Estee Lauder Double Wear Stay-in-Place Makeup

I am always in search of long-wearing foundations, a challenge for those with gifted-slash-cursed oily skin like mine (oily skin delays wrinkles but is prone to breakouts and lightning-speed makeup meltdown). As a makeup enthusiast, I advise to invest on a foundation that delivers flawless finish with commendable staying power- which for the most part is a trial and error experience.

In my ultimate quest for that holy grail, I purchased Estee Lauder Double Wear Stay-in-Place Makeup (Nordstrom, $35) a couple of weeks ago. Double Wear, Stay in Place. Here we go again with marketing words meant to entice a makeup junkie. This foundation is supposed to last for 15 hours, as explained by the sales associate. Realistically speaking, anything that lasts for more than eight hours to me without obvious sign of oxidation (makeup turns dark or orangey after some time due to skin’s oiliness) is good enough. Note to self and everyone, I am an oil tanker, yay!

My shade is Tawny (medium beige)

Let’s cut to the chase. I like that it has SPF 10 (although negligible because the American Academy of Dermatology recommends at least SPF 30). But if you use a pressed powder or a moisturizer that has higher SPF, then it can work to your advantage. The consistency is thick, it took me 20 seconds to pour the first drop out of the bottle. Which brings me to the next issue: Wastage. Because it has no pump or spatula (I would assume the pump will get clogged in time because of its thick liquid), pouring is a calculated risk (I always end up getting more than what I need- practice makes perfect!)

Still on the topic of thickness, this foundation requires a quick hand in applying and blending. I used a stippling brush to apply and a flat top brush to blend. Combined with a primer and pressed powder to set it, this brand lasted a good ten hours on me. Bravo! (I blotted my face thrice throughout the day to reduce shine). And yes, I used this foundation at the height of my acne outrage. Can you tell with these pictures?

Good enough to conceal the bumps

Over-all rating: 4/5 Must-try. Oil-free and non-comedogenic. Full coverage.


In Memoriam: Evelyn Lauder (1936- 2011) Senior Corporate VP of Estee Lauder Companies and Creator of Pink Ribbon Breast Cancer Awareness, passed away last November 12 2011 due to complications from ovarian cancer.