This review dives deep into the Revlon ColorStay Foundation, exploring its claims of full coverage and a matte finish. We investigate whether this drugstore favorite lives up to the hype, examining application techniques, coverage capabilities, and long-term wear. From the initial priming steps to the final assessment, we'll analyze the foundation's performance, considering factors like blending tools, buildable coverage, and potential drawbacks. Particular attention is paid to the impact of application method on the final look and feel, revealing key insights for achieving optimal results.This comprehensive review covers everything from the foundation's lightweight feel despite its impressive coverage, to its tendency to oxidize and the impact this has on the final shade. We’ll explore whether the "matte" finish truly lives up to its name, and if the improved shade range makes it a worthwhile addition to your makeup bag. Finally, we'll provide a final rating and overall verdict, assessing its suitability for different skin types and offering helpful tips for maximizing its performance.
Pros And Cons
- Lightweight feel
- Good coverage (full coverage with one layer)
- Matte finish (but not drying)
- Long-lasting
- SPF 15
- May oxidize and appear orange in certain lighting
- Some transfer
Read more: Hydrating Foundation for Dry Skin: Top 5 Picks
Application with Beauty Blender vs. Brush
The reviewer starts by priming her face with Maybelline Baby Skin Instant Pore Eraser. She then compares applying the Revlon ColorStay foundation using a damp beauty blender versus a foundation brush. The beauty blender application is highlighted as smoother and better for achieving a flawless, matte finish.
Applying with a beauty blender seemed to yield a more seamless blend, while the brush application felt heavier and more prone to looking oily, even after blending.
This section emphasizes the importance of tool selection for optimal results with this particular foundation.
Coverage and Finish
The reviewer notes the foundation's lightweight feel despite its full coverage capabilities. She demonstrates how easily it covers dark marks and blemishes with just one layer.
The foundation provides buildable coverage; however, even after applying a second layer, the finish retains a lightweight feel rather than a heavy, cakey look.
Despite advertising as a matte foundation, some transfer was observed indicating not a completely transfer-proof matte finish.
Oxidation and Overall Impression
The reviewer mentions the foundation’s tendency to oxidize, appearing slightly more orange than its initial shade after application. This effect seemed less pronounced when using the beauty blender.
Despite the oxidation, the reviewer praises the foundation’s overall performance, emphasizing its lightweight feel, buildable coverage, and long-lasting wear.
The foundation is described as having a good, matte finish without being overly drying.
Final Verdict
The Revlon ColorStay foundation receives an 8/10 rating. While the reviewer appreciates the full coverage, lightweight feel, and long wear, the slight oxidation and not completely transfer-proof matte finish prevent it from achieving a perfect score.
The improved shade range is highlighted as a positive aspect of this foundation compared to previous Revlon releases.
Overall, it’s deemed a good drugstore foundation option, especially suitable for combination to oily skin.