This is a really good foundation. There is such a wide range of colours that everyone can find a match. The coverage can be built up from natural, to thick enough for stage. It's very easy to spread and blend and I find the staying power pretty good, especially on my oily skin. I have all the palettes in my professional kit, too and everyone I've used it on has loved it. A lot of people apply this with a sponge, but I use my foundation brush for everything, including this creme foundation as I find it gives a more polished finish. If too much foundation has been applied, stippling the face with a sponge fixes it.

I was very excited to try this product out after reading the positive reviews it got on here. But I was quite let down, to say the least.


I ordered their 4.0oz Moisture Spray, 1.5oz Light Touch Powder, and .25oz Ultimate Foundation in 501-11. When it comes to picking out a foundation color, it is quite easy for me; I simply go with the lightest shade available and it's either light enough or it's not. I cannot imagine anyone with a skin tone other than corpse-white like myself choosing a shade via their online store because the shade is VERY different than what was displayed-- even taking into consideration their "On-screen color tends to vary when displayed on different computers" blurb. Thankfully mine still matched; it just definitely was not similar to what was pictured.


I ended up paying shipping equal to the total price of the items I purchased hoping that "2nd Day Air" meant I would get the product sooner; it still took a week.


I was thrilled when I finally received my package in the mail. Until I opened it. I did not receive my Light Touch in a professional looking shaker with labels and such as displayed on their site-- I got a clear jar with a white screw-off lid with no labels at all. Not even the company's name was on it or an ingredients list. Nothing! And on top of that, their was a dirty, sticky smudge on the lid where someone had obviously scratched a sticker off with their fingernail. And none of the products had any sort of hygienic seal on them which disturbed me. As angry as I was about that, the powder was not what I was looking forward to the most.


I'm no makeup artist, but I have been wearing it since I was a preteen so I'm pretty good at application. I took the advice of others on here and moistened my sponge with their Moisture Spray instead of trying to apply the foundation straight from the container...My skin isn't perfectly smooth by any means but this stuff magnified every single flake and dry patch by a million! I can't even apply it under my eyes because it looks like white tree bark when I do! And it clung to the tiny peach-fuzz hairs I have on my face (that all people have--I have no visible facial hair) to the point where the corners of my upper lip were starting to remind me of the Monopoly Man. I was unable to cover up pimples and scars without the makeup caking up. I could not get a smooth, even application for the life of me. It's not even worth it as a concealer in my book. Also, I have a feeling my skin would breathe more if I melted candle wax on my face than it does with this stuff.


Waxy, cakey, flakey... this stuff is horrible! And I've contacted customer support twice about returns and the condition I received my powder in and I've gotten no response. Unless you already have baby-smooth, even-toned, flawless skin, don't bother buying this. It will make you feel self conscious about flaws you didn't even know existed before this stuff touched your face.

This is an extraordinary foundation. I am a PPP with neutral undertones, very light yellow and a bit of beige. I have 601-18. It's a very, very pale yellow-beige cream color. It make me look refreshed and natural. I've never had such fantastic coverage. These two shades seem to blend and complement my skin ideally. The formula is very very creamy and lightweight, yet it covers so beautifully. The coverage is full but can be made to seem sheer or medium. It lasts all day, and I never feel it sliding off or disappearing. It balances out my dry sensitive skin, too, and absorbs oil on my nose and forehead. It contains aloe vera, kaolin, vitamin e, dimethicone, beeswax, and vegetable waxes.

This review is for the Cinema Secrets Ultimate Foundation which is a cream foundation. It is not for the Dual Action foundation, which is a wet/dry foundation.


I absolutely love this foundation! The coverage is amazing. It's buildable, but never looks like a mask. It leaves my skin glowy and even. Although it is a cream foundation it's not heavy. I feel that my skin can breathe throughout the day. It doesn't sit in my pores, but provides an airbrushed sort of appearance. The first time I used this I was amazed how bright and glowy my skin appeared, compared to other foundations I have used. I am fair with freckles and this foundation allows my freckles to show through - depending on application of course.



The foundation comes in a little pot and can be purchased in two sizes - a small pot or a larger pot. It is a cream, but cannot be compared to other cream foundations that I have tried. It has a different feel. It almost feels like a stick of butter that has been left out on the counter. It is not hard or extremely dry in texture, which would make it difficult to apply. It does not dry to a powder finish. To apply, I dot on the foundation with my finger or the SK foundation brush and then use my MAC 187 to buff it in or use the SK peep. I have had horrible breakouts with other foundations (LM, some MAC, CG), but have never had a problem with this product. Interestingly, I asked whether I could return this product if I had a reaction or a break-out. The SA said yes, but that I likely would not have a reaction. She said these products are used on cancer patients. I don't know if this is fact, however, but thought I would add it in. At the end of this review I included the ingredients.



