YSL All Hours Foundation: The 24-Hour Flawless Finish?
The quest for the perfect foundation – one that delivers flawless coverage, lasts all day (and night!), and feels comfortable on the skin – is a never-ending journey for many. Yves Saint Laurent (YSL) has thrown their hat into the ring with the All Hours Foundation, promising a 24-hour, full-coverage, matte finish. Does it live up to the hype? Let’s dive into an in-depth review to find out if this foundation is worth the investment and a place in your makeup bag. You can find it here: Buy From Amazon
First Impressions: Packaging and Initial Thoughts
YSL is known for its luxurious packaging, and the All Hours Foundation doesn’t disappoint. It comes in a sleek, rectangular glass bottle with a gold pump, exuding elegance and sophistication. The weight of the bottle feels substantial, adding to the overall high-end feel. The pump dispenser is a welcome feature, allowing for controlled and hygienic product dispensing. Initial swatches revealed a creamy, seemingly blendable texture. The scent is subtle, a light floral fragrance characteristic of YSL beauty products, which dissipates quickly after application.
Application: Techniques and Tips
The application of the YSL All Hours Foundation is where the real test begins. I’ve experimented with several application methods, including a damp beauty sponge, a dense foundation brush, and even my fingertips. Here are my observations:
- Beauty Sponge: A damp beauty sponge provides the most natural-looking finish. It sheers out the coverage slightly, making it ideal for those who prefer a medium-to-full coverage. The sponge helps to blend the foundation seamlessly into the skin, minimizing the appearance of pores and fine lines.
- Foundation Brush: A dense, flat-top foundation brush offers the fullest coverage. This method is best for those looking to conceal imperfections, such as blemishes or hyperpigmentation. However, it’s crucial to blend thoroughly to avoid a cakey appearance.
- Fingertips: Applying with fingertips warms the product, making it melt into the skin. This method can work well for spot concealing or for those who prefer a very natural, skin-like finish.
Pro Tip: Regardless of the application method, always start with a small amount of product and build up coverage as needed. This will prevent the foundation from looking heavy or unnatural. Proper skincare preparation is essential. Ensure your skin is well-moisturized before applying the foundation, especially if you have dry skin, as matte foundations can sometimes accentuate dryness.
Coverage and Finish: Achieving the Flawless Look
The YSL All Hours Foundation boasts full coverage, and it generally delivers on this promise. It effectively covers redness, blemishes, and uneven skin tone. However, it’s not a mask-like full coverage; it still allows some of your natural skin texture to show through, preventing it from looking flat or one-dimensional. The finish is a true matte – not dewy, not satin, but a velvety matte. It controls shine effectively, making it a great option for those with oily or combination skin. However, those with dry skin may find it a bit too matte and potentially drying. You can try some Collagen Remedy Supplement
Shade Range and Oxidation: Finding Your Perfect Match
Finding the right shade is crucial for any foundation to look its best. YSL offers a decent shade range for the All Hours Foundation, catering to various skin tones and undertones. However, it’s always recommended to try the foundation in person or order samples online to ensure a perfect match. Be aware of potential oxidation. Some users have reported that the foundation oxidizes slightly after application, meaning it darkens on the skin. It’s best to err on the side of caution and choose a shade that is slightly lighter than your skin tone. You can also use websites like Findation.com to find matches based on other foundations you’ve used.
Wear Test: Does It Last All Hours?
The million-dollar question: does the YSL All Hours Foundation truly last for 24 hours? In my experience, it doesn’t quite make it to the 24-hour mark, but it does offer impressive longevity. On average, I’ve found that it lasts for a solid 8-10 hours without significant fading or creasing. After that, some shine may start to peek through in the T-zone (for those with oily skin), and the foundation may start to settle slightly into fine lines. However, overall, the wear is commendable, especially compared to other high-end foundations. Using a good setting spray can significantly extend the wear time. I recommend using an oil-controlling setting spray for oily skin and a hydrating setting spray for dry skin.
Comfort Level: How Does It Feel on the Skin?
Comfort is a key factor when choosing a foundation, especially one designed for long wear. The YSL All Hours Foundation feels relatively lightweight on the skin, considering its full coverage. It doesn’t feel heavy or cakey, which is a major plus. However, it’s not the most hydrating foundation, so those with dry skin may experience some tightness or discomfort, especially after several hours of wear. Proper moisturizing beforehand is crucial. Those with oily skin will likely appreciate the oil-controlling properties of this foundation, as it helps to keep shine at bay and prevent the skin from feeling greasy.
