Hey Slap Addicts,
So I thought I would do a foundation comparison review for you all.
I've worn the same foundation for 8 years. The shade changing with the seasons but the formula was always the same.
Estée Lauder double wear.
I first started using this when I was 18 years old and living in Cape Town, South Africa. I needed a foundation but none of the drug stores that I visited sold a shade light enough. I went to Estée Lauder and discovered double wear. I didn't look back, until very recently .
If you have been reading my blog you will know that I have been suffering with acne and having treatment for it.
The therapist suggested some of my congestion could be caused by my foundation.
Frankly I was horrified. The thought of changing my base was daunting. It's part of me. It's how I'm used to seeing my face.
But what's the point in paying £600 to fix my skin only to spoil it again.
So I watched some reviews, did some research and decided to try the following:
Urban decay Naked Skin liquid foundation - shade 1.0
£27
NARS sheer glow - shade light 3 Gobi
£31
OK so let's talk about the UD. They have a total of 18 shades light to dark, pink and yellow undertones. If the number ends in a 0 it's yellow based and if it's a .5 shade it's meant to be a pink tone. I like my yellow tone foundations. I am light but I like the yellow base. If I use pink I look a bit grey. This foundation formula is peptide infused, light diffusing and paraben free. It also contains an anti ageing chemical ... Not sure it does anything but I like the idea of skincare in my foundation.
It's a very thin watery consistency with a buildable coverage. My opinion is its light to medium coverage. It is light weight on the skin and feels like you have nothing on.
You need to shake this very well before dispensing.
It's a satin finish and looks very natural.
The packaging is pretty and it has a pump attached. The bottle is coloured so you can't see how much is in there. I like that when its stood on my dressing table but I hate that I can't tell when I'm running out.
This is the cheapest of the three. But by no means pocket money. I tend to use 2 to 3 pumps for a nice medium coverage and I use my fingers, beauty blender or a brush to apply. It covers under my eye circles nicely and the redness on my cheeks.
Negatives - it's more pink tone than yellow and this annoys me a little. Everyone else thinks this looks amazing on but I notice the pink tone. I would prob have to go to shade 2 in the future. It sets satin but never completely dries. I have to set this with a powder or it will disappear throughout the day. With powder it does last a day and looks very natural. I need a concealer to cover blemishes and the formula will settle in any dry skin. To be fair I think most foundations highlight flaky skin.
It has a 6 month shelf life. 👎🏻OK if I used this everyday it would be gone way before 6 months and wouldn't be a problem. However if you don't wear foundation all the time this could be a problem, although I'm aware most of us keep things much longer than the expiry dates shown.
NARS
I've heard so many good things about this foundation. It comes in an array of colours and from what I read on other reviews it's really good for darker skin tones. Being the opposite end and really light I also struggle to get a good match.
The colour I chose is perfect. It's got a nice yellow tone but not orange. It's light enough without making me look white.
You need to shake this before you use it. NARS suggest warming the product between your fingers and applying to the skin. I do this or use a stippling brush. I will also apply it with my beauty blender.
It has 0 SPF which means this is great for photos. SPF causes flash back which is terrible on a night out. Do you ever see pictures of yourself with white face and tanned skin? That's the SPF in your foundation and possibly the powder you are using. I really struggled with this problem when wearing double wear.
The foundation is not sheer nor glowy! Haha. The name is quite misleading. It's a medium build able coverage that's meant to be for normal to dry skin. I'm combination and this really sits well. As with the UD it will sit in dry patches but it's not terrible. This sets as a satin matte finish and I think it's quite radiant.
It has a shelf life of 24 Months which is 4x the length of the UD. I know I never keep a foundation that long but it's nice to know I can.
Negatives - It's meant to be long lasting but if you are oily you may need to apply powder in the morning and possibly blot in the day. It's not as long lasting as double wear but I don't think there is anything that compares.
The packaging is a sturdy glass jar with a screw top lid. It doesn't come with a pump but you can purchase one from NARS for £3-£4.This annoys me. If you think your product needs a pump and your charging premium prices just put a bloody pump on and stop being so money grabbing.
OK rant over - but it really annoyed me.
I chose not to get the pump as the double wear is in similar packaging and I'm used to just putting it on the back of my hand from the jar. Also the cap doesn't fit if the pump is on. So if you want to travel with it, it could go all over your handbag.
With there being no SPF you will need to apply one separately for day time wear. I am using a factor 50 on my face so this isn't a problem for me. However, if you are used to getting your SPF from your making this will mean applying another layer prior to your makeup.
Ester lauder double wear.
This is the number one selling foundation in the UK. Estee lauder use this statistic to say its the nations favourite.
I do love the foundation. It comes in many shades and tones. Not just warm and cool but neutral also. I find the neutral tones work really well. They do lighter shades and plenty of mid tones. They do sell darker shades but not every counter will have the stock. If you have a very deep skin tone you may want to call before you do a special trip to a store.
Estee Lauder are great at providing testers. The little pot will be enough for a week. I strongly advise you take a tester and try it for yourself. The foundation is not cheap at £31. There is an art to applying this foundation. I will admit I used this incorrectly for years. This can be a complete mask. I used to think that was how to have the perfect base. However, recently I prefer people to say my skin looks amazing rather than wow your foundation is high coverage.
If you want a full coverage this is the foundation for you.
If you want something that's great in high humidity, doesn't transfer on to clothes, will not budge all day and all night. Then get this.
But keep in mind that it contains SPF. It can flash back in photos if you use too thick a layer. If you want to have the longevity without all of the coverage mix with an illuminator or a moisturiser. Applying with a damp beauty blender will also give a beautiful finish.
This foundation sets matte, unless you try the tips above.
I highly doubt you will need a powder. I never even need a concealer. It covers blemishes and scars.
One of the biggest down sides is how hard it is to remove. If you are used to makeup wipes, firstly STOP they are so bad for you. Secondly they will not remove all of this foundation. I use an oil based makeup remover and then cleanse my skin with a face wash. Double cleansing with water is essential.
All of the foundations are lovely. It depends what you want to gain from your foundation.
My advice it to go to a makeup counter with nothing on your skin. Have them apply a full face. Wear it, leave the store and take away a tester.
I don't know about you but I never leave a makeup counter happy with the foundation. Plus the lighting in store can alter the look of the foundation.
These brands are an investment at £30 a pop. Don't be afraid to ask for testers.
I hope you found this helpful.
Happy Shopping SlapAddicts
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