Merle Norman • Total Finish Compact Makeup • Crème
(49 reviews)
| Average Rating. | 3.7 |
| Would buy this product again. | 67% |
| Package Quality | 3.9 |
| Price | 3.3 |
| Ingredients | |
Tdiamond on 5/4/2013 4:27:00 PM more reviews by Tdiamond
Age: 36-43 Skin: Combination, Fair Hair: Red Eyes: Hazel
I love this product! I've been using this for years and my mom has used it even longer. The colors are tricky and I agree there is an orange undertone to some of the colors. Porcelain and ivory work well for me without orange. I admit that I do not like this as well in humid weather because it feels too heavy but if you want coverage you will not find a better product. I have tried them all. I like the cream foundations and I like the portability. I must admit I have a big supply and have not experienced the new packaging yet. The old packaging is worth the price it lasts forever as alittle of this stuff goes a long way.
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*TOP REVIEWER* faireyfantom on 4/12/2013 10:01:00 AM more reviews by faireyfantom
Age: 36-43 Skin: Sensitive, Fair Hair: Brown Eyes: Blue
I don't know what has happened to Merle Norman. I used to love their color match. Lately everything seems to pull pink or so neutral it washes me out. I explained my skin in great detail to the SA. Explained I like full coverage and need my makeup to stay put. This is what she recommended.
This is the worst foundation I have tried in a long time. Applies beautifully. Within 10 minutes it starts to break down on my face and sank into my pores. I am not a lumberjack or landscaper, I work in an office and by 10am my hair was sticking to my face. By the end of the day I was a greasy, spotty mess. I tried this over a week with different primers, moisturizers, setting powders, etc. to no avail. It transferred to everything and completely wore off where my sunglasses touched my face. The final straw was a nasty breakout. To top it off the owner of the store is hassling me about returning this.
I am officially done with Merle Norman. There are so many good options these days and much better values. Although they do have lovely color products, they are overpriced. There are a ton of places such as Dillard's and Sephora that give you samples, coupons, lots of freebies, and more than one person manning the store.
3 out of 3 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
oldfield86 on 2/11/2013 5:15:00 PM more reviews by oldfield86
Age: 25-29 Skin: Very Dry, Fair Hair: Other Eyes: Brown
Love this product. It gives the best coverage of any foundation I've ever used. Covers alot of skin discolorations. Last's all day also.
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CatelynMoney on 1/20/2013 11:01:00 PM more reviews by CatelynMoney
Age: 19-24 Skin: Acne-prone, Fair Hair: Blond Eyes: Blue
About 3 months ago, I had the bright idea to try the OCM. Let's just say it was not for me...as in it gave me worse acne than I've ever had. Ever. I was using Benefit's Hello Flawless foundation when my skin was at its worst, but the shade became too dark for me the farther into winter it got. So I went to our local MN and picked up some of this stuff in 'Ivory' as well as the coverup. The foundation has GREAT coverage. So much so that it can look like you're wearing a mask. Also, the shades tend to have a little bit of a red/terra cotta tinge to them. It wouldn't be too terrible if I wasn't super pale, but the red undertones just showed up too much on my face. The coverage was great for my acne, but I didn't like wearing a 'mask'. This would probably be great for darker-complected gals!
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josephinegarcia210 on 10/1/2012 11:50:00 PM more reviews by josephinegarcia210
Age: 19-24 Skin: Oily, Fair-Medium Hair: Brunette Eyes: Grey
tried this product after cargo and let me tell you all their colors run on the pink side. this creme to powder was nnot good. i live in texas therefor its humid all day this product only lasted 4 hours before the oil broke through on my nose. i did not use a primer with it but when i put this product on my face i had to rub it in extremely well or else it looked like a mask. it did not break me out at all overy all it had a satin look to it.
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
*TOP REVIEWER* slc on 10/1/2012 2:20:00 PM more reviews by slc
Age: 44-55 Skin: Dry, Fair, Cool Hair: Blond, Wavy, Fine Eyes: Green
Summer is over and my skin is getting drier already, so after trying a few fancy foundations I went back to good old Merle Norman. I've used their Powder Base foundation on and off for 30 years, but decided to also try the Total Finish since some of the reviews say it's actually more moist than powder base.
I don't like a heavily made up look, so I applied a small amount with a damp sponge and was able to easily spread it all over my face. I used a damp foundation brush to get around eyes and nose, then I patted it in with my fingers to melt it in. I can still see my skin through it, but it looks much better. There's really no need for additional concealer, because this stuff will cover anything. It feels very good on my dry skin, and I love that the main ingredients are titanium dioxide and zinc oxide. They were probably the first to use minerals! It must offer sun protection, even though there's no SPF listed.
