Saturday 8 October 2011

The ULTIMATE Foundation Review



What does it claim to do?
Smooths out small imperfections, while keeping the shine away from your skin.
What type of coverage?
Heavy
How well does it blend?
Terribly, dries to quickly to blend whether using brush/sponge/fingers
Finish?
Hard to say as I never managed more than a patchy finish
How long does it last?
Again, I haven't managed one good coverage so never haven't worn for long enough to judge
Shade range?
3 shades available, not everyone will be able to find their colour match.
Would I repurchase?
No


What does it claim to do?
perfectly evens out the complexion, minimizing pores' appearance and concealing imperfections.
What type of coverage?
Medium
How well does it blend?
Again I had trouble with how quickly it soaked into the skin. Not enough time to blend for me
Finish?
I did manage to wear this out of the house because it wasn't so heavy I thought I'd managed to make it work with a little moisturiser but soon realised how patchy it was. I believe it's supposed to be a no makeup look.
How long does it last?
Although it didn't apply well the foundation did seem to last past lunchtime but not much longer
Shade range?
9 Shades available. You have a good chance of finding your colour if you like this formula
Would I repurchase?
No


What does it claim to do?
8Hour Matte Finish and 8Hour Shine Control with smoothing minerals for smooth, flawless and perfectly matte finish throughout the day.
What type of coverage?
Sheer
How well does it blend?
Although it's mattifying it allows just enough time to blend to an even finish
Finish?
Not totally matte but I never expect that. Gives a nice dewy (not shiny) look
How long does it last?
Unfortunately this doesn't last past lunchtime
Shade range?
Just the old Light Medium and Dark to be found here
Would I repurchase? 
 Possibly


What does it claim to do?
This clever formulation ensures your makeup will last for up to eight hours, along with an anti-shine formula to help keep your skin matte, flawless and healthy looking

What type of coverage?
Medium/Heavy
How well does it blend?
Again this is mattifying so does dry but leaves time to blend
Finish?
On first application dried to a flawless matte finish
How long does it last?
Over the course of the day this left me patchy and sank in to my pores. A good primer may fix this
Shade range?
I'm not sure they still sell this in the usual stores so I'm unable to find a definite shade range
Would I repurchase?
Probably Not



What does it claim to do?
 Provides medium buildable coverage and flawless natural-matte finish

What type of coverage?
Medium/Heavy
How well does it blend?
Really, really nicely. A pleasure to apply
Finish?
Flawless! I wouldn't say it was matte but the finish is lovely
How long does it last?
All day
Shade range?
I'm sure you know how extensive MAC's shade range is
Would I repurchase?
Unfortunately this broke me out but if I could fix that problem I'd repurchase in a heartbeat


What does it claim to do?
provides lightweight comfort, so you feel like you’re not wearing makeup. Looks fresh for up to 16 hours.

What type of coverage?
Heavy
How well does it blend?
Lots of people have complained this is difficult to blend but it's perfect as far as I'm concerned I don't have to do my face in sections as I've heard some have, I can do my whole face in one go and it blends fine.
Finish?
Flawless and matte. This is a heavy duty foundation, it doesn't feel like you're wearing a mask of makeup but it can look like you are. This will cover any imperfections, I don't need any extra concealer when I wear it but it's not going to be for everyone. Perfect coverage and finish for a night out.
How long does it last?
Until you take it off... best long lasting foundation I've ever tried
Shade range?
20 shades in two different formulas - normal/dry and oily/combination
Would I repurchase?
I already have and would again

 Nars

What does it claim to do?
A glowing, satin-finish foundation with sheer and buildable coverage

What type of coverage?
Sheer
How well does it blend?
Beautifully, it applys like a serum or a moisturiser, really lovely.
Finish?
It evens out my skin and leaves me dewy, definitely need to powder my T-Zone
How long does it last?
It leaves me shiny quickly so I have to reapply powder frequently. The coverage doesn't last all day
Shade range?
20 shades. Nars is the only brand where I've found my perfect colour match
Would I repurchase?
Only for the colour match, it's not really worth the money for the formula



What does it claim to do?
revolutionary whipped formula, providing an air-soft, perfect matte finish coverage, with a weightless feel

What type of coverage?
Medium
How well does it blend?
Depends on your skin type, if you have oily/combination skin it will blend nicely, if your skin it anything drier than "normal" this may not be the one for you
Finish?
On the right skin it really will leave you with a perfect, smooth, matte coverage. If your skin is on the dry side it will cling to dry patches and leave you with a not so amazing finish
How long does it last?
I found this to be relatively well lasting.. near enough the whole day
Shade range?
13, you should be able to get a close match
Would I repurchase?
I have and I would consider doing so again however my skin is drier now than it used to be so it won't be as perfect as it once was for me


What does it claim to do?
Maybelline's unique cream-whipped process has combined rich hydration with a lightweight formula to create the most perfectly moisturising coverage. Blends seamlessly, feels fresh all day and creates visibly hydrated skin.
What type of coverage?
Medium
How well does it blend?
Really nicely. Comes with a sponge to apply if that's your thing. Doesn't really "set" so you can blend all day
Finish?
You can build the coverage but the finish remains silky smooth. Definitely not matte though, if you're oily you'd still need to powder over top.
How long does it last?
It lasted nicely but the beauty of this product is that it's handbag handy with the built in sponge for touch ups throughout the day
Shade range?
Only 5 which is disappointing for Maybelline.
Would I repurchase?
 Yes


What does it claim to do?
Containing a natural shine-control complex the Stay Matte Mousse Foundation will keep skin feeling flawlessly fresh and matte for up to 12 hours!
What type of coverage?
Light/Medium
How well does it blend?
Terribly, it dries instantly so it's impossible to move anywhere, I've tried applying this with a brush, a wet makeup sponge.. nothing makes this work, You would have to have the oiliest skin in the world for this to blend and even then I'm not convinced it would.
Finish?
Hard to say as I didn't get one good coverage from it but if you can I'd say it would be perfectly matte, just unfortunate that I couldn't
How long does it last?
Again, I can't really comment
Shade range?
5 shades, you may not find the shade for you but it's probably for the best
Would I repurchase?
No!

