REVIEW: Bourjois Happy Light Foundation

It is safe to say that I fell in love with the Rimmel Stay Matte Liquid Mousse Foundation (Review here) and this is still my go to foundation when I want to amp up the coverage a little. I am a full coverage and matte type of girl when it comes to my foundation but I decided to branch out a little in recent times and try out some new foundations (all in the name of blog reviews). It was this new adventure that led me to fall in love with yet again another “drugstore” foundation, this time the affair is with Bourjois’ Happy Light Foundation.

This is Bourjois’ latest release which claims to give a “Luminous and Flawless complexion in Any Light”. Sounds a tad bit optimistic but I thought I would give it a go. I was apprehensive because I usually opt for more matte foundations and so was expecting to look like a disco ball after applying this. However, I was pleasantly surprised. I used my Real Techniques Miracle Complexion Sponge (Review here) to apply the product. Instead of giving you a really shiny,highlighted complexion it leaves your skin looking radiant, almost as if you are glowing from within. It is a liquid foundation which I would say is light coverage if applied with fingers and medium if applied with the sponge I used or even a buffing brush. I do have acne scarring so did need to apply some concealer (I need this with most foundations) over these areas for a boost of coverage but in other areas where my skin is not scared but less than flawless I didn’t need any concealer. As the foundation is light reflective it seems to distract from imperfections and leaves your skin looking perfected in a very natural way.

I did apply a small amount of primer under this foundation and also topped it off with a small amount of powder (this does dull the glow a little so only apply in areas where you get shiny) and there was no trace of a shiny T-Zone until at least 6 hours later. I don’t have really oily skin though, rather combination skin with some oil in the T-Zone but it definitely lasted better than I expected it to. It states on the website that it lasts 16Hours, I don’t tend to leave my foundation on that long but it did last the whole day from 7am to 6pm and I only had to touch up once after 6 hours. Not too bad. However, it was by no means perfect after the 12 hours. There was some areas where the foundation wore off quicker than others and again this is down to the fact that I get oily in those areas or tend to touch those parts of my face more than others! For this reason I wouldnt’t choose this foundation if I wanted it to last for a very long period of time without having to touch up because it lasts well for 6 hours and then it starts to need extra care and fade off in places which isn’t ideal for those extra long days.

I don’t think this foundation would be really suitable for super oily skin as its quiet dewy looking which will only add to the oily look of the skin. If you do use it be sure to powder well. Likewise someone with alot of active acne would not benefit from this foundation as although it reflects light this can be bad news for spots which are raised from the skin as it will only make them look more prominent (a matte foundation would be best in this case). If however you have used this and have oily/acne skin and it worked for you please comment below letting us all know your experience and how you made it work for you. Everyone’s input is greatly appreciated.

I really LOVE the texture of this foundation, it feels so smooth on your skin and leaves your skin not only looking great but feeling hydrated and subtle.

The main downfall of this product and all Bourjois foundations in my opinion is the shade range. They only have around 5 shades in the range and the lightest shade is relatively dark so would not suit alot of paler skin tones. I got Shade 52 which is the 3rd darkest in the range and it really isn’t all that dark, although it matches my skin best with a light wash of tan.

Overall, I am massively impressed with this foundation and would recommend it for anyone that likes a light/medium coverage suitable for everyday wear. If however you are a full coverage, matte type girl then this wouldn’t suit your needs but to be honest it seems to have converted me, so maybe it will do the same for you. I am happy to have this as my new “daily” foundation and use my Rimmel for nights out and on spotty days.

Bourjois Happy Light Foundation can be purchased from anywhere that sells the brand and will set you back around €17 which to me is expensive for a “drugstore” foundation but be sure to check Boots as they always have specials on this brand. I do think its worth the money though so if you are looking for a lovely foundation which leaves your skin looks beautiful then don’t be afraid to fork out the cash.

Before Applying any makeup

After Applying primer and this foundation

After I powdered the foundation and
applied the rest of my makeup

What is your favourite foundation? Have you tried any of the other foundations by Bourjois?

I hope you have a lovely day and thank you for taking the time to read this post. I hope you found it beneficial. Feel free to comment below with any questions or even just to say Hi.

Anita xxxx