Merle Norman • Luxiva Lasting Foundation • Liquid

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cmayes71 on 1/21/2013 4:56:00 PM more reviews by cmayes71

Age: 36-43   Skin: Combination, Fair   Hair: Blond   Eyes: Blue    

This is the one foundation that I keep coming back to. This foundation feels moisturizing but is non greasy. It wears like ELDW but is not as drying on me. It is lighter feeling. I am super pale and use vanilla. I wear ecru in ELDW. It is a very good match. I use the ultra powder (light) over this if I need more coverage. Merle Norman really deserves more attention than it gets. Merle Norman carries some of the best cosmetics. Their skincare is amazing! They have changed their packaging to reflect a more modern image.

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

erinmc42 on 10/16/2012 3:33:00 PM more reviews by erinmc42

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

After wearing foundations for over 15 years, trying different ones every time I buy, I have finally found one that I have gone back to 3 times so far!

After trying all the drug store foundations under $10, I decided about 2 years ago it was time to spend some money to get the results I wanted: something that will STAY on my face until I wash it off, that won't look cakey, and that covers acne scars and reddish tones.

I loved the look of Covergirl's Dream Matte Mousse but it wipes off/sweats off easily. I also loved Bare Essentials but found I had to reapply to keep the coverage I wanted. I have also tried Smashbox's HD foundation and felt it didn't cover well.

Merle Norman's Lasting Foundation is the best!! I'm willing to spend $39 two times a year for this product that stays put all day long.

I wear it every day, setting it with Covergirl's clean compact powder. If I need something stronger for a special event or photo shoot, I have used it layered with Bare Essential's foundation on top. It is very versatile and not at all cakey (but however COULD be if you use a heavy hand and heavy powder).

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ash21871 on 9/24/2012 9:57:00 PM more reviews by ash21871

Age: 25-29   Skin: Acne-prone, Fair, Cool   Hair: Brunette, Straight, Medium   Eyes: Hazel    

The makeup is great and it has great coverage. I had a time getting it off my face at the end of the day. I had to use about two of the make up remover clothes and wash my face to make sure that I got it of good. It has a very perfumey smell that last all day. The only reason that I wouldn't buy again is because it irritated my face so bad that my face would itch all day.

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WyllowL on 8/5/2012 1:44:00 AM more reviews by WyllowL

Age: 19-24   Skin: Combination, Fair   Hair: Blond   Eyes: Hazel    

I've been trying to find a great foundation for years, but it's been impossible because I'm so fair and I'm allergic to many foundations. This is by far the best I've found. I have combination skin and it isn't drying or oily. The coverage is great and buildable without looking cakey so long as you blend it a little, and once it's on it doesn't feel heavy (even after covering a blemish). You do have to work a little quickly with this foundation, though, because it dries quickly. I think that's great, especially when you're in a hurry, but if you're used to foundation that takes a few minutes to dry, you should keep that in mind.

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sigriiid on 7/27/2012 11:27:00 PM more reviews by sigriiid

Age: 19-24   Skin: Normal, Fair, Warm   Hair: Red, Straight, Coarse   Eyes: Green    

PACKAGING:
I really have no complaints about the looks of packaging. I like that, since they have repackaged, you can see the color of the product inside the tube. However, I really just don't dig the squeeze tube, in general. If you squeeze too much out, it is very difficult to get it back in the container. It can be done, but it takes time, and patience.
COVERAGE:
I would call this a medium - full coverage foundation. It blends easily, and you don't have to use very much, which is nice considering the price. Cream is the lightest color available, and it matches my coloring perfectly.
FINISH:
This foundation has a very matte finish. I have always considered myself to have Normal/Oily skin-- nothing too oily, but, boy, can I shine if I don't watch out. With this foundation, there is ABSOLUTELY NO shine on my face. I would strongly recommend this for anyone that has trouble with shine control. That being said, it may be a little drying on dry skin.
LASTING POWER:
Geeze, Louise! This stuff is called Lasting, and it sure does. I can safely say this foundation has lasted 12+ hours on me. I usually set my liquid foundation with powder, but I don't even have to with this. This would be great for weddings or events where you plan on getting pictures taken throughout the day and you may not have a lot of time for touch ups.

