As predominantly a "beauty blogger", I'm embarrassed to admit that this is my first properly high end foundation. I'd been umm-ing and ahh-ing about whether to purchase Double Wear foundation for years now. I mean, it costs an arm and a leg and my drugstore foundations were doing just fine, but I just could not scratch that itch, so I finally caved and picked up a sample pot from Myer; something that I'd been putting off doing in fear of falling in love with such a costly product. I was matched with the shade 'Ecru' and went on my merry way, and you know what? I did instantly fall in love with said costly product. I had used up my sample in no time and immediately went out to buy the full sized bottle without a second thought. I've been using it pretty consistently for about three months now, and I think that I'm ready to express my thoughts.
To preface this post, my skin is so difficult to deal with. Desert dry, flaky lower face, oily forehead, big ol' pores.. This makes finding a foundation that works for me hard. The fact that I absolutely LOVE a matte finish doesn't make it any easier, either because of course, a penchant for matte does not typically go hand-in-hand with dry skin types, which is why I always recommend asking for samples before you commit to buying any high-end make-up. It's a darn big price to pay, so you want to be sure that the shade and/or formula work for you.
After being scared off by the "extremely mattifying" reviews that are associated with Estée Lauder's Double Wear Foundation, I am ecstatic to report that this looks absolutely gorgeous on me! The oil-free formula means that it's your best friend if you have oilier skin, but that does not mean that it doesn't work on dry skin types too, trust me. They've somehow found a magical medium, wherein it controls oil for those with oily skin, but doesn't further dry out those with dry skin. I don't know what kind of sorcery is used, but I sure ain't complaining.
I'd describe this foundation as medium-full, if not full, coverage. The Double Wear line has a massive shade range, and I've found that the colour does not oxidize noticeably, if at all, on me. It dries down very quickly and is transfer-proof within minutes, which is something that I highly appreciate as a secretary who uses a handheld phone all throughout the day. It has a lovely, silky texture and doesn't feel heavy whatsoever on the skin, which is surprising for a high coverage formula. It is also worth noting that a little bit goes a long way. I honestly feel that one light layer is more than enough for even and flawless coverage, but it is definitely buildable if desired and even then, still does not look heavy or cakey if you do like to use more than one layer.
I get very flaky skin around my mouth and nose and this foundation doesn't accentuate or cling on to that at all, which is a comment that I cannot make about any other foundation that I've ever tried. It does, however, settle in to the larger pores a little, but I've experienced this with every single product that I've ever used in my life, so I've accepted it as a way of big-pored life, patted on some primer, and moved on.
On the opposite side of the whack-o spectrum that is Christie's face, I've almost always needed to powder and blot my forehead, being the one area on my whole face that does get a little oily, by midday, no matter what foundation/primer/powder I do or do not use. With Double Wear, however, there was no need to blot all damn day. Not even a little bit! It keeps those oils at bay without me even needing to use a powder to begin with, which eliminates that dry, cakey look that I tend to get if do I layer powder upon foundation.
In terms of the wear-time, I can 100% concur that this stuff does not budge! I was surprised by just how long-lasting this formula is. After staying put for a 10 hour day at the office, followed by another hour or so of exercise at the gym, wherein I obviously sweat and towel off my face, I still have a lovely finish to my skin (that I still need to really cleanse to remove) by the time I get home. For this reason I definitely do not feel as though a primer is necessary to make this foundation last but, as I briefly touched on earlier, I have large pores on my cheeks, next to my nose, so I do still like to wear one, but only in these areas, and only to smooth out my base and stop the foundation from settling in to the pores as much as I can.
I always appreciate a foundation with SPF in it, but I appreciate a foundation with SPF in it that doesn't produce flashback more. This does only have a SPF rating of 10, which may be what makes it so photo friendly in comparison, but I always use a high-factor facial sunscreen during the day (and you should too!), so the low SPF rating doesn't bother me if zero flashback is going to be the trade-off.
I always appreciate a foundation with SPF in it, but I appreciate a foundation with SPF in it that doesn't produce flashback more. This does only have a SPF rating of 10, which may be what makes it so photo friendly in comparison, but I always use a high-factor facial sunscreen during the day (and you should too!), so the low SPF rating doesn't bother me if zero flashback is going to be the trade-off.
Of course, as with anything in this world, with the good, comes the bad. I've found that there are a couple of downsides to this foundation, but I don't feel as though they're anything to be overly concerned about. Just my picky self being.. well, picky. The first thing being the packaging. The frosted glass bottle does look all kinds of fancy (not good for travel, mind you), but I just cannot get past the fact that there is no pump. I don't want to think about how much product I've wasted as a result of dribbling or spillage and that's not including all the times that I've poured out much more than needed. The second point being the smell. Boy does this foundation have a chemically smell. It's almost paint-like. The smell does dissipate very quickly, however, but is worth noting in my opinion.
All in all, I would definitely say that the quality of Estée Lauder's Double Wear Foundation is worth the $54 price tag, no matter your skin type. A good base is an investment, and this is an investment that I highly recommend.
