Update 11/2013 – Stila is selling in China and is no longer cruelty free.
Guest post by Kath TheFabzilla.
Truth be told. I have low tolerance for mediocre foundations that’s why I am always on the wild hunt for the next best thing on foundies – not necessarily the most buzzed, but something that can withstand my genetically greasy face and this warm Hawaii weather. And yeah, add that flawless coverage. In short, my demands aren’t that sky-high. Say that again?
I have been wanting to try Stila All Day Foundation and Concealer ($44) but have no time to visit my local Sephora. So I bit the bullet and bought it online wishing that this shade “buff” will work just fine with my medium skin tone.
Product claims: oil-free foundation and creamy concealer, the ultimate multi-tasking duo for flawless, breathable coverage. Formulated without parabens, sulfates, synthetic dyes, petrochemicals, phtalates, GMOs, triclosan
I find the packaging nice and clever; the foundation’s cap serves as a case for the concealer. I like that it has a spatula, talk about being hygienic! That mini-brush is so-so, it’s a good addition but I’m not floored. I use it mostly to apply and blend the concealer.
This foundation is a little thick, has semi-matte finish, and with medium to full coverage. It tends to make oily skin look even oilier if you don’t use mattifying products and techniques. The concealer is also thick, just tap it gently or you get way too much cream. Since finish is a personal preference, I”d rather focus whether this set is indeed long-wearing, breathable and has flawless coverage. After all, I was swayed with its promise of all- day awesomeness.
As in usual, I test-run foundations with a face primer because that’s how I would normally wear my makeup. Here’s my ‘lil trick to mattify that grease-of-a face: after applying foundation, pat blotting paper over face and under the eye area to absorb extra moisture; then set both foundation and concealer with a loose or pressed powder. A little swipe of this foundation at the back of my hand provides medium coverage. So did it answer my basic needs? Let’s see…
Long-wearing? With the technique I shared, yes to straight six hours with some shine issues here and there (I used two blotting papers during the 6-hr frame). After that, I can already see my uneven skin tone and zit making a cameo appearance. At 8 hours, it already caked and oxidized.
Flawless coverage? Yes. It covers up zits and evens out skin tone for the first few hours. In fact, I don’t need that thick concealer anymore.
Breathable? If you equate that for not clogging my pores and having new breakouts, I’d say yes.
Let’s finish the look with eyeshadow, lippy and blush, shall we? Believe in the magic of makeup.
Bottom line, this foundation wasn’t an all-day wear for me. It’s not the worst, obviously not the best either. Gut-feel tells me that it will perform better with normal to dry skin type.
Have you tried this foundation?
Guest post by Kath TheFabzilla.
Hmmm, who’s that girl up there w/ makeup? LOL. Thanks Jen!