Review of Revlon PhotoReady Makeup by PaleIsTheNewTan
I wanted to use this for a week before reviewing. This is the first drugstore foundation I've used since wearing makeup on a regular basis. I was impressed both by the consistency, the coverage, as well as the fact that this came in a light-enough shade for my very pale, neutral leaning slightly cool skin.
I wear #001 Ivory in PR; my other foundation matches are MUFEHD 110 (though it's a tad pink), F&B38 (though slightly too pink, not as pink as the HD; and a smidge too deep), can pull of MAC Sculpt foundation in NW15 barely (I still use the concealer for blemishes without any issues). MAC foundation wise, N3 in Studio Fix PPF is probably my best match, while BB Skin in Alabaster is probably the closest match overall and out of all the foundations I've tried.
Ivory is a similar colour, though bottle wise, it looks a smidge deeper in tone than BB Alabaster. I notice it looks a little dark splotched or swatched on, but is a perfect match once blended and buffed in. I cannot understand the reviews that call this a 'light' coverage foundation formula or complain about this being too sheer; this is easily medum-coverage on me using my #187. I have not experimented with other brushes or my fingers.
Finish-wise, as a dry-skinned girl, I did not find this dewey in any real way. It was semi-matte in finish. It tended to stick to any dry, flaking skin and I have or had. My skin is very sensitive and reactive, and I don't like the idea of exfoliating every day to wear this foundation on a regular basis. Sure, it may look 'better', but my actual skin would be a mess. So, 1 lippie off for that.
I didn't notice the sparkles when applying in my bathroom under a skylight, at work under fluorescent lighting (actually, this looked AMAZING under the bathroom light at school and work that usually makes me look jaundiced and ruddy... at the same time) or in nightime light. I did however, notice the Edward Cullen sparkles my 5th time wearing it while in my father's mid-life crisis mobile - sun ablazing. I didn't notice glitter on my entire face; only the areas where I really get any oil production; the tip of my nose and the crease of my chin under my lips/mouth. Another lippie off.
This is a workable foundation, but I cannot use it with a more mattifying primer as I tried for dance class. Used the PR with Smashbox Photo Finish Light and still felt... tight when smiling. Used it with heavier primers like GOSH Velvet Touch and Clarins Instant Smooth, and had no problem whatsoever. It's a nice foundation, equal and comparable to some department store ones I've tried, but not HG material, though great for everyday.
I have noticeable/dilated pores on my nose and cheeks beside my nose and did not find this foundation drew attention to them in any negative way. This covered easily, though I still used a bit of concealer on any blemishes, red spots, and under my eyes after applying this.
I like this foundation, but I would not pay the full $23.99 or similar price at Shoppers Drug Mart. I managed to get it for $14.99 and 1000 Bonus Optimum Points, so thought, why not? It's good, but not good enough to pay full price for, though I would buy again.