My Top 5 Favorite Foundations/ Base Makeup

My obsession with beauty definitely began with foundation and skin care.  If I was stuck on a deserted island and could only take one beauty item with me, it would be foundation.  The transformative ability of foundation to give you a glowing, flawless complexion makes me feel more confident and beautiful.  From the simplest to the most dramatic of makeup looks, pulling it off successfully always begins with the perfect base.  

A note about my skin, for reference.  I have combination, skin which is dry on the cheeks and more normal to oily on the forehead and nose.  Typically I do not wear primer or powder to set.  I look for formulas that are long lasting (meaning at least 12 hours), and do not require touch ups.  I also prefer a luminous finish over a matte finish.  I like light to medium, buildable coverage.  I mention this because everyone may not have the same results with these foundations depending on your skin type!

Here are my top 5 foundation/ base products, in no particular order:

The Giorgio Armani Luminous Silk Foundation ($59) remains my holy grail of foundations.  If I had to choose one foundation for the rest of my life, it would be this.  This is something I have repurchased, and will always have in my makeup collection.  I mix 6.5 and 8 for the perfect color match.  The coverage is medium, and the finish is luminous without looking greasy.  I find this to last all day on me (easily 12-14 hours) with no touching up.  What more could you ask for from a foundation?  Whenever I get compliments on my skin, I am wearing this or my Chantecaille Just Skin.  Another plus is that there is no SPF and it photographs beautifully.  

Chanel's Vitalumiere Aqua SPF 15 ($45) is amazing for its natural finish.  This foundation is the closest looking to actual skin.  When applied with fingers I can barely see any traces of this on the skin.  The formula is extremely light weight, feels like nothing on, and perfect for summer or humid climates.  The coverage of this is light, but still beautiful.  This is also a repurchase for me, and I can't see being without it in rotation.  If you are lucky to find a color match, definitely give this one a try.

The NARS Sheer Glow Foundation ($42) is the newest addition to my foundation collection, and already a favorite.  Firstly, the color match is perfect for my skin which is a plus with one shade!  The coverage is more medium to full, and I find this to give an extremely flawless complexion with a slightly dewy finish.  This also lasts all day, into the evening and looks amazing on the skin.  I can see what the hype is all about!  The shade range is also really comprehensive which is great. 

Chantecaille's Future Skin Foundation ($70) is a luxurious treat for your skin.  This has the advantages of Chanel's Vitalumiere Aqua in that it provides an extremely natural finish, but it also has excellent coverage. This is not too matte or too dewy, but rather a natural satin finish.  I also find this lasts all day on me, with no touch ups.  (This is a requirement!)  This is also a repurchase.  The only downside of this is the packaging which is a tub.  It is not very travel friendly and can harbor germs if you are not careful.  I actually pour a bit on to the back of my hand so I do not have to put my fingers in the jar, but you can waste product this way (and this stuff is pricey!)

Another obsession is the Chantecaille Just Skin Anti- Smog Tinted Moisturizer SPF 15 ($64) which I have talked about many, many times before.  This product is absolutely amazing.  Whenever I wear this I get compliments on my skin.  Seriously, it is that good.  The coverage is fairly good for a tinted moisturizer, about light to medium. This gives the most beautiful, luminous finish like you are radiating happiness!  If I have a date or a special evening planned I will always wear this or my Armani Luminous Silk, depending on the level of coverage I want.  Worth.  Every.  Single.  Penny.  

What are some of your favorite foundations?  Not that I need any ideas!