I never used to care about what brand of foundation - or any makeup item for that matter - I would buy. If it worked well and performed to my standards, then I didn't care what brand it was. If it was a fiver and worked fantastically, then I would use it. But now, I feel like, especially those who are interested in makeup, care more about what brand they're using more than the actual item itself. Instead of Maybelline, Revlon and Bourjois, we are more used to brands such as Benefit, Nars and Urban Decay, for example. I don't speak for everyone, clearly, but for me, I definitely feel that the label is what attracts me into a product. I'd much rather buy a MAC lipstick than a Collection 2000 lipstick. I suppose there are benefits to high end makeup: you get what you're paying for. The quality is clearly much better than those from the drugstores and tend to be much better for your skin. Nevertheless, I love drugstore makeup - especially mascaras. I feel that they're as good of a quality, if not better, than any high end version. Additionally, I love drugstore eyeshadows - I think that some of them are on par with the standards of my MAC eyeshadows. (Ok now onto the review...)
However, when it comes to foundations - or anything that touches my face - I am so picky and, also conform to a "label snob". Today, I'm going to review the Esteé Lauder Double Wear Stay-in-Place Makeup which retails for £27.50. I bought this in America for $36 which works out to be roughly £22 - so I got it for much cheaper than in England.
Double Wear falls in the middle of three Esteé Lauder foundations. First is the Double Wear Light which gives sheer to medium coverage, then there is the Double Wear (medium buildable) and lastly there is the Double Wear Maximum Cover which provides full, matte coverage.
This foundation has a medium coverage which is buildable. You can layer the foundation up and it does not look cakey. The finish it gives is natural and semi-matte. As for the "15-hour staying power" claim, I definitely agree. I put this foundation on at 7.30am and by the time I get home from school (9 hours later) it is still in perfect condition. I know it's bad, but I don't take my makeup off when I get home from school so it's still on my face for another 5 or 6 hours. After this time, however, you can see your natural oils coming through the foundation, but it is hardly dramatic. It doesn't come off in the rain which is great; especially for those in the UK!
To conclude, this foundation is perfect for those wanting a near-enough full coverage foundation without the heavy feel on the skin. It corrects any minor imperfections and creates a flawless base. I do think that I am going to need a lighter shade for winter as I bought this in the summer...forking out £28 isn't going to me fun. But it's worth it.
Suzanna x
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