I am very impressed with the shade selection as well. I live in Los Angeles, so I was able to go into the Cinema Secrets store in Burbank to get color-matched. In the summer, I use 401 - 71, which is close to NC 15. In the winter, I am lighter than NC 15 (around NC 10) and use 601-18 or mix 401-71 and 601-18. I am fair and most other foundations tend to be too pink, too yellow, or too dark. The 400 series has neutral to slight yellow undertones. The Cinema Secrets website states that the 401-71 is a "delicate light mixture of pink and yellow. Can be used on light skin tones of either pink or yellow to balance them out." I don't have strong yellow or pink undertones, but am more neutral - I see both yellow and pink in my skin. The 601-18 is very neutral as well.


Here's a link to the foundation descriptions. The foundations are in series based on undertone. And for the record - no affilation.


http://professionalsecrets.stores.yahoo.net/ulfoun.html


The 100 Series has red undertones for darker skin-tones. The 200 Series has darker Olive tones. The 300 Series is yellow based for mostly Asian skin-tones. The 400 Series is for beige skin tones and is a mix of yellow and pink. The 500 Series has pink undertones. The 600 Series are very pale and usually used as concealers, highlighters, or to neutralize red-tones (Although as noted above, in the winter I use the 600 series for foundation).


Also, I have to say the staff at the Burbank store is amazing. It took them about 5 seconds to match me. It's not a department store like atmosphere - more of a theatrical shop, but if you're in the area and have a chance, definitely stop in. It's always a fun way to spend an afternoon (especially around Halloween :)


So, in sum . . . .

Overall Rating: 5. I love this. Great shade selection. Perfect, buildable foundation. Provides a nice diffused look. Does not sit in your pores, but actually eliminates them. Also good for covering scars and past break-out marks. Easy to apply. Good lasting power. No clogged pores. No break-outs. Nice texture. I also use this around my eyes and does not sit in fine lines. And a big plus, it doesn't stain clothing. Supposedly, it doesn't sweat-off or transfer, but I've never had that issue with foundations.



Price: 2. Compared to other foundations, this product is cheap. You can purchase a small round pot or a larger pot. The small pot is $12.50 for 1/4 oz. The larger pot is $20 for 1/2 oz. I purchased the small pot and it is tiny. It's the size of an eyeshadow (maybe a large eyeshadow). However, it is very condensed and I've had it for a year and haven't even used half of it. I use foundation about 5 times a week. So, honestly this is amazing. I do use a lighter hand with foundation application, however. So, depending on application it could last a shorter time for you.



Packaging Quality: 5. The foundation is packaged in a small, black, screw-top, hard plastic pot. It's simple. There are no sparkles or fancy colors. It's not something to sit on your vanity. However, I can actually get to the product. It's easy to open and close with a simple screw top. It won't open in my purse or luggage when traveling. It's very hard plastic, so it won't break when dropped or crushed up against other products in my luggage. It's sensible and smart. I can see how much is left. And I can get to the product at the bottom of the tin without trying to cut open the package or other maneauvers to get at that last bit (hey UDPP, I'm talking to you). Fancy packaging is okay, but in the end I just want a product that I can use easily. And I am willing to give up a few sparkles for a lower price point anyday. For that, I give it a 5.


Would you buy this product again: In a second.

About me: 31, fair (lighter side of NC 15 in summer, NC 10 in winter), freckles, normal skin that can get dry in areas, some large pores.

Ingredients: Caprylic Capric Triglyceride, Octyldodecanol, Cetyl Palmitate, Carnauba Candelillia Cera, Dimethicone Kaolin Aloe Barbadensis Tocopherol, Parfum. May contain: Titanium Dioxide CI 77891, Iron Oxides CI 77491, CI 77492, CI 77499, Ultramarines CI 77007, Red 36 CI 12085, Red 7 CI 45850:1, Carmine CI 75470, Yellow 5CI 19140:

I reely wanted to like idea that I don`t have to use a greace make up any more. Water activated foundation in a compact, sounds perfect. But I didn`t like it, it looked good first hour but after that it just sliped of my face. The colours I have are 506, 603, 304, and 402, the best mach for my light-medium warm skin is 402.After some research I have discovered the Kryolan Aquacolor Foundation. The best looking skin You can get this foundatipon will give it to you. It will never broke you out and they have a huge selection of colours. I am using ELO (Extra Light Olive) for the winter and LO (Light Olive) for the summer.I will not by the Cinema Secrets foundation again, I have found much better one for me.

