MAKE UP FOR EVER Matte Velvet Skin: My Y235 Ivory Beige Review
Finding the perfect foundation can feel like an endless quest. For those of us with specific skin tones and preferences, the search becomes even more challenging. Today, I’m sharing my experience with the MAKE UP FOR EVER Matte Velvet Skin Full Coverage Foundation in the shade Y235 Ivory Beige. I’ll delve into everything from its coverage and finish to its wear time and suitability for different skin types. Let’s find out if this foundation lives up to the hype.
First Impressions: Packaging and Shade Matching
The MAKE UP FOR EVER Matte Velvet Skin foundation comes in a sleek, sturdy glass bottle with a pump dispenser. The packaging feels luxurious and practical, allowing for controlled product dispensing and minimizing wastage. The pump is definitely a plus for hygiene reasons. It helps avoid contamination.
Shade matching is crucial, and Y235 Ivory Beige seemed like a promising match for my light-medium skin with warm undertones. It is often hard to tell just by looking at pictures online. I always suggest viewing the product in person before deciding on a shade.
Application and Blendability
I’ve tried applying this foundation using various methods: a damp beauty sponge, a flat foundation brush, and even my fingertips. Each method yielded slightly different results. However, the damp beauty sponge seemed to provide the most seamless and natural-looking finish. It helps to sheer out the product, preventing it from looking too heavy or cakey. Using a brush tended to give slightly more coverage, while fingertips were best for targeted application and blending in smaller areas.
The foundation has a creamy, almost mousse-like texture that feels lightweight on the skin. It blends effortlessly, minimizing the appearance of pores and imperfections. I found that it didn’t cling to dry patches or accentuate fine lines, which is a huge plus.
Coverage and Finish
As the name suggests, the MAKE UP FOR EVER Matte Velvet Skin foundation offers full coverage. A small amount of product goes a long way in concealing blemishes, redness, and uneven skin tone. If you prefer a more natural look, you can easily sheer it out by mixing it with a moisturizer or applying a thin layer with a damp sponge.
The finish is truly matte but not in a flat, one-dimensional way. It has a velvety texture that looks smooth and refined. My skin looked airbrushed without feeling heavy or suffocated. This is a significant advantage for anyone looking for full coverage without sacrificing comfort.
Wear Time and Longevity
One of the most impressive aspects of this foundation is its wear time. I wore it for a full day of work, which included several hours of meetings and outdoor exposure. The foundation stayed put for the most part, with minimal fading or creasing. I noticed slight shine in my T-zone after about six hours, but it was easily controlled with a blotting paper.
Even after a long day, my skin still looked relatively fresh and even-toned. The foundation didn’t oxidize or change color, which is always a concern with matte formulas. The staying power makes it ideal for special occasions or long days when you need your makeup to last.
Suitable Skin Types
While the MAKE UP FOR EVER Matte Velvet Skin foundation is marketed for all skin types, I believe it’s best suited for those with normal to oily skin. The matte finish may be too drying for dry skin, and it could accentuate any existing dry patches or flakiness. However, if you have dry skin and still want to try this foundation, make sure to prep your skin well with a hydrating moisturizer and primer.
For oily skin, this foundation is a godsend. It helps to control shine and keep your skin looking matte throughout the day. It also doesn’t clog pores or cause breakouts, making it suitable for acne-prone skin.
Pros and Cons
To summarize my experience, here’s a breakdown of the pros and cons of the MAKE UP FOR EVER Matte Velvet Skin foundation:
Pros:
- Full coverage that effectively conceals imperfections
- Velvety matte finish that looks natural and refined
- Long-lasting wear time with minimal fading or creasing
- Lightweight and comfortable on the skin
- Suitable for normal to oily skin types
- Does not clog pores or cause breakouts
Cons:
- May be too drying for dry skin
- Requires proper skin prep for dry skin
- Can look cakey if applied too heavily
Alternatives to Consider
If the MAKE UP FOR EVER Matte Velvet Skin isn’t quite right for you, here are a few other foundations that offer similar benefits:
- Estée Lauder Double Wear Stay-in-Place Foundation: Known for its incredible staying power and full coverage.
- Fenty Beauty Pro Filt’r Soft Matte Longwear Foundation: Offers a wide range of shades and a comfortable matte finish.
- NARS Natural Radiant Longwear Foundation: Provides medium-to-full coverage with a radiant finish.
Detailed Comparison Table
Here’s a detailed comparison table to help you decide which foundation is the best fit for your needs.
| Feature | MAKE UP FOR EVER Matte Velvet Skin | Estée Lauder Double Wear | Fenty Beauty Pro Filt’r | NARS Natural Radiant |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Coverage | Full | Full | Medium-Full | Medium-Full |
| Finish | Velvet Matte | Matte | Soft Matte | Radiant |
| Wear Time | Long-lasting | Very Long-lasting | Long-lasting | Long-lasting |
| Skin Type | Normal to Oily | Normal to Oily | Normal to Oily | Normal to Dry |
| Price | $$$ | $$$ | $$ | $$$ |
| Key Benefits | Lightweight, comfortable | Excellent staying power | Wide shade range | Natural, radiant finish |
Application Tips and Tricks
To get the most out of the MAKE UP FOR EVER Matte Velvet Skin foundation, here are some application tips and tricks:
- Prep Your Skin: Start with a clean, moisturized face. Use a hydrating primer if you have dry skin.
- Use a Damp Sponge: Apply the foundation with a damp beauty sponge for a seamless, natural-looking finish.
- Apply in Thin Layers: Build up the coverage gradually to avoid a cakey appearance.
- Set with Powder: Use a translucent setting powder to lock in the foundation and control shine.
- Use a Setting Spray: Finish with a setting spray to prolong the wear time and keep your makeup looking fresh.
My Final Thoughts and Rating
Overall, I’m impressed with the MAKE UP FOR EVER Matte Velvet Skin Full Coverage Foundation in Y235 Ivory Beige. It provides excellent coverage, a beautiful matte finish, and long-lasting wear time. While it may not be the best choice for dry skin, it’s a fantastic option for those with normal to oily skin looking for a reliable full-coverage foundation.
I would rate this foundation a 4.5 out of 5 stars. The only reason it didn’t get a perfect score is because of its potential to be drying for certain skin types. However, with proper skin prep and application techniques, it’s a winner.
I hope this review has been helpful in your quest for the perfect foundation. Feel free to leave any questions or comments below. Happy makeup hunting!