Okay so I picked up Rimmel Wake Me Up foundation for £4.98 (yes you heard right) in Wilkos the other day. I normally steer clear of drug store foundations (don’t get me started on Maybelline Dream Matte Mousse), but I’ve heard positive things about this particular foundation.
Packaging: It’s okay. It isn’t nearly as dainty as my current HG Chanel Vitalumiere Aqua. A tad heavy also. But there is something pleasing about the strange bottle nonetheless. Claims to: ‘visibly reawaken and illuminate skin with a radiant glow and a flawless natural-looking finish, instant anti-fatigue effect’… yadayadayda.
First Application: Pumps out nicely, not pumping too little or too much. I used a Mac 190 to apply, and it goes on surprisingly well. It has the feel and smell of a foundation that could be double or triple the RRP (usually £8.48 in most stores- quick run to Wilkos!). Noticed a lot of shimmer however which from close up potentially looks odd but from a normal distance appears to give a delightful soft focus, glowing effect. Will have to keep an eye on that shimmer later on in the week and update if needs be. Perhaps for the more mature ladies this could be a great holiday foundation, but not for every day if shimmer is too much.
Finish: This foundation, in my opinion sits on the fence between matte and satin, simply because of the shimmer. I don’t feel like I need to apply powder however, which is great. For the more oily of complexions I’d advise using something like Urban Decay De-Slick instead of powder and a good silicone primer, or else ya’ll lose that radiant glow!
So how does it score?
This is such a great foundation for the price, achieving something that not many high end foundations do. I'm not saying it's the best but it fills a nice little niche of its own because of that cheeky shimmer. I will certainly be keeping it in my make up bag for the time being. Colour range could also be better, this formulation would be perfect for darker skin tones. Sort it out Rimmel!
A pleasing 7.5/10
Leave me a comment letting me know your favourite foundation, or if you have Wake Me Up, what you think! x
Here are some of my coveted favourites right now, a top ten if you will. Enjoy!
1. Chanel Vitalumiere Aqua – this is a pretty great foundation. Hyped up by every beauty blogger and their mum, VA brings a velvety glow and warmth to the skin whilst retaining a good low to medium coverage. I will apply this with either a 190, a real techniques stippling brush or fingers depending on the finish I want. However- it isn’t a game changer I can definitely feel the urges to move on after 6 months- may be defecting to YSL Radiant Touch for summer (Oh the traitor I am!).
2. NARS Orgasm Blush- this is such a classic. A sassy strawberry-mango with shimmer, Orgasm is fabulously pigmented and long lasting. Because of this it will be a strong contender in your make up bag for a while to come. Plus who doesn’t love its cheeky name! Just don’t go applying it too thickly or you will look like a circa 1870s lady of the night.
3. Chanel Bronze Universal- A bronze addicts dream! This silky smooth multipurpose gel/balm glides onto the skin giving a natural glow which surprisingly fits many a skin tone without entering the ‘You’ve been tangoed’ danger zone. Just remember to use a synthetic brush (I’m still picking out the brush hairs *sigh*.)
4. Clarins Beauty Flash Balm- I love this two in one product. You can use it as a primer and a mask. This is one of those products that just immediately hydrates the skin, preps it and gives the skin a lustre which you just don’t get with most primers. As a mask it cools and calms the skin- perfect after a hard week. It also smells nice and I’m a sucker for that.
5. Chanel Illusion D’ombre in Emerveille- shimmered peachy champagne unique in formulation to most cream eyeshadows. This lies in between a mouse and a cream giving effortless application and longevity. Oh I am such a fan. One sweep across the lids, touch of mascara and your away- it can even be used as a base.
6. Chantecaille Faux Cils- A real luxury this smells just like rose petals and contains natural waxes to condition your lashes. I think my lashes have really thickened up naturally since using this mascara, and as it dries to a more glistened finish you don’t end up with crispy lashes (always a plus). Having said all this it is a touch pricey and there are plenty of mascaras out there which won’t punch your bank account in the same way.
7. Estee Lauder Double Wear Concealer- great for blemishes, under the eyes and lasts all day. Great on its own or with foundation. It doesn't settle into fine lines under the eye which is my main concern.
9. Laura Mercier Warm Brow Definer- this little pot of wonder takes away the need for multiple products on the brows. No powder, wax then brow gel needed here! It does it all. I apply with an angled brow brush. It’s simple to use and can be built up for more dramatic brows.
10. Real Techniques Stippling brush – I thought I should include a brush here, and one that I believe is really accessible to everyone. Great quality, great application and a flash of hot pink. You can’t really refuse can you? This brush in particular would be great for those starting out in make up or for people who want a brush to do the hard work of many. Foundation, Cream Bronzer, Blush even powder at a push can be done by this brush.
