Physicians Formula Healthy Foundation review

The Physicians Formula Healthy Foundation was the foundation from the drugstore that created the most curiosity for me because of its claims and the allure of the doe-foot applicator which reminded me of the large applicator trend in high makeup.  I am always on the hunt for lovely, lightweight sheer foundations. I don’t wear foundation on the daily but it is always fun to try things out and let’s be real writing about foundations is one of my favourite things to to do.

The claims: “What It Is: A long-wearing, buildable, and breathable foundation that provides lightweight, medium coverage with a healthy, satin finish. Why It’s Good For You: Compatible with all skin types and featuring our exclusive Brightening Complex and hyaluronic acid to hydrate, brighten and improve the appearance of skin tone. Added boost of Vitamins A, C & E provides a flawless, healthy coverage”

This foundation for me is a lighter to medium coverage, but I also don’t wear a ton of it either. I mainly put it on spots and redness. I like a foundation that maintains the glow and that my skin shines through. This foundation definitely makes your skin look and feel healthy. I find that it doesn’t make my skin itchy, and wears well throughout the day. 

This foundation creates a silky satin finish and reminds me of the body shop fresh nude foundation. The application with a brush is surprisingly just a glowy as the application with a sponge. I got LN3 which is actually a really good colour match. It’s not too yellow and it’s not too pink just the right colour. A huge issue in this range and with Physicians formula, in general, is the shade range. I find they rarely have more than 6, and this range at 12 shades which is 6 more but could still be a lot more expansive. The shades are also literally all shades of beige except for maybe the last four shades.

The price: this foundation retails for $20.99 CAD at Shoppers Drug Mart, where everything is always more pricey than say a Walmart. Physicians Formula has always been a more expensive drugstore brand. I will say though, this foundation is one of the least irritating that I’ve worn from the drugstore. I find my skin doesn’t get any weird small bumps (looking at you Covergirl) and it creates a lovely glowy canvas. I don’t find myself setting this foundation, but I don’t set anything. I find that it powders go over this foundation well and that it lasts well throughout the day. It also doesn’t cake up or make my face itchy. 

Overall ratings: 4.5/5. I dock points again for shade range. I think that if you can find your shade, this foundation is really nice from the drugstore. However, we live in a post Fenty area where 12 shades for a foundation just does not cut it with consumers. While I love this foundation, it is because I am able to find my shade. I rated it so high because it does not irritate my skin, it s a good shade match, and it creates a nice sheer glowy finish and is easily build up to be medium coverage.

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