When it comes to foundation, I love a decent coverage with natural finish and long lasting power. This is why the claims of the Make Up For Ever Matte Velvet Skin Foundation caught my attention. The 24 hours claim is what I was skeptical about though. Was it going to last the hot and humid climate in Nigeria? Is it really full coverage? Read on to find out.
First, What is It?
Make Up For Ever Matte Velvet Skin Full Coverage Foundation.
Claims by the brand:
“Matte Velvet Skin Full Coverage Foundation is the next-generation* everyday full coverage liquid foundation that unifies complexion while hiding imperfections. Thanks to its FLEXI-FIT mesh complex innovation – an exclusive technology for skin comfort and breathability – its supple formula adapts to facial movements and resists cracking for a non-cakey makeup result. Its buildable texture won’t clog pores and is easy to apply and blend, leaving your complexion looking velvety, without a mask effect. Its formula is also waterproof and long-wearing for up to 24-hour** flawless results!”
Shade Range
The Matte Velvet Skin Foundation is available in 40 shades. There is a reasonable difference in the color gradient and there are various undertones to pick from. I went for the shade ‘Caramel’ (Y433) which had the closest description to my skin tone and luckily for me it was a good match. Y433 is a warm yellow toned shade. It seemed too yellow upon application but it adjusted into my skin tone once it set, so don’t fret if you experience something similar.
Texture & Application:
It has a thick and creamy texture like that of a mousse foundation yet it feels so lightweight when applied. It gives a soft-matte finish without having you look flat. Personally, I find that the best way to apply this foundation is to sheer it out on a palette (or the back of your hand) before buffing it into your skin. I also noticed that applying it with a foundation brush gives a fuller coverage than a beauty blender. However if a foundation brush is used, it still needs to be pat with a beauty blender else it may look streaky.
Coverage:
In my opinion, it is a medium to full coverage foundation. If you have acne scars or hyperpigmentation to cover up like I do, you will have to layer it in those areas to achieve a full coverage. Thanks to the light and airy texture, it’s easily buildable without looking cakey.
Lasting power:
Now for the most interesting claim of the foundation. The ‘24H*’ printed on the tube really got me hyped to put it through the ringer if it will survive the busy days and hot temperature in Nigeria. Of course I wasn’t going to wear the foundation for 24 hours but I was able to test it on several occasions. I must say, it is really long-lasting! Among all, the one that had me in awe was when I wore this foundation to a wedding. I had it on for about 12 hours and it held up pretty good. Despite the dancing, singing, and switching between events all under 30ºC, the foundation didn’t fail me! It separated in some places like around my nose, forehead but it didn’t wear off completely. It also settled in my fine lines around my mouth but that happens with every skin product I use.
My skin type being oily/combination, I was blown away!
Price and where to get it
The Make Up For Ever Matte Velvet Skin is a high end foundation and it retails for $38 at Sephora. You can also preorder it from GlamBeautyJay, an online beauty retail store in Nigeria.
