They say it takes a woman seven different foundations until they find a great one, I guess that explains why I have over five favourites. Foundations are one of my favourite products to test out so when I kept on getting requests for a review on this particular formula I knew I had to try it.
LOreal True Match Foundation N1 Nude Ivory & N2 Vanilla
The packaging of this product varies per country. All bottles contain 30ml of product (the standard foundation amount) In the UK and AUS this foundation is packaged in glass bottle allowing you to see how much product you have left. The bottle also comes complete with a silver pump which makes dispensing product very easy and prevents you from contaminating the product with your fingers. In the US this product is packaged in a small glass bottle with a silver lid, the product requires pouring which cannot only contaminate the product, but can also make it difficult to dispense a small amount of product.
The formula of this foundation is quite thicker than most liquid foundations I’ve tried which does make it a bit difficult to blend, the foundation also sets quickly which can also be a hassle. I found using a foundation brush gave the best results and buffing over it with a buffing brush helped to blend it easier. The finish is demi-matte, so it still has a bit of a glow to it so that skin still looks healthy (and well, like skin) but isn’t dewy or greasy, I would say this foundation would be best for those with combination skin. The staying power is okay, nothing to write home about but not terrible either. In my opinion a good primer is the key to long lasting makeup.
I found this foundation to be a bit drying so if you have dry skin this may not be good for you. This foundation also clung onto my dry patches like no tomorrow so I can only use it when my skin is hydrated at its best (and even then I have to use a REALLY good moisturiser & primer underneath)
In terms of coverage this foundation is definitely a winner. Even though I have perfect skin (well so I’ve been told) I still love a good coverage base. This foundation provides a medium coverage, it isn’t very buildable (simply because the formula sets quickly) but can be easily sheered down with a stippling brush or when mixed with moisturiser.
LOreal True Match Foundation Swatches N1 Nude Ivory & N2 Vanilla
Finding a good foundation is a difficult challenge, sure I’ve come across some amazing formulas, but the most difficult challenge for me is finding a shade that matches my super fair, almost porcelain skin-tone. I have neutral toned fair skin and most foundations on the market are far too dark for me or just too pink or too yellow. The issue with drugstore brands? They usually have a pathetic shade range, five shades which are meant to suit “all” skin tones. LOreal claim this foundation “matches skin tone and texture” I usually find these claims are a gimmick and this is no exception. In the US this foundation has a staggering 33 shades and the UK isn’t far behind with 22 shades. In Australia, there are only 11 shades available, which is disappointing. I thought shade N2 would be a perfect match for my skin tone, but unfortunately it was far too dark. I ended up purchasing the shade N1 (which isn’t available in AUS) as I quite liked the formula, it is a better match, but still requires some blending to prevent it looking too dark. I dislike how LOreal have the whole “neutral, warm, cool” thing going on with their foundations as I’m a believer everyone should use a neutral toned foundation.
Overall I think if you have combination skin and are looking for a good coverage foundation on a budget then this foundation would be great for you.
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*This post contains a product/sample which was sent to me for editorial consideration in accordance with my disclosure policy. This does not alter the honesty of this review or this blog, all opinions stated are honest and my own