I am using "Porcelain." It looks very dark in the pan and even darker on the sponge, but goes on the skin like porcelain -- a light shade that blends perfectly with my skin. I've never had trouble with any Merle Norman foundations turning orange, etc. And btw, I have the "old style" packaging. I don't know if they responded to consumer complaints and went back to the old compacts or if the store in my area still has the older ones laying around, but there's plenty of product and it's in a nice, flat compact. I am pretty sure that I can put this in my carryon without having to put it aside as a liquid or gel while traveling, which is important to me.
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
sabrinalovesmakeup on 3/5/2012 7:49:00 PM more reviews by sabrinalovesmakeup
Age: 19-24 Skin: Very Dry, Fair Hair: Blond Eyes: Blue
This is a Phonemail product! I only have one problem I've used this products forever and they chabged the packaging but they said they are going to re deepened the pan! But other than that it hydrates my dry patches and doesn't enlarge my pores!! It's very full coverage a little goes a long way!!! All in all its an amazing foundation!
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sueweatherbee on 11/25/2011 10:26:00 PM more reviews by sueweatherbee
Age: 56 & Over Skin: Normal, Tan Hair: Black Eyes: Brown
why did merle norman change its best product, smaller amount and bad compact. has anyone else noticed this. it does not last any time, the old beige compact had more in it and the compact was easier to use. Bad decision, merle, I am looking for a new product and have used total finish since the 1960's. SAD!!
2 out of 2 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
arenee202 on 5/2/2011 11:43:00 PM more reviews by arenee202
Age: 19-24 Skin: Combination, Fair-Medium Hair: Blond, Straight, Fine Eyes: Green
I love this product. I am fair as can be in the winter and get pretty dark in the summer. I lay in the tanning bed. I wear NW30 in mac in the summer and Im not sure if i like the mac quiiiite as much as this. I wear Deap Neutral (C) in this in the summer and it goes perfect with my skin. Because of the heavy coverage you can apply, you can get an airbrush flawless finish even if you have freckles all over like me. For me heavy application still matches my neck. I had a friend in college who also wore NW30 in mac and this was her shade in this merle norman foundation. With this makeup my freckles do not exist. its great for going out at night but after awhile dont brush up on your Bf's shirt haha. In pics it gives you a almost dewy nice look so I feel it looks more natural than mac. Maybe you could say almost a cream blush texture as a foundation. I look greattt in pics with this makeup. It is a little much in the summer so that is why im going to try out a lighter feel with teint miracle from lancome. I orderd it in Bisque 4w but I hope its not to light. My Cousin wants this merle norman total finish as a concealer after stumbling upon it in my makeup bag..you can decide the coverage tho. If you dont want heavy coverage put less on if you choose and its only twenty bucks. p.s Alabaster Beige is perfect for me in the winter no orange..just great and matches neck
---I am wearing deep neutral in my pic on here .. I have freckles all over my face lol. (light freckles) ..hope this helped someone..I like details and color compares from other brands..that helps me
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
micbass01 on 1/16/2011 9:33:00 PM more reviews by micbass01
Age: 44-55 Skin: Combination, Fair, Neutral Hair: Brown, Straight, Fine Eyes: Hazel
Removed my positive post on this product. MN has changed the compact to 1/3 less product for the same or more $$. Will never use this again.
2 out of 2 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
ellenpbrown on 8/24/2010 6:47:00 PM more reviews by ellenpbrown
Age: 25-29 Skin: Combination, Fair Hair: Brunette, Wavy, Medium Eyes: Brown
Love the coverage this offers and the compact/plastic case is very handy. On the other hand even after testing in the store any shade makes me look VERY orange. I had gone away from this years ago for that reason and recently decided to give it another try forgetting why I went away from it originally... now I remember!
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Makeupismyaddiction on 5/7/2010 12:33:00 AM more reviews by Makeupismyaddiction
Age: 19-24 Skin: Normal, Medium, Cool Hair: Brunette, Wavy, Medium Eyes: Hazel
I would recommend this foundation to people with normal to dry skin types, oily types stay away or be prepared to put powder over this foundation. I have used this foundation for a few years, it is so worth the money. I usually buy it for around $25-$30 dollars, I am a makeup junkie so im always touching up my makeup or making sure everything looks flawless and this lasts me for such a long time. I honestly spend more money if I buy a drugstore brand every two months or so because a little goes a long way. It covers up redness, dark circles and goes on so smooth. So far, one of the best foundations I have ever tried! :)
UPDATE: I only use this foundation for fall-winter season. During summer it can melt off, not too great for dealing with sweat and humid weather!
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
tiffany11983 on 4/9/2010 5:08:00 PM more reviews by tiffany11983
Age: 25-29 Skin: Oily, Fair-Medium Hair: Brown Eyes: Green
Why did they changed the product?
