Every time I get a new foundation to review, I do a little squeal *squeal*, because it’s like getting a new phone; you might love yours but there’s always something shiner around the corner.
So they don’t get more clever than this as far as new foundations go. Ester Lauder Double Wear is of course an iconic foundation I think nearly every woman should try at least once in her life. I have it in my collection and reach for it when I require full coverage that lasts all day. I do not use it every day because I don’t need that amount of cover or adherence in my day to day life. Then they go and bring out this clever thing – it’s the Double Wear Make Up to Go foundation liquid in a compact!
The reason why I don’t have a photo of the original box with ingredients is because I lost a ton of photos recently which I cannot retrieve 🙁 But here is the compact. Extremely similar in size to cushion compact bases, it is quite chunky because of the tech-nol-lah-jay involved. It has occurred to me whilst writing this that Korean brand VDL also have a liquid foundation in a compact product…however, their shading does not cater for darker skinned ladies at all. It doesn’t cater for my NC35 skintone either.
I need to tell you that I love compact foundation and it’s one of the reason I love cream foundations – I love the ease and speed of them. Powder foundations are just ok on me, as I have dry skin and I prefer glow. This of course, is something else because it forgoes the cushions found in er, cushion compacts, for a completely leak proof, stain proof plastic mechanism which you press to release a perfect pea size of foundation:
You press the little button and the amount comes out. Any down sides? Not really, the mechanism is smooth and easy to use. You can’t really control the amount though – I think one pump is perfect for a light all over the face finish, but say if you want a tiny bit more to pat over a problem area, then a second pump might be too much. If you are like me and hate wasting things, you end up with a really flawless looking foot.
So that is one limitation of this kind of mechanism over a cushion, where you can dip your finger in.
BUT! The positive of this is that it is CLEAN. I have several cushion bases and they get gunky fast. I mean a sponge that is constantly soaked in foundation in Bert the Bacteria’s dream come true.
Here is the base. As this was a PR sample I did not pick my shade but HALLELUJAH, it looks great on my skin tone. This is 4N1 Shell Beige, which is not what I would have chosen for myself, but it works.
Shades in Estee Lauder Foundation, a very short guide:
The Number (4) = Skin tone family. 4 is quite an olive/tan family but not brown, and it suits my skintone. My Asian cousins who pile on the whitening products would be best in the 2’s. In this foundation from 1 for porcelain people and 7 for deepest skintones. I usually go for level 3, but 4 honestly is suiting me just fine.
The Letter (N) = Natural/Neutral. There is also Warm and Cool. For a Neutral, this is quite yellow – I prefer it over Warm which is too yellow. I am Chinese, not a Banana.
Last number (1) = Depth. Seems to fit me quite well, the next one up for example, 4N2 is Spiced Sand which looks too…spicy.
Look…go to a counter and get matched up seriously, you don’t want to not enjoy this foundation because you got the wrong shade. Estee Lauder have so many shade possibilities that you want to get the best one. I digress.
Here is the texture of this base…a nice liquid that is not too runny indent too thick.
The texture and consistency has not been compromised, it still offers good coverage as you would expect if it was in a bottle.
However – it is not as thick and matt at the original formula. This offers medium coverage, and leaves skin glow. Oily skinned women may want to set with powder. For me however, it’s the best of both worlds; coverage (for spots, redness, patchiness) but also a fresh glow that is hydrating, which I love. It also appears to be water resistant and adheres well (better than the average cream foundation). I didn’t need to top this up, if I were to be very particular, then then area around my nose could’ve done with a top up about 5 hours in but it wasn’t a crucial thing, just if I wanted my base to look completely fresh.
You can see how water beads up on the make up:
Let’s talk about the sponge which is like a half egg shape and is thin and bendy! I am guessing it is this shape so that it fits the compact,and also it seems to spread the product without absorbing too much of it (minimal wastage). I do wish that all companies like this provided a spare sponge though. With compact sponges, remember to give them a wash now and then!
Anyway, here is the foundation on me (sorry, scarily no other make up) .It covers my redness and spots, and makes me look more awake too!
This costs £33 for 12ml, so you don’t get as much as in a bottle, but it is a convenience product. I carry this my handbag because a few times a week I end up doing my make up in the car, and also for rush days. This foundation is a winner! I recommend it for:
– People who like compact foundations for the ease of use but haven’t found the right cream/powder/cushion
– People who like an even soft glowing finish to the skin
– Fans of double wear foundation who want a compact version or a lighter version
– People who want a travel friendly liquid foundation
See the full range and shade
says
oh This foundation looks great. I will buy it. thank you for opinion