Let’s call a spade a spade – most drugstore foundations are a ball of crap. I mean, sure, you get your exceptions, Bourjois Healthy Mix being one of them, but for the most part they’re not especially awesome, which is why I’m surprised and thrilled to discover L’Oreal’s NutriLift Gold (R199,95).

So, why do I like it so much? For one, it’s got a lovely ‘creamy’ texture that makes it super easy to spread and the coverage is great but without being crazy heavy. I also love that it’s slightly illuminating thanks to real gold particles but not shiny or glittery in the least. If anything, it’s dewy and flattering, but doesn’t encourage oilies and sits tight – no sliding off or rubbing off on your boy toy’s T-shirt. In a way, it reminds me a bit of another now discontinued L’Oreal foundation called Translucide. That was also illuminating but served up  surprisingly good coverage.

As far as the anti-ageing bit goes, L’Oreal’s packed several actives into the formula including pro-retinol (a very weak form of collagen-boosting retinol), hyaluronic acid (a great hydrator) and collagen-boosting, antioxidant, skin tone-evening vitamin C.

Personally, I wouldn’t get too excited about the anti-ageing aspect – the ingredients aren’t in a concentration that’s going to have a visible effect on your skin – but as far as great foundations go, this one’s a serious goodie.

Love, love

Leigh