L'Oreal • Visible Lift Smooth Absolute • Liquid

Where To Buy?

NYCShopaholic on 3/12/2013 1:25:00 PM more reviews by NYCShopaholic

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

I've never been a foundation fan but as I've gotten older my skin has changed from oily & breakout prone to more of a combination that can be highly variable due to seasons, weather, etc. Also I've started to get wrinkles, nothing too severe, but between dryer skin and lines ... Well it was time to use foundation for real.

I'd been using bare minerals medium tan or shiseido bronze, both of which I used pretty sparingly and only to even out my skin and give me a little color. I think I'll go back to them for summer.

Anyway, in my quest for a winter foundation I went to a nearby Mac store, based solely on their reputation for great foundations. What a waste of time. The person who helped me couldn't match my skin color at all. I left very frustrated.

So then I walked over to Rite Aid down the street & winged it with this product in buff beige (168).

What great stuff! The color match is PERFECT. It's not too greasy, and it makes my skin look so much better.

Reading other reviews I see that lots of people don't like the way the product comes out onto the brush or the brush itself. I actually like those things.

I twist the top until the makeup appears, then smear it on my clean palm, then use the built in brush to apply, dabbing the brush into my palm when I need a bit more foundation.

Then I take another foundation brush that I just bought & LOVE (the tarte airbrush finish bamboo foundation brush) & buff my whole face, blending into my hairline and under my chin etc.

Honestly, my skin has never looked better!

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Jhulagurl on 3/9/2013 7:29:00 PM more reviews by Jhulagurl

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

I have one word for this foundation, GREASY! I don't have oily skin, but this foundation looked so greasy and slimy on my skin it was disgusting. I could feel it on my skin all day and it just felt gross, I couldn't wait to take it off! This foundation never really sets and instead of looking glowy it just looks oily and nasty. It draws attention to every imperfection on my face and makes pores look huge. It tends to "pool" in pores instead of covering them and making them appear smaller. The coverage is light to medium, so if you have acne or scars or a lot of things to cover then this is not going to be enough coverage for you. I have rosacea and this really doesn't cover it well and if you try to layer it, it just ends up looking super CAKEY and nasty on skin. Even when I try to set it with a powder is still looked oily! This also will clog pores since it is suffocating to the skin. This also contains bismuth oxychloride, which is really bad for the skin, it causes micro tears in the skin which will later lead to infection.

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

*TOP REVIEWER* seaswan on 3/8/2013 9:24:00 PM more reviews by seaswan

Age: Unknown   Skin: Dry, Fair-Medium, Neutral   Hair: Other, Wavy, Medium   Eyes: Brown    

It's been a challenge finding an DS foundation for my winter dry skin with the following criteria. Buildable, natural looking coverage, good shade selection, and no mica or other glitter like ingredients. (lack of sparkle is why I went with the VL Smooth instead of the VL Serum).
Did some research, checked reviews here and off to to CVS I went.
In the store I first picked up Buff Beige which is in the middle of the display but is darker than the shades to the right & left of it. Odd layout by L'oreal. I had a coupon so bought Natural Buff and Natural Beige. $15.99 for .85 oz bottle.
N. Buff is a pretty good match leaning light so N.Beige balances that out.
Application was creamy, and blended well (with a separate buff brush and/or fingers) and the coverage is medium without primer. My skin looked nice and dewy, even when I put powder on the glow was still there, (oily skins should shy away), with no settling in lines, pores or dry patches. VLSA feels very light. It also wears well, color stayed true and my skin still looked just as nice later in the day. Removed easily with Olay SS face wash.

Now...on to the bad and the 3 lippie rating:
The brush top twist click bottle. What a pain! I cut off and removed all of the brush bristles, to be more hygienic and have more control over application, then I pour it into a smaller jar that I have. The foundation itself is 4 to 5 lippie rating but had to deduct L'oreal's annoying packaging. Ulta has stopped carrying this and I have a feeling this will be D/C soon. So if you like this foundation..Stockpile alert!

