Vincent Longo • Water Canvas • Crème

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Elizabeth99 on 4/8/2013 11:17:00 PM more reviews by Elizabeth99

Age: 44-55   Skin: Other   Hair: Brunette   Eyes: Blue    

I can see how this product gets such mixed reviews. For me, once I figured out how apply properly, the product left a matte finish, which is great for me because I have combination skin with slightly large pores and a pretty even texture. The hitch is, it is not so easy to apply. The formulation is more of a gel-to-powder than creme-to-powder. I think they have changed the formulation from where it was years ago. It dries almost instantly upon contact with my skin and therefore can't be manipulated more than a second or two. That said, the quick dry meant that I quickly could build coverage on my capillaries, and I did not have to use a different concealer. I had better luck with a sponge than with a foundation brush or fingers alone. I chose Soft Beige, and it was way too light for my skin, it came out more of a kabuki pale. (I am a LM "nude" and GA 4.5) I usually have no trouble selecting shades off of my monitor, but for this product, please try it on in the store if you can. Or use beauty.com's color guarantee, with free returns for wrong color choice.

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

kattday on 8/19/2012 11:00:00 AM more reviews by kattday

Age: 25-29   Skin: Oily, Medium   Hair: Black   Eyes: Brown    

I have been using this foundation for over 10 years now, so it is evident that I am in love with the product. I wear Warm Beige and it is the perfect color match!

It feels AMAZING on my skin; so light and refreshing. It makes my skin flawless and natural. I would say that this foundation offers a light to medium coverage and it's great for oily/sensitive skin. The only downfall is that it does not have the best staying power, as it is water-based. I usually use this in the winter and set it with my MAC MSF to help it last all day - and it does. I use Chanel Vitalumier Aqua foundation during the summer.

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Ulla58214 on 4/4/2012 2:04:00 AM more reviews by Ulla58214

Age: 30-35   Skin: Oily   Hair: Blond   Eyes: Blue    

Hands down the best foundation I have ever used (LM, MAC, Chanel, Tarte, Lorac,everything...) as long as you apply it properly. Wet the sponge ever so slightly and gently pat on. I have never gotten so many compliments on my skin as I have with this foundation. Only problem is that it can be hard to find in retail stores.

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*TOP REVIEWER* BeagleLab on 12/14/2011 12:03:00 PM more reviews by BeagleLab

Age: 44-55   Skin: Oily, Fair-Medium, Cool   Hair: Brown, Straight, Coarse   Eyes: Brown    

I used this years ago and recently went back. It is incredibly pricey, but it is terrific. I do not look made up and it gives a smooth look to the skin. It lasts forever and I can easily get through security at airports, since it is crime to powder. For as much as I wear foundation, which is not often, I like.

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NettalynnVL on 7/3/2011 3:42:00 PM more reviews by NettalynnVL

Age: 19-24   Skin: Sensitive, Fair   Hair: Brown   Eyes: Hazel    

RE-POST:

I absolutely love this foundation, I have sensitive, acne-prone skin and this (along with a Physician's Formula pressed mineral powder) is the only foundation that doesn't break me out. I love how cool and weightless it feels on the skin too. As to application, you can't use the sponge they give you, and I really don't recommend using their foundation brush as they suggest. Instead, I use a wedge-shaped sponge to apply (the shape makes it much easier to blend thoroughly, meaning you use less). I for one hate looking like I have makeup on; I do have hyperpigmentation from when I used to break out, but this is fading with frequent microdermabrasions. The water-canvas foundation works perfectly to cover this type of scarring, and it appears natural (it's always better slightly diminish the appearance of flaws with a sheer foundation, rather than attempt to completely erase them with heavy coverage. You aren't fooling anyone, and that thick layer is far less attractive than the natural appearance of a few scars). It really does look like "real skin" when it's on, and I will say right now, you do NOT need to buy the primer, it's a total rip-off, and primers do nothing more to prep your skin than a decent moisturizer will (If my skin feels dry, I put about a pea-sized amount of Cetaphil Skin Cream on prior to applying the foundation) nor do you need to purchase the compact (I never have, the container it comes in is perfectly acceptable, and you don't need to touch up with it throughout the day). Also, if you want a slightly more "finished" look for evening, a light pressed mineral powder of PF's Mineral Veil works wonders to lightly set the foundation and provide your SPF (I never spend more than 5 minutes outside between 9-6, so for me an SPF 15 is fine).
The negatives: cost ($56) and it only lasts a short period of time (if you wear it everyday, full face, it will probably last about 3-4 weeks).
For me, the positives far outweigh the monthly expense: I love how it feels, the sheer coverage improves any moderate scarring without looking as though you're trying to cover it up, no breakouts, no peeling off of the foundation, no appearance of having makeup slapped on with a spackle.
I recommend this to everyone; foundation should be one of the few things you're willing to spend on when you have the money (if it sits on your face all day, it's worth the extra $$ to be sure it's the best you can find).

