Almay • Smart Shade Smart Balance SPF15 • Liquid

Jen5914 on 3/4/2013 2:31:00 PM more reviews by Jen5914

Age: 25-29   Skin: Dry, Fair   Hair: Blond   Eyes: Blue    

My skin is very dry in places but gets oily by the end of the day. It is acne prone with a lot is red under tones. I used the light/medium shade which at first seemed a little dark but then I asked my husband what he thought and he said "I didn't know you we're wearing make up" so I figured that was a good sign that it blended well. This product offers a medium coverage which evens me out pretty well. I hate thick foundation and I feel this one works well. I previously bought the Smart Shade Anti aging which is actually a little thicker then this one. For a day time on the go makeup; this is good. I'd buy again.

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Mozart68 on 2/23/2013 4:31:00 PM more reviews by Mozart68

Age: 44-55   Skin: Combination, Medium, Cool   Hair: Brown   Eyes: Green    

I have oily-combo skin with freckles, so I have a difficult time finding something that looks good on me. What I am looking for: no shine, no glow, no sparkles, no caking, no obvious makeup. This TM in medium very good.
I really do not understand the bad ratings, except that maybe some people buy products that aren't marketed for what they're looking for. This makeup isn't sold as full-coverage, so why expect that?
ETA: I found something better -- Bobbi Brown long wear compact. Since BB lacks spf, I layer it over EltaMD spf 46. These products together are HG. No more searching.

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ila80 on 11/25/2012 12:31:00 AM more reviews by ila80

Age: 18 & Under   Skin: Combination, Fair   Hair: Brown   Eyes: Blue    

I don't like this stuff. It comes out whiteish gray (which is sort of cool) and then turns..... orangey. I got the lightest shade but it was way off color from my fair skin. It seems like a tinted moisturizer, but turns out to be worse. It provides little coverage. I'm pretty sure the cheapest foundation at the store works better than this. I have loved most other Almay products I've tried so I was suprised at my dissapointment.

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*TOP REVIEWER* CordulaM on 11/7/2012 11:34:00 PM more reviews by CordulaM

Age: 25-29   Skin: Combination, Fair-Medium   Hair: Brunette   Eyes: Brown    

I wanted to like this, it seemed to have everything. Perfect match? Sunscreen? Balance skin? Well it was only ok. It comes out grey and then *sort of* matches. When it does match perfectly it just seems to go away...like is this some kind of tinted moisturizer that once you rub in the tint it goes away? The market it to actually cover better than that, and sadly it doesn't. Not only that, I wouldn't say it's the best moisturizer either. I don't remember if it 'clogged' my pores, but it did feel more stuffy and greasy then when I use my L'Oreal Bare Naturale powder foundation. I hardly touch this stuff. And yes, if you leave it, it gets weird in the spout, you have to shake it I guess. It's 'alright'. Not worth the money.

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JamaicanWhitie on 9/24/2012 8:48:00 PM more reviews by JamaicanWhitie

Age: 19-24   Skin: Oily, Fair-Medium, Warm   Hair: Blond, Straight, Fine   Eyes: Blue    

Okay first things first. If you are looking for a med-full coverage foundation this is NOT for you. I prefer using a foundation that it lighter coverage and go in with concealer in the areas that I need full coverage. My skin reacts better that way, because I am VERY acne/clogging prone. I have experimented with numerous foundations over the last year and this is the one that I reach for the most. I apply it with a duo fibre brush and stipple it in, and then buff. The one thing I don't like about this is the color. I bought mine in Light and there are some days where it will match the color of my skin and other days where it will just SO ORANGE. I have recently figured out its because I clean my makeup brushes every 3 days, and whatever pigments were left on the brush would make my foundation change the color darker. I realized this because whenever my brush was freshly cleaned is when the color matched my skin the best. So word of advice is to apply this with only a clean brush with no other remnants of pigment on it or else the color will be all wrong. But other than that I really do like this foundation. It helps to keep my oily areas matte, and my dry areas hydrated enough so that it doesn't accentuate flakes. It will not aggravate even the most sensitive skin! :)

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teamsingleladys on 7/19/2012 2:41:00 AM more reviews by teamsingleladys

Age: 18 & Under   Skin: Sensitive, Fair-Medium   Hair: Brunette   Eyes: Brown    

Well this product was ok I guess.. Defiantly not a full coverage foundation though, since i have acne prone skin I enjoy more of a full. I did enjoy the SPF 15 in it though, great for summer. The shade range wasnt good at all. Came in 3 differnt shades!! Ugh. Probably will not repurchase this.