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

*TOP REVIEWER* scopingforyou on 2/6/2013 11:56:00 PM more reviews by scopingforyou

Age: 36-43   Skin: Combination, Fair, Neutral   Hair: Brown, Straight, Fine   Eyes: Blue    

PROS: I like the finish (satin on my skin.) I have quite dry, mid-40's, large-pored skin that is so hard to find foundation for. This is pretty kind to my wrinkles compared to most foundations.(I've tried 32.)


CONS: The stupid brush contraption that makes you have to click (even if one careful click at a time, it comes out in a huge gush.) It makes it more expensive to use, because there's quite a bit of waste. Color selection is small. The lightest shade (classic ivory) is quite pink. The nude beige is more warm-toned, but it is too dark. I'm an N10-15 (leaning to NC). (see alternates for my solution of using the Serum Absolute version instead.)


APPLICATION TIPS: I put it right on top of my moisturizer while it's still "wet" when I want a light coverage. I like it even more when I use Loreal's Magic Smooth primer or some name like that. (I pat it into pores and then let it set for a bit before applying makeup.) It also makes this last longer on my face.


REMOVAL TIPS: If you are prone to clogging, you may want to remove this with a cleansing oil before using your regular cleanser. I actually just put a few drops of jojoba oil in my olay sensitive cleanser.


ALTERNATES: I like to use the Serum Absolute instead for much better color range. I use 144 (light ivory - which is much warmer than this line's ivory) mixed with just a bit of 146 (nude beige). The Serum Absolute lasts longer on my face too. It looks just as good in my wrinkles and pores. I just put it on top of my moisturizer (Replenix SPF 50 Moisturizer in the silver tube) for more of a tinted moisturizer look.

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

lcmcallister on 2/1/2013 10:08:00 PM more reviews by lcmcallister

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

This is definitely my HG foundation. I love a natural dewy finish. it's like I found my soulmate!!!

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mi2092 on 1/16/2013 4:20:00 AM more reviews by mi2092

Age: 25-29   Skin: Dry, Fair-Medium, Warm   Hair: Black, Straight, Fine   Eyes: Brown    

I was looking for good sale on this foundation so I can try it and found a GREAT DEAL at Ulta. They have it on clearance for $3.79. I had a manufacture coupon that took $3 off. Plus the $3.50 off $10 purchase coupon you can print off at Ulta website. I paid 55 cents for it. So at this review I gave it 1 for price.
I'm NC25 and bought this in 170 Nature Beige. Possibly the most yellowish shade of the line. It's a bit dark for me. But I think this is the closest shade for me. After blending it out it kind of blend in better with my skin tone. For this I might use it more in the summer.
The formula is very smooth. Just like it said. I like to use it with a flat top brush. Coverage is light to medium. Dewy finish, not drying. I set it with powder and it last a very decent amount of time and it doesn't transfer easily. I'm quite surprised by the quality of it.
Overall this is a good drugstore foundation for combination to dry skin. The regular price runs from $13-$16. The brush head doesn't bother me. I only twist it out to put on the back of my hand. And I always wash my hands before putting on makeup anyways.
L'oreal has confirmed that they are discountinuing this product. But so far I haven't seen it on sale elsewhere other than Ulta. When I find it on clearance again I'll definitely stock up.

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

minisun98 on 1/14/2013 6:24:00 PM more reviews by minisun98

Age: 19-24   Skin: Oily, Medium   Hair: Red   Eyes: Brown    

I think this just might be my HG foundation. This is definitely a foundation you must get!

Pros:
-awesome consistency, doesn't get cakey
-blends out amazingly
-medium coverage
-spf 17
-staying power is amazing
-finish is slightly dewy

Cons:
-the applicator. it absolutely sucks. you either get zero, or way too much product!
-kind of pricy for a drug store. 13ish dollars? but so SO worth the money

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

sdelory on 1/11/2013 7:02:00 PM more reviews by sdelory

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

Excellent product; actually better than many of the more expensive highend products I've tried. It goes on so smooth and provides great coverage without being too much. I don't mind the brush, I put a bit on my face using the brush and then use my beauty blender to blend it in.

