Lately I've been using NARS Sheer Glow foundation, but it has it's pros and cons because I have to apply it with my hands for the best finish, and none of my primers seem to work that well with it. Applying foundation with my hands takes me longer because I want to be sure everything is even and blended, plus I don't like getting the product all over my fingers, etc. I want something I can just apply with my Beauty Blender and go, but didn't want to spend too much money on another product (and I do love the Sheer Glow).
I looked up some reviews and swatches for drugstore foundations that might have a shade match for me, and found CoverGirl Stay Luminous. The shade I got is the lightest one in this range, and thankfully it's actually quite perfect!
I got 810 Classic Ivory which is less yellow/warm toned than the shade I'm using in NARS (Gobi) but it works so well for me.
The first time I used Stay Luminous I applied it with my hands to compare it to my other product. I really didn't like it - it was hard to blend, and looked way too dewy on my already somewhat oily complexion. The luminescence in this product is obvious when you look at the bottle of product, although it doesn't show up on the skin. However, when I apply this with my hands I think it goes on way too thick, and the luminosity just translates as greasy (at least for me). Powdering over top helped tone down the shine a bit, but this didn't wear well and started looking patchy within a few hours.
SO, I started applying this with my Beauty Blender and it's PERFECT! I can't believe how nice this foundation looks when applied with the BB. For some reason, doing this I use less product but the coverage is way better; plus it looks even and blends easily (although it sets within a minute or two and you kind of have to leave it alone after that). With the BB this has more of a natural finish; it's way less dewy and not greasy looking. It still has a luminous looking finish, but it's more subdued and so beautiful.
Using Beauty Blender to apply this, it lasts much longer and wears very well. I don't have to powder it too much to set it, and it still lasts for hours without breaking up or starting to look weird. This does cling a bit to dry patches like most other foundations, but it isn't as bad as others can be because the formula isn't matte.
I've tried this alone, and applied over MakeUpForEver's Step 1 Hydrating Primer (applied with the BB of course). It works well both ways but I still don't think this is the right primer for this product.
Overall I am pretty impressed with Stay Luminous. It isn't the perfect formula for my skin (somewhat oily, somewhat dry, with some noticeable pores) but I love the glowy look it gives my skin.