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*TOP REVIEWER* kikidoll27 on 7/18/2012 4:24:00 PM more reviews by kikidoll27

Age: 18 & Under   Skin: Acne-prone, Fair, Cool   Hair: Brunette, Wavy, Medium   Eyes: Brown    

I love that the Almay Smart Shade Smart Balance foundation has spf for summer. It has good coverage when used with a brush, and really nice consistncy, but my issue is the color. I'm pale, but this goes on darker than my skin tone. I look almost spray tanned! This is medium coverage, and I would wear this to events or dinners where my usual routine of just concealer (although it's pretty full coverage concealer) won't cut it. I won't repurchase this if I run out due to the color being off, but I'll use it up.
UPDATE: Lately, I've gotten into the habit of wearing foundation on school days, just because I broke out really badly on myleft cheek a few months back, and am now stuck having to cover the really bad scarring. The color is still too dark for me, but I do get a really flawless look when I top this off with my concealer. I don't think this clogs my pores, but I really can't be sure. After I apply my mouisturizer, I apply this using the elf fat top powder brush. I sort of stipple it all over my face, concentrating more on the areas where my hyper-pigmentation is worse. After I blend it all in, I dab concealer (coverblend multi-purpose concealer in light) on any visible imperfections. The finished look is a virtually flawless complexion. While I don't think I'll repurchase this, I will continue to use it mainly because it never ever cakes or streaks. Also, it has the feel of a tinted moisturizer while providing nice coverage. I think it's quite a nice product. If it came in a lighter shade, I would buy it again.
UPDATE 4/6/13: This breaks me out on the side of my face minorly. Still like it, will use sparingly since it only breaks me out if I wear it over the span of a week or so. Wouldn't repurchase, but it's a nice foundation, at least in my opinion.

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ryarr001 on 3/25/2012 7:36:00 PM more reviews by ryarr001

Age: 25-29   Skin: Sensitive, Fair-Medium   Hair: Brown   Eyes: Hazel    

Smart Shade is a great foundation for lightweight coverage.
It does not provide full-coverage. I've found that using the clear complexion concealer over my uneven skin areas smooths the coverage nicely. It also does not irritate my sensitive skin!
I do wish this foundation came in more tones. Only three shades doesn't really cover the spectrum. I can say the light- medium works great on my somewhat tanned skin and does give a nice natural glow.
I switched to using Almay after using Neutrogena and Physicians Formula for years and am very happy so far!
I will definitely be buying this product, along with the concealer, and Nearly Naked loose powder, for awhile.

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scb8551 on 3/19/2012 12:41:00 PM more reviews by scb8551

Age: 19-24   Skin: Acne-prone, Olive   Hair: Brunette, Wavy, Medium   Eyes: Brown    

Okay, so I NEVER write reviews. Normally, I'm the one searching for products on here hoping they'll work out. I have to say, I am pleasantly surprised about this foundation. I have tried all types of foundations- from cheap to high end- and prefer liquid for the best coverage. I have been constantly searching for a good foundation. I have PCOS and break out easily around my chin, but this foundation hasn't caused ANY breakouts or aggravated my skin. Although I HATE the packaging (and wish it had a little more coverage), I apply the foundation with my hands mixed in with my moisturizer. It goes on smoothly and doesn't make me orange. I have the light to medium shade and was worried that I would look orange after reading some of the harsh reviews, but I'm extremely happy with the results. I have olive skin so maybe it was just right for my skin type, but for those of you who are looking for a lightweight foundation that doesn't break you out- you should try this!