However, I gave this a 4/5 instead of a full 5/5 because of two reasons. Number one: This is an expensive foundation-- I believe it retails for $31.00. That can be a little scary if you are on a tight budget. I might recommend buying this foundation and only using it on special occasions where you need your foundation to last a while. Number two: This foundation lasts...and lasts... and lasts. It takes a little more patience to wash this off than other foundations. This is a nuisance, at most, and not a huge deal for me.

ALL IN ALL:
This is a fantastic foundation. It has great coverage, eliminates shine, and doesn't disappear! Sure, it has its thorns, but what foundation doesn't? I will be repurchasing.

A good drugstore alternative would be Revlon Colorstay for Combination/Oily skin. It costs 1/3 of the price and has a very similar formula.

3 out of 4 people found this review helpful.     Was this review helpful to you? Yes   No

DarklitFaery on 7/1/2012 7:50:00 PM more reviews by DarklitFaery

Age: 25-29   Skin: Very Oily, Fair   Hair: Brown   Eyes: Hazel    

So my bestie loves this foundation and I wore it for my senior pics and my wedding. And I LOVED it! So when I could afford it, I but it. After about a week, when I took my makeup off, my skin would sting and looked even more red. And one morning I woke up to a swollen face, clogged pores, and red welts! I broke down crying because I had to go to class with my face looking like I got into a fight with a bee. :/ apparently I'm allergic to something in it, which sucks. I'd recommend getting a sample before you purchase it. Loved the coverage, loved the packaging, loved the color-- I really loved this foundation. My face, however, did not. So I will not be repurchasing sadly.

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*TOP REVIEWER* AuNatural716 on 6/9/2012 12:34:00 PM more reviews by AuNatural716

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

This probably would have been a good foundation for many ladies, but this broke me out in sores/welts on my face and the perfumy SMELL annoyed me for a few hours after I first put it on. This is a very thick foundation with a heavy consistency but good coverage because only a little bit is needed at a time. However, it was hard to wash off. The biggest reason I did not give this a 1 though is because this foundation was the last thing I've tested that made me realize and conclude that I am for sure allergic to talc in makeup. I broke out in welts after using a couple different brands of talc-based powders before I tried this and I can finally say for sure talc is a major source of these for me, but if you're not sensitive to talc then this is an ok foundation, but probably better for mature skin rather than younger women.

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*TOP REVIEWER* PeachFuzzz on 5/17/2012 6:40:00 PM more reviews by PeachFuzzz

Age: 19-24   Skin: Acne-prone, Fair-Medium, Warm   Hair: Black, Wavy, Coarse   Eyes: Hazel    

Nice packaging. I like simple and plastic. I'm clumsy and have broken numerous glass bottles. However, this looks disgusting on my skin. I have super duper oily skin and this did ok with it but not so great to put up with the cons. First, color selection sucks. Not enough yellow colores. NC 30-35 and I think creamy beige was selected for me. Not even close. I have clear skin. No pimples..nada. I was on accutane for 6 months and now have beautiful skin. This made me break out. I wasn't surprised because of thick and nasty this felt and my skin can handle a lot. I still got oily and by the end of the day it made me age by 10 years. I'm 23. This is not ok and returned this so fast.

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betel on 4/16/2012 12:29:00 PM more reviews by betel

Age: 30-35   Skin: Acne-prone, Medium, Warm   Hair: Black, Wavy, Medium   Eyes: Brown    

I love the way this feels after it sets, I am used to mineral makeup and love the way it feels like you are not wearing any makeup and this feels like that! I was amazed because as soon as you put it on it feel kind of greasy but wait a little longer and voila its matte and it feels like you have nothing on I have no idea why people say it feels like a mask I guess they have really dry skin? I love the smell too its luxurious and if you dont like it, it goes away soon anyways. It has actually made my skin clear up quite a bit(off the bc)and i dont have a hard time washing off at all. It covers well and if you need you can wait till it sets a bit then go over your spots again. I am Golden Beige and it matches perfectly it has the yellow undertone no one else seems to have. I am definately a Merle girl forever
EDIT: I am still loving it after trying Estee Lauders DW but colors are way off for us yellow tinged girls and it DW broke me out, this however does not and it looks great by the end of the day. I tried Revlon Colorstay too and they are very similar in the smell, finish and staying power except Revlon broke me out too! So I wont stray again.
Edit: This is my holy grail I have been using for about a year and this is the only foundation that can touch my face, my skins actually feels better after I take it off. My face never has looked this good. And best of all Merle Norman is still made here in USA!!

