Surratt Surreal Skin: My Honest Review (Shade 09)
Hello, makeup enthusiasts! Today, I’m diving deep into a foundation that’s been creating quite a buzz in the beauty community: the Surratt Surreal Skin Foundation Wand. I’ve been testing out shade 09 for a few weeks now, and I’m ready to share my honest, unfiltered thoughts. Is it worth the hype and the price tag? Keep reading to find out!
First Impressions and Packaging
The packaging is sleek and minimalist, typical of Surratt Beauty. The foundation comes in a wand with a sponge applicator. The idea is to dot the foundation directly onto your face and then blend. It feels luxurious in hand, but I was initially concerned about hygiene. Time to test it out!
My initial impression of the Surreal Skin Foundation Wand was definitely one of intrigue. The sleek, minimalist packaging immediately appealed to my aesthetic preferences. Surratt Beauty is known for their sophisticated and understated designs, and this foundation wand certainly lives up to that reputation.
The wand format itself is quite unique. Instead of a traditional pump or squeeze tube, the foundation is dispensed through a sponge applicator at the tip of the wand. This design is intended to allow for precise and targeted application, enabling you to dot the foundation exactly where you want it on your face.
One of my first thoughts upon seeing the sponge applicator was about hygiene. While the idea of applying the foundation directly from the wand to my face seemed convenient, I also worried about the potential for bacteria buildup on the sponge. I made sure to clean the sponge regularly to mitigate this concern.
The overall feel of the packaging is luxurious and high-end. The wand has a nice weight to it, and the materials feel sturdy and well-made. This contributes to the sense that you are using a premium product. It’s clear that Surratt Beauty has put a lot of thought into the design and presentation of this foundation.
Shade Matching: Finding My Perfect Match (09)
Shade 09 is described as a medium beige with neutral undertones. For reference, I typically wear a MAC NC25-NC30. It was a pretty good match for my skin tone, blending seamlessly without looking too yellow or too pink. However, shade selection can be tricky online, so I recommend checking swatches or getting matched in person if possible.
Finding the right foundation shade is crucial for achieving a natural and flawless look. With the Surratt Surreal Skin Foundation Wand, selecting the correct shade online required a bit of research and cross-referencing.
Shade 09 is described as a medium beige with neutral undertones. This description initially seemed promising, as I generally lean towards foundations with neutral undertones to avoid any unwanted warmth or coolness on my skin.
For reference, I typically wear a MAC NC25-NC30, which falls within the medium-tan range with yellow undertones. Based on this, I felt that Shade 09 would likely be a good match for my skin tone.
When I first applied Shade 09, I was pleased to find that it blended seamlessly into my skin. The neutral undertones prevented it from looking too yellow or too pink, which is a common issue I encounter with some foundations. The color appeared very natural and cohesive with my overall complexion.
However, I must admit that shade selection can be quite tricky when purchasing foundation online. The lighting in product photos and the variations in screen displays can sometimes distort the true color of the foundation. Therefore, I highly recommend checking swatches or, even better, getting matched in person at a store if possible.
Application: How to Get the Best Results
I’ve experimented with various application methods. The wand applicator is convenient for dabbing the product on, but I prefer blending it out with a damp beauty sponge for a seamless finish. You can also use a foundation brush. I found that using my fingers resulted in a slightly streaky application.
To get the best results with the Surratt Surreal Skin Foundation Wand, I experimented with various application methods to find what worked best for my skin and preferences.
The wand applicator itself is quite convenient for dabbing the product directly onto the face. The sponge tip allows for targeted application, enabling you to place the foundation precisely where you want it. This can be particularly useful for spot concealing or building coverage in specific areas.
However, I personally prefer blending the foundation out with a damp beauty sponge for a seamless and natural-looking finish. The damp sponge helps to sheer out the foundation, preventing it from looking heavy or cakey on the skin. It also helps to blur any imperfections and create a smooth, airbrushed effect.
Alternatively, you can also use a foundation brush to apply the Surratt Surreal Skin Foundation Wand. A brush can provide more precise application and allow you to build coverage more easily. I recommend using a buffing brush with dense bristles to blend the foundation seamlessly into the skin.
Interestingly, I found that using my fingers to apply the foundation resulted in a slightly streaky application. The warmth of my fingers seemed to cause the foundation to set too quickly, making it difficult to blend evenly. Therefore, I would advise against using your fingers for this particular foundation.
Coverage and Finish: Achieving a Natural Look
The Surratt Surreal Skin Foundation Wand offers light to medium coverage. It’s buildable, but it’s not designed to completely cover blemishes or imperfections. It’s perfect for those who prefer a natural, skin-like finish. The finish is luminous without being greasy, giving a healthy glow to the skin.
Coverage is always a key factor when evaluating a foundation, and the Surratt Surreal Skin Foundation Wand offers a light to medium coverage that can be built up as desired.
This foundation is not designed to completely cover blemishes or imperfections. Instead, it’s perfect for those who prefer a natural, skin-like finish that allows their natural skin to shine through. It’s ideal for achieving that “your skin but better” look.