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

jeremyswife on 12/23/2012 6:54:00 PM more reviews by jeremyswife

Age: 25-29   Skin: Combination, Medium, Cool   Hair: Brunette, Wavy, Medium   Eyes: Green    

I had high hopes for this product and it certainly did not dissapoint. I was actually very surprised at the quality of this drugstore foundation. I'm a high end foundation and product kind of girl but this might acutally become an hg for me. Right now my skin has been annoying the heck out of me. I gave birth to my third baby almost five months ago and my skin has become dry and I was having minor breakouts which sent me to a dermatologist. My dermatologist prescribed me differin cream for acne that would have most probably went away on its on...well my skin went from dry to minor breakouts to even more dry and flakey and a intial breakout that has left my skin a hot mess to say the least. My matte foundations like Lancome teint Idole and Clarins Ever Matte has not been flattering on my bumpy skin. Ok on to the review...This foundation has been great at smoothing out my skin. It has a glow to it but it's not too glowy to the point that my skin looks oily. It's very buildable. I would say the coverage is medium and buildable without a cakey look. For the most part it feels light on my skin but it does feel a bit heavier than what i'm use to but I don't mind it. It looks so beautiful on my skin and it looks great out in natural light and It also photgraphs very well! My face almost looks airbrushed and i've never had that with any foundation before. I'm in love with this product to say the least and could not be more happy with it! This is saving my confidence during these winter holidays!

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

bombace on 12/19/2012 1:18:00 PM more reviews by bombace

Age: 25-29   Skin: Dry, Fair, Neutral   Hair: Brunette, Wavy, Medium   Eyes: Blue    

I love love this foundation. I always try new products but keep coming back to this for my everyday foundation. I have dry skin, especially during the winter months. For me this foundation hydrates my skin, smooths everything out and doesn't settle into my smile lines around my mouth while giving medium coverage that I can build a little. I've gone through 2 or 3 bottles. At wal-mart the prices was $13 or $14 I think...a little pricey for drugstore. However, at Ulta, just recently it's been marked down to $3.79. And its stayed at the price for several weeks!

If you have dry skin, give it a try, keep the receipt just in case. Highly recommended for dry skin.

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

whitegypsy on 12/8/2012 7:12:00 PM more reviews by whitegypsy

Age: 56 & Over   Skin: Normal, Fair-Medium   Hair: Brown   Eyes: Brown    

I have NEVER taken a cosmetic back....and this went back immediately! It's like putting heavy glue on your face. Literally if you touch your face afterwards, your hand comes away with a popping, sucking noise. Feels terrible!! Who cares if it covers well. Women shouldn't have to suffer through any foundation.

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MadinFrance on 11/13/2012 11:13:00 AM more reviews by MadinFrance

Age: 30-35   Skin: Sensitive, Fair   Hair: Brown   Eyes: Green    

On my chin, I have pimples and dry skin due to acne treatments, but the rest of my face is normal (not oily, not dry and not acne-prone). On my chin, this foundation looks cakey (I’m guessing because of the dry skin), and it is too sheer to conceal the blemishes. Elsewhere on my face, it looks all right, but it does not give me a nicer finish than if I wear no makeup at all. But what really bothers me about this foundation is that it actually seems to highlight the pores on my chin. If you look up close, there seems to be a tiny bit of foundation that is filling each pore – gross! I have been wearing it for three days now, and have tried it with and without a silicone primer. The foundation does perform a little bit better with the primer, but even then, it still looks cakey and too sheer on me, and the “pore-filling” still occurs. (However, I did not notice an increase in breakouts while using this, so I don’t think that it actually clogs pores. It just “fills” them individually until I wash my face.) I will not buy this again.