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sabrinalovesmakeup on 3/9/2012 4:12:00 PM more reviews by sabrinalovesmakeup

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

I would tell anyone that has oily skin to try this! I have dry skin but i love this foundation! It last all day and it doesnt rub off or oxides! Its a little pricy but its wroth it!

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mqt on 1/5/2012 8:09:00 PM more reviews by mqt

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

I have been using this foundation for about 5-6 years. I was deployed to the desert and let me tell you...(and I'm a hard working girl) I had the best looking face over there. I know there are probably people who wonder why I bothered. I don't care, I just did. Anyhow, in 130 degree heat during the day (I was outside all day) and 95 at night with 100% humidity, my makeup stayed on ALL DAY. People came up to me to look closer because they couldn't believe how flawless my face looked, even close-up. When it is winter-time I backed off a little on the makeup because my face got dryer, but a good moisturizer might fix that. I have NEVER broken out and I have a tendency to get whiteheads. In fact, I think it makes my skin look nice and protects it. It doesn't have a ton of spf in it, but it's not bad when you don't go outside that often. I used to waste so much money trying out foundations from everywhere, and even though the $28 I spend on seems expensive, it lasts me forever (3 months).

A note on application: Be careful around your eyebrows so your eyebrows don't look like they've been painted

Also, you don't need much so don't put as much on your finger or sponge as you do other liquidy foundations. Work it in slowly so you can see how it's working for you. It is matte, so if you want extremely natural this ain't it, but if you need/want full coverage this is perfect.

4 out of 5 people found this review helpful.     Was this review helpful to you? Yes   No

djacobs587 on 12/5/2011 8:03:00 PM more reviews by djacobs587

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

So let me start off by saying I have combination skin. I have tried Makeup Forever, Mary Kay, Avon, Bare Minerals, Clinique, all basic brands like Revlon/Covergirl/Organic minerals, etc. I found Merle Norman on Black Friday. But not in the madness that ensues at midnight all across the country... from one of my employees who put it on at 9pm Nov 24th and looked liek a million bucks at 1pm the NEXT day after the biggest shopping day of the year! Mind you, she had not reapplied during this time at all. I went in and the lady gave me a quick once over with the lasting foundation, the compact and then touched up my lips. You can literally feel the makeup sucking the oil out of your skin throughout its wear. If it feels like youre wearing a clay mask, your skin isnt as oily as you thought (little tip from the rep). I guess I am as oily as I thought because i cant feel it at all, and I look airbrushed all the day through. Mind you I work retail so Im constantly on my feet, running around my store so I dont have time to touch up throughout the day and still need to look good for my higher end patrons who come in. Merle Norman is the way to go!! I can put it on in thye A.M., commute forty minutes to work, finish off a ten hour day and drive home and still look fantastic. Highly recommend this product! And they make a line for those of you blessed ones who dont have oily prone skin :)

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

dakotacheryl on 12/1/2011 7:18:00 AM more reviews by dakotacheryl

Age: 44-55   Skin: Oily, Fair, Neutral   Hair: Brown, Curly, Medium   Eyes: Green    

I have tried so many foundations hoping to find one that actually controls the oily shine on my face for more than a few minutes, doesn't change color during the day, doesn't wear off from my frequent use of blotting sheets etc. etc. This foundation is the best I've tried!!! The color I have is "vanilla" and matches my skin tone perfectly. I highly recommend this for oily skin gals.

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MissHTinker on 10/16/2011 9:32:00 PM more reviews by MissHTinker

Age: 18 & Under   Skin: Very Dry, Fair, Neutral   Hair: Brown, Wavy, Medium   Eyes: Green    

This is hands down the best foundation I've ever used. I have the palest of pale skin, which is a challenge in it's own- and on top of that, I'm very yellow. Pale colors are always too pink, and darker ones cover the pale skin that I love, but this foundation in Cream is absolutely perfect. Awesome coverage when applied with fingers, perfect matte finish, and amazing lasting power. I use this all the time, even with my extremely dry skin. With a moisturizer, I look great in this foundation

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*TOP REVIEWER* psmitty on 9/29/2011 7:15:00 AM more reviews by psmitty

Age: 30-35   Skin: Combination   Hair: Brunette   Eyes: Hazel    

Too dark for my pale yellow skin and my combination skin gets extremely oily quickly when this is on its own. I bought this out of desperation, since finding a transfer-resistant, pale foundation for sensitive skin seems an impossible task. The SA said Cream was the palest one, which is still way too dark. It does have great squeezy-tube packaging and hasn't broken me out. If there is a paler one out there, I may reconsider buying!

