Ahh No. 7. The brand associated with nannies, mammies and the coupons that Boots thrust at you after a purchase, that you have full intentions to eventually use. But, the associations of aul ones comes in to your head, and it gets thrown away with the rest of your receipts. Thankfully this writer has found a reason to hold on to these forgettable coupons due to No. 7's new foundation match service.
Now don't get me wrong, I'm a die hard beauty fan. I love shopping and trying new cosmetics. However, one thing I cannot ABIDE, is searching for the right foundation. As a typical Irish gal, I'm paler than an Edward Cullen wannabe. I like a full coverage, matte foundation, with staying power. And if it's cheap, all the better! While it might not seem that unreasonable to ask for, I can assure you that the search for all this in a bottle is hell. Mac, Max Factor, Rimmel, Bobbi Brown - tried and tested, but none of which have been able to satisfy the criteria, and still match my skin tone. So, after buying the new Max Factor 3-in-1 foundation and finding it 3 tones darker than the tester, I sulked in front of the television. After watching the ad about No.7's new breakthrough foundation machine, I decided to give it a go.
I headed to Boots to have a gander at the price range before pursuing help. The foundations ranged from €16 - €18, and there was a huge selection to choose from in both shades and coverage types: matte, illumination, dewy etc.
So, after I price checked to avoid an awkward moment with the sales lady, I went to the desk to ask for help in picking a shade. I was referred to a woman dressed in black, with a No. 7 neckerchief wrapped around her neck. Now being honest, her make up looked like she had hit Coppers two nights before, passed out, and headed to work without grabbing a shower (or a make up wipe). The foundation was patchy and orange, the eyes looked like she applied her mascara on a Space Hopper, and her blusher looked like she substituted her Benetint for a pink highlighter. So, needless to say, I was a bit apprehensive.
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(These are not the ladies in the article)
Despite the make up horror, the girl was lovely and asked me to sit on the chair while she took of my make up to get an accurate reading. After my surprise at her ability to actually take make up off, she held the small machine to my jaw. There was no noticeable flash or beep, but she announced the word "Calico", and scurried of to find a full coverage foundation, that I told her I preferred. She returned with a narrow bottle with a white substance that I was told was my "perfect match". Now, this white bottle made white Halloween face paint look like a blob of Sally Hansen. She insisted that I try it, so I let her slap it on me while thinking in my head that this was a complete waste of time. However, once she finished, I took a breath and looked in the mirror, and I was, shockingly, delighted! The colour was perfect. It blended right in to my skin without any lines, or darker tones. AMAZING.
Despite the shame that the milk bottle white container was going to be my best friend for the next while, I bought it straight away to begin my love affair with it, and all I can say is, one month later and the loving is still coming. The matte texture gives a velvet finish, with fantastic staying power. Even without a primer, it last twice as long as previous foundations. Also, after wearing make up nearly every day, I still have a good bit left after getting it.
So, ladies get down to Boots and see for yourself. Even with a dodgy make up girl, I'm near certain you'll be satisfied. Just keep it out of sight of your mammy...
