Make Up For Ever HD Invisible Cover Foundation Review
Posted On: 07/11/09
Posted in: 30 Days of Make Up For Ever, Face Products, Foundations, Make Up Forever, Product Photos/Swatches
Make Up For Ever HD Invisible Cover Foundation ($40.00 for 1.01 oz.) is easily one of the more famous products produced by the brand. It is designed to create a “soft focus” effect when used while providing medium-to-full coverage for a flawless look. It is touted as an oil-free liquid foundation that works to make you look your best in even the harshest lighting.
Funny enough, I’ve had this foundation for a few months now, and I didn’t like enough to actually use it more than a handful of times after I initially purchased it as a local Sephora. To me, it didn’t do anything that my MAC Studio Fix Fluid wasn’t already doing. (Studio Fix Fluid is a good deal cheaper — $26.00 for 1.0 oz.!) In the spirit of 30 Days of Make Up For Ever, though, I figured I should give it another shot! For reference, the shade I was matched with and own is #140, which is described as “soft beige, for medium skin with dark yellow undertones.” In MAC, I am typically NC30. There are twenty-five shades available, so there is a good range of skin tones covered.
Read on for the review!
I do want to note that my skin has much improved in the past two weeks compared to the past few months. So some of the skin-looks-better is because it really does look better as far as skin itself goes; it’s not all foundation. Just want to be upfront about that! :) (Thanks Kate Somerville!)
Despite the hype, I’m still not overly impressed by the foundation. I guess that is more to say that it didn’t live up to the hype, but it is a good, solid foundation and I’d recommend to anyone looking for a semi-matte, medium-coverage, liquid foundation. (Particularly if you dislike or can’t tolerate MAC foundations.) The finish on this is nearly matte, but it seems just a touch dewy (that’s probably the “soft focus” coming into play). It gives medium coverage without much product, and you can layer it as necessary to get fulle coverage if you need it. You can always sheer it out by spritzing your brush or sponge with water, too.
I think the most impressive part of Make Up For Ever’s HD Foundation is that is photographs extremely well. It does make skin look better than it actually is. The photo above is me wearing this foundation, and I was pretty surprised at how good my skin appears in it. HD does a good job of lasting all day, and I feel like I don’t get that oily-at-the-end-of-the-day feeling so much when I use this compared to some other foundations I’ve used. While it is a medium to full coverage foundation, it feels lightweight. It actually feels fairly weightless to me, but I’m a lot more used to foundation, too, so I’m going to stick with lightweight as the descriptor.
The packaging is great, since they provide you with a foundation pump. I find that I dispense one and half to two pumps on the back of my hand, and then I use MAC’s 109 brush (spritzed first with water) to apply it to my face. This seems to give me the best results, and it is the technique I used in the photo above as well. The reason I like pump dispensers is you can figure out exactly how much you need through trial and error, and then you just use that much consistently. Without a pump, it just involves a bit more eyeballing!
Overall, HD is a good foundation, and I do prefer it over their Mat+ Velvet foundation. I think Mat+ Velvet may be a bit too matte in finish for me at times, so HD offers a happy medium where I can get a nearly-matte look with just a touch of soft dewiness — without the dewiness making me look oily or shiny. A bottle should last you a good six months, depending on how much you use and how often you use it, but there’s plenty in there, so while the price is a steep investment, it’s definitely worth it in the long-run if you like the results.
Saturday, July 11, 2009
I love MUFE, but without a Sephora near me I haven’t even really wanted to purchase the HD foundation over the net, even though I know what color I would be already (lucky for me, I’m always the palest shade). I like foundations that wear throughout the day without smudging, and I’ve heard such various things about the HD in that department. What did you think while you were wearing it? Did it last all day with no rub for you?
I love the Mat+ Velvet, it’s probably my favorite foundation ever put on the market (it’s great at the pool as well since it is water resistant!).
Saturday, July 11, 2009
Molly, just a head’s up: if you are a 15 in the mat velvet+, the MUFE HD 110 may not match you. Sephora says they are equivalent shades, but they aren’t – MV+ 15 matches me, while the HD 110 leaves a distinct line of demarcation along my jaw.
Saturday, July 18, 2009
Hi Molly,
When worn with a primer, MUFE stays on pretty well throughout the day. Without a primer, I do feel it gets a little “oily” on me towards the end of the day. I normally get just a little oilier towards the end of the day, but it feels a little more so when I wear MUFE. With a primer, I didn’t experience this problem, though.
