I’ve heard and read a lot of great things about Estee Lauder’s
Double Wear Foundation and when I was being color matched at their beauty bar a
few weeks ago, the Makeup Artist informed me that among their selection this formula is ideal for good coverage and long-wear.
When you are in the medium-tanned range, finding a
foundation can be an exasperating journey of trial and error but I was expertly
matched with 4W2 Toasty Toffee which I was told would be my “perfect color” with no need to mix shades!
My first impression of the formula was favorable. I liked
the consistency - it wasn’t too runny or thick and the application is quite
smooth, lightweight and silky. The finish is semi-matte and oil-free so it
retains some moisture and dewiness without making you look greasy.
The liquid is easy to apply with a Beauty Blender or
Kat Von D's Lock-It Foundation Brush (which I am currently obsessed with) and it blends
consistently for even coating. The coverage is light to medium and although I
usually go for full-coverage the color is buildable so I am able to layer and conceal my problem areas for a flawless
complexion. The foundation held up well through humidity and although it does
transfer, I didn’t experience much fading.
The packaging is hard to use and a little messy since the
opening is just a wide hole that you must pour from without much
control over quantity. I’m not sure if the brand offers some kind of pump but
that would be helpful.
Under my vanity lights this shade seemed to match well without
harsh undertones that can make skin appear too red, yellow or grey. Luckily I always
test foundation when I don’t have press events or anything important to do
because by the time I arrived at my mom’s house an hour or two later, the formula
had already oxidized. When foundation is exposed to elements like sun or even
your own sweat it may change color and that is exactly what happened. My family
actually noticed it first by asking me if I had tanned or been baking in the
sun too long which I avoid doing to preserve my skin. Needless to say I was a
bit disappointed and my sister informed me that she too experience similar
results while testing this foundation. I don’t know if this issue is more prevalent
within certain shades but I was really hoping to find my “holy grail”
formulation.
I guess my tiring search for the perfect foundation must
continue and until then I will stick to mixing, matching and using old reliable
faves that work well enough.
The Double Wear Foundation retails for $45.00 and you can
find Estee Lauder in department stores and Sephora.