The coverage is buildable, meaning you can apply multiple layers to achieve your desired level of coverage. However, even with multiple layers, the foundation still maintains a natural and lightweight feel on the skin.
The finish of the Surratt Surreal Skin Foundation Wand is luminous without being greasy. It imparts a healthy glow to the skin, making it look radiant and hydrated. This luminous finish is particularly flattering on dry or dull skin.
Wear Time and Longevity
I have combination skin, and I found that the Surratt Surreal Skin Foundation Wand lasted for about 6-7 hours before needing a touch-up. It didn’t oxidize or become patchy during that time. Setting it with a powder is a must for oily skin types.
Wear time and longevity are important considerations when choosing a foundation, especially for those with busy lifestyles or long days.
I have combination skin, which means I experience both oily and dry areas on my face. With the Surratt Surreal Skin Foundation Wand, I found that it lasted for about 6-7 hours before needing a touch-up. This is a decent wear time for a foundation with a luminous finish.
One of the things I appreciated about this foundation is that it didn’t oxidize or become patchy during that time. Oxidation can cause a foundation to darken or turn orange on the skin, while patchiness can create an uneven and unflattering appearance.
For those with oily skin types, setting the Surratt Surreal Skin Foundation Wand with a powder is a must. Powder helps to absorb excess oil and prevent the foundation from sliding or breaking down throughout the day.
Pros and Cons: A Balanced Perspective
Pros:
- Natural, skin-like finish
- Luminous without being greasy
- Buildable coverage
- Good shade match (for me)
- Didn’t oxidize
Cons:
- Pricey
- Sponge applicator raises hygiene concerns
- May not be suitable for very oily skin without powder
- Limited coverage for major imperfections
Like any product, the Surratt Surreal Skin Foundation Wand has its pros and cons. Let’s take a balanced look at the key advantages and disadvantages of this foundation.
Pros:
- Natural, skin-like finish: The foundation imparts a natural and radiant finish to the skin, making it look healthy and glowing.
- Luminous without being greasy: The luminous finish adds a subtle glow to the skin without making it look oily or shiny.
- Buildable coverage: The coverage can be built up from light to medium, allowing you to customize the level of coverage you desire.
- Good shade match (for me): Shade 09 was a good match for my skin tone, blending seamlessly without looking too yellow or too pink.
- Didn’t oxidize: The foundation didn’t oxidize or darken on the skin throughout the day, maintaining its true color.
Cons:
- Pricey: The Surratt Surreal Skin Foundation Wand is a high-end product with a premium price tag, which may not be accessible to everyone.
- Sponge applicator raises hygiene concerns: The sponge applicator on the wand raises concerns about potential bacteria buildup, requiring regular cleaning.
- May not be suitable for very oily skin without powder: Those with very oily skin may find that the foundation becomes too shiny or breaks down without the use of a setting powder.
- Limited coverage for major imperfections: The foundation offers light to medium coverage, which may not be sufficient for those with major blemishes or imperfections.
Comparison Table: Surratt Surreal Skin vs. Other Foundations
| Foundation | Coverage | Finish | Wear Time | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Surratt Surreal Skin | Light to Medium | Luminous | 6-7 hours | $$$$ |
| NARS Sheer Glow | Light to Medium | Luminous | 5-6 hours | $$$ |
| Giorgio Armani Luminous Silk | Medium | Luminous | 7-8 hours | $$$$ |
| Estee Lauder Double Wear | Full | Matte | 8-10 hours | $$$ |
| Maybelline Fit Me Dewy + Smooth | Light to Medium | Dewy | 4-5 hours | $ |
To provide a better understanding of where the Surratt Surreal Skin Foundation Wand stands in comparison to other popular foundations, I’ve created a comparison table highlighting key features such as coverage, finish, wear time, and price.
| Foundation | Coverage | Finish | Wear Time | Price | Key Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Surratt Surreal Skin | Light to Medium | Luminous | 6-7 hours | $$$$ | Natural finish, buildable coverage, hydrating |
| NARS Sheer Glow | Light to Medium | Luminous | 5-6 hours | $$$ | Radiant finish, good for dry skin, evens skin tone |
| Giorgio Armani Luminous Silk | Medium | Luminous | 7-8 hours | $$$$ | Airbrushed finish, long-lasting, comfortable wear |
| Estee Lauder Double Wear | Full | Matte | 8-10 hours | $$$ | Long-wearing, oil-free, excellent coverage |
| Maybelline Fit Me Dewy + Smooth | Light to Medium | Dewy | 4-5 hours | $ | Affordable, hydrating, good for dry skin |
Who is This Foundation For?
I think the Surratt Surreal Skin Foundation Wand is best suited for those with normal to dry skin who prefer a natural, luminous finish. If you’re looking for heavy coverage or have very oily skin, this might not be the best choice for you.
To help you determine whether the Surratt Surreal Skin Foundation Wand is the right choice for you, let’s consider who this foundation is best suited for.
