I missed the part of teen-hood where you mess about with makeup and eventually work out – normally through a serious case of trial and error - the best way to apply foundation for your skin type.
And despite having written about beauty for over 10 years (and attending many, many makeup masterclasses in the past decade), I attribute my lack of early foundation experimentation to why I swerve full coverage bases to this day.
In the era of skin tints, I've thrived. I love DG Beauty's Blueberry Nutritint, £46, I frequently use Merit The Minimalist, £34, and ELF's Halo Glow Liquid Filter, £16, is a staple in my makeup stash.
But last week, I tried a full coverage foundation that might have converted me. In Soho's Salon64, I had my face painted by SUQQU's pro makeup artists using the brand's new Foundation E, £81.
The brand used the words "dewy" and "glides" in their press release for the new liquid foundation, so before I even had the formula lightly dabbed onto my skin, I suspected I was going to be a fan.
Evolving as you wear
Foundation E's USP is it evolves with your skin as you wear it – much like how a perfume has top notes, base notes and heart notes that develop as you wear it, this base has eras of wear.
SUQQU call it 'top glow', 'middle glow' and 'final glow', referring to the evolution. I took photos of myself wearing it throughout the day to illustrate.
Top glow
This is the time straight after application. They say at this stage, the skin appears fresh and refined with a delicate, clean luminosity.
Here I am with nothing but the foundation on (other than Touche Éclat Blur Face Primer, £37, underneath, because I never apply my base without it). I agree, my skin felt luminous and dewy.
Middle glow
SUQQU says that after a few hours, when the foundation blends into the skin, the powders and pearls in the formula will reflect light to create a "softly diffused radiance reminiscent of frosted glass."
Here I am a few hours after applying (with the rest of my makeup on too – Morphe blush, ELF highlighter and eyeliner, plus Charlotte Tilbury mascara). Given that I normally shy away from full coverage, wary of the patchy and flaky situation that happens after a few hours of wear, I was happy with this look. I'm not sure about frosted glass, but I did feel pearlescent and glowing.
Final glow
This is the stage where foundation normally starts to feel tired and in need of a top-up – or at least a spritz of a hydrating spray. Not so with Foundation E. Hours in, the formula has mingled with the natural oils on my skin, and rather than getting patchy, it merged with my complexion for a harmonious, still fresh look.
What makes it magic?
For science geeks out there, it's polymer technology that helps this base get better with age. It works to reduce breakdown throughout the day, so the foundation stays looking fresh, flexing with facial movement in a way I've not known other full coverage foundations to do.
The lightweight feel is due to the inclusion of two powders in the liquid formulation. Blurring Powder, which uses light reflection to reduce the appearance of pores, and Clear Skin Powder, which helps skin appear smoother and more even. Rather than adding in more pigment for coverage, it's the powders that do the work.
As you'd expect from a high-end foundation, this is also packed with skincare ingredients to nourish and hydrate the skin – all botanical Japanese extracts that come together for the dewiness this gives.
Am I finally a convert to full coverage foundation?
As I get older (I'm now closer to 40 than 30, wah!), I'm seeing most of my friends migrate to my skin tint side, not loving the way full coverage sinks into their fine lines.
I am happy to report Foundation E doesn't do that – see extreme close-up below, so while my pals are becoming skin tint fans, I'm leaning towards full coverage for its abilities to cover up the pigmentation that's cropping in as I age.
That said, I'll save this for full glam days, when I want to look made up for hours on end, such as a wedding, a party or something important at work - a special occasion foundation, rather than my every day skin tints.