***************************************************************************
 
WINNER

***************************************************************************



What does it claim to do?
Helps skin appear completely poreless with our first liquid mousse foundation. Our lighweight, air-whipped liquid blends on to transform the look of skin. From flawless to impeccable, even coverage. Our new satin perfect finish!
What type of coverage?
Medium
How well does it blend?
Great! It's not mattifying so doesn't dry on the skin leaving plenty of blending time
Finish?
On me this really is an airbrush finish. It's buildable to a heavier coverage but I would still use an additional concealer as the coverage doesn't hold up so well throughout the day.
How long does it last?
As mentioned, Lasts past lunch but not quite to home time.. I find it difficult to chastise it for that though because I spent so much more on the Nars Sheer Glow and this is far superior where longevity is concerned
Shade range?
8, not the best maybelline offers but as it's a blendable liquid formula you could purchase 2 shades to create a custom colour match..I wouldn't rule it out!
Would I repurchase?
Yes

The reason I chose the Maybelline Dream Satin Liquid as the winner is this..
There are others that I love but this one is more universal. I believe this will work on most skin types, the shade range allows a good scope for skin tones and it hasn't broken me out whether I'm dry/oily.
I ask a lot from my perfect foundation, I want a light coverage but I want to look flawless, I want time to blend but I want it to set, I want to look dewy but not shiny. This foundation does not exist! I've learned instead that you find a great base, a great concealer and a great powder and together they give you the finish you want. This is a good all rounder, not too heavy not too light, drugstore prices and their are plenty of shades available. Of all of the foundations I've tried this is the one I could recommend to anyone.

*A note on the winning foundation...
I think that the satin liquid and the creamy compact are pretty much the same product in two different formats. I used them at the same time in the same shade. I applied the liquid at home in the morning and kept the compact in my bag for any touch ups. The compact is a solid to liquid foundation so I believe it's the same formula put into more handy packaging.. for anyone that's interested!


What's your favourite foundation?

14 comments:

  1. Thanks so much for doing this, i've never tried Maybelline Dream Satin Liquid think i will have to though! Have you ever tried Bourjous Healthy Mix foundation? I love it! Its a great light foundation but gives good coverage and lasts nearly all day!

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  2. I absolutely LOVE the Revlon Colorstay foundation. So much that I only wear powder foundation when I don't want to look too made up.

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  3. What a very helpful post, thanks :-)
    Like you I've tried heaps of different foundations, still haven't found the perfect one for me yet.
    x

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  4. Very informative, thank you for sharing!!

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  5. Such a helpful post! Going to bookmark this for when I need a new foundation :)

    Also love your winning foundation.

    Fee x

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  6. This is so helpful..been talking to one of my girlfiends and shes been having trouble with her foundation and asked reccommendations of a new one so Ive pasted your post link.

    bookmarked this too :)

    Liz
    http://aspirationsofglam.blogspot.com/
    xxx

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  7. This is a great review! Thanks! I want to try out more of Maybelline's foundations. Right now I am using Cover Aqua smooth, the compact and the liquid foundation and not so sure if I like them.

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  8. @Helen
    Never tried healthy mix but so many people have recommended it I think I will have to
    @TrailerHoodChic
    I only wear Garnier BB cream day to day now but colorstay is my go-to night out foundation
    @Kate
    Thanks! I always remain hopeful that I'll find a more amazing foundation but the maybelline is a great one from the drugstore
    @LifeasLeah
    Thanks!
    @Fee
    Thanks! And check you out commenting ;) lol x
    @AspirationsofGlam
    I'm so pleased people are finding this helpful... it took an age to compose :p
    @Kristina
    Maybelline overall is probably my favourite drugstore brand. There are still other foundations from them I'd like to try

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  9. I was thinking about purchasing nars sheer glow but i don't think ill bother thanks for the review x

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  10. Wow, this is really helpful and I'm definitely thinking about buying the winning foundation if they have one light enough for my skin. I love, love, love Chanel's Vitalumiere Aqua, but it's so expensive I don't really want to use it every day and at the moment I'm mixing it up with Bourjois Bio Detox, but like you find it a bit too difficult to blend.

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  11. Great post! Deinitely check out the healthy mix foudation, it's my go to, very similar to mac face and body in my opinion!
    xo

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  12. great post, its so nice to see a proper thorough breakdown of each one and not just i liked/dislike etc... as for my favourite foundation, i know its pricey but estee lauder double wear is still doing it for me :D

    www.missmathful.blogspot.com

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  13. oh I'am so happy to find this review :D thanks miss bb :)

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  14. I serioualy suggest you try L'oreal true match foundation. It is supposed to be the drugstore equivalent of chanel's lumiere, the colour range is fantastic.

    ReplyDelete

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