Five Popular Foundations - Worth the Hype?

Anyone with any clue about the beauty world will know how hyped up the above foundations are. You hear their names thrown around in every beauty haul or 'favourites' video on YouTube. Are they worth it? I have tried and tested each one of them and here are my thoughts:

Chanel Vitalumiere Aqua SPF 15 in 10 Beige

Super watery and thin. The finish is slightly dewy but natural-looking. The Chanel Vitalumiere gives pretty light coverage and has that expensive french floral scent. I much prefer non-scented products as they are less irritating. This is pretty good as an everyday foundation if you only need to even out your complexion. Won't conceal redness and big spots. I do love shaking the bottle though, not sure why. Kind of reminds me of liquid white-out.

Bourjois Healthy Mix Serum in 52 Vanilla

So many beauty bloggers and YouTubers talk about this foundation. It definitely did NOT make my face healthy. In fact, this foundation blocked my pores and broke me out the day I started using it. I really wanted to love it but the silicon content along with the high level of fragrance really upset my skin. Besides that, the consistency was pleasant and coverage was decent. The finish was satin at first but oiled up throughout the day. Unfortunately in Australia we don't have a wide colour selection so darker skin tones won't be able to try this one out. (Did you know Bourjois and Chanel are manufactured by the same company?)

L'Oreal Paris Nude Magique SPF 18 in 120 Pure Ivory

This is seriously impressive from L'Oreal. Most people say this is a dupe for the Chanel Vitalumiere Aqua but I don't agree. The finish is a lot more matte and the coverage is 10 times better. The L'Oreal Nude Magique doesn't reek of synthetic roses but it does smell very alcoholic. I wouldn't recommend this for everyday but perfect for special occasions. I used this when I had terrible cystic acne (for special events) and it never broke me out!

Make Up For Ever HD Foundation in N118

First of all, the lid on this one is terrible, Make Up For Ever seriously needs to fix this. Every time I have a foundation explosion in my drawer, it's always this guy! This foundation would be amazing for someone with normal skin. It's a natural satin finish with great coverage for a light texture. Because I have combination skin I found it separated at the end of the day in my t-zone. Gross! I can definitely wear this in winter though. It has a light and pleasant scent - nothing OTT.

MAC Face and Body Foundation in N1

Arggghh I had no idea how to use this when I first got it! It spilt everywhere and I wasted half a bottle trying to buff it into my skin with a brush (use fingers!). The Face and Body is not enough coverage for me. It's super light and watery. When first applied it feels like a light moisturiser but then settles into the skin and becomes less wet. Honestly, I don't understand what the hype is all about. I mean, it was better when I applied with my fingers but it just didn't do anything in terms of coverage and blendability. It streaked when I added more layers for coverage. Maybe there's a secret way to apply it? Please let me know!

Well, I hope that was helpful. Please leave a comment below if you agree/disagree. If you think any of them are mistaken/misjudged, holla below and share your advice in how to make the most out of these 5 bases!

P.S. I have acne-prone combination skin that is dry in winter and oily in summer.