing. This not only makes it more cost-effective in the long run, but also a tad more eco-friendly.
In summary, this foundation is a dream for those seeking versatility. It lets me opt for a light, natural look during the day or build it up for more coverage on evenings out. The finish is vibrant and healthy, not flat or cakey, and the skincare ingredients ensure my skin doesn't feel suffocated under a layer of makeup.
That said, for those who prefer a matte finish, there are a few alternatives. Estee Lauder's Double Wear Stay-in-Place is a great choice for its staying power and oil control, and it's currently on sale at Boots for £29.62, down from £39.50.
Otherwise, Fenty Beauty's Pro filt'r soft matte is a more affordable alternative at £12 down from £16 at Sephora. The oil-free soft matte foundation works hard to resist sweat and humidity, and comes in 50 inclusive shades.
But the Cream Cushion Foundation will definitely remain in my rotation. It's perfect for travel, enjoyable to use, and leaves my skin looking like skin... only better.
The Cream Cushion Foundation is available to shop here.