The tried and tested foundations that won't get on your clothes (or someone else's).

Mamamia's Tried and Tested series is your review of the latest to hit our desks in beauty, health and wellbeing. You won't find any #sponsored content here, just honest, relatable and independent advice. This week, Mamamia's Lifestyle and You Beauty podcast host Em Vernem trials the foundation hugging test.

My biggest fear is a tall person in a white shirt approaching me with their arms wide open… let me explain.

You see, if you're wearing makeup, more specifically, foundation, and your face comes in contact with light-coloured fabric, more specifically, hugging someone wearing a white shirt, then that foundation is soon going to be imprinted onto that person's clothes (whoops).

I've tried everything possible to avoid this. I've placed my hand between my face and their shoulder/chest, although that just makes it look like a very romantic embrace, and you can't be doing that with your cousin.

I've tried keeping my face lifted so it doesn't come into contact with them. However, some people just love a good ol' bear hug and if they have upper body strength, they just end up pulling you into them.

Finally, I was fed up with staining everyone around me and so decided to do a little experiment. I did what I like to call "The great foundation hug-proof test of 2024."

Watch: The great foundation hug-proof test of 2024. Post continues below.

I tested five of my all-time favourite foundations by (consensually) hugging someone wearing a white shirt to see if the foundation transfers or not.

I roped in my colleague Julian to help me with this one (thank you — and sorry — Julian).

Before we jump into the test, I want to be completely transparent and let you know that I rawdogged this test, meaning I didn't use any setting powder or setting sprays.

Let's get into it.

Test #1: Revlon's Illuminance Glow Filter, $17.47.

So shiny, so new.

This little guy is a new addition to my makeup routine. I've been using it more as it's getting warmer because it has a light serum-y consistency with a doe-foot applicator. It gives you a light coverage and a nice little glow.

And… it passed the hug test! Score! Absolutely no transfer from my chin to Julian's shoulder could be seen.

10/10

Crispy clean white tee after a foundation hug? Heaven. Image: Supplied.

Test #2: L'Oreal Paris' True Match, $28.99.

She's been through… a lot.

This one has been a staple for a while, so I was pretty nervous to try the hug test with it. I was very happy (and relieved) when Julian's shirt was free of my face imprint. However, I have to be honest and say that I didn't press my face into him like I did with the others. It was more like a light rest. SO, if you love this full coverage, glowy foundation as much as I do — light hugs only.

8.5/10

The classic side hug. Clearly very nervous about this one. Image: Supplied.

Test #3: Charlotte Tilbury's Unreal Skin Sheer Glow Tint, $63.

Unreal Skin is correct. Image: Supplied.

Sticking with my summer glow theme, these foundation sticks are usually what I grab when I'm in a rush but want to look put together. I messily draw all over my face with it and then blend it out with my foundation brush. As a busy girlie — it's the easiest one to apply and I get sooo many compliments on it.

I did smush my face into Julian's shoulder for this one and look… the stain was indeed noticeable. A lot of product came off and if Julian was a stranger (not that I usually hug strangers) then it would be a bit awks.

However, you can pry this foundation out of my cold dead hands before I give it up (I'd much rather give up hugging).

1/10

A big ol' face smush for this one. Julian was not impressed. Sorry Julian. Image: Supplied.

Listen: Em Vernem talks about the foundation white shirt test on the You Beauty podcast. Post continues below.

Test #4: NYX's Bare with Me Blur, $13.99 (currently on sale).

This better work Goddammit.

If you know me, you know how much I love this foundation. I've dedicated an entire article to it, I've talked about it on Mamamia's You Beauty podcast, and it's brought me so much joy and evenness to my oily T-zone.

The hug test wasn't too bad. Yes, it left a tiny mark, but you couldn't really tell. If you were at an event with lots of people, it wouldn't be super obvious that the stain on Uncle Garry's shirt was from your face, so if you want… you can lie and put the blame onto someone else (I support you).

6/10

A little shadow never hurt anyone.

Test #5: Fenty Beauty's Eaze Drop Blurring Skin Tint, $54.

Just pure admiration in my eyes.

This foundation is the only one that matches my skintone perfectly— a huge win for me. It's very lightweight but it has great coverage. With this test, I did a classic face to chest— justice to my short girlies who are surrounded by tall people. Unfortunately, the foundation did transfer. It wasn't super intense but it was pretty obvious.

Similar to the Charlotte Tilbury Foundation, if that's the only downfall of the foundation, then I'll be avoiding hugs before I stop wearing this one— it's just too good.

3/10

FIN!

If you want more beauty recommendations from Emily Vernem, you can follow her on Instagram @emilyvernem or listen to her on the You Beauty podcast every Wednesday.

Feature image: Supplied.