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MakeMeUp14326 on 10/26/2012 12:44:00 PM more reviews by MakeMeUp14326

Age: 19-24   Skin: Acne-prone, Fair, Cool   Hair: Blond, Straight, Coarse   Eyes: Blue    

I borrowed this from my mom a couple times when I ran out of my own foundation. It looked really nice, but every time I would put it on, my skin would instantly feel itchy and uncomfortable. I think it also broke me out a little bit. I like the coverage and how it makes my face look, but overall it isn't worth the discomfort to my skin.

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missygeiger on 10/13/2012 7:45:00 AM more reviews by missygeiger

Age: 44-55   Skin: Normal, Olive   Hair: Brunette, Straight, Fine   Eyes: Blue    

I tried this after hearing about it. I was looking to replace my old faithful Ceremide Plump Perfect by Elizabeth Arden and didn't expect a drugstore brand to measure up. This does a nice job for half the cost. Unlike some reviewers, I LIKE the brush. I expected to not like it and have to find another way to apply but the brush really works for me now. It seems the bristles don't collect a build up and it stays rather clean on it's own. It has a cap, and as long as you are applying it to a clean face, how dirty can it get. It is a temporary tool anyway that will end up in the trash. It blends good and you don't have to touch the product. It does have a flawless finish and wrinkles do seem to disappear. The color is good and I like how you can see how much product is left with no waste. I will continue to use this until I have a reason to stop : )

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

*TOP REVIEWER* PaulaNC on 10/11/2012 1:31:00 AM more reviews by PaulaNC

Age: 56 & Over   Skin: Combination, Fair-Medium, Cool   Hair: Brunette, Wavy, Fine   Eyes: Green    

I'm giving this a generous review for now. It was beautiful going on. Color? I'm not sure it was a good match. When it came out of the brush applicator, it was pale-and turned darker before my eyes. That is kind of strange. I did not use primer or a powder,, but oddly it looked a little on the cakey side tonight. I'll give it a fair go tomorrow, and report back. But, my initial impression is good for the first 2-3 hours, not so fabulous after.

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brandirae on 10/2/2012 10:17:00 PM more reviews by brandirae

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

I really like this product!
I have minor acne and a lot of redness in the center of my face. Also, my skin's surface is kind of uneven. This stuff fills in all of the unevenness. My boyfriend has told me how smooth my skin looks when I use this. It completely covers up my redness, and it covers acne pretty well. I use a flat top brush to apply this, and then I use my fingers to apply any extra as concealer. Then I set with powder. I wear this to work and it survives for a good four hours before my face gets oily.
I have fairly oily skin now in the summertime, so I have to use powder and blot throughout the day. I can get pretty oily looking with this stuff if I don't. The package is not great because of the brush, but I do like how it forces out all of the product.
I wish this had a little better staying power and was just a pump, but I'll definitely continue to buy!
UPDATE: I still love the finish I get with this foundation, but I believe it breaks me out a little. I am no longer content and now on the search for something better.

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BrandyAlexander21 on 9/30/2012 8:47:00 PM more reviews by BrandyAlexander21

Age: 25-29   Skin: Dry, Olive   Hair: Black   Eyes: Blue    

I saw this product a few months ago on sale at Target, it was supposed to be $13 something and I think I got it for $7 or so. Before purchasing I used my makeupalley app and looked up reviews, they were mostly good so I went ahead and took it home.

This stuff is awesome. The color is perfect for me, maybe just a tad light but once blended looks flawless. Yes the clicking is scary, I usually click it twice or three times then split the brush with a finger to make sure it hasn't come out yet, then I do a single click until the product comes out in a large pea size amount. Then I brush it all on the back of my hand and use it to smooth it out slightly then pick up product. I use this on my forehead, nose, chin, and just under my eyes. Once I brush it on I gently smooth it with my fingers and it sets perfectly! I don't need to use powder over it but I don't have oily skin so that may be why.

This product also covers redness like nobodies business. I sometimes get an annoying red patch right above my top lip, and as soