Clinique Beyond Perfecting Foundation & Concealer

Clinique's latest foundation makes a lot of promises - firstly, that it's a foundation and concealer in one, and secondly that it's light enough for a natural, 'beyond perfected' finish - a tall order for something claiming enough pigmentation to act as a concealer.

The first surprise is the applicator - I was assuming it had the usual pour or pump format for dispensing foundation, but actually it comes with a giant doe's foot applicator.  It's brilliant for applying carefully to areas you want to conceal - under the eyes, around the nose - but less intuitive for foundation.  Once I got used to it, though, I started to really like it - a couple of stripes on the cheeks, one on the chin, one on the nose and one on the forehead and I was ready to blend with my foundation brush.

Once blended, the finish is smooth and glowy enough to look natural... ish.  The coverage verges on the medium/full side, which does give a lovely flawless, even finish but can look a bit thick and cakey if you're not really careful with the application.  To get an even glow, this foundation needs to be applied atop a well moisurised or primed face - it's not particularly slippy, and you'll need a slightly slippy based to avoid a cakey mess.  It also really does require a brush - either a traditional flat foundation brush or a stippling brush - to make sure the finish is as even as possible.  I tried blending it with my fingers, and it was a little bit too dense in some places.

As a concealer, it's great - a dot or two under the eyes, patted in on top of foundation, hides dark circles brilliantly, and the formula is creamy enough to mean it looks natural, not powdery.  It also does a fine job of not settling into fine lines.

All in all then, this is a foundation you'll like if you're prepared to put a bit of effort into the application.  I'm wearing the Alabaster shade, which is a lovely light cool tone which goes well with my skin.  Clinique have released it in a staggering 21 shades, although it does look like darker skintones aren't as well catered for (sadly, no big surprise).  Find it at the Clinique website, and at Clinique counters, where it'll cost you £25.

Disclosure: PR sample

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