'I've worn the same foundation for 5 years, because I'm yet to find anything that can beat it.'

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Just throwing this out there; finding the perfect foundation is beauty's version of shopping for jeans.

You've got to try on a lot of products to find The One that ticks every box: coverage, finish, staying power, shade availability and price.

Everyone's skin is different — a foundation that looks amazing on an oily skin-haver might look flaky on your dry skin. A product that seems to settle in your lines and pores might look airbrushed on a friend.

This is why I've been using the same foundation for the last five years. It's not new or exciting, but despite trying hundreds of foundations as a beauty editor, I'm yet to find another one I love more.

Watch: Leigh shares her top summer foundation recommendation, post continues below.

A bit about my skin type and makeup preferences:

I have dry skin, so I gravitate towards products with a dewy, glowy finish. I also have a full face of freckles in all different colours, so when I wear full-coverage foundations, I don't really feel like I look like 'me'.

Whether I'm doing my makeup for a wedding or to go to the office, my goal is to achieve that 'I go to bed early/drink enough water/eat my greens etc.' look.

I like my freckles to shine through, sheer to medium coverage foundations work best for my complexion. Then, I rely on concealer for coverage only where I need it.

Now, onto the oldie-but-goodie foundation that's never failed me.

M.A.C COSMETICS Studio Radiance Face & Body Foundation, $68.

Image: Supplied.

If this foundation sounds familiar, that's because MAC face and body has been a makeup artist staple for decades.

The first ever face and body iteration launched in the early 90s; in 2021, MAC re-launched the foundation and extended the range to include 30 shades.

It's the ultimate 'no-makeup makeup' or 'your skin, but better' foundation, with a fluid-like consistency and natural radiant finish for a lit-from-within glow that isn't overly 'dewy'.

Wearing this foundation last week (left) and three years ago (right). Image: Supplied.

I like to apply with a flat stippling brush, but you can use your fingers or a sponge. Another makeup artist tip: start with less foundation than you think you need, and then press more product into the skin where you want to build up coverage.

Here's my skin before and after a light application — I'm wearing the shade C1 Light Cool, which is described as being a 'rosy beige with a neutral undertone for light skin.'

Voila! Image: Supplied.

The magic of this foundation is in its versatility, too. Yes, this is a light coverage foundation, but the waterproof formula lasts for eight hours, and can be built up to offer medium coverage.

A five-cent piece amount is perfect for every day, but if I'm having my photo taken or want a more polished, glam makeup look, I'll add a primer underneath and go in with a second layer before adding a dusting of powder to sweaty areas like my under eyes and chin.

The foundation at a wedding in 2024 (left) vs. a wedding in 2021 (right). Image: Supplied.

Here are a few examples of when I've worn this foundation for different occasions and makeup looks.

Never cakey or drying, this foundation is hard to top. My skin still looks like skin (freckles included!), but with an even, luminous coverage that makes me look like I get eight hours of sleep every night.

If it sounds like your skin and makeup preferences are similar to mine, I think you'll love it too.

For more tried and tested beauty recommendations, listen to the You Beauty podcast or watch You Beauty on YouTube.

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Feature image: Supplied.