5 out of 6 people found this review helpful.     Was this review helpful to you? Yes   No

missnjones on 6/29/2011 10:26:00 PM more reviews by missnjones

Age: 25-29   Skin: Other   Hair: Other   Eyes: Other    

my holy grail of compact foundations, not too dewy not too matte- completely natural and glides on easily. If you want full coverage DONT buy this- it is sheer to medium and you can build it up to full but you would go through so much product that the cost wouldnt be worth it.

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

NettalynnL on 5/13/2011 6:03:00 PM more reviews by NettalynnL

Age: 19-24   Skin: Sensitive, Fair, Neutral   Hair: Brown, Wavy, Medium   Eyes: Hazel    

I absolutely love this foundation, I have sensitive, acne-prone skin and this (along with a Physician's Formula pressed mineral powder) is the only foundation that doesn't break me out. I love how cool and weightless it feels on the skin too. As to application, you can't use the sponge they give you, and I really don't recommend using their foundation brush as they suggest. Instead, I use a wedge-shaped sponge to apply (the shape makes it much easier to blend thoroughly, meaning you use less). I for one hate looking like I have makeup on; I do have hyperpigmentation from when I used to break out, but this is fading with frequent microdermabrasions. The water-canvas foundation works perfectly to cover this type of scarring, and it appears natural (it's always better slightly diminish the appearance of flaws with a sheer foundation, rather than attempt to completely erase them with heavy coverage. You aren't fooling anyone, and that thick layer is far less attractive than the natural appearance of a few scars). It really does look like "real skin" when it's on, and I will say right now, you do NOT need to buy the primer, it's a total rip-off, and primers do nothing more to prep your skin than a decent moisturizer will (If my skin feels dry, I put about a pea-sized amount of Cetaphil Skin Cream on prior to applying the foundation) nor do you need to purchase the compact (I never have, the container it comes in is perfectly acceptable, and you don't need to touch up with it throughout the day). Also, if you want a slightly more "finished" look for evening, a light pressed mineral powder of PF's Mineral Veil works wonders to lightly set the foundation and provide your SPF (I never spend more than 5 minutes outside between 9-6, so for me an SPF 15 is fine).

The negatives: cost ($56) and it only lasts a short period of time (if you wear it everyday, full face, it will probably last about 3-4 weeks).

For me, the positives far outweigh the monthly expense: I love how it feels, the sheer coverage improves any moderate scarring without looking as though you're trying to cover it up, no breakouts, no peeling off of the foundation, no appearance of having makeup slapped on with a spackle.

I recommend this to everyone; foundation should be one of the few things you're willing to spend on when you have the money (if it sits on your face all day, it's worth the extra $$ to be sure it's the best you can find).

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

dundada on 2/7/2011 9:44:00 PM more reviews by dundada

Age: Unknown   Skin: Acne-prone, Dark, Warm   Hair: Black, Relaxed, Coarse   Eyes: Black    

To me Water Canvas is the best foundation I've ever used in my life. But it's so expensive, that I haven't bought any in years and I forgot the name of my color! LOL I think it's Caramel but I'm not sure now. Which is why they should sell people the actual foundation ALREADY in the compact built for it, and then just sell the rest of the foundation as refills, the way that companies like Chanel does.

Although it's big rip buying the foundation separately and then the compact on top of it, this can't even be classified as a true creme foundation, as it's not creamy at all and it really is water based. When I did use Water Canvas, all I did was use my fingers and just apply it to my acne scars and within seconds this foundation just melded to my own skin color as if I wasn't wearing anything, and I never used primer nor even concealer or powder with this product! That was it! And my skin underneath was doing the worst it had ever done, acne scar-wise.

