Sephora Matte Perfection Foundation Review

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You know how I keep telling you that I won´t purchase some products because I feel almost insulted by the names companies give them?

And I am not talking the tongue in cheek names here (I have a pretty high tolerance to that). No, I am talking about things like the Farsali Unicorn Essence. Unicorns? Really? I am grown up, I don’t want glitter and rainbows.

 

Sephora Matte Perfection Foundation
Sephora Matte Perfection Foundation

 

Although I admit I was seriously tempted to overlook that quite recently, because a Makeup Artist at Sephora used the Unicorn Essence on me before applying the Sephora Matte Perfection Foundation, and the foundation looked beautiful all day.

But after I purchased it (the Matte Perfection Foundation, not the Unicorn Essence, I stood true to my word there), I had a hard time getting it to look like that. In fact, it took me three weeks and a lot of different brush/primer combos to find a way to make it work, and judging by other reviews I have read online I am not the only one that struggles. Maybe the Unicorn Essence would have made my life easier? We will never know.

So don´t despair if you bought it and struggle, I´ve got you covered. At least if your skin type is oily.

Dry skins don´t need to read any further: The Sephora Matte Perfection Foundation is not for you!

 

What the Sephora Matte Perfection Foundation claims

This silky, easy-to-apply formula offers the perfect combination of a matte result, complete coverage and long-lasting comfort. It unifies, smooths, and masks imperfections all day long for a flawless result. The high-pigment waterproof and smudge-proof formula is oil free and doesn’t leave a greasy film.

 

Facts about the Sephora Matte Perfection Foundation

It is available in 22 different shades, ranging from 04 Light Porcelain to 64 Coffee, and offers both cool, warm and neutral undertones. The plastic squeeze tube contains 30 ml and is sold for 14,99 € on the website here.

My shade is 14 Delicate Beige.

 

The best ways of application

If you want to get the maximum coverage, I recommend applying it with a flat foundation brush. But while that technically works well (no streaks, no patchiness), it very much looks like a full face of makeup.

So my preferred way of applying it is by using my Real Techniques Buffing brush (or, for an even more natural finish, a damp beauty blender). Yes, you loose some of the coverage, but the result is much more skin like.

I would not recommend your fingers for application – it is, true to its claims, waterproof, so you´ll end up with really messy hands.

 

Sephora Matte Perfection on the skin
Shortly after application

 

The Finish

Matte.

So matte that I don´t even need powder for the first few hours, and that is pretty rare for me. It obviously doesn´t stay completely matte (at least not on my face), after around two hours my t-zone starts to look more satiny, but I never get shiny through the whole day.

And while that makes it a great foundation for oily skin, I don´t think normal to dry skins would be very happy with it.

As you can see in the pictures below, it emphasizes any dry or flaky bits you might have, but does play nicely with my fine lines.

If your skin is dehydrated, it will disappear much quicker and settle into your pores, so a good moisturizer/primer is a necessity before application.

 

 

The Coverage

The Sephora Matte Perfection Foundation is a full coverage foundation indeed. Applied with a flat foundation brush it really covers every single thing on my face.

When applied with a buffing brush or a beauty blender, you might need some concealer for angry spots or dark scars, but you still get a solid medium, easily buildable coverage.

 

How does it feel on the skin

No beating around the bush here: It feels as if I applied a full coverage foundation to my face. That is better when using a light layer, but this is NOT one of the lightweight foundations you forget you are wearing.

 

How long does it last?

The pictures beneath are without powder or setting spray, so you could probably stretch the weartime even longer. But even like that, I get a solid eight hours of wear before the foundation starts to disappear, and after 10 hours reach the point where it looks unsightly.

 

The Sephora Matte Perfection Foundation at ten hours of wear.
The Sephora Matte Perfection Foundation at ten hours of wear.

 

The Sephora Matte Perfection Foundation at 13 hours of wear.
The Sephora Matte Perfection Foundation at 13 hours of wear.

 

Which skin type is it best suited for?

Oily and very oily skin.

I don´t think any other skin type would like the finish and be able to make it work.

 

How does the Sephora Matte Perfection Foundation compare to

Estee Lauder Double Wear

It is similar in coverage and in texture, but way less expensive. I find Estee Lauder Double wear to be more forgiving on dry patches though.

You can read my full Review of the Estee Lauder Double Wear Foundation here.

 

L’Oreal Infallible 24 hr Matte Foundation

If you have been around for a while, you´ll know that this is my go-to everyday foundation.

It is almost as long wearing, almost as mattifying and almost as full coverage as the Sephora Matte Perfection Foundation, but way more comfortable to wear.

They are similar in price, but the Sephora Matte Foundation wins in terms of coverage by a smidgen.

You can read my full review of the L´Oreal Infallible 24 hr Matte Foundation here.

 

My Final Verdict

It is not the easiest to work with, no denying that, and not forgiving on texture and dryness. If you are willing to put in a little effort though, and maybe are looking for a budget alternative to Estee Lauder Double Wear (and have oily skin!), this is a foundation you should check out.

Normal or dry skins (or anyone that is looking for some glow) though should save the money.

 

Sephora Matte Perfection Foundation
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