This review dives into the Clarins Everlasting Foundation Plus, a $44, 1.1-ounce matte foundation promising 18-hour wear and full coverage. While marketed for all skin types, its matte finish raises concerns for those with dry skin. We put it to the test on mature, dry, dehydrated skin with various imperfections, including sun damage, large pores, and peeling. The foundation's performance was compared against other high-end brands, offering a comprehensive assessment of its texture, coverage, and longevity. We explore application techniques, examining both brush and sponge application, and assess its wear throughout the day, from initial application to a late-night check-in.This detailed review analyzes the foundation's ability to handle challenging skin conditions, paying close attention to its effect on dryness, wrinkles, and imperfections. We investigate whether the advertised "high fidelity system" and mattifying bamboo powder deliver on their promises of long-lasting, flawless coverage. The results uncover whether this foundation truly lives up to its claims, providing valuable insight for those with dry skin considering adding it to their makeup routine, and weighing the benefits against its limited shade range.
Pros And Cons
- Lightweight
- Blends smoothly (with brush)
- Evens out redness
- Finish is not overly matte, retains some skin luminosity
- Smooths pores and texture
- Doesn't accentuate wrinkles (except for very deep lines)
- Comfortable to wear for extended periods
- Good wear time (at least 10 hours)
- Degrades gracefully
- Contains SPF 15 mineral sunscreen
- Clings to dry/peeling skin
- May be slightly drying for dehydrated skin
- Light to medium coverage
- Limited shade availability in some stores
- May not stay fully matte all day
Read more: Hydrating Foundation for Dry Skin: Top 5 Picks
Product Overview and Claims
Clarins Everlasting Foundation Plus retails for $44 for 1.1 ounces, approximately $40 per ounce. It boasts 18 hours of full matte coverage, promising to conceal blemishes and imperfections for a flawless finish. The brand highlights its 'high fidelity system' combined with mattifying bamboo powder for long wear, even in humidity. It also includes organic quinoa extract for skin suppleness and an anti-pollution complex.
However, despite claiming suitability for all skin types, the emphasis on a matte finish raises concerns for those with dry skin, who often experience dryness and accentuated wrinkles with matte formulations.
Available in ten shades, Macy's website stocks only five, indicating limited availability of shades in certain retailers.
Swatch Comparison and Skin Type
The foundation was swatched against several other foundations, including Clarins Skin Illusion, Estée Lauder Double Wear, MAC Mineralize, and YSL All Hours Foundation. This comparison allowed for a visual assessment of shade and texture differences.
The reviewer's skin is described as 45-year-old, dry, dehydrated, with sun damage, large pores, fine lines, wrinkles, and some peeling. This provides a challenging test for the foundation's ability to handle various skin imperfections.
Prior to application, the reviewer prepped her skin with moisturizer and a silicone-free primer to mitigate the potential drying effects of the foundation.
Application and Initial Impressions
The foundation was applied using a dampened sponge on one side of the face and a brush on the other. The reviewer noted that the damp sponge caused the foundation to cling to her hairline, while the brush application was smoother. The initial coverage was considered light.
The foundation seemed to cling slightly to areas of peeling skin. Redness was slightly diminished, but still visible. The finish was described as not overly matte, retaining some skin luminosity.
Despite the initial light coverage, the reviewer experimented with a “speckle” application technique, focusing on areas needing more coverage, to better blend with her peeling skin.
Full Makeup Look and Mid-Day Check-in
After completing the full makeup look, including eyeshadow, blush, bronzer, and lipstick, the reviewer did a mid-day check-in. The foundation was praised for its pretty matte finish, which wasn't flat but retained dimension and luminosity. It blended well with other makeup products and didn't require powder setting.
The reviewer noted that the foundation clung slightly to dry patches, which was expected given her skin's condition. The overall appearance was considered really nice from a conversational distance, even with the peeling and dryness present.
At the mid-day check-in, the reviewer also reviewed the Covergirl 24-hour matte lipstick, noting its longevity and chemical scent.
Evening Check-in and Final Verdict
The evening check-in, approximately ten and a half hours after application, revealed that the foundation had worn well, maintaining a comfortable and lightweight feel. The finish remained pretty, with a subtle glow, and hadn't become overly dry or cakey.
While some slight gathering and clinging to dry patches were visible up close, the overall appearance remained good from a distance. Minor dryness was noted around the crow's feet and forehead, typical for a matte foundation on dry skin.
Overall, the foundation received an A- rating. Its comfortable wear, pretty finish, and decent longevity, even on challenging skin, were highly praised. The reviewer wished for greater shade availability but highly recommends it for those who don't mind a slightly dewy matte finish.