Although Water Canvas never broke me out, my skin was acting hormonally bad to begin with. Because of the price, I never replaced it but it's well worth it and best of all it's very wedding-worthy! If you're going to be a bride soon, look into this Water Canvas!! You won't regret it, and plus in department stores I've seen men and women who were Nicole Kidman's, Penelope Cruz's, Freida Pinto's, and Roshumba's color have the Water Canvas tested on the whole of their face and it matched every single one of them once they found their color! Before I finally decided to buy it.

This stuff is high maintenance in price of course! But it's low maintenance in application and flawless looking once it's on, seriously.

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

*TOP REVIEWER* Lepin on 7/1/2010 10:48:00 AM more reviews by Lepin

Age: 44-55   Skin: Sensitive, Fair, Cool   Hair: Blond, Wavy, Fine   Eyes: Blue    

Nice color match (Porcelain) to my PPP complexion but beyond that I refuse to repurchase. I blew through this within a month, found the coverage inadequate and not to my liking (I prefer more coverage and simply cannot wrap my head around the "it's like your not wearing any foundation" mentality) and I was never informed that VL primer is essential to the wearing of this product. Lastly, I despise pot foundations. Cost alone makes this product prohibitive.

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

*TOP REVIEWER* Angelamakeup on 1/23/2010 9:06:00 PM more reviews by Angelamakeup

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

Just like the creme blush, this product was difficult to learn how to apply. I ended up returning it because I didn't like the coverage enough. I do agree that this makes it look like you're not wearing makeup. I was also afraid this might dry out.

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lah1313 on 12/16/2009 12:24:00 PM more reviews by lah1313

Age: 30-35   Skin: Very Oily, Fair   Hair: Brown   Eyes: Other    

Like many women, I've been on the search for my perfect HG foundation since I was a teenager without much luck. Until now. I have very oily skin and loathe heavy foundation that make me feel even oilier, but I also need coverage for my pale but blotchy skin. THIS STUFF IS AMAZING!!! It feels like a dream to put on--has a cooling feel to it. I first thought it would not give me enough coverage but I've found that if you dab it on with the sponge instead of blending/swiping it covers and builds like no other I've tried while still looking like my very own skin. I highly recommend this to my fellow oily/pale girls. It's the BEST! Totally worth the price.

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

BritRose on 9/16/2009 9:57:00 PM more reviews by BritRose

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

I LOVE this product. It looks like you're wearing no make-up, lasts all day, and covers redness/blotchiness in a way that makes it look like your own skin is flawless. I don't shell out huge $ for products often, but this one I love. I can't find it in porelain anymore, as they've discontinued it! :( Will be looking for a substitute, but I don't know if I'll ever find one. This stuff is THE BEST.

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*TOP REVIEWER* skwpt on 9/10/2009 7:11:00 PM more reviews by skwpt

Age: 44-55   Skin: Combination, Fair, Cool   Hair: Blond, Straight, Fine   Eyes: Blue    

This product is not being discontinued. I wrote Vincent Longo (the company, not the man), and they said they are having trouble keeping up with demand.


I have tried several foundations over the years, but Vincent Longo Water Canvas is my ultimate favorite. I wear Porcelain--an absolute perfect match for my NW15 cool-neutral skin.


I have been wearing it for almost 10 years, even since a bored makeup artist at Barneys NY pounced on me when she saw me looking indecisive at the Stila display. I was looking for something new, something to conceal the pink in my cheeks and chin, so she put Water Canvas in Porcelain on one half of my face and Stila Illuminating Powder Foundation in 10 Watts on the other. What immediately struck me was how cool and light the Water Canvas felt going on, but when I looked in the mirror, I was disappointed that both looked equally great. I wanted to be wowed by one or the other.


So I postponed making a purchase and went shopping. And I got warm. And I may even have perspired a little. After a couple hours, I caught my reflection in a mirror and did a double take. The Water Canvas side looked fresh and flawless, while the Stila side looked shiny and flushed red. So I ran back to Barneys and bought two of the Water Canvas (nearly fainting from sticker shock).


