Monday, May 23, 2016

L'Oreal Paris True Match Lumi Cushion Foundation Review

Korean beauty trends seem to love crossing the ocean to American beauty routines. American beauty retailers have featured many Asian beauty trends and tips, from BB creams to a multi-step cleansing routine. One of the most recent trends to cross the Pacific is the cushion foundation, essentially a compact with a cushion saturated with buildable foundation more on the dewy side.

I've recently been given the opportunity to test the new L'Oreal Paris True Match Lumi Foundation thanks to the generosity of L'Oreal Paris and Allure magazine, through the Allure Beauty Enthusiasts program. Although I was given this product for free to test this product, this post is in no way sponsored and the opinions expressed are purely my own honest thoughts on the foundation, and will always provide open honest feedback in my reviews.

First Impressions:
When I first opened the compact, I noticed the nice mirror at the top of the compact, which makes this product haft for traveling. 
Next is the sponge applicator. I tried the applicator the first time I applied the product and although it did a comparable job applying the product, I prefer my beautyblender sponge just because the sponge that came with it also has cloth on it, which could be more difficult to clean than my beauty blender, which I just run some of the beautyblender brand cleanser though and rinse. However, the included sponge would really make application easier on the go or if someone did not already own a beautyblender.
Opening the second layer of the compact reveals the actual product enclosed in an airtight seal. I appreciate the secondary seal in the product because it not only keeps the product fresh but also lets you know if anyone before you in the drugstore has touched the product trying to swatch it to find their shade.
Speaking of hygiene, I do have one reservation with the product. I don't think it is very hygienic to go back forth from the cushion to your face with the same brush. Bacteria thrive in dark, damp environments, and the cushion seems to be an ideal breeding ground for bacteria. I'm concerned because not only can this be gross, but bacteria is a leading cause of acne in those of us who are prone to blemishes. However, I am willing to put it behind me to find a good foundation that works well for me. I will just have to be conscientious enough to throw it out after it has gone bad.

Using the Foundation:
The foundation is ideal for people with most skin types. I would not recommend this foundation for anyone with oily or oily-combination skin due to its luminous finish that could end up looking greasy on these skin types. I have normal-combination skin and the foundation ended up looking oily and wearing off in my t-zone by the end of the day when I opted out of setting powder and spray in favor of just setting spray alone, but when used with setting powder it performed well on my skin type.
When applying the foundation, I immediately noticed that it blended on my skin very well. I did not notice any caking or streaking during the application using both the include sponge and my beautyblender. The foundation began as very sheer when I was applying it, by only providing a bit of evenness to the skin. However, I could build it so that it covered my slight post-acne scarring and redness. It covered all the color flaws on my skin except my few existing blemishes when it was built up.
My pores did not fare as well as the coloration issues. Although the foundation did not worsen the appearance of them, it didn't really help fill them in at all.
The luminous finish was absolutely beautiful. Sometimes a break from matte full coverage foundations is much needed, and this is a wonderful alternative.
During the day, the foundation wears very comfortably on my face. It holds up very well with a light dusting of powder (which can help control the shine into subtle luminosity) and some setting spray.

A Look Using this Foundation:

Products Used:
Laura Mercier SPF 30 Foundation Primer
L'Oreal Paris True Match Lumi Foundation in N3.5
Tarte The Sculptor Contour Stick
Sephora Collection Colorful Cheek Ink Gel in 04 Lotus
Clinique Chubby Stick Sculpting Highlight in 01 Hefty Highlight 
Tarte Smooth Operator Finishing Powder
Make Up For Ever Mist and Fix Setting Spray
Urban Decay All Nighter Setting Spray
Urban Decay Eyeshadow Primer Potion
Urban Decay Alice Through The Looking Glass palette (Lid- Looking Glass under Royal Flush, Transition- Reflection, Crease- Dormouse and Gone Mad)
Nars Larger than Life Long-Wear Eyeliner in Via Veneto
Stila Stay All Day Waterproof Liquid Eyeliner in Intense Black
Urban Decay Perversion Mascara
Benefit Roller Lash mascara
Korres Mango Butter Lipstick in 13 Natural Pink

#lumicushion #AllureBeautyEnthusiasts

Thank you for reading! Until next time :)