2 out of 2 people found this review helpful.     Was this review helpful to you? Yes   No

Jeffys1Mom on 2/16/2012 10:07:00 PM more reviews by Jeffys1Mom

Age: 19-24   Skin: Very Dry, Fair   Hair: Brunette   Eyes: Blue    

The first time I used the product, it surprised me with the color beads. I thought it was an alright foundation... You can't put it on with a foundation brush, which I was frustrated by, since I like to use one. It didn't have wonderful coverage, but I am not sure that it is labeled to be a good covering foundation. One thing I hated about it, is its shelf-life. If you let it sit a little while (week) without use, you may as well toss it because the beads will gather and turn your face orange when you try to use it again.

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*TOP REVIEWER* Zanita27 on 1/26/2012 5:40:00 AM more reviews by Zanita27

Age: 30-35   Skin: Normal, Fair-Medium, Warm   Hair: Brunette, Straight, Fine   Eyes: Brown    

This isn't my normal foundation but this is a good substitute. It's pretty basic with no frills, bells or whistles, which is fine with me. I just need something that covers the redness in my face. It goes on sheer/medium and doesn't give me that streaky look like some foundations I have used in the past do. It actually looks pretty natural on which is a plus. I do like that it has some SPF and that it is in a squeeze tube so I don't have to worry about my fingers contaminating the product. Will get again if my reg. foundation color is yet again out of stock.

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troubleinlipstick on 12/22/2011 10:37:00 PM more reviews by troubleinlipstick

Age: 19-24   Skin: Combination, Fair-Medium, Cool   Hair: Black   Eyes: Brown    

I liked this foundation. It looks really natural. I blend it on my wrist first then apply evenly on my face. It doesn't crack or look dry. I don't break out and I have acne prone skin. Wish there was more color selection but I wear a light medium. I like it because it lets my skin look like skin not cakey. Not much coverage for under eye circles or pimples at all. Only good for like redness or evening out your skin tone.

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bink180 on 12/7/2011 7:24:00 PM more reviews by bink180

Age: 19-24   Skin: Combination, Fair, Warm   Hair: Black, Straight, Medium   Eyes: Brown    

When I got this foundation in Febuary I was desperate to find a shade that would match my skin especially in the winter when your skin color is fading, I purchased the light/medium shade cause i have yellow undertones in my skin, it was slighly orange! But i blended it with my concealer and it wasnt too bad.
Later, when I vacayed in Florida in August i was without makeup for a few days and one day when I got ready to go out for dinner I wore and my foundation that night, it matched perfectly after being in the sun for four days :) . So, I learned my lesson. So if you have cameleon skin and you completely wash out during the winter start with light.
Besides matching, it was a tad oily for my combination skin, but if you set it with powder its stays on better but I wouldnt buy it again. :/

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AubreyLenore on 10/22/2011 6:37:00 PM more reviews by AubreyLenore

Age: 19-24   Skin: Acne-prone, Fair, Neutral   Hair: Red, Wavy, Medium   Eyes: Green    

I was really excited about this foundation because I wanted something light like a tinted moisturizer but without the actual moisturizer because I have oily skin. But it was way too dark. I used a makeup sponge instead of my fingers and blended very well, but it was still definitely the wrong shade for my very pale face. It seemed like a nice foundation if the smart shade thing would have worked on me, but it didn't.

