Depending on my plans, my mood and how my skin is behaving, my foundation needs change on a daily basis. Whilst I'm all about the radiance and lighter formulas the majority of the time, there are some occasions when you need a reliable, long-lasting base that's guaranteed to stay in place all day, preferably without looking like you've slathered on cement. Fortunately, Clarins claim that their Everlasting Foundation can provide exactly that - a medium-full coverage and matte finish that lasts up to eighteen hours, feels comfortable, looks fresh and won't transfer.

For starters, I love the consistency of this fluid foundation. Not too runny that it's messy to use and not too thick that it's hard work to blend, it's just so creamy and easy to smooth on. And it really does provide a smooth, filtered look to the skin. As Clarins promise, the coverage is generous and build-able, so you can buff in half a pump for a lighter look, or layer it for a more full-on result. Although this foundation leaves the skin with a flawless matte finish, it looks surprisingly natural and not at all chalky or dull. Clarins do say that this base suits all skin types and I agree, though I would steer clear if you have extremely dry skin. I do find that, applied over any rough, dry patches, the foundation looks fine to begin with but can start to cling and then flake off later. A thorough exfoliation and generous helping of moisturiser underneath helps the Everlasting Foundation to sit really well on the skin.

Considering the name, you'd expect this foundation to have amazing longevity, and thanks to the adherent microfilm that it creates, it really does. I don't have to worry that it'll fade or start to shift after a few hours, and I barely ever have to touch-up throughout the day when wearing it. That's without powdering over the top or using a primer underneath. I do have normal-dry skin, though, so if you're super oily, you might want to prime first and powder your T-zone for extra reassurance. One annoying thing that can happen with some fuller-coverage foundations is oxidation, when the foundation darkens after application, but I haven't found this to be a problem with the Clarins Everlasting Foundation. Your chosen shade stays true throughout wear. This foundation is a great choice for special occasions as it wears so well, but as it contains SPF 15, I always avoid using this foundation when I know flash photographs may be taken, just in case it creates a white cast.

Although the product inside is more important than the packaging, I can't help but adore the frosted glass bottle and gold lid of the Clarins Everlasting Foundation bottle, which make it look and feel so luxe. It might not be ideal for carrying in your makeup bag, but it does look great on your dressing table. Clarins offer their Everlasting Foundation in a decent range of sixteen shades, catering for fair, medium and darker skin-tones, and it's priced at £35 for 30ml. Whilst that may be expensive compared to high-street formulas, it's a struggle to find premium foundations for less nowadays, and it's significantly cheaper than some of my other favourites.

Overall, I think the Clarins Everlasting Foundation formula is a great option for anyone that struggles to find a matte base that lasts all day whilst looking natural. It provides a high amount of coverage, resulting in a flawless complexion, but doesn't ever look like you've plastered it on. Winner!

What is your favourite long-lasting foundation?

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