What do you look for in a foundation review?
I want to know someone has worn it multiple times on different occasions; I’ve found that week-to-week, a foundation might look great one week and less-great another week just based on how my skin is on a given day. I also like to see how it pairs with other products one uses–like were there issues using it with existing go-to primers, powders, blushes, etc. The most important aspect is how it breaks down as there’s a “graceful” fade and the kind that looks patchy and wrecked.
— Christine
I find it’s hard to find a truly comprehensive review of foundation online so I typically browse several and extrapolate from there.
The biggest areas of concern for me are:
A) I have wicked sensitive skin and I need to know the foundation isn’t irritating, doesn’t cause breakouts, and doesn’t leave your skin extremely sensitive after removal. This usually means I need to find a reviewer who’s worn the foundation for at least two weeks – which knock out many of the more accessible/visible online reviewers.
B) Is it buildable? If I’m wearing foundation it’s because I need more coverage than a BB/CC cream – but I prefer for a more natural finish and coverage. I really prefer a medium coverage foundation that can be built up if needed a la MUFE HD.
C) Please dear God photos in different lighting (especially outside,) and preferable a few different shades.
Honestly? Nothing. I can wear so few foundations on my skin that just knowing there is a new one I’m even able to try means I’ll go grab a sample myself. It doesn’t matter what coverage, long lasting, pore-filling, etc…a foundation is if it’ll just clog my pores anyway. I’m super fair, very dry skin, need to cover redness – but not much else, and can’t use silicones…so, yeah, that’s like 1% of the population and none of the beauty bloggers or youtubers have that kind of skin.
The one thing that no foundation review mentions usually. I want to know if it transfers. I don’t want to see brown fingerprints all over my books and papers, so for me, it can be the best foundation ever, if it transfers, I don’t buy it, or destash it quickly. So far Smashbox, MAC, and UD did not let me down (the last one didn´t like for other reasons), while foundation like ELDW was a total fail.
Basically, I want a fingertip test. 😀 Touching the face, then a white paper. 😀
In my wild mid 20s I worn Estee Lauder Double Wear during hikes, 10K runs and mud races. Not even then it transferred, which really tells me how subjective base products are. Half a pump was always enough for me, good coverage, no transfer.
*Probably me not being able to be out in public without foundation at that time was the reason of my clogged pores. 😅
I rather like you typically do not do foundation reviews. Base is far too subjective and I find them mostly useless.. reader feedback/website reviews..same.
Had to think about this question a bit as I don’t much read foundation reviews; however when I have (probably early on in my makeup wear) I think that what mattered to me most was texture (matte, semi, luminous, sheer, etc.), wear time, sweat proof or not, and does it change colors (oxidize?) .
Speaking of the bottle you use to illustrate, Lys has been one of those medium-buildable foundations that feels light, covers well, and fades elegantly for me. It is a great value at only $22 and performs as well as foundations twice its cost for me. I am in my mid-40s with normal skin and some fine lines.
For me it’s very important that the reviewer tried the foundation over a long period.
A good review should also include different methods of applications: fingers, sponge, brush (buffing, stippling). Also, I want to know if it needs a primer or a powder and how well it works with other products.
Off course wear time matters.
What I am personally very interested in is if the foundation oxidizes during the day. If a reviewer usually states the foundation oxidized on them one shade, on me it will be at least 2. 😅
1.) A very honest, preferably non-sponsored reviewer.
2.) That these people reviewing it have very similar skin concerns as myself. Combination skin, oily t-zone, breakout prone, but with some deep expression lines and large pores.
3.) Because of the very harsh, hot climate we live in, I’m always on the lookout for foundations that can handle that and manage to last well for at least the time I’m out and about.
4.) Oddly though, I found my perfect long-wearing, seemingly sweatproof foundation just by trying a sample of MAC Pro Longwear Waterproof Nourishing Foundation!
I generally don’t read foundation reviews as the reviewer’s skintone more likely does not match mine. It’s also really hard to tell from a photo on a computer screen how it actually looks.
I do tend to take a sample for the week, of more expensive brands, to see how it looks on me and I will take it from there.
Then I compare it to my current favourite – L’Oreal’s True Match and see if it is better – generally not.
I go through so much foundation (I wear it every single day), that a DS brand is much more economical for me.
The main things I look for in foundation reviews are does it emphasize pores, does it have a strong fragrance, does it oxidize and what coverage level does it have?
I like a natural skin like finish and not terribly matte. One that doesn’t settle into the pores and lines. I also like transfer resistant and especially one that dries down and does require powder.
I don’t care about buildable and I like a medium to light coverage. My skin and imperfections can show thru.
I’m a somewhat difficult shade and undertone match, so I try to seek out reviewers who wear similar shades to what I wear. I have oily skin, so I also want to know how a foundation applies and wears throughout the day. I also want to know whether it oxidize or has a strong fragrance, opacity and whether it’s a buildable formulß.
How it reacts to sweat! I’m always sweaty! Even in winter.
I love this foundation! It’s light and buildable and better than I expected! I have 60+ skin and wear foundation just about every day. This one blends very nicely and wears well.