These foundations deserve to have a cult following. Beyond their DIVINE packaging, the performance of these foundations exceed expectations, and properly earn their place among Luxury Makeup.
I’ll start with the Aqua. The formula is more cream than liquid, and sets soft (not matte). It feels like a luxurious face cream going on. Coverage is medium to full, and easily buildable. What makes this foundation particularly special is the color range. It does more than just range from light beige to dark. There is also a Dore (gold) line for girls with particularly warm undertones (raising my hand). And the best thing about the beige (for those of you who are not really yellow or orange underneath) is that it is truly neutral. Not PINK (I’m looking at you Dior), but neutral.
If there is a downside, it’s this: I’ve heard complaints about the lightest beige even being too dark for fair skin. I cannot feel too bad, because it’s much easier to shop for fair skin than it is to shop for warm, olive, medium, and dark skin. I know this to be true, as I shop for ALL skin ranges and tones on a regular basis (it’s my job). So, let the rainbow coalition have this one. We’ve been waiting a long time for a foundation that both performs on a luxury level, and actually matches our range of skin tones.
Some may also complain about the fragrance. This foundation smells distinctly of violets. I personally love the scent. But if you’ve got an issue with a heavily perfumed foundation (or think that your skin might react to the fragrance), you may want to pass this by.
You’ve already seen pictures of me in the Parure Gold:
This is the most luxurious foundation I’ve used to date. It eclipses Chanel… and even Armani. Dior couldn’t see this foundation on its best day. By Terry can’t touch it… mostly because of the color range and versatility. The color and effect of this foundation is hard to describe. Although it only comes in the beige line, it features a gold undertone that warms the overall tone up very effectively. That gold undertone also acts as a light deflector (not a shine enhancer), working much like Meteorites to diffuse light around the entire face. The coverage is medium to full… but leans closer to full. Also goes on like a face cream, also smells distinctly of violets. I LOVE it. I’m getting a backup. I’m not kidding.
Neither of these foundations is cheap. But they’re comparable. Parure Aqua is about $60… comparable to both Chanel and Armani. Parure Gold is $78. More expensive than Chanel, but cheaper than By Terry ($105). If you’re going to drop major coin on a foundation… check out Guerlain. If they can match you, do not hesitate to invest in it. It’s truly worth every single penny.
