For this week’s article I wanted to talk about my first impression of a foundation. Obviously I’m drawn to all things matte due to my oily skin issues. But when you can combine matte with an affordable price, I’m definitely intrigued.
Brand background: The brand Maybelline dates back to 1915. Nineteen-year-old Tom Lyle Williams noticed his sister mixed Vaseline with coal dust to coat her lashes with a black substance. He later used his chemistry set to create a product called “lash-in-brow-line.” Williams renamed his eye beautifier Maybelline in honor of his sister (Mabel). Many years later (1996), Maybelline was purchased by L’Oreal, and its inventory has expanded to over 150 different products (Wow, thanks internet for this knowledge!). According to Maybelline’s website, the brand have also done away with animal testing.
First Impression:
Face: I have used the product by itself, and mixed with other foundations to create a better match for my skin tone. I’ve applied the foundation with a flat top kabuki brush, as well as a damp Morphe Flawless Beauty sponge. The foundation was a little streaky when used with a brush, but this seems to happen with multiple foundations for me. I just use the sponge to do a once over on my face to smooth out any lines.
Feel: It pours out a tad bit runny, but no more so than other foundations. It is reminiscent of the NARS Velvet Matte Skin Tint. It feels velvety, and spreads like a dream. After application, it has a matte, powdery look once it has dried on the face. I always opt to set my foundation with powder, and this keeps my makeup intact for over 8 hours. I love that it doesn’t leave my face patchy throughout the day. I’m always on the go at work, so I never have a problem with a makeup-less nose or chin. It is buildable, but one layer is good enough for me. Otherwise, I feel like it sits too heavy on my skin.
Price point: I bought mine at Walgreens for $7.49 – an instant regret as I searched online, because I have just found that it is $4.97 at Walmart. At any rate, it is at the perfect price point if you are looking for something that is beautiful and affordable.
Packaging: Now, this is probably the only thing I dislike. It comes in a glass bottle with a top that twists on and off. Personally, I’m fond of foundations with a pump. A pump limits how much product comes out. An open bottle allows for a lot of waste. Not to mention the total mess that becomes your makeup counter when you pour too much and get it EVERYWHERE.
Overall:
I give this product an A-. Honestly, finding a foundation that doesn’t rub off with my oily skin will always be FIRE in my book. I forgot to mention this product is specifically for normal-to-oily types. Never fear dry-to-normal friends! There is also the Fit Me! Dewy & Smooth foundation which I’m sure is a dream come true for you! With 40 shades, the possibilities are endless for light to dark skin tones.
This product did get negative points for packaging. Alas, life can’t be perfect.
Have a product in mind you would like tested or talked about in this column? Please leave a comment below or email me at thebeautybeatdown@gmail.com.
