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The Beauty Blog | Face time: the best new foundations, concealers and highlighters

Achieving complexion perfection with improved formulas and innovative textures

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In the never-ending quest for complexion perfection, beauty brands are constantly coming up with new formulas, enhanced ingredients and innovative delivery systems. I’ve had the pleasure of testing a number of new and updated products this season, and am happy to have found some favourites. Here’s hoping they can help you put your best face forward.

1. Cover FX Total Cover Cream Foundation
Newly launched at Joyce Beauty, this cream foundation (HK$365) is a Hollywood favourite thanks to its long-wearing formula, buildable coverage (it evens hides tattoos) and low risk of irritation. While I typically shy away from solid foundations, I was won over by the SPF 30 and promises of all-day wear. The cream is in fact easy to blend, and suitable for use as a concealer. It does last for several hours, but looks best with a swipe of powder to tone down any excess oil. Cover FX also makes a great Mattifying Primer and Blotting Powder. Available at Joyce Beauty counters and stores.
2. Clé de Peau Beauté Luminizing Face Enhancer #14
Clé de Peau Beauté’s highlighting powder compact (HK$800) – featuring packaging designed by jeweller Shaun Leane – has enjoyed cult status since its launch a few years ago. The latest incarnation, from the brand’s spring/summer make-up collection, is a perfect blend of warm and cool tones to add radiance without excess shimmer. I like to brush it across my cheekbones and under my eyebrows. It can also be used on the neck and décolleté. Available at Clé de Peau Beauté counters and stores.
3. Benefit Big Easy
Just as the BB cream craze seems to have fizzled out, along comes the Big Easy (HK$375) and its claims of being “bigger than BB”. The so-called “multi-balancing complexion perfector” is said to balance and perfect the skin, self-adjust to the user’s exact shade and protect with SPF 35. I was sceptical, to say the least, but am now hooked on the natural coverage and liquid-to-powder finish. I apply it with a sponge and love not having to apply a finishing powder. Available in six shades at Lane Crawford, Times Square, 3102 3690, www.benefitcosmetics.hk.
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4. Bobbi Brown Skin Foundation Stick
Boasting a new-and-improved formula and natural pigments, the relaunched Skin Foundation Stick (HK$390) is Bobbi Brown’s “secret weapon”. It’s available in 14 shades in Hong Kong – including the new Cool Sand, Golden Natural and Golden Honey – and is said to mimic the look of healthy skin. I particularly like the creamy texture, which blends well and works with my drier skin. If you’re looking for a combination concealer and foundation that you can throw in your purse, this may be your best bet. Available at Bobbi Brown counters and stores.
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