I liked Mat+ Velvet, too, but it felt just like Studio Fix Fluid to me, which is cheaper ;)
Sunday, November 8, 2009
BE warned-they run pretty yellow and dark. I’m very fair(MAC NC 15, or Dior 010) and they were both too dark, and too warm on my skin. Shame, since i have heard great things about them!
Good luck!
Saturday, July 11, 2009
I am an oily girl with dry cheeks and used HD foundation for 6 months. A good foundation, but not great for my oily skin! It tends to get cakey, when I touch up during the day and it also disappears around Tzone area after awhile, too. So no more HD foundation for me (Mat Velvet+ wasn’t that great either!!)
Monday, July 13, 2009
Hi Natalie,
I have the same problem with a lot of foundations! Including both MUFE and MAC… Which foundation works for you?
Thanks!
Monday, July 13, 2009
Hi Ana, I am using both Shu Uemura Face Architect Smoothing Fluid foundation (http://www.shuuemura-usa.com/_us/_en/makeup/foundation/face-architect-smoothing-fluid-foundation.htm) and Koh Gen Do Color base and Aqua foundation (www.kohgendocosmetics.com). I don’t get oily with KGD stuff! They both are lightweight with little coverage, but you can build the coverage up and they will never get cakey. I use concealer for those areas that need more cover. When I touch up during the day, I don’t get products only in the pores either! Check them out.. You can ask for samples and try them first. HTH!
Saturday, July 18, 2009
Were you using a primer with it, Natalie? I found it made me a little more oily at the end of the day than my usual oil level if I didn’t wear a primer!
Saturday, July 18, 2009
Yeah I used it with HD primers, as well as Stop Shining and All mat. I think I have an over-active oil glands :D
Saturday, July 18, 2009
Wow, totally surprised then! At least I am not alone in MUFE HD not making me swoon, LOL.
Saturday, July 18, 2009
Haha. HD was my HG foundation, until I found a better foundation though. It is good that I am gullible and get enabled easily.. Otherwise I’d be using the same stuff forever, not knowing it works for me or not.
Saturday, July 18, 2009
You probably said this and I’m just blanking, but what is your HG foundation now?
Saturday, July 18, 2009
lol.. Shu Uemura Face Architect Smoothing Foundatin for everyday and Koh Gen Do Aqua Foundation for the special occasion :)
Saturday, July 18, 2009
Ooh! I just got some Koh Gen Do products to try… I will put those two on the list of products I want to try, haha.
Saturday, July 18, 2009
Holy crap! Get out :D What did you get?
Saturday, July 18, 2009
Cheek Colors in Apricot Peach and Honey something… lol!
Saturday, July 11, 2009
I have dry skin and mild eczema. The HD foundation is the only foundation I will ever use as long as they make it. All mac founadtions break me out except select tint which was discontinued and face and body, which I don’t care for. HD lasts all day on me and isn’t cakey. I use it with the powder and love it. I was hesitant about the powder b/c my skin is dry, but no worries.
I was about to go out today sans makeup b/c it’s so hot here in jersey, but I said, what the hell. WOW what a difference. I feel like a model when I put this stuff on. people should at least give it a try, but I know not all will love it. At least I do.
Saturday, July 18, 2009
I’m so glad HD has worked out so well for you, Shontay! I wish it was as amazing for me, LOL.
Saturday, July 11, 2009
your skin looks great!! did you add something to your beauty routine? please share :) :)
Saturday, July 18, 2009
I’m using Kate Somerville’s Deep Tissue moisturizer right now, which my skin seems to be liking :)
Saturday, July 11, 2009
Christine,
What is your cheeks? Its beautiful?
Saturday, July 11, 2009
I mean “what is on your cheeks?”
Saturday, July 18, 2009
Make Up For Ever #153 and #5!
Saturday, July 11, 2009
I’d love to know what you’re wearing on your cheeks and lips too! You look positively radiant! :D
Thanks so much for the detailed run-down on this foundation.
Saturday, July 18, 2009
Make Up For Ever #153 and #5 eyeshadows/blushes (they can be either). :)
Saturday, July 11, 2009
I mix the hd with the matte and love it.
Your skin looks fab! Glowing!
Saturday, July 18, 2009
Didn’t think to mix ‘em! Why did you decide to mix them, Katrina?
Thanks :)
Saturday, July 11, 2009
Your makeup looks flawless Christine! Unfortunately, I wasn’t crazy about the HD foundation.. but I do suggest that you steer clear from Studio Fix if your skin is breaking out. I have tried a lot of foundations, and sadly, anything MAC definitely wreaks havoc on my skin..
