Beauty: Bourjois Healthy Mix Foundation

I've been using Bourjois' Healthy Mix line since three years ago. As I'm about to finish my old bottle of Healthy Mix (in 52 Vanilla, my summer shade), I thought I'd make this post. The Healthy Mix line comes highly recommended in the beauty community as an affordable high-street foundation. I'd argue that I prefer this foundation over the mid-range brands I've tried: NARS Sheer Glow, Too Faced Born This Way, MAC Studio Fix Fluid and Laura Mercier Silk Creme. I just think you don't have to spend a lot of money to get a decent foundation these days, and there are frequent promotions in pharmacies, so you could save your money for something else, like an eyeshadow palette.

I first used the serum foundation, and I wasn't a fan of it. It offered a slightly dewy finish and light-medium coverage: the coverage was perfect for summer but the dewiness wasn't made to last in hot weather, especially for someone with a slightly oily T-zone. I later tried the original foundation: a satin finish and solid medium coverage that can be built up to full. I prefer the latter because I don't have perfect skin and it provides better coverage over the redness of my imperfections.

Since I've started using foundation from this line, they've expanded their shade range (by 2-3 shades) and reformulated the original foundation early last year. The difference I notice is that the new formulation is a tad more viscous/gel-like.

One of things I didn't enjoy about the Healthy Mix line when I first used it was the fragrance. I was used to my foundations being fragrance-free but I've grown to like the smell. It's a trademark thing that makes it distinctly Healthy Mix. The new formulation also smells different: the old version was of sweet artificial fruit, but the new one is almost like overripe fruit, perhaps it was an attempt to reduce the fragrance but not enough to cover up a plastic smell. I'd argue it's a tad flat compared to the old sparkly "fruit" smell. Not a fan of the current smell but the smell doesn't linger.

It's difficult to say whether I prefer the old to the new because they work similarly. I don't notice a difference but it is said that the new is more radiant than the old. The only noticeable change is the choice of bottle: a chic rectangular bottle over the old round type.

These foundations were purchased out of my own pocket and I'm not being reimbursed for review. I just like this foundation.