Review: Maybelline Superstay 24HR Makeup Foundation (vs. Revlon ColorStay Foundation)

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

43 comments

  • junying

    You look so gorgeous babe! Now I want to try it out! Is it available in Singapore? I haven’t been noticing Watsons or Guardian lately. >.<

  • roseannetangrs

    Thanks dear! Sowwie, only available in Aussie!

  • junying

    Oh well. I can save up on some moolah for now. >.<

  • beautyprincess

    Wow you look gorgeous!

  • Anonymous

    You look so preeetty! Out of interest does it transfer? I absolutely can’t stand wearing a white shirt and then realising there are streaky foundation marks on it!!

  • meiQiuezinclassyvintage

    outstanding! you looks pretty! how much is this foundation in aussie?:)

  • Anonymous

    Great review!! I am currently wearing the Revlon colorstay so it was interesting to hear you compare the two. I think I might give this a go, when my Revlon runs out!

    xx emmabovary

  • roseannetangrs

    @junying: haha yep! but there is roseannebeauty mailorder ;p just sayin’ :)

    @beautyprincess: thank you!

    @Anonymous: Thank you! Yes it still does transfer like all foundations normally do so be careful :) I hate it too. Once i hugged my friend and it landed on his shirt. I hope he didn’t notice haha.

    @meiQieuzinclassyvintage: thanks dear! it’s $24.95 I believe! Something like that!

    @emmabovary: Thank you! Yes try it out, you’ll feel it to be much lighter :)

  • Olivia Chan

    You look absolutely GORGEOUS in the second photo and I have to say, I absolutely love this foundation as well! The shade matched me perfectly and I used it until the bottle was without a doubt empty. I was so sad to throw it away as well :( Although I’ve moved onto more high end foundations, this one will always be in my heart haha :) Honestly one of my favorite drugstore foundations

  • carogahonag

    HI!!! I loved this foundation also, but I haven’t been able to found a good powder to top it off. Which drugstores one would u recommend for combo/ oily skin?

  • sendo03

    Why is make up wear popular among women?
    Sana hindi maxado MAKAPAL ANG MUKHA FESLAK… VAKLAS…

  • Anonymous

    What eyeliner are you using? :D

  • purrbliss

    your skin looks so perfect!!! its such a pity that its not available in singapore :(

  • roseannetangrs

    @OliviaChan: Thank you!! I was so sad when my first bottle was gone too! one of my all time favourites too :)

    @carogahonag: maybelline dream matte powder is pretty good although it provides no coverage and is a product i liked at the end of the week but didn’t like that much at the start. I’ve already used two and i love it!

    @sendo03: Check my About me at the nav bar :)

    @Anonymous: KATE Super Sharp liquid liner pen :)

    @purrbliss: thanks dear! check out roseannebeauty mail order if you really wanna get your hands on it :) check out the “shop here” link on the navigation bar under my banner ;)

  • Jenn Staz

    Do you know how much this foundation costs in the USA?
    Also – I’m about to search for FAQ’s on this, but what camera do you use, and what do you do for lighting? Your pics are gorgeous and very clear! I have such a hard time with that.

  • Cendana K

    =D yay! oh oh look at you! gorgeous girl!
    first time i tried this, i dunno why i didn’t like it and just wanted to get rid of it. then i gave it 2nd chance and loveeeeee it ever since! changed my perspective on drugstore foundation too. it hasn’t break me out or do funny things. i’m still goin thru my 1st bottle since i tend to switch up my foundation quite a bit lol. this is probably the best matching foundation for me so far and that i can always come back to if all else fails. top it off with maybelline dream matte powder and of course, other counterparts – good to go! yay!

    you can get this foundation cheaper especially during sales, price can go down to about AUD$17.95.

  • roseannetangrs

    @Jenn Staz: Hmm not sure how much it costs in the states :( Sorry! I’m using the Canon S95, it’s amazing!! and I use a desk lamp with a pretty strong white bulb to light up my pictures :)

    @Cendana K: thanks dear! haha yes, it’s so good! yep priceline sale right now! haha

  • Keem B

    Great pictures, your skin looks absolutely flawless! :) Do you have any tips on choosing the right foundation to match your face? I’m always overwhelmed by the huge color selection of Revlon and Maybelline. I have yet to purchase a foundation because I’m afraid of choosing the wrong colour.