I've been using this since I was a 16 and I've always love it until now. The new packaging is horrible. It doesn't last me even a month now and used to last me 4-6 months. I will not be buying this again and neither will my family or friends that have always used this.
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haleyanna19 on 2/25/2010 10:40:00 PM more reviews by haleyanna19
Age: 19-24 Skin: Combination, Fair Hair: Brunette Eyes: Hazel
I like this makeup. I am 20 years old, brown hair, fair skin, and green eyes. I have rosacea, red cheeks, and a few breakouts across my chin, and the occasional zit when I'm on my period. I used this makeup, I was hesitant at first because the saleslady that sold it to me was probably about 80 lol, but she really knew what she was talking about. This is effortless, it glides on smoothly and easily. My makeup literally took me two minutes to put on when I used this. The ONLY thing I didn't like about this makeup, (and this is why I quit using it), was the fact that it would "run" if I got sweaty on my face. I had problems with the area between my nose and upper lip the most. I could touch it and the makeup would come right off. This would be an EXCELLENT makeup to use during the winter months, because of it's semi-thick consistency, and it's great coverage. I'd recommend anything Merle Norman to ANYONE!
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
jennifer07 on 11/9/2009 10:20:00 PM more reviews by jennifer07
Age: 30-35 Skin: Combination, Fair-Medium Hair: Blond Eyes: Green
I revisited this product after several years. I once remembered this foundation to be heavy and oil producing, but it is working out really well. I am in my "early 30's" and have fair to medium skin with lots of pinky undertones. I am loving this foundation because it gives a flawless finish when used with a powder. "Alabaster Beige" is a great color for me because it is a great neutral that doesn't look orange. I live in South Florida in high heat and humity, but this still works well for me. I love the sponge applicator because it helps to give an even finish. It's not too thick if you apply it thin. 5 lippies, and I've tried it all.
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
girlygirl19 on 9/22/2009 9:15:00 PM more reviews by girlygirl19
Age: 25-29 Skin: Acne-prone, Fair-Medium, Warm Hair: Blond, Wavy, Medium Eyes: Hazel
This foundation started out great. I have combo skin and was looking for something a tad more hydrating than the powder base. The coverage is buildable and I had no problem finding a good color for my skin. The compact was just that - compact and would be easy to carry in your purse for touch ups.
Problem - this was much too oily for my skin. A few hours after I put it on I was an oily mess. I gave it an overall rating of 3 because for those with dry skin this would probably be great.
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dollief on 3/9/2009 10:27:00 PM more reviews by dollief
Age: 44-55 Skin: Oily, Fair, Cool Hair: Blond, Straight, Fine Eyes: Green
A foundation I remembered fondly from high school, and I wanted the convenience of a compact cream foundation, so I decided to give it another try. This is just far too greasy. It smooths on beautifully, covers beautifully and looks great -- for 2 or 3 hours, then it totally dissolves into a patchy, greasy mess. I will NOT repurchase. I give it a "2" because perhaps some very dry-skinned ladies might do well with it. Nobody else.
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christy24 on 2/12/2009 12:50:00 AM more reviews by christy24
Age: 19-24 Skin: Combination, Fair-Medium Hair: Brunette Eyes: Brown
This foundation was horrible for my skin. When i first put it on my skin looks flawless and beautiful. but after a few mins it looks like a very thick cakey mess. it slides off my face way too easily and gets all over my clothes. it would probably be better for dry skin. I am def returning it though...
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ctraywick on 12/1/2008 5:10:00 PM more reviews by ctraywick
Age: 36-43 Skin: Oily, Fair Hair: Blond Eyes: Blue
I used to wear Total Finish for years. I stopped when my face starting getting oily in the t-zone due to hormones. I have recently started using it again for the winter. It is just as nice as I remember. I do not use it heavy. It does provide very good coverage so if you do not want to look made up, do not apply with a heavy hand. The price is good for as much product as you get. I am very pale and use color Ivory.
Edit: I have determined that Clnique Perfectly Real is MY foundation of choice. This Merle Norman compact is good for evenings out when I want fuller coverage.
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*TOP REVIEWER* Kabuk1 on 11/16/2008 8:08:00 PM more reviews by Kabuk1
Age: 25-29 Skin: Combination, Fair, Cool Hair: Black, Wavy, Medium Eyes: Hazel
OMG I didn't even think this stuff still existed! One of my friends in high school used to wear this back in the mid-90's & her face was always oompa-loompa orange plus she had terrible acne(probably from this), so I don't recommend this product to anyone. This is as close to grease paint as it gets. I feel a pimple coming on just THINKING about it.