Saturday, July 18, 2009
Thanks, Jaime! Actually, Studio Fix Fluid doesn’t break me out whatsoever. I’ve used it for four years, and my skin has been amazing with it (and without it). It’s definitely something else I’ve used or been using or something in my life/hormones (lol). I can’t figure it out, but I’ve had great periods of time where my skin looks clear and gorgeous but I never let up on SFF!
Studio Fix powder, though, DOES break me out!
Saturday, July 11, 2009
I know this is WAY off topic, but have you guys ever had a creepy male teacher? A gifted science teacher at my school replied to email about my science project, and said I will have Mr. Pepper for science next year. Why am I freaking out? My friend, who was given a cupcake on her birthday by him, calls him Mr. Pedophile. ‘Nuf said. GAH!
Saturday, July 18, 2009
Oh no!! Definitely take precautions if you take his class, and I’d probably suggest a buddy system… not to mention talking to the school if anything creepy DOES occur.
Saturday, July 11, 2009
Can you please share your new skincare routine. Kate Somerville, huh? I thought you were using MB? I’d love to know what you’re using now and how you like the products. I think I got a Kate Somerville cleanser when I purchased my clarisonic…I’ll have to pull out the box and give it a try!
Saturday, July 18, 2009
Hi Amanda,
I just switched to using Kate Somerville Deep Tissue moisturizer. I’m still using Mario Badescu for my toner (I wasn’t really using any MB for my daily moisturizer), as well as for my AM cleanser. I am using Darphin’s Waterlily cleanser for my PM cleanser, as well.
I have only tried one other Kate Somerville product before (Oil-Free Moisturizer), and I LOVED IT. I’m probably going to try that again after I’m out of Deep Tissue (just ’cause Deep Tissue is pricey).
Saturday, July 11, 2009
I would love to know your new skincare routine as well! I use the HD foundation and so far is my favorite. I have used one of MAC’s before, but I am not sure what it is, but maybe when this bottle of MUFE is empty, I will try your MAC suggestion…since it is cheaper.
Saturday, July 18, 2009
Hi Shonn,
It’s very much the same, I’ve just been using Darphin Waterlily cleanser at night and my moisturizer (AM and PM) is Kate Somerville’s Deep Tissue moisturizer. :)
Saturday, July 11, 2009
Wow you look gorgeous…as always!!! :)
Saturday, July 18, 2009
Thanks, Abby!
Saturday, July 11, 2009
Christine, you look beautiful!! Your skin looks great! I know you love MAC studio fix fluid, but I have to say that although I love the coverage it gives whenever I use it I break out. Maybe your skin is clearing up because you’ve stopped using it?? Anyway, you look great!!
Sunday, July 12, 2009
I ditto this! Everytime I use MAC, without fail…I break out the very next day! And to think I was using it for 6 months straight which only gave my skin time to develop deep painful acne/pimples which is thankfully now all gone!!! Halleluia!!! Okay, maybe I still do get one or two whiteheads when it’s near that time of the month :0)
But yeah Christine, your skin looks BEAUTIFUL (healthy & radiant) but by all means stick with whatever you are using if it works and if you’re happy.
Saturday, July 18, 2009
Studio Fix Fluid doesn’t break me out — I’ve used it during good and bad skin times. It’s definitely something else (whether it’s something I’m using, used, hormones, diet, etc.). I haven’t used Studio Fix Fluid for six months or more (been playing with other foundations), my skin didn’t improve at all (in fact, it got worse). Since using Kate Somerville’s Deep Tissue moisturizer, though, I’ve seen significant improvement in my skin :)
Saturday, July 18, 2009
Thanks, Mistli! Studio Fix Fluid doesn’t break me out, I can tell you that. I’ve used it for four years, and I’ve had periods of amazing skin while wearing it. I’ve been trying a whole slew of foundations for the past six months or more (so I haven’t been using my regular SFF), but only since I’ve changed moisturizers did my skin change any :) (I really just don’t want SFF to get a bad rep from this post — ’cause I love it and it doesn’t break me out at all.)
Saturday, July 11, 2009
I second everyone who is asking for the new skincare routine info! Share, share please! You look fab!
I can’t wear MAC foundation anything. I get Macne when I do. Love MUFE but tried out the HD foundation on a client and I think it’s great if your skin is OK but if you have bad skin (as my client had that day) it does not offer sufficient coverage like MAC does. I had to go into serious concealer action. But MUFE HD anything does photograph well, which I guess makes sense since it was created for the HD screen work.
