A few weeks ago I popped into Edgars and picked up a sample of the Estée Lauder Double Wear Light Stay-In-Place Make Up, as I had been wanting to try it for a while. As I’ve mentioned previously, you can visit any Estée Lauder counter and they will happily give you a sample of any foundation which should last you up to seven days (why don’t more brands do this?). I have played around with this foundation a lot recently, and I must confess, I am seriously impressed.
Coverage: Medium-to-full coverage. Traditionally I’ve always favoured lighter coverage foundations or tinted moisturisers/BB creams, but lately my skin has been acting up and this foundation has helped cover up the hideousness that is my face. One layer will cover mild redness, discolouration and small blemishes. Two layers (and, in my case, some concealer), and nobody is going to be any the wiser. I like to apply one layer, let it settle, and then apply a second layer to those areas that need it. Any stubborn spots still peeking though get the Laura Mercier treatment, and hey presto, I’ve got angel skin!
Finish: A nice velvety/matte finish. I am usually a fan of a more glowy/dewy look, but I was pleasantly surprised at how healthy this left my skin looking – my complexion didn’t look dull or flat at all.
Consistency: Quite fluid, so it blends well. However, it sets quickly so you need to work fast – no time for faffing around. I have tried using a few different brushes, as well as my fingers, to apply this, and I have found a flat foundation brush to be best – I stroke it onto my face in long, even movements, making sure to avoid any streaks. What I also really like about this foundation is that although it offers impressive coverage, you can’t feel it on your skin at all – as soon as you’ve applied it, you’ve forgotten you’re even wearing it. There’s nothing worse than that feeling of being aware of your foundation all day (well, I mean obviously there are far worse things, but you get my point).
Longevity: Un.be.lievable. I have never known a foundation to last as long as this one does – I put my face on at 6:30am and it still looks flawless by 7/8pm! It even survived a marathon training session at Roark Gyms (sorrysorrysorry but I forgot my make-up remover). Added bonus: because it’s so long-lasting, everything you put on top of it becomes long-lasting as well: blush, bronzer, highlighter, concealer – none of it budges. You can kiss your primer goodbye.
Negatives: As you are all no doubt aware by now, I have dry skin. This foundation is not overly hydrating so it tends to sit in my dry patches a little bit…but then, everything sits in my dry patches. That said, it doesn’t leave my skin feeling dry or uncomfortable – quite the contrary – I can’t feel it on my skin at all. The only other negative is the limited shade selection – there are only 6 shades to choose from so finding your perfect match could be tricky.
Verdict: 9.5/10. If you suffer with skin that’s a bit red and blotchy like mine, this foundation is an absolute godsend. It covers imperfections beautifully but still leaves your skin looking like skin, if you know what I mean. It doesn’t cover your face like a blanket and wipe out your features – you’re still going to look fresh and natural. The longevity is what impressed me most though – for a foundation to still look amazing after 12-14 hours is a staggering achievement (a lot of brands promise, Estée Lauder actually delivers). Until my skin settles and I can go back to sheer coverage, this product will continue to be what a reach for every morning.
I haven’t done ‘before’ and ‘after’ pictures because my skin is looking so horrible that I couldn’t face the thought of putting the ‘before’ picture on the internet for all eternity. I hope you understand xxx
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