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Isabird on 10/15/2011 7:48:00 PM more reviews by Isabird

Age: 30-35   Skin: Sensitive, Fair-Medium, Warm   Hair: Brown, Wavy, Fine   Eyes: Brown    

I believe part of the mixed reviews this foundation has are because people are not applying this correctly. You can completely ignore the shade matching gimmick, there is no way a product can detect your skin tone and adapt to it.
What this is is a base with scattered pigments, and you need to make sure you blend it BEFORE applying it your face. I know, how silly is that? Why don't they just mix the product in the first place? Well, it is silly but so worth it!
This is one of the best foundations I've ever tried! It looks so natural, makes skin looks smooth and even, and it does a pretty good job at keeping oil at bay. And contrary to most foundations targeted to oil-combination skin, this one is not drying and does not set to a harsh matte finish.
It does not provide full coverage, but I'm fine with that, because I prefer my foundation to be light and natural. Any extra coverage can be achieved using concealer where you need it.
Sadly, the color range is limited and all shades have a yellow undertone, so if you have pink undertones this will probably look orangey on you. The "light" shade works wonderful for me.
Just remember: give it a good shake before using it. Make sure the product is mixed before applying it so you get an even distribution of the color pigments.

8 out of 8 people found this review helpful.     Was this review helpful to you? Yes   No

bringhunterthehorizon on 10/11/2011 4:25:00 PM more reviews by bringhunterthehorizon

Age: 19-24   Skin: Acne-prone, Fair-Medium   Hair: Brunette   Eyes: Green    

This shouldn't be called a foundation at all. It has no coverage at all but it left my skin feeling very oily. I found it a great waste of money although thankfully I didn't pay even close to full price for it since I found it in a package deal with their blush at big lots. I wouldn't recommend this even as a tinted moisturizer because I feel that there are much better ones out there.

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.     Was this review helpful to you? Yes   No

sillyhheart on 10/6/2011 2:17:00 PM more reviews by sillyhheart

Age: 18 & Under   Skin: Sensitive, Fair, Neutral   Hair: Brunette, Curly, Coarse   Eyes: Blue    

I am very pale. So pale, in fact, I have never found a foundation light enough for my skin tone. I picked this up today wanting to try it. As I applied it, it seemed like it was going to turn out too dark, but it didn't. It blended very well with my skin color after a second. It doesn't have much coverage, but it does even out your skin tone well, and it doesn't look like you're wearing foundation. It looks natural - which is good enough for me.
I really liked this.

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fortheloveofallthingspink on 9/19/2011 5:47:00 PM more reviews by fortheloveofallthingspink

Age: 19-24   Skin: Oily, Medium, Neutral   Hair: Brunette, Wavy, Medium   Eyes: Grey    

Very, very, very orange. And has virtually no coverage. That's all I can really say. Just stick to matching your foundation yourself.

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.     Was this review helpful to you? Yes   No

bonnydoon on 9/5/2011 6:12:00 PM more reviews by bonnydoon

Age: 30-35   Skin: Combination, Fair-Medium   Hair: Brown   Eyes: Blue    

This should fall under the category of tinted moisturizer because it does not offer even medium coverage. However, this is exactly what I was looking for so I'm well pleased.
I am an NC 20-25 (yellow undertones) and the light-medium shade works excellently. It will even out your skin tone and give a natural look.

The product comes out looking like a whitish cream and should not be applied directly to the face as such. It needs to be applied like a moisturizer. So, squeeze a chickpea-sized dollop onto your fingers, rub both hands together so the product is evenly dispersed on tips of fingers on each hand and then apply to the face, moving from the centre and outward. Blend. As soon as you rub the product between your fingers, the pigment beads will disperse colour quite evenly, and thus apply the colour evenly to the face.

After a 12-hour workday, no streaks, gray tones, oxidation or anything but the true color. A bit of oiliness after 5 hrs, but not a big deal.

Unscented.

This product is just as good as many high-end foundations, and this is coming from someone who only uses NARS. I hate to say it Francois, but this product is why I will not buy your $45 foundation. :-)

3 out of 3 people found this review helpful.     Was this review helpful to you? Yes   No

Lizzieloveslipgloss on 9/5/2011 3:21:00 PM more reviews by Lizzieloveslipgloss

Age: 30-35   Skin: Combination, Fair-Medium, Neutral   Hair: Brunette, Wavy, Fine   Eyes: Blue    

Not a fan, foundation turns orange fast and coverage is sheer at best. Threw it away!

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.     Was this review helpful to you? Yes   No