There's something about finding that perfect foundation. The perfect colour, that disappears into your skin, sits just right for hours and makes your skin look like skin.
Want to know what this feels like?
Then allow me to present to you the Estée Lauder Double Wear Foundation. No matter what foundation I try, I keep going back to this. Especially for my brides.
The reason is that this foundation's formula itself is so darn good. It's not gloopy, viscous-y or uber-creamy. It's the perfect liquid consistency, that gives its wearer a matte (not dry!) finish with the best coverage.
You also get the Camouflage version for extreme coverage although it touts only a 12 hour wear time and the Double Wear Light for those who like a lighter formula. The Double Wear Nude Water Fresh is for those looking for a dewier finish. However, I find that it doesn't get matte enough even with powder and does allow the oils on your face to show through after a few hours.
The original formula is for you if you like:
A skin-like finish
A matte finish
Long-wear formula
Transfer resistant
Works well with other skincare products
I personally like to mix a small amount with a lightweight gel moisturiser or essence and use a brush or my hands to apply.
I find that using my hands gives me the most targeted and highest coverage. My second favourite way to apply is a dense buffing/foundation brush like Real Techniques Buffing brush or Cover FX Liquid Foundation brush.
Skin that has been prepped and hydrated well allows this foundation to give you the best results.
If you have dry skin like me, I recommend using a lightweight oil over skin prep to seal it in and to soften any dry patches.
Here's a close up of how it looks on my skin. This is one layer of foundation. I am wearing a mix of #5W1 - Bronze and #2N1 - Desert Beige from my kit. Do you see that finish?!
I do want to reiterate that my skin type is dry. My favourite ingredient analyser website, Skincarisma.com points out that Polyglyseryl-3 Diisostearate in the foundation ingredient list is not a great component for oily skin. It can clog pores and is a fungal acne trigger. So, if you're acne-prone you may not want to take a chance with this foundation.
My PSA as always, will all types of makeup, and especially foundation is to double cleanse. Take everything off your face before you sleep. Virgin olive oil is such a great low-risk makeup remover.
And if you are going to wear heavy makeup or heavier makeup than you would normally, please try to limit the amount of time you need to have it on.
The Estee Lauder Double Wear Foundation retails at AED 184 at Sephora UAE and on the online version of the same.