As a makeup artist,this product is amazing for photo shoots-a little goes a long way.The palette is so convienent + great for color matching.I also use this myself on occasion,it gives that airbrushed flawless looking skin.Its highly pigmented so you only need a little bit,however you do need to blend it well to prevent the "mask" look.I always get compliments when I wear this-it also lasts all day.I set it with a powder,it looks great.The only downside is that it seems to clog my pores & cause me to breakout (could possibly be the dimithicone in the product),but it does even out my ruddy skin tone.Overall I would def.recommend this product!

i use CS foundation on myself and on my clients. i personally use 306 as foundation and 303 around the eye area and 603 to conceal redness around my nose. this is just a beautiful brand...it has everyone's shade whether one is red or yellow or pink or neutral. i have combo skin and i haven't experienced any breakouts even if it's creamy. although, my t-zone is really problematic, CS foundation is by far the best that i've tried and used. even my husband, who is a director/cinematographer, (who has also been a very cooperative guinea pig letting me try on him different foundation brands), thinks that CS is a good product - provided you don't use too much and blend very well. as for some reviews that mention the product settling on lines, i must say that age and/or skincare routine has something to do with it. realistically speaking, there's not one product that can totally erase fine lines especially around the eye area...lines are fine, ladies...there are more important things to care about like healthy lifestyle and meaningful friendships and relationships. anyway, the oil-free foundation primer is a fab partner to the foundation and i reco that you purchase it as well. for those with very oily skin, an alternative to the creamy foundation is the dual active foundation - can be used wet (dewy look) or dry (matte finish)...but if you're already oily, use it dry. please remember that in makeup, use only a little bit and just build if you need to...and blend, blend, blend.

This is probably the best foundation for me! I have some acne scars that I wanted to cover up, and the 300 series (301 and 302) totally matches and evens out my skin tone, and completely covers up the acne scars. I have tried Cover girl, MAC, Estee Lauder, Clinique, Lancome, Neutrogena, Avon foundation, L'oreal, Shiseido and a lot more and none of them came close to my light-yellow Asian skin tone, or the coverage I wanted. Either it was to beige or too yellow/orange (considering I had help from a MA), too light, too cakey or oxidizes after a few hours. I was getting frustrated. Then I saw a review for Cinema Secrets cosmetics (by accident, as I was searching for other foundations) and I was intrigued. I've never seen a cosmetic line with so much good reviews. Learning that they actually use this make up on celebrities made me more curious, and since I was desperate to find the right foundation, I thought I'd try it. What with it being so inexpensive, what's the harm in trying? and I found it! I found my HG!! I've been using this foundation for three weeks now. I'm getting second-looks from guys and some acquaintances from church (I'm in a choir) lol! and I've been complemented on how my skin looks by so many people, it's amazing! I couldn't believe it at first. I mean, don't get my wrong, I like my skin without make up, but it's just so uneven, pink on some parts and light-yellow on others, and some brown spots from my dried-up acne, and like I said, this evens out my skin tone perfectly. All in all, this is the foundation for me! I'm so happy and contented with this product, my search for the right foundation is finally over!

UPDATE 04/12/08: It has been 4 months since I reviewed this product, and I must say, it still is the best foundation for me. Best color match for my skin tone, and best coverage. Although I don't recommend this to people who have severely dry and severely oily skin. I have recently used benzoyl peroxide to get rid of my seasonal acne (that's what I call it because it makes my skin/acne worse whenever the season changes, usually from winter to spring and vice versa) and it turned my skin severely dry for almost a week, and it hasn't been easy covering it up with this foundation. It accentuated the dry spots, making my skin look so dehydrated and old. You'll need to put a moisturizer on before applying this foundation. But the problem for me is that I break out more if I put on moisturizer before this product. I never had a problem with this foundation before using the bp. So I stopped using the bp, and, probably to compensate for the moisture lost, my face became severely oily. I tried to cover up the dried up acne scars, but then my oily face would not hold the foundation (also, It tends to feel heavy specially if you have oily skin). So what I do is I apply the mineral veil I bought from bare minerals after I apply the foundation, and it really helps! It lasts all day. I didn't do this before because, like I said, I didn't have any problem like this before the bp. This is still a great product for me, the color match is phenomenal - disappears onto my skin, and doesn't make me look fake. continued >>

I have used this foundation for years, since it was first introduced. I used to live near their store and was taught how to use it by Maurice, the owner and inventor. Every time I try something else,
I go right back to it. You can easily regulate the coverage and it lasts all day. This is the only product that I will never change (again). The large size seems to last forever too.

This is BY FAR the best foundation on the market!! I have used it for about 6 years now, first learned about it in esthetician school. Drove 2 hrs to Burbank to purchase and have ordered by phone ever since. Its only $25ish for a large pot, worth every penny. My 15 year old daughter uses it as well as my 65 year old mother. Everyone who comments on my skin is advised to buy it. Once you find your color then just call and have it shipped, much easier!