Saturday, July 18, 2009
Hi Steph,
I just switched to using Darphin Waterlily cleanser and Kate Somerville’s Deep Tissue Moisturizer for AM/PM. I am still using Mario Badescu’s Special Cucumber Lotion for a toner and their Acne Facial Cleanser in the AM. I also still use my Clarisonic at night. :)
I’ve had good luck with MAC foundations. The only one that broke me out was Studio Fix Powder.
Monday, July 20, 2009
Hey Christine, I have a question about your clarisonic. Do you use it EVERY nite? I have oily skin and was wondering if its ok to be using every nite or maybe every other nite….thanks for youe help on this!!!
Monday, July 20, 2009
I use it every night, Cat :) I use a Normal or Sensitive brush head and find every night isn’t too much at all.
Saturday, July 11, 2009
I feel like it’s been a while since I’ve seen a full pic of you on here, and you look gorgeous!! So radiant! Although I don’t want to get caught up in the MUFE madness…I have enough issues fighting off my MAC obsession… :)
Saturday, July 18, 2009
Thanks, Elle! :) Haha, yes, MUFE would not be good!
Saturday, July 11, 2009
Hi,
Where did you get the information that this foundation contains SPF 15? I wasn’t aware it contained SPF because I did not see it mentioned in the product description or on the box…
Saturday, July 18, 2009
Sorry, I confused it with SFF when I had both products’ open!
Saturday, July 11, 2009
Christine…pleasseee let us know your blush & lippy…I’d love to know! ..Also, I just gave in and started using MUFE Primer/Foundation..and I am still unsure if I like it as much as everyone seems to. I am trying to find the perfect Foundation for my wedding day, that WON’t rub off..and well, maybe this is close. Any Ideas???
Saturday, July 18, 2009
It’s Make Up For Ever #153 and #5 blushes :)
I don’t have problems with the MUFE HD foundation rubbing off as long as it’s set with powder!
Saturday, July 11, 2009
I have normal skin and it’s just a touch oily around the t-zone. I absolutely love MUFE HD foundation!!!! I’m a perfect match to 118 (light skin with beige undertones). Lasts all day and doesn’t cake or rub off. It’s my new HG!!
FYI — Christine did a detailed look for what the makeup she has on here:
http://www.temptalia.com/look-make-up-for-ever-green-teal-blue
Saturday, July 18, 2009
Yay! I am so happy it’s working out for you, Andrea :D
Saturday, July 11, 2009
I really want to like this foundation, but it certainly isn’t my HG. I agree that a 109 is best for applying- I think it must need to be worked into the skin a bit- with the 187 this foundation actually seems to amplify any uneven texture. I also have to say I find it sinks into any expression lines that you may have. I’m using the lightest shade right now, and though I can make it work (since I have some color from vacation) there’s no way it will work for me in the winter- I have to blend the jawline now and I’m a good 2-3 shades deeper than normal!
Saturday, July 18, 2009
Hi Jessica,
I wonder if you spritz your brush a bit before applying if it would help sheer the foundation out so it doesn’t build up as much in expression lines!
Monday, July 13, 2009
I love this stuff, it’s definitely the best liquid foundation I’ve used to date. It is very lightweight for a liquid and I love the broad colour selection.
Saturday, July 18, 2009
So glad it’s working out well for you, Nepenthe :D
Tuesday, July 14, 2009
I still have to see how it works on me. Thanks Christine for this review.
Saturday, July 18, 2009
Let us know how it works for you, Cat :)
Friday, July 17, 2009
i am in love with this foundation! and i am oily, but use mac matte gel and mac oil control lotion in combination with this foundation and it is amazing!
Saturday, July 18, 2009
Yayy!! Glad it is working for you, Jessica :D
Wednesday, July 22, 2009
I love how lightweight this foundation is, nothing really compares to me. I also have coral undertones and MUFE matches me perfectly. The fragrance free lightweight aspect makes it incomparable to SFF and the coverage is better without being cakey.
So I love it and thinks it’s amazingly unique =p. Now the new Dior foundation was a let down.
Monday, July 27, 2009
It’s really great that it’s working out so well for you! :)
I’m sorry the Dior one was a let down — I loved Nude!
Saturday, July 18, 2009
Aww I am so jealous!! I saw on other blog that it is pain in the butt to use those cheek color applicators, so I would love to find out what you think!
Saturday, July 18, 2009
I’ll definitely report back once I’ve tried ‘em! :)