Have you tried Estée Lauder's Double Wear Foundation before? What are your thoughts?
As always, this post has not been sponsored in any way, meaning that none of the items mentioned have been sent to me, endorsed or paid for by anyone other than me, myself and I.
10 hour days + the gym... that stuff sounds like a miracle!! :)
ReplyDeleteSues
I'm always concerned about color matching foundations on my skin tone. But it sounds like I need to get a sample of the EL product. I'm particularly intrigued because of the little to no transfer you mentioned. I hate seeing my foundation on my cell phone. UGH. Thanks for the insights.
ReplyDeleteFirst I must say your picture was gorgeous. I've heard lots of great things about the brand but have yet to try it. Thanks for the info
ReplyDeleteI've heard so many great reviews of this foundation!
ReplyDeleteEstee Lauder night repair works .so good for my skin, I hope this one too. Since applying make-up daily at work is my thing I will consider this and of course the brand suits my skin.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the info, I will definity have them in mind the next time!
ReplyDeleteThis is the holy grail of every makeup lovers including me. I love its coverage, it doesnt matter if its quite expensive.
ReplyDeleteI've heard wonderful things about the Estee Lauder double wear foundation. I have to look into trying it out.
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing! I have difficult skin too. Oily on top and dry on the bottom. To be honest I have never tried a high-end foundation. I am still using my $10 bottle of drugstore BB cream. Whenever I try a "real" foundation, it makes me think that I'm painting my face a different colour so I stop. Perhaps I will give this brand a try next time I need a fresh bottle. Great post!
ReplyDeleteAlethea
http://blog.seegirlwork.com
I am still on drug store foundation but I do want to try this. I like the sample idea, that way I won waste my money.
ReplyDeletewww.thevagabondwayfarer.com
This is great to keep in mind. Normally I wouldn't this much on foundation, but I do like your review. Plus I'm in Texas where it's SUPER hot, so this could come in handy.
ReplyDeleteHave heard great things about this foundation. Too bad such low spf, but overall sounds like a great product.
ReplyDeleteoh i'll have to check it out! people rave about it
ReplyDeleteI used to use this foundation all of the time until it became to heavy for my face. Now I use bb creams or tinted moisturizers.
ReplyDeleteWOW, sounds like an awesome product. Sometimes it is just better to wait to find a great one that works and spend the money for quality.
ReplyDeleteHahaha it does, doesn't it? :P x
ReplyDeleteIt can be hard to find the right shade sometimes with all these different undertones and whathaveyou. The Estee Lauder Double Wear shade range is pretty big, though so it should be as easy as going in store and they'll do the rest! :)
ReplyDeleteUgh, make-up on your phone is the worst! I always feel so dirty when I see it aha. This definitely does not transfer so I no longer have to worry about that. :) x
Aww why thank you! :)
ReplyDeleteEstee Lauder is an oldie but a goodie for sure. Definitely living up to its hype in my opinion. x
They're all true, I tells ya. :P x
ReplyDeleteOoooh I've gotta try that one out myself! I hope this foundation works for you too. :) x
ReplyDeleteIt's worth a look for sure. :) x
ReplyDeleteExactly! I don't mind paying a larger price if it works for me. :) I'm glad you're a fan too. x
ReplyDeleteFor sure, girl! Samples are your best friend if you're keen to give it a try. ;) x
ReplyDeleteI rarely wear makeup especially foundation and when I do I like foundations that last me all day through work and gym and this sounds like the stuff of legends
ReplyDeleteI understand the struggles, girl. :(
ReplyDeleteAha I'm pretty similar in that regard - I rarely even wear foundation unless it's an occasion because I didn't like the way my face felt. I've since realised that not all foundations are gross, you've just gotta find a good foundation that works for you. :) x
There are some crazy good drugstore foundations out there these days, so I don't blame you. :P I highly recommend a sample if you're considering it. :) x
ReplyDeleteI was the same, I hated spending huge amounts on foundation, but I feel as though this is worth it. It definitely holds up amazingly in heat - definitely good for your Texan weather. :) x
ReplyDeleteIt's pretty amazing. I'm converted for sure. :P x
ReplyDeleteFor good reason hehe. x
ReplyDeleteAww that's a shame. I freakin' hate when a foundation that's worked for you for years, just suddenly stops being good for you. WHYYYY?!?! x
ReplyDeleteI definitely agree with you, Sheri. Good things come to those who wait. :P x
ReplyDeleteI'm exactly the same, Anosa. Unless it's an occasion, I'm usually without foundation. :) The staying power of this stuff is incredible for sure. I'm still shocked to this day. x
ReplyDeleteI am a big fan of Estee Lauder since I was young. I first fell in love with their perfumes then with their cosmetics. Although a bit pricey, I believe in the quality that's why I try to save some so I can buy some...
ReplyDeleteI definitely agree with you, girl! I'm happy to pay a slightly higher price for quality products. :) Glad you're an Estee lover too. xx
ReplyDelete