Hey Everyone,
I remember saying to myself not too long ago that I believed drugstore foundations weren’t as good as high end foundations. But, before you bring out the pitchforks and torches, this is probably one of the first drugstore foundations that marked my turning point into a new drugstore loving era. This is the Maybelline Superstay 24HR Foundation and if I were to sum it up in three words, it’s flawless, it covers, and it’s comfortable. There’s a reason why this is the second bottle that I’ve purchased.
The story to this foundation was a little funny. One of my best friends, Danielle, is one of those ladies who loves being tan. Even if I beg her to take the lighter foundation because I know it’s her color, she always insists that she’s the darker shade. It was one of those “I Told You So” moments and after quite a while bantering back and forth, I bought it from her. She’s quite a good saleswoman and she wanted to make up for lost profit. I’m not afraid to say that I am in love with this foundation and perhaps Danielle should buy the wrong color more often. I will make small comparisons with the Revlon ColorStayFoundation, because that’s my other favourite drugstore foundation.
So, What does this Foundation Do?
Maybelline says this is supposed to:
- Stays comfortable and looks naturally flawless all day
- Micro-Flex formula provides 24-hour wear and no transfer
- Withstands heat, sweat and humidity
- Oil-free, dermatologist-tested, fragrance-free
- Suitable for all skin types
The Key Characteristic though here is the Micro-Flex Formula. Maybelline boasts that this stuff moves with your skin and won’t cake and flake up like some foundations do. It’s long lasting in that way and controls most oilies. We’ll see if these characteristics hold up later in this review.
But first, let’s take a closer look at the packaging:
Reminiscent of the Revlon Colorstay, the bottle has no pump. A standard foundation bottle design. Nothing special, nothing out of the ordinary.
I have to say I absolutely love the consistency of this foundation. Unlike some foundations that are either too runny or too think like the Rimmel Stay Matte foundation, this consistency allows for a flawless blend onto the skin. It also allows for enough coverage to cover up redness and small flaws. If I were to compare it to the Revlon ColorStay Foundation, it is tons more comfortable than it’s much more heavy counterpart.
How do you put this baby on?
You can either spread this on with your clean fingers or use a synthetic paddle brush in short strokes onto the face. However, I still suggest smoothing the foundation with clean fingers after you have applied it with the brush. The coverage is amazing. It basically offers about the same coverage as the Revlon Colorstay Foundation but with probably half the weight.
It looks a bit unfinished until you really blend the product out. This product also tends to oxidize a bit so if it appears to be a little light when you first apply it, it should be alright in about 1-2 hours when the foundation is totally set.
I wouldn’t suggest you really wearing the foundation out without powder and concealer overtop. The flawless finish can only be achieved this way. Without powder and concealer, it has a bit of a funny, painted glow that I wouldn’t suggest walking around with.
That’s much better. I used the MAC Studio Finish Concealer and the MAC MSF Natural to finish up the job here.
Of course no makeup routine is finished without your other necessary counterparts. You can see that putting the other elements of your makeup on really changes the look of the face and even the payoff of your foundation. I never really recommend wearing a foundation plain, without the other parts of your face enhanced because it looks too artificial. I know that sounds contradictory, but when everything is pieced together, it just looks more like a finished masterpiece.
Overall Review:
I absolutely love it. I like the ample coverage it gives me and I like that it is comfortable for me to wear during the day. It’s light, flawless and affordable. I love how it’s easy to blend and such a no-brainer foundation. But, what’s a review if we don’t observe the claims:
So, does this foundation…
- Stays comfortable and looks naturally flawless all day?
Yes. It does look “naturally flawless” and it is comfortable. The consistency is pleasantly not too heavy
- Micro-Flex formula provides 24-hour wear and no transfer?
I wouldn’t necessarily say that it lasts for as long as it says it does because my foundation does come off after about 9 or so hours. Not 24 HR. But C’mon can any foundation actually withstand 24HRs? Didn’t think so. I reckon the Revlon Colorstay has more of a lasting finish than the Maybelline SuperStay. The Maybelline SuperStay is just tons more comfortable to wear.
- Withstands heat, sweat and humidity?
I still oil up but it does stay even when I’m out for long periods of time and doesn’t look gross at the end of a long day. In terms of oil control, it does a mediocre job. I still have to blot throughout the day.
- Oil-free, dermatologist-tested, fragrance-free?
No fragrance, and the other two I can’t really know unless I fly to the Maybelline laboratories and shadow the scientists there.
- Suitable for all skin types?Now this is weird but I find that my skin actually improves when I use this foundation. I don’t know why but it really does and I’m thankful for that since I’m quite senstive to some liquid foundations. That old wives tale that more affordable makeup can break you out isn’t true.
Overall, this foundation is better than most foundations I’ve tried and is slightly even similar to the MUFE HD Foundation. The HD Foundation is a little more runnier and lighter but the coverage is about the same. Don’t even talk about the Bobbi Brown Foundation, that was such a dissapointment. I am very pleased with this product and it presently remains my default liquid foundaiton.
I hope you like this post!
What is your favourite drugstore foundation?
Love, Roseanne