So for those of you who know me know I’ve been a very loyal MAC Pro Longwear foundation fan for many years. However after starting this blog and getting connected to other beauty bloggers out there, I couldn’t ignore the amount of amazingly positive reviews I’d been seeing about Estee Lauder Double Wear foundation. As someone who wants (And needs!) full coverage that still looks good at the end of the day, I knew I needed to give this cult classic a try. Estee Lauder Double Wear foundation promises a 24-hour, flawless foundation that stays looking fresh and natural through heat, humidity, and nonstop activity.

CAN ESTEE LAUDER DOUBLE WEAR LAST THE WHOLE DAY? Watch my YouTube video here putting the foundation to the test!

I purchased the liquid foundation and the powder together. I was lucky enough to get a gift bag of little goodies on a promotion too in a cosmetics bag. That’s always such a treat! Keep in mind that both products can be worn alone or together, I personally like to use powder just to top up my face throughout the day and to ensure my skin stays looking shine free.

What it does:
Estēe Lauder’s Double Wear Makeup delivers flawless, 24-hour staying power, and it is natural-looking for carefree coverage. A lightweight, oil-free, and buildable formula, it doesn’t change color, leaving your makeup looking as fresh as when you first applied it

My thoughts on Estee Lauder Double Wear Foundation – Stay in Place

This is 8 hours in – still looks so matte and flawless. I’m wearing Desert Beige!

First thoughts are the texture of the foundation which is it is quite thick with a very creamy and smooth texture.

Now let’s talk about my favourite part about the Estee Lauder foundation which is – its coverage. This foundation gives medium to full coverage and it covers dark circles, marks, blemishes really sufficiently. I actually found that I don’t need to use a concealer as much when using the foundation – it’s that covering! Something important to note is that is sets quickly, so you need to make sure to blend the foundation quite fast after applying. This foundation is good for people with combination to oily skin like mine. Due to it being so heavy and long wear, I don’t think it will work as nicely for ladies with very dry skin.

The second thing that stands out to me is that even though it’s heavy and thick, your skin doesn’t feel cakey or weighed down. It actually feels light on the skin which is really unexpected for me! I’m used to my makeup looking cakey or patchy usually by around 3pm, but this isn’t the case with this foundation. I actually find by 4pm I’m still looking pretty much the same – I especially don’t have that oily look in my T-zone which is a hassle I often get!

It’s really buildable so if you’re having your photos taken or have a wedding and you’re looking for extra coverage – it’s definitely buildable if you want more or less.

Lastly, it also has SPF10 combined into the foundation which is perfect if you’re like me and often forget the sunscreen part of your routine. Whoops.

Your guide to all the shades on offer!

TIP: 

Estee Lauder ladies are very helpful and can help you match your shade. It’s so important to make sure you get the right colour for your tone. Ask them to do your foundation for you, and go see how long it lasts and how it works for you skin. Then come back and purchase! I hardly ever purchase a new product just straight off the shelf. If you’re needing some help learning about foundations, check out my post on choosing a foundation here!

Pro’s and Con’s of Estee Lauder Double Wear Foundation

Pro’s

• lasting power is amazing, it really does stay in place all day through sweat, heat and humidity.
• Very mattifying – setting powder is not a must- I just like to use it as a touch up if needed
• does not transfer when you hug someone etc
• excellent coverage and really buildable
• great for acne prone skin
• Has SPF10

Cons

• Can be difficult to remove – try using an oil-based makeup remover instead of Micellar water.
• Doesn’t come with a pump so can lead to product wastage
• Expensive for those of us on a budget (However I was lucky enough to get when Edgars had 15% off over R1200 spends.. watch out for deals like that!)
• Might feel too heavy for those who aren’t looking for comprehensive coverage

All in all, Estee Lauder Double Wear foundation feels lightweight and so comfortable, you won’t believe it’s super long wear. It doesn’t change color, smudge or come off on clothes and it lasts through heat and humidity.

Oil-free. Oil-Controlling. Dermatologist-tested. Non-acnegenic; won’t clog pores. Fragrance-free.

Medium to full coverage. Matte finish. Proven 24 hour wear.

 Estee Lauder Double Wear Foundation packaging

The foundation comes in a rather heavy frosted glass bottle which I think looks luxurious and of high quality. However be careful if you want to travel with your foundation because if it drops it will break! I was a little disappointed to find it doesn’t come with a pump dispenser as I find it’s easier to use more product, so be careful! Although I did see online you can buy an additional pump for R50. I might try that out and see how it goes!

Frosted bottle feels like quality – quite heavy though!

How to apply Estee Lauder Double Wear Foundation

I like to put a little on my hand (Seriously, use less than you think you need because a little goes a long way!) and then take a foundation brush and blend the foundation. You can also use a beauty blender! I personally feel more in control when I use my foundation brush. However I know a lot people like to use a beauty blender which they say gives a more natural yet flawless look

Is the price worth the hype?

For me, yes! And I’m very fussy when it comes to foundation and my expectations. I’d say the quality of the foundation is definitely worth the price tag and because of how little I’m using, I’m predicting it will last quite long too! I always say if there is one thing you spend a lot of money on in your make up bag then it should be a good foundation as your other cheaper make up products will sit much better on a good base. And also, I think flawless skin really stands out.

I think Estee Lauder is often over looked by younger make up lovers, in favor of more cool brands like MAC, Urban Decay, Essence or Inglot, as it is more associated with older ladies. I think this is definitely a misconception (perhaps one they have tried to break with bringing on Kendall Jenner?) I’ve definitely changed my mind about Estee Lauder since trying Double Wear. I know it’s early days but I really can see myself repurchasing this product and it becoming my staple. Isn’t it crazy how when you discover a product you’re almost confused how you survived without it? I’d like to say thanks to Mariska Goussard  from the Secret Board for the recommendation!

Check out my Instagram stories over the next few days as I will show you what I got in my free gift goodie bag!

Instagram: @topknotchblog

So, tell me about your other ride or die pieces because I am more open than ever to trying products based on reviews and recommendations rather than powerful advertising etc! I don’t think you can beat the tried and tested review of someone who has actually bought the product. Let me know in the comments!

Okay, final selfie – I specifically put on very little other makeup so you can see the full effect. This is at the end of the day – it’s now passed 6pm! No oiliness, still have excellent coverage.