Armani Luminous Silk €45
This does what it says on the tin: it really gives a truly luminous look. What it doesn't tell you, however, is that there is very little coverage in it, particularly considering the hefty price. That said, this is a favourite among many and is a good staple day-time foundation that gives a no-make-up effect and sits beautifully on the skin. If you're having a good skin day and want to perk up your complexion, this is for you.
Bourjois Healthy Mix €12.95
This one has less light-reflecting properties but more coverage, without being too heavy. It makes the skin look smooth and matte but doesn't settle into wrinkles. It is a good alternative to Nars Sheer Glow if your funds don't stretch that far. However, much like Rimmel Wake Me Up, it does not last as well as some of the more expensive brands.
Nars Sheer Glow €41
Nicole Lynch, beauty stylist at Brown Thomas, introduced me to this creamy, balmy base. It gives plenty of coverage without being cakey and lasts really well on my oily skin. I don't think you would need to top it up if you were heading out for drinks after work. It comes very close to knocking my beloved YSL off the top spot, but it is just a little bit more two-dimensional and flatter in tone.
Rimmel Wake Me Up €11.30
This is a very good substitute for YSL Le Teint Touche Éclat, although it does tend to get a little patchy as the day wears on. It is designed to warm up tired-looking skin, and I think it achieves this quite well. It gives a shimmering tone and looks like it is loaded with fine glitter, and has the added benefit of an SPF 15. Oh, and the price is definitely an added benefit.
Clinique Superbalanced €32
Of all the above, this has the most coverage and so looks a little heavier. It claims to soak up oil while at the same time moisturising dry patches, which I'm not so sure about. It does give the skin a lovely hydrated feeling but it doesn't last as long as other mattifying products. You will definitely need some powder to set this, but make sure it is a translucent one if you're trying to avoid the pass-the-trowel look.
NIAMH LOVES . . .
YSL Le Teint Touche Éclat €42
I have used this for years, and despite a recent relaunch, which has removed some of the dewy look and made it more matte and long-lasting, it still has to be one of the top illuminating bases out there. It is bright and very lightweight, giving you a lit-from-within look – very similar to its famous pen concealer sister. Well worth the price, too: it lasts me at least six months.
