My Most Reached for High-End Foundations

I'm a daily foundation wearer through and through, whether its full coverage, light coverage, mattifying or dewy I've got a foundation for the job. Needless to say, picking a foundation out isn’t easy, shade matching and finding a formulation that doesn’t oxidise, or cake come 3pm can seem impossible. But I have a few high-end foundations I fall back on daily that are mainstays in my collection. So here’s a rundown of my favourites.
Lancôme Teint Idole Ultra 24H Foundation £30.00 For a flawless finish that stays in place for hours Lancôme Teint Idole Ultra 24H Foundation is my top pick. The reborn foundation from Lancôme now has an impressive shade range (40 shades — yes, you read that correctly: four-zero) and is the beauty base I currently can't be without. Its full coverage with enough pigment to conceal without leaving my skin looking too made-up. It evens out my blotchy skin and covers blemishes, so I don't usually need to use any additional concealer. It boasts a natural finish, yet isn't as glow-inducing as other beauty bases listed here, but that's nothing an illuminating primer can't fix when my skin is looking a little flat. On occasion when my t-zone is a little oily it requires a light setting of powder, but touch ups aren't required. Heck, it even lasted pretty well through a sweat-inducing gym sesh.
Nars Sheer Glow Foundation £33.00 Nars Sheer Glow is not my first pick for the winter season as I find it can cling to the odd dry patch, but it's a base I always gravitate back Spring/Summer. The medium coverage foundation is great at covering breakouts and minimising discoloration, much like Lancome's offering, but it offers the most beautiful radiant satin-finish, without looking oily, or super shiny. I get about 4-6 hours wear with this formula, before it starts to breakdown, so it’s not particularly longwearing. However, it’s a great option for those with normal to combination skin, or for those of you who are seeking something weightless and oil free. But a word of warning, the foundation pump has to be purchased separately, which is a complete ballache if you ask me. 
MAKE UP FOR EVER Ultra HD Foundation £30.00 This HD ready foundation from Makeup Forever is a great option for people who don't like to look they're wearing foundation but require good coverage. It's a cult-favourite among performers, celebs and makeup artists alike and it’s not surprising as it photographs beautifully due to its special blurring technology that somehow minimizes pores, and fine lines. It’s incredibly light and blends seamlessly. It's matte, but not so matte that you look like you've set your makeup with a dusting of powder, but for this reason I do find it a tad drying when worn consecutively. I'd definitely say this is a foundation for those with combination skin. And it comes in 26 shades that are easy to mix and match to make the perfect shade.
It Cosmetics Your Skin But Better CC cream £30.00 When I want my skin to look seriously glowy, melty and dewy It Cosmetics Your Skin But Better CC cream possess the capability to do so and then some. Not one for those with oily skin, but those of you with dry skin won't be disappointed. With just enough coverage for everyday and superstar ingredients including hydrolyzed collagen, hyaluronic acid, antioxidants and vitamins A, B, C and E, not only does it make my skin look fresh and plump is also evens skin tone, fights wrinkles, and instantly diffuses the appearance of fine lines. And with the inclusion of a hefty dose of SPF its truly a magical multitasker. I just have to be careful not to apply too much, otherwise it can crack and look heavy.
MAKE UP FOR EVER Water Blend Foundation £27.00 I've been obsessed with Makeup Forever Water Blend Foundation ever since it made its way into my beauty bag this summer. Another HD base that has surprised me with its no fuss, lightweight, luminous formulation (it’s made with 80% water) and its capability to blur unlike anything else. It’s my top pick for lazy Sundays and those days when I don't want to wear makeup as it has an undetectable finish and sheer to light coverage that still manages to mask redness, smooth uneven texture and induce glow where there once was none. Extra light, easily blendable and long-lasting, it’s a great option if you want a more perfect version of your own skin, or if a lighter feel is your thing. What's more its ultra-hydrating, so ideal for dry skin types.
Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturiser £34.00 Okay, so it’s not a foundation, but this trusty number always finds its way back into my beauty bag when I'm on holiday. The tinted moisturiser provides a hint of colour, light breathable coverage and a dewy (somewhat moist) finish, all without making my skin feel greasy due to its oil free formulation. Applied to the skin it feels like silk, leaving my skin healthy, fresh and more even toned. It has just the right combination of foundation and skincare, to hydrate and protect my skin against the sun, all while letting my natural skin show through. Best applied with fingers for light buildable coverage, this tinted moisturiser is dependable, hence why I've repurchased at least five times.
What's your most reached for high-end foundation?  Emily