TotalBeauty.com average reader rating: 6.9* Why: Readers find this foundation to be "more like a nightmare than a dream." One reader says the product "makes me look like a corpse because it is so chalky," while another says it's better-suited "to play dress up like Snooki for a costume party, because it's so orange." The foundation's coverage is blotchy, makes pores more noticeable, and it "settles into my wrinkles."
TotalBeauty.com average reader rating: 6.8* Why: Readers don't know what to make of this foundation's texture, which is thick but only provides a light coverage. "When you first apply the foundation, it feels sticky. But then it dries and doesn't feel very moisturizing, and I feel like it settles into my pores and suffocates my skin," says one reader. This foundation has a very limited range of colors, making it difficult for many readers to match their skin tone. One reader finds "the lightest colors are still too dark and very orangey" for those with fair skin.
TotalBeauty.com average reader rating: 6.8* Why: Readers say the packaging is cute and so is the tagline, "The Foundation Faker," but "if I'm paying $30 for a 'foundation faker' I would expect it to at least fade some light spots and partially disguise my dark circles," says one reader. For the most part, readers find this product to be just an "overpriced foundation-to-powder formula with a sponge" and it really performs more like a "primer with a bit of tint" in it.
TotalBeauty.com average reader rating: 6.7* Why: Despite this product's claim, many readers find it difficult to stay matte using this foundation. One reader with oily skin says, "I'm an oil slick -- so you name it and I've tried it when it comes to 'matte' foundations. Sadly I was oily within an hour and I'm 45-years-old, not a teen." Readers also say that the coverage is very light and the formula "dries quickly and leaves streaks behind."
TotalBeauty.com average reader rating: 6.7* Why: Readers say this foundation doesn't look natural and will turn orange on their faces without fail. Once they apply the foundation, readers say "it gets darker and very splotchy as the day goes on." This foundation "does absolutely nothing to help clear up acne," despite its claims. One woman says if you're "seeking coverage or healing from a foundation, this is not it." "I probably won't ever use it again, let alone repurchase it."
The biggest mistake women make with their face makeup is wearing the wrong shades for their skin tone. The second biggest mistake? Wearing one of the foundations on this list. Even if you've found a shade that perfectly matches your skin tone, it won't do much good if the formula is blotchy, cakey, or makes you break out.
Fixing the second problem is easy -- you just need to keep reading. And to help make the search for the right foundation shade a little easier, here are some tips from Napoleon Perdis National Educator, Rebecca Prior:
• Determine whether you have pink or yellow undertones by placing silver and gold jewelry against your skin. Regardless of your personal preferences, try to figure out which color looks more harmonious with your skin. If gold looks better, you have yellow or warm undertones, and if silver looks better, you have pink or cool undertones.
• Match the foundation color (light, medium, or dark) to your cheeks, because that's where you need the most coverage.
• Have another shade of foundation for summer. Even though you may not notice, your skin tone does change enough to warrant a new shade for the season.
Now, see why readers would rather go face makeup-free than wear any of these foundations.
