Review: Illamasqua Skin Base

I've been using this lovely product for over a month now and I believe it is reasonable to share my experience on my blog. The foundation was inspired by Asian BB creams and received great reviews since its release on the 23rd of June 2011. I bought my own bottle at the Glasgow counter a week later but I've tried the product beforehand in Beak St. during the Clown Event. If you want to know more about BB creams and how Illamasqua  crafted a foundation based on this growing Asian trend then please check out this link: http://illamasqua.blogspot.com/2011/06/skin-baseinspired-by-bb-creams.html

My personal experience with Skin Base has been brilliant. I have been using the Illamasqua Rich Liquid Foundation #240 (I sheer it down w/ the Satin Primer, Gleam Cream or a plain moisturizer depending on the look I'm going for) prior to this along with a bunch of other foundation (i.e. Clinique, MAC, Revlon, etc.). When it comes to makeup I am OC about having a perfect base. I believe that even if you have an awesome eye makeup or whatever, if you base are patchy, uneven or worst, doesn't match your skin tone then the entire look is a failure. Skinbase definitely delivers in terms of giving a perfect base.

Probably the most practical foundation packaging I've ever seen so far...

I would describe it as medium coverage that can be easily sheered down or build up depending on the look you're aiming for. The packaging gives you a full control on product distribution which means that there'll be little to no waste at all so your foundation will go a long way.

You only need a tiny drop!

You'll only need a tiny amount to even out your skin tone and it blends smoothly.  It does a very good job on covering problem areas such as redness and minor spots. One of the great things about this foundation is it feels light on your skin. It doesn't feel tacky and even if you build it up to a full coverage (which I have done on many occasions), you won't feel like you're wearing layers of foundation on your face. Your face still feels like it is yours! Also I have a combination to oily skin which means that foundation doesn't last long on my face but Skinbase remains in tact for at least six hours on me without a primer. Even on the rare occasion here in Scotland that the sun is up and I'm sweating profusely, Skin Base doesn't budge as long as you don't wipe your face off! Simply dab your face with a tissue and you're good to go. It is also waterproof which makes ideal for people like me who lives in country where rainfall and humidity is as temperamental as a pregnant woman. And if this will make you feel at ease, it also doesn't transfer to your clothes so you can safely wear your lights when using this foundation.

I blended Skin Base on one side at the back of my hand. See the difference?

It is also a very versatile product. For makeup artists, you can purchase 4-6 shades for your kit and you can custom blend with all your heart however you wish. You can also use it to highlight and contour, or mix it with other products i.e. primers, cream pigments, pure pigment (especially Furore!), etc. David Horne - Illamasqua's Director of New Product Development and Director of SOMUA started a group in Facebook called Illamasqua's Skin Base Appreciation Society where he posts tips and tricks on how to get the most out of this product for professional use.

I use Skin Base No. 13 (Olive Undertone)

I hope you enjoyed reading this and if you haven't purchase Skin Base yet, well YOU SHOULD because you are missing out. It retails for £25 across all counters nationwide and has a selection of 18 shades which caters for pale to ethnic skin tones. For those who doesn't have a counter nearby, fear not, because Illamasqua provided a comparison chart between Skin Base shades & shades from their existing foundations, MAC, Bobbi Brown, Nars and YSL on their WEBSITE.