Estée Lauder Double Wear Foundation – My Honest Review
I was recommended this Estée Lauder foundation last year by my sister, and I was immediately impressed by the coverage it provides.
The foundation is easy to apply and blends seamlessly into the skin. Compared to most other foundations, you only need a small amount to achieve a full face of coverage. It’s worth noting, however, that less is more and applying too much can leave your skin looking a little cakey.
Estée Lauder claims that Double Wear is long-wearing with up to 15 hours of staying power, and I completely agree with this statement. The foundation genuinely lasts all day. I apply it first thing in the morning before the school run, and it stays put right through into the evening. There’s no need for touch-ups unless I’m going out in the evening, in which case I add a light top-up. The durability is fantastic! By far the best foundation I’ve used in the last 15 years, and I’ve tried a fair few! The long-lasting wear saves both time and money, which is a huge bonus. That said, it can be slightly harder to remove at the end of the day, so you might need a little extra makeup remover.
Estée Lauder also states that the Double Wear Foundation doesn’t change colour, even after hours of wear. I can absolutely vouch for that. From morning to night, the shade stays true. It doesn’t fade, oxidise, or turn orange, which is something I’ve struggled with in other foundations.
Most of the foundations I’ve used in the past start off looking great but quickly become blotchy and patchy after a few hours of wear. I can honestly say that’s never happened while wearing the Double Wear. Finding a good foundation has always been a challenge for me, finding one that looks natural, gives flawless coverage, and matches my skin tone. For years, I was constantly disappointed and had nearly given up trying new foundation products, until I discovered Double Wear.
I don’t even want to think about how much money I’ve wasted on foundations that didn’t work or match my skin tone. I could probably have bought a luxury holiday or a fancy car! But finally, I’ve found a foundation that’s almost perfect.
Estée Lauder offers a great selection of shades in the Double Wear range, 44 in total. I’ve found an amazing shade that works well for me, although it’s not quite perfect. Ideally, I’d love a shade that sits somewhere between 3W1 Tawny and 4C1 Outdoor Beige. If they ever release a blend of those two, I’d be one very happy woman! Still, the wide range of shades makes it much easier to find a close match for your skin tone compared to most other brands.
Albeit, there is one minor issue I have with this product, and it’s not the formula itself but rather the bottle. Although the glass bottle looks elegant and high-end, it’s heavy and impractical for on-the-go use. It also makes it difficult to get the product out once you’re halfway through using it. You either need to use a thin makeup brush to scoop it out or purchase a separate pump (at extra cost) to make it more user-friendly.
Another drawback is the low SPF. At SPF 10, it’s not strong enough in my opinion, especially during the summer months. I wore it on a few hot days last year and assumed it would offer the same protection as other SPF foundations I’d used before. Unfortunately, I ended up with sunburn on my nose and forehead. I tried wearing sun oil underneath, but it affected the foundation’s finish and staying power. Also, in high heat, the formula can feel heavy on the skin. During hot summer days, I now avoid using it altogether – which is a real shame, because if Estée Lauder improved the SPF level and made the texture lighter for summer wear, this foundation would be nearly unbeatable.
That said, one of the great things about Double Wear is that you don’t need to use compressed powder with it. The finish is matte and beautifully smooth, not oily or greasy, therefore there is no need to layer on anything extra, which again saves you time and money in the long run.
Another thing I’ve noticed is how long the product lasts. Because you only need a small amount for full coverage, one bottle can last me anywhere from 7 to 12 weeks – and I wear it almost every day. That kind of value is rare in a premium product.
And one of my partner’s favourite features? It doesn’t transfer! You can give your man a hug while he’s wearing a bright white T-shirt, and you won’t leave behind an orange smear. It stays on your face, not his clothes which is always a big win!
★ Overall Verdict: 4 out of 5 Stars ★
The Estée Lauder Double Wear Foundation is without a doubt the best foundation I’ve ever used. I’ve tried dozens of brands over the years, and nothing compares to the coverage, staying power, and the overall finish that this one delivers.
Would I call it perfect? Not quite – the low SPF and the glass bottle design let it down just a little. But even so, it’s near perfection in my eyes, and I would absolutely recommend it to anyone looking for a foundation that performs all day and truly delivers what it promises.
