As you have probably noticed by now I am obsessed with foundations! I love trying out new ones and seeing how they compare with others. I tried an inexpensive matte foundation (Rimmel Stay Matte Liquid Mousse, review here) and fell head over heals so to see how this compared I decided to try a middle of the road (where price is concerned) alternative. I had a look around and decided on the Boots No7 Beautifully Matte Foundation which claims to give people with Normal to Oily Skin Medium/Full Coverage and stay shine free for up to 14 hours. It also says that it will give the skin a soft and even finish while at the same time protect it from the sun as it contains SPF 15. All sounds good so I thought I was on to a winner!!
I do love the packaging of this product. It is a simple, user friendly little pump that dispenses just the right amount of product (sometimes you may need two pumps) for a full face so that there is no product waste. I also like that you can see how much product you have left. The packaging has a matte feel to it which is pretty cool considering it’s a matte foundation.
On first application the product seems very promising. It goes on effortlessly and gives a lovely look to the skin, although it isn’t a very matte finish like it boasts. I would suggest applying this with a buffing brush though as I first applied it with my Real Techniques Miracle Complexion Sponge (Review here) and it didn’t sit well on my skin at all. After I applied the rest of my makeup I was happy enough with the result and off I headed to work.
Around 4 hours later I took a look in the bathroom mirror and to my surprise I looked like a shiny mess. On closer inspection I notice that the foundation had started to separate around my nose and it caked around my chin area. I don’t have really oily skin. My T-Zone would get shiny but with this foundation my cheeks and forehead were quiet shiny. When I touched my face the foundation felt sticky, even though I did prime underneath and powder over it 4 hours ago. I also feel it wore off my skin in places such as my temples and around the top of my nose.
This product also claims that it’s “unique mattifying formula ensures pores appear less visible” but you will see from the above that my pores in fact are emphasised by the foundation after it has had a chance to sink into the skin.
I have to be honest and say I am very disappointed in how this foundation wears on my skin. It’s such a pity because after I applied the foundation I was happy with the way it looked but it just didn’t hold up on my skin throughout the morning. Also in my opinion the claims that this product has attached to it are not very justifiable.
It claims to:
Be matte– you can see from my initial picture that even when first applied it is far from matte.
Stay Matte for up to 14hours– I was very shiny after 4 hours so I cannot see this lasting 14 hours even on drier skins.
Helps balance oily and dry areas to create a flawless finish due to its moisturising benefits -This doesn’t make much sense to me. Firstly it says it contains oil absorbing powders and now it’s moisturising, these two would surely counter-act each other??? You can see that the foundation caked around my chin and separated around my nose so my skin looks less than flawless after only 4 hours.
Ensure pores appear less visible– I feel I am rambling on but you know the story, the pictures say more than words.
I do have to point out though that I didn’t break out at all from this foundation which is rare for me as my skin would be quiet sensitive to new products. This could be down to the fact that it contains Salicylic acid which helps to fight the nasty bacteria that creates spots. I also like the fact that it contains SPF to help protect your skin from the sun but be careful when using any foundations with SPF in them as it can cause the camera to flashback making your face appear pale in photos.
This foundation will knock you back €16.95/£12.95 and if you would like to try it out for yourself it is available from Boots pharmacy’s.
Have you tried this foundation before? I would love to know your views if you have? What higher end Matte Foundations do you like as this is my next purchase to see if I can find anything that lives up to my Holy Grail Rimmel Stay Matte.
I hope you found this review helpful. Have a great day.
Anita xxx
3 Comments
Helene
December 4, 2014 at 9:19 amBad you didn’t liked it. This Foundation really Works for me.
I used it everyday in a periode of one year and eight months, it has never dissapointed me.
My is empty soon, have to buy a New one.
I’ve used up a few of this Foundation, it’s defintly my favouite!:)
Celine Power
July 4, 2018 at 9:45 pmI also bought this product and got the same results as you. I thought I was onto a good thing but was left very disappointed after a couple of hours
Julie Ann Ridenour
February 4, 2021 at 7:15 pmTotally agree with you Anita. It does the exact thing to me and where im not shiny it looks cakey. Im thinking about going completely back to MAC but gosh its high even though its worth it.