To this day, Vincent Longo Water Canvas Creme-To-Powder Foundation is the only foundation I have ever worn that hides the redness on my cheeks and chin from mild Rosacea, all day, without irritation. I do not use the VL primer--or any primer. I apply using a basic cosmetic wedge sponge over Elta MD sunscreen, and I get perfect coverage that stays put, lets my skin breathe, and it never rubs off on my clothes, creases, cakes, or settles in pores--and it is almost impossible to find liquid or cream foundations that don't give me obvious pores. Once on, VLWC is invisible, so I don't understand how it improves the tone of my skin so well. I usually set it with a faint dusting of mineralized powder (Jane Iredale Ivory), and my skin looks flawless all day.


[UPDATE 12/17/10]. VLWC has been back for a few months now. There is a large selection on both the vincentlongo.com web site and at beauty.com. The reformulated Porcelain is now more peach than pink, but it still works, and the texture is exactly the same. I HATE paying so much for a foundation that gets dried out and crumbly before it's used up, but it is so perfect for me, I am willing to pay for it.

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

catherinaespinoza on 7/11/2009 2:44:00 PM more reviews by catherinaespinoza

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

There are no words for this foundation, I totally love it, it is my Holy Grail, expensive and all. But....it's now out of stock in Sephora and in the Vincent Longo site....for anyone who has used Water Canvas...which alternative/similar product can you recommend me?

I'm desperate :( I have Mac Studio Sculp (supposedly a gel but not the same at all), Cover Girl Ageless (much more similar, but I do not like the ingredients, and it gave me some blemishes).

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moodpuppet on 6/30/2009 10:05:00 AM more reviews by moodpuppet

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

I really don't think this stuff was worth the $52 I paid for it. Its hard to apply, I had a hard time getting my brush or sponge to pick any product up and when I finally did, it went on very streaky and didn't cover anything at all. A couple hours after application, you couldn't tell that I had even put any foundation on that day. The only reason I gave this 2 lippies is because it felt really good on. My skin felt hydrated.

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siobbhan on 2/14/2009 11:01:00 AM more reviews by siobbhan

Age: 44-55   Skin: Sensitive, Fair-Medium   Hair: Blond   Eyes: Blue    

This the best, natural looking foundation that I have ever used and I've tried and used most of them. I apply it with a foundation brush and it looks so natural (only better) that the first time I needed to run a q-tip on my face to see that it was there. If I need a bit more coverage, then I apply it with a sponge. My only complaint is that it starts to crumble after a while. The crumbling doesn't affect how it works, just how it goes on.

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cutie15787 on 1/25/2009 7:50:00 PM more reviews by cutie15787

Age: 19-24   Skin: Acne-prone   Hair: Black   Eyes: Black    

Actually for the last review. I would suggest using a wedge sponge soaked with some water to apply to your face. It makes it much easier. This product is one of the best products I used. I break out easily, but with this it has worked for me.

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LetsSwap on 1/19/2009 1:06:00 AM more reviews by LetsSwap

Age: Unknown   Skin: Combination, Medium, Warm   Hair: Brown   Eyes: Brown    

I SO wanted to like this. After reading the reviews and lemming & looking for a long time, I thought this would be my HG for sure. Wrong. It was hard to get product on my brush or on the sponge. It was hard to get product on my face. Then it looked very oily & shiny. It did FEEL good....but the staying power was ZERO. In only a couple of hours, it disppeared from my face, leaving only a shiny reminder of itself. Plus it started breaking off & getting a rubbery/gummy feel to it, despite my carefully closing the case. A complete waste of money.

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*TOP REVIEWER* ljanelle on 12/26/2008 9:48:00 PM more reviews by ljanelle

Age: 44-55   Skin: Acne-prone, Fair, Neutral   Hair: Blond, Straight, Fine   Eyes: Blue    

It feels refreshing and smooth going on, but it didn't blend into my skin well, and the lightest shade is too light, second lightest not quite right either. It lasted on my skin about 5 minutes. Okay, maybe an hour.

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jazzjos on 12/16/2008 12:31:00 PM more reviews by jazzjos

Age: 25-29   Skin: Acne-prone, Olive   Hair: Brunette   Eyes: Brown    

OH MY GOODNESS!!!!! I never know such a wonderful product existed! This foundation is amazing. It has wonderful coverage when used with the Vincent Longo round sponge. The second I put it on it felt refreshing on my skin and emmedietly became like my natural skin. The finish is not matte but not dewy either. I have very oily skin and this such compliments my natural shine without trying to fight it and then looking cakey. This stuff is one of the best out there!

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