Pros and Cons: A Balanced Perspective
To provide a comprehensive overview, here’s a breakdown of the pros and cons of the YSL All Hours Foundation:
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Full coverage | May be too matte for dry skin |
| Long-wearing (8-10 hours) | Can oxidize on some skin tones |
| Matte finish controls shine | May settle into fine lines after several hours |
| Lightweight feel | Requires proper skincare preparation |
| Luxurious packaging | Pricey |
| Good shade range | Not truly 24-hour wear |
Comparison with Other Foundations: How Does It Stack Up?
Let’s compare the YSL All Hours Foundation with a few other popular full-coverage foundations to see how it stacks up in terms of key features:
| Foundation | Coverage | Finish | Longevity | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| YSL All Hours Foundation | Full | Matte | 8-10 hours | High-end |
| Estée Lauder Double Wear Stay-in-Place Foundation | Full | Matte | Excellent (10+ hours) | Mid-range |
| Fenty Beauty Pro Filt’r Soft Matte Longwear Foundation | Medium-Full | Soft Matte | 6-8 hours | Mid-range |
| Giorgio Armani Power Fabric Foundation | Medium-Full | Natural Matte | 8-10 hours | High-end |
As you can see, the YSL All Hours Foundation offers a good balance of coverage, longevity, and finish. While it may not last as long as Estée Lauder Double Wear, it feels more lightweight on the skin and provides a more natural-looking matte finish. You can also try some Facial Light Therapy
Who Is This Foundation For?
The YSL All Hours Foundation is best suited for individuals with:
- Oily or combination skin: The matte finish helps to control shine and prevent the skin from looking greasy.
- A desire for full coverage: It effectively covers redness, blemishes, and uneven skin tone.
- A preference for long-wearing foundations: It lasts for a solid 8-10 hours without significant fading.
It may not be the best choice for those with:
- Dry skin: The matte finish can be too drying and accentuate dryness.
- A preference for dewy or luminous finishes: This foundation is a true matte.
- Minimal imperfections: If you prefer a lighter coverage, this foundation may be too heavy.
Alternatives to Consider
If the YSL All Hours Foundation doesn’t seem like the right fit for you, here are a few alternative foundations to consider:
- For dry skin: NARS Natural Radiant Longwear Foundation (provides medium-to-full coverage with a radiant finish).
- For a more natural finish: Giorgio Armani Luminous Silk Foundation (provides medium coverage with a luminous finish).
- For a budget-friendly option: Maybelline Fit Me Matte + Poreless Foundation (provides medium coverage with a matte finish).
Final Verdict: Is It Worth the Hype?
The YSL All Hours Foundation is a solid performer that delivers on its promise of full coverage and long wear. While it may not be a perfect 24-hour foundation, it offers impressive longevity and a beautiful matte finish that controls shine effectively. The luxurious packaging and lightweight feel are also major pluses. However, it’s not without its drawbacks. The matte finish may be too drying for some, and the potential for oxidation should be considered when choosing a shade. Ultimately, whether or not it’s worth the hype depends on your individual skin type, preferences, and budget. If you’re looking for a high-end, full-coverage, long-wearing foundation with a matte finish, the YSL All Hours Foundation is definitely worth considering. Just make sure to properly prepare your skin and choose the right shade to achieve the best results. You can find it here: Buy From Amazon
Tips for Making Your Foundation Last Longer
Here are some additional tips to maximize the wear time of any foundation, including the YSL All Hours Foundation:
- Start with a primer: A good primer creates a smooth canvas for your foundation and helps it to adhere better to the skin. Choose a primer that is appropriate for your skin type (e.g., mattifying primer for oily skin, hydrating primer for dry skin).
- Set with powder: Applying a translucent setting powder over your foundation helps to lock it in place and prevent it from creasing or fading. Focus on areas that tend to get oily, such as the T-zone.
- Use a setting spray: A setting spray helps to meld all of your makeup together and create a long-lasting finish. Choose a setting spray that is appropriate for your skin type (e.g., oil-controlling setting spray for oily skin, hydrating setting spray for dry skin).
- Avoid touching your face: Touching your face throughout the day can transfer oils and dirt onto your skin, causing your foundation to break down more quickly. Try to be mindful of this habit and avoid touching your face as much as possible.
- Blot away excess oil: If you notice that your skin is getting oily throughout the day, use blotting papers to gently absorb the excess oil. This will help to keep your foundation looking fresh and prevent it from breaking down.
By following these tips, you can significantly extend the wear time of your foundation and keep it looking flawless all day long. Remember to take care of your skin and use products that are appropriate for your skin type to achieve the best results.