Is the hunt for the perfect foundation ever over? We’re 100% sure it never will be, there’s always something new on the market to tempt you away from your current favourite.

After asking 10 of the women at Escentual, what the most important quality they look for in a foundation is, 100% said ‘longevity’. So we decided to put 4 of the most exciting foundation launches’ lasting ability to the test. Here’s how each base held up after 8 hours of working in our busy office, without primer, concealer or powder…

#1 Chloe reviews MAKE UP FOR EVER Matte Velvet Skin Foundation

Coverage: Full | Finish: Matte

Chloe wears: MAKE  UP FOR EVER Matte Velvet Skin Foundation in Y215

9:00 AM: I was very excited to try the MAKE UP FOR EVER Matte Velvet Foundation, it was beyond easy to achieve a full coverage look. The texture lends itself beautifully to creating a lovely shine-free, even finish. I was surprised to see that there was no need to apply my usual concealer on top – a morning time saver, and a testament to the power of its full coverage and highly pigmented formulation!

1:00 PM: By this time, I would have needed to get the beauty blender out again to give my face some extra love – but after looking in the mirror, I can see that this foundation hasn’t moved; I’m even getting compliments in the office on how lovely the finish is!

5:00 PM: I am in love with this foundation! Despite running around the office, it’s lasted the whole day without budging. I can only notice very slight wear under my eyes, which is hardly noticeable! Matte Velvet is the hardworking, matte foundation I have been lusting after!

Wondering if this is your perfect foundation? Click here to find your ideal match in our Matte Velvet Skin swatch post.

#2 Elisabeth reviews Lancome Teint Idole Ultra Wear Nude

Coverage: Medium | Finish: Natural

Elisabeth wears: Lancome Teint Idole Ultra Wear Nude Foundation in 032

9.00am: I used a dense foundation brush to apply Teint Idole Nude and loved how easy it was to blend into the skin and create a flawless finish in just a few seconds. It offers a skin-like finish without looking heavy or cakey and has a very fluid texture that feels as though it ‘sets’ into place once applied.  I did notice that it looked even better on my skin a few minutes after being applied.

1.00pm: Wow! This foundation really holds up! I usually have to touch up my make up by lunchtime because it has started to wear off on my chin and around my nose, however with Teint Idole Nude this wasn’t the case at all! Everything looked almost untouched, perhaps slightly less fresh than at 9:00am but still no need to powder or apply a quick hit of concealer. Just a quick slick of lipstick after my lunch and I’m done!

5.00pm: Ok, so things are starting to look a teeny bit tired, here but my base still seems pretty good considering it’s the end of the day. Usually, at this point, I’m starting to see patchiness and oily areas, but this foundation has held up incredibly well. I feel as though anyone with oily or combination skin like myself who wants a natural looking base that lasts all day would love this foundation, and it’s certainly one I’ll be adding to my collection!

Discover all 40 shades and find out more about why Lancome Teint Idole Ultra Wear Nude should be your next foundation here.

#1 Chelsey reviews Clarins Skin Illusion

Coverage: Sheer | Finish: Radiant

Chelsey wears: Clarins Skin Illusion Natural Hydrating Foundation SPF15 in 109

9:00 AM: I can’t believe how quick it was to achieve an airbrushed finish with Skin Illusion! Its serum-like texture is one of those foundations that applies well with any tool, but I chose to use a damp sponge to amp up the coverage. It’s weightless, buildable and a good choice for anyone who doesn’t want their foundation to wear them/or needs their skin to look glowy without fussing around with a highlighter.

1:00 PM: Usually, I would have chosen to top up by now, but for this test’s sake, I’ve let my shine ‘shine’ through, and for the first time ever, I’m surprisingly ok with that. This is a different kind of look for me, but my skin looks healthy, and I’m converted!

5:00 PM: As you can see, my oily patches are more prominent; by this time, I definitely would have powdered at least my t-zone. But for such a radiant foundation, I’m impressed with how well the pigment and formula have stayed put, especially on my cheeks and nose.

Could Skin Illusion be the foundation you’re looking for? Click here to see the swatches and find out more about the ingredients.

#4 Cristina reviews GUERLAIN L’Essentiel

Coverage: Light to Medium | Finish: Satin

Cristina wears: GUERLAIN L’Essentiel Natural Glow Foundation SPF20 in 02N

9:00 AM: In a rush, this foundation is so easy to apply with an egg sponge, it gives skin such an instant glow, wow! It feels like my skin just got revitalized, I think it looks so healthy and fresh. The foundation is very light and blendable – a little drop goes a long way. I’m pretty confident that this base will get me through the day with no stress.

1:00 PM: After lunch, my skin is starting to show through a little bit (around the lips, eyes, nose), but, yes, it’s still flawless! I have had a busy morning in the warehouse and I’ve been touching my face far too much but my skin still looks natural and I like that.

5:00 PM: I could definitely wear this product every day, but ideally, I’d like to reapply it again after lunch. With every foundation, I start feeling self-conscious about my fine lines and blemishes. My expression lines started showing in the afternoon and, I honestly wanted to smooth those down. It almost feels like the foundation got absorbed into my skin leaving behind a healthy glow and rosy cheeks.

Would you like to see us swatch GUERLAIN L’Essentiel? Place your vote now!

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