While Armani's iconic Luminous Silk is my forever favourite foundation, it's always a wise idea to have a cheaper alternative waiting in the wings - in case of running low on said go-to formula and funds. And my beauty backup is currently under £8...
When it comes to the best foundations, finding your perfect shade match and finish is akin to finding your signature scent. Once secured, that formula will likely take up permanent residence in your makeup bag until you find another hit amongst the best lightweight foundations and so on - but, it never hurts to have a few other vetted options in your collection.
My number one is Armani's Luminous Silk foundation, however with its £46 price tag (and scarce discounts) it's a gloomy day indeed when my bottle runs out. Thankfully though, I do have a trusty backup - one I used for years before treating myself to Armani. It just so happens to be one of L'Oreal's best-sellers and has 34% off in this year's Amazon Prime Day beauty deals...
Why L'Oreal Paris True Match Liquid Foundation is my budget backup
As someone who prefers to keep her makeup fairly natural-looking and has skin that errs on the dryer side, I tend to gravitate towards foundations that offer a glowy finish but still cover and blur. Armani's Luminous Silk delivers exactly that, with a buildable, medium-coverage that just melts into the skin, smoothing over any blemishes whilst still allowing my natural complexion to peek through.
Alas though, it is a premium buy and not one I can always justify, especially around the festive period. But I do have a trick up my sleeve and it goes by the name of L'Oreal Paris True Match Liquid Foundation.
RRP: £10.99 | Touted as one of the best drugstore foundations, L'Oreal's True Match foundation is available in 40 shades and features a hydrating blend of hyaluronic acid, glycerin and aloe vera extract to deliver natural-looking, lightweight coverage.
Formulated with hyaluronic acid and glycerin, this foundation offers a creamy, lightweight coverage that is buildable and long-wearing. It's also glowy (as all my favourite beauty products are), and smooths over your skin, leaving a natural but even finish. Like Luminous Silk, it's available in 40 shades and retails for just £10.99, though right now, you can snap it up for 34% off in the Prime Day sales.
Along with the hydrating benefits of hyaluronic acid, this foundation also includes SPF17 but as with any foundation with SPF, you should also wear one of the best facial sunscreens underneath.
Naomi's bottles of L'Oreal Paris True Match Foundation and Armani Luminous Silk Foundation
As mentioned, I have quite dry skin (especially around my eyes and nose) but find that this foundation glides on well and doesn't cling or accentuate these areas - especially when paired with primers and glow-boosters like Charlotte Tilbury's Hollywood Flawless Filter. Speaking of pairing well, it - like my favourite Armani number - plays beautifully with cream blushes and highlighters, with no pilling in sight. I apply it with both my fingers and a beauty blender and find that it wears well throughout the day.
Before discovering Luminous Silk, I used this foundation every day. My mum is also a fan and I've found that it never hurts to snag a fresh bottle when it's on sale to keep in my stash, either for emergencies or travel.
-
What is the unexpected red theory? Interior designers explain the trend – sharing 5 creative ways to use it in your homeBold, playful, and daring, the unexpected red theory is the perfect way to revive your interiors this spring
-
Sarah Jessica Parker just gave her skinny jeans a surprising spring update and the result has us reaching for this outfit combinationSarah Jessica Parker shows us how to update jeans to wear them throughout spring with one simple styling trick
-
The secret to Elizabeth Hurley's luscious glossy locks is this deeply nourishing DIY hair maskSpoiler: the trick involves combining an indulgent conditioner with a kitchen staple...
-
Michelle Williams' flicky bob is the perfect transitional look for growing out short hairWith a face-framing fringe, choppy layers and flicked-out ends, Michelle Williams' bob is the cool cut of the summer...
-
Demi Moore’s chic bob transformation proves that a big hair change is an easy way to elevate your lookThe actress' new look is all the inspiration we needed to book a trip to the salon
-
Want to embrace a berry-red lip? Helen Mirren has a clever trick to make it less intimidatingWhen in doubt, follow Helen Mirren's lead and opt for shine over a matte finish...
-
We've found the two styling tools behind Cat Deeley's effortless television-ready curled hairUnlocking a blow dry that's full of body and bounce, these results are set to give anyone hair envy
-
Budget to Blowout: The only three cleansing shampoos I rely on to keep my greasy hair at bayThese three deeply cleansing formulas do a stellar job at prolonging the time between each hair wash
-
Claudia Winkleman uses this nifty fake tan to unlock her recognisable bronzed holiday-like glowThe presenter surprisingly relies on these clever self-tan wipes for her bronzed complexion
-
A glossy shine was never possible on my dyed blonde hair, until I tried this £17 spray - now my strands glistenOffering silky-softness and instant shine, this easy-to-use blow-dry treatment has transformed my frazzled, faux blonde lengths...
