HD Foundation Product Review

With all the talk about HD television and the amazing details it shows, many cosmetic companies are developing lines of makeup designed to provide flawless results under such high scrutiny.  Unlike previous years, loading on tons of makeup and hoping the camera blurred or washed out the masklike texture is no longer an option.  Viewers at home see makeup as if they were there in person, and the technology of makeup needs to keep up.

HD foundations claim to even your skin tone and minimize the appearance of large pores and fine lines while remaining fresh and natural to the naked eye.  They come in a variety of textures and finishes to suit the wide range of personal taste in today's market, while many off more shades in multiple undertones to accomodate the skin tones of today's consumer.  Here I've taken three of the most highly recommended HD foundations on the market by professional makeup artists and given you the pros and cons of each so you can decide which one is right for you.

Graftobian HD Cream Foundation:
Formula- Cream
Number of Shades- 53
Application Method- Foundation brush or dampened cosmetic wedge; removed from package first to prevent bacterial contamination
Available At- http://www.paintandpowderstore.com/, http://www.camerareadycosmetics.com/
Double Duty- Doubles as a concealor
Price- $11.50-$11.99 1/2 oz
Pros- This creamy foundation has a lot of pigment, so a little goes a LONG way.  The formula has lots of slip, which means it glieds across the skin beautifully, and it blends seamlessly.  Huge range of shades.  Sold individually or as palettes for those who like to mix colors. 
Cons- It can feel al ittle heavy on the skin vs the lighter weight of liquids, and a foundation brush or dampened sponge may not be the preferred way to apply for some.  It's also not available in stores, so finding the perfect shade can be a hit or miss.  Paintandpowderstore.com sells samples sizes so you can get a few and try them out first.
Bonus Tip:  Prefer powder foundation?  This brand offers a powder version, too.  But it only comes in a very limited number of colors and can be hard to match to skin.

Smashbox High Definition Healthy FX Foundation:
Formula- Liquid
Number of Shades- 13
Application Method- Foundation brush, cosmetic sponge, fingertips
Double Duty- Has SPF 15 and time released anti-oxidants and moisturizers
Price- $38 /oz
Available At: http://www.smashbox.com/, Sephora, Ulta
Pros- With its pump, there's no risk of contaminating the rest of the makeup, and it gives you a premeasured amount so you don't use too much product.  It's very silky feeling and lightweight and goes on sheer for buildable coverage. Plus, it does have SPF and the skin benefits.
Cons- The coverage is very sheer, and for those with skin tone issues, the amount of product needed to get the results they want may not be comfortable for them.  The consistency is also an issue.  It's a love it or hate it kind of situation.  I highly recommend trying it out first before purchasing it.  Not a wide range of shades.
Bonus Tip:  Buying anything from Smashbox?  Try it out in person from Sephora or Ulta first (visit http://www.sephora.com/ or http://www.ulta.com/ for locations near you) and then purchase the products online from Smashbox's website.  They offer free shipping on all purchases, 3 jumbo samples with every order, a rewards program, and a fabulous program called "let's do lunch". (LDL- purchase between the hours of 9 am and 2 pm on Tues or Thurs and receive a free full sized product. Different products offered each Tues/Thurs valid only on that day.)  Seriously, what other company rewards you that much for buying from them?  Is it any wonder that half my kit is Smashbox? ha ha

Makeup Forever HD Invisible Cover Foundation:
Formula- Liquid
Number of Shades- 26
Application Method- Foundation brush, cosmetic sponge, fingertips
Double Duty- higly pigmented, so you usually only need the tiniest bit of concealor for heavy coverage areas
Price- $40/ oz
Available at: Sephora stores and online at http://www.sephora.com/
Pros- Liquid makes this the most versatile product in therms of application method and it's very comfortable on the skin.  Its silicone-based formula is also very long wearing and oil-absorbing, making it great for oily skin and brides.  (It's oil-free, too.)  It's extremely pigmented, so a little goes a long way, and like the Smashbox liquid, it comes in a pump so 1-2 pumps is enough for an entire face.  The colors are very true to life in multiple undertones (golden, pink, and neutral), and there are a lot to choose from.
Cons- Priceist brand and available only at Sephora or their boutique store in NYC.

Copyright Makeup Forever.  Image from the Sephora website.

While makeup companies want you to believe that their lines of HIGH DEFINITION products are better than traditional lines for everyday use, I personally don't agree.  They do have some great shades and formulas that make it easier than ever to get foundation that looks like actual skin while still giving you the coverage you want or need, but the chances of you appearing on HD tv are probably small.  If you have a foundation that works for you, dont' rush out to buy the newest invention just because marketing hype tells you it's the greatest thing since sliced bread.  On the opposite hand, if you are leary of foundations in general, or don't like the finish of your current brand, these formulas can give you a renewed sense of satisfaction in the way your skin looks, television appearances notwithstanding.