  • TPengwin

    Thanks for the review, I have been considering this foundation for a while. Have you tried Rimmel Lasting Finish yet? I use it now, and I find it high comparable to Revlon Colorstay. Great coverage, comfortable, and doesn’t oxidize!! I’m just wondering if it would be worth it to switch from Rimmel to Maybelline. Lasting Finish is very affordable, so if you haven’t tried it yet you should!!

  • roseannetangrs

    @Keem B: thanks dear! find what your color is at the MAC counter, and you can use that as a reference guide. If you want to find a foundation in say the revlon colorstay and you are an NC30, search in google something like “revlon colorstay shade, MAC NC30” then you should be able to find someone who has reviewed it who is also and nc30, usually they’ll say what shade they were in the foundation as well. Makeupalley is tons useful for this! then you can go to the store to see if it really is your color :)

    @TPengwin: I love love the Rimmel Lasting finish. That foundation is more comfortable than the Maybelline and Revlon but it didn’t do well on my skin :( I’m going to give it another go, been aching to do a review on it.

  • yumemisakai

    wow the pictures look really nice! ive never actually bought foundation and wore any on a daily basis. i dont know if its because i just never found the right one or what but everytime i try on liquid foundation, it magnifies the pores on my nose, and like ……. idk makes it look really fake and bad, like its obvious that the foundation is there and i hate it so much ): suggestions? :/

  • roseannetangrs

    @yumemisakai: sometimes that happens because the foundation may be too light for your skintone, or too much foundation is applied so that its too cakey. You can also set your foundation with a good powder like the MAC MSF natural or the maybelline dream matte powder to make it look more natural :)

  • roseannetangrs

    using a face primer might also help!

  • Claudia U

    What is the high end foundation you recommend?

  • Princess Jae

    That looks amazing ^^ Gotta try it for myself.

  • AutumnCandy

    I used to love Revlon’s ColorStay until I got Maybelline’s Pure Mineral Liquid foundation. The coverage may not be as good but I like the lightweight feeling of the Maybelline’s foundation.

  • roseannetangrs

    @Claudia U: Makeup forever HD foundation :) or Elizabeth Arden Pure Finish Mineral Makeup :)

    @Princess Jae: yes! it’s awesome!

  • roseannetangrs

    @AutumnCandy: Oo I have yet to try that one! I just got dream matte mousse and dream mousse liquid foundation from maybelline, can’t wait to review them :) im starting to really like maybelline!!

  • AutumnCandy

    Do try and review soon Roseanne! Aww I wish Singapore could have more of these drugstore products that Aussie has.

  • hellopanda27

    Thanks for the wonderful post!! I was looking for the perfect liquid foundation and I might try this one! :D btw, which shade do you use?

  • roseannetangrs

    The bottle featured above is Natural Beige, turns out a little too light for me! My first bottle was in Nude and I forgot and got this, mistake on my part at the supermarket haha.

  • Anonymous

    Great review Roseanne! You look stunning in your photos – mind telling us what other makeup you were wearing? :)

  • roseannetangrs

    Thanks!

    Eyes – NARS Cordura Eyeshadow Duo
    Bronzer – Benefit Hoola
    Blush – MAC Pink Swoon
    Lips – Guerlain Kiss Kiss in Beige Nude :)

  • jennifer Huang

    Love this review! I have this foundation.. in a slightly lighter shade to yours.. i think? haha
    I guess it’s time for me to test this out.. once i get a new concealer ^_^
    Thank you so much! Looking forward to finally opening it and trying it out!

  • cosmicgal

    hii…great review, may I know what shade are you in mac or revlon colorstay..?? willing to purchase thie online but I need reference…thank you :)

  • Syidah Elise

    Awh you make this foundation sound like a must-get! “Same coverage as the Revlon Colorstay Foundation but with probably half the weight”? – I’M SOLD! I’ve always envied my friends’ skin looking flawless cos of the Revlon foundation, but I hate how it makes me feel sweaty so I always end up using BB creams which have lesser coverage :/ Too bad this isn’t available in Sg! But I will scout around for this! And you look beautiful :) I agree with you that foundation on its own without the rest of makeup makes a face look weird! I thought I’m the only one who thought so :p

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  • Carissa

    Pulling this one out of the grave, hope you answer =) .. In the powdered and concealed picture, what brush is that? I have been looking for one just like that but have had no luck. Thanks so much! P.S. – GORGEOUS photos!

    -CC

    • roseannetangrs (author)

      Hey Carissa! It’s the M.A.C 134! :) it’s awesome :)

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  • sally chetcuti

    Love your foundation, what color did you use as we are the same skin tone

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