I believe that this foundation is particularly well-suited for individuals with normal to dry skin who prefer a natural, luminous finish. The hydrating formula and radiant finish can help to improve the appearance of dry or dull skin, leaving it looking healthy and glowing.
If you’re someone who prefers a more natural, “your skin but better” look, then the Surratt Surreal Skin Foundation Wand may be a good fit for you. The light to medium coverage allows your natural skin to shine through, while still providing enough coverage to even out your skin tone and blur imperfections.
However, if you’re looking for heavy coverage or have very oily skin, this foundation might not be the best choice for you. Those with oily skin may find that the luminous finish becomes too shiny or that the foundation breaks down throughout the day without the use of a setting powder.
Ultimately, the best way to determine whether the Surratt Surreal Skin Foundation Wand is right for you is to try it out and see how it performs on your skin. Everyone’s skin is different, and what works well for one person may not work as well for another.
Tips and Tricks for Flawless Application
- Always prep your skin with a moisturizer.
- Use a damp beauty sponge for a seamless finish.
- Set with a translucent powder, especially in the T-zone.
- Clean the sponge applicator regularly to prevent bacteria buildup.
To help you achieve a flawless application with the Surratt Surreal Skin Foundation Wand, here are some tips and tricks that I’ve found helpful during my testing:
- Always prep your skin with a moisturizer: Proper skin preparation is essential for a smooth and even foundation application. Start by cleansing your skin and then applying a moisturizer to hydrate and plump up your skin. This will help the foundation glide on more easily and prevent it from clinging to dry patches.
- Use a damp beauty sponge for a seamless finish: As I mentioned earlier, I personally prefer using a damp beauty sponge to blend out the Surratt Surreal Skin Foundation Wand. The damp sponge helps to sheer out the foundation and create a seamless, airbrushed finish. It also helps to blur imperfections and prevent the foundation from looking cakey.
- Set with a translucent powder, especially in the T-zone: To prolong the wear time of the foundation and prevent it from becoming too shiny, especially in the T-zone (forehead, nose, and chin), set it with a translucent powder. Use a light hand and focus on areas that tend to get oily throughout the day.
- Clean the sponge applicator regularly to prevent bacteria buildup: Due to the potential for bacteria buildup on the sponge applicator, it’s important to clean it regularly. You can use a gentle soap or brush cleanser to wash the sponge and then allow it to air dry completely before using it again.
Final Thoughts: Is Surratt Surreal Skin Worth It?
Overall, I’m impressed with the Surratt Surreal Skin Foundation Wand. It delivers a beautiful, natural finish that’s perfect for everyday wear. However, the price is a significant factor. If you’re willing to splurge on a high-end foundation and prioritize a natural look, it’s definitely worth considering. If you’re on a budget or prefer full coverage, there are other great options available.
After testing the Surratt Surreal Skin Foundation Wand for several weeks, I’ve come to a final conclusion about whether it’s worth the investment.
Overall, I’m impressed with the performance of this foundation. It delivers a beautiful, natural finish that’s perfect for everyday wear. The luminous finish adds a healthy glow to the skin, and the buildable coverage allows you to customize the level of coverage you desire.
However, the price is definitely a significant factor to consider. The Surratt Surreal Skin Foundation Wand is a high-end product with a premium price tag, which may not be accessible to everyone.
If you’re willing to splurge on a high-end foundation and prioritize a natural, luminous look, then I believe this foundation is definitely worth considering. It’s a great option for those with normal to dry skin who want to achieve a healthy and radiant complexion.
However, if you’re on a budget or prefer full coverage, there are other great options available that may be a better fit for your needs and preferences. There are many affordable foundations on the market that offer excellent coverage and long-lasting wear.
Ultimately, the decision of whether or not to purchase the Surratt Surreal Skin Foundation Wand depends on your individual priorities and preferences. If you value a natural finish, a luminous glow, and are willing to invest in a high-end product, then I would highly recommend giving it a try.
I hope this review has been helpful in providing you with the information you need to make an informed decision about whether the Surratt Surreal Skin Foundation Wand is right for you. Thank you for reading!
Alternatives to Surratt Surreal Skin Foundation
If the Surratt Surreal Skin Foundation doesn’t quite fit your needs or budget, here are a few alternative foundations you might want to consider:
- NARS Sheer Glow: A classic for a reason, this foundation provides a similar luminous finish with buildable coverage at a slightly lower price point.
- Giorgio Armani Luminous Silk: Another high-end option known for its beautiful, skin-like finish. It offers slightly more coverage than Surratt.
- Maybelline Fit Me Dewy + Smooth: An affordable drugstore option that delivers a dewy finish, perfect for dry skin.
- Fenty Beauty Pro Filt’r Hydrating Longwear Foundation: Offers a hydrating formula with medium to full coverage and a natural finish.
My Final Rating
I give the Surratt Surreal Skin Foundation Wand a solid 4 out of 5 stars. It’s a fantastic foundation, but the price and hygiene concerns hold it back from being a perfect 5.