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*TOP REVIEWER* dddoxie on 9/18/2011 8:38:00 AM more reviews by dddoxie

Age: 25-29   Skin: Combination, Medium, Warm   Hair: Brunette, Straight, Medium   Eyes: Hazel    

My HG foundation search just may be over...

I'm almost 30 and still have acne (mostly hormonal) and I also have a lot of acne scarring, hyperpigmentation and moderately oily skin. I've tried a lot of DS foundations which get oily on me within hours and feel like they just slid off my face. I've tried department store brands which weren't much better.

This foundation is completely different. It is extremely watery and thin, so it doesn't look like its going to do much, but once you blend it onto your face it dries into this natural matte finish that doesn't accentuate pores or look like a cakey mess. It covered my acne scars and still-healing blemishes beautifully.

I set it with a light dusting of the MN Luxiva Ultra Powder Foundation and it lasted all day. Literally all day, no blotting, no powdering. And after 12 hours of wear it looked as fresh as when I put it on.

I wear Alabaster Beige and it is almost perfect for my NC25/30 skin. Will definately repurchase this baby!!

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productmomma on 8/28/2011 9:14:00 AM more reviews by productmomma

Age: 30-35   Skin: Combination, Fair-Medium   Hair: Brunette   Eyes: Hazel    

I have FINALLY found a makeup that will stay on my extremely oily t-zone! I have tried sooo many over the years. Almost every brand you can think of, I have tried. To name a few..... I wanted to have mineral make-up work, it looked great for about 45 minutes, but then when I would look in the mirror it was just gone, melted off. Colorstay did not stay either. EL Double Wear lasted longer, but it looked so masky even with brush application. I finally tried Merle Norman Lasting Luxiva and I can't believe my eyes- Every time I look in the rearview mirror, or pass a mirror, or use a public bathroom when I'm out, my makeup is still the way it looked when I put it on in the morning! Even after a humid day. All I have to do is blot. I did use my RoC primer, and I found that applying with a flat-topped brush made the coverage look so natural.

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1somthinsouthern on 8/16/2011 12:04:00 AM more reviews by 1somthinsouthern

Age: 44-55   Skin: Dry, Fair, Neutral   Hair: Blond, Straight, Fine   Eyes: Hazel    

Ok when it comes to foundation I am a snob.....it has to do everything I need it to do and it has to be true to its claims. 1st it does last the entire day into night . 2nd It has a very light silky feel but still covers imperfections. 3rd is matte finish . 4th the color matches my skin and it actually looked like my skin only better. I felt the coverage was medium/full but I'm sure it could be thinned out even more with a damp brush or mixed with moisturizer for lighter coverage. I've used Estee Lauder double wear and Double wear light and I never did like the heavy feel of either of these and I always felt the colors were just wrong! Not with this foundation. Although this is a beautiful foundation with initial application, I found as the day progressed I started to look OLD.
I am a very young looking 44 and I could not tolerate looking 10 years older! I am sure this would be beautiful for someone with more natural moiture in their skin, but I ended up returning because of the extra dryness it caused. The color Alabaster was a perfect match.

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

dreamindessert on 8/5/2011 1:40:00 PM more reviews by dreamindessert

Age: 25-29   Skin: Oily, Fair, Warm   Hair: Blond, Straight, Fine   Eyes: Brown    

I purchased this product on a meral norman reps advice.
I was not impressed, to say the least.
I was shiney within minutes! Makeup it suppose to enhance or cover up. This product just sat there. I could feel it on my face and it didn't feel good. I attempted it for 2 months and nothing changed.
Unfortunatly, this product made it to the garbage early. I have since found a more blendable product that doesn't feel like it's on my face.

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JamaicanWhitie on 6/26/2011 7:26:00 PM more reviews by JamaicanWhitie

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

Once applied to my face, it really accentuated dry patches of skin that I never even knew existed on my face. My face is extremely oily, but this stuff kept on my face. The SA put this on first then followed with the ULTRA powder foundation, and said that it would last throughout the whole day. It is true it lasted for more than 14 hours and i didnt even have to blot once!!! it is really incredible, but i do highly recommend putting a moisturizer on right before applying this, that was probably my problem with it. but it looked amazing and flawless on my skin! i would recommend if you have oily skin, i would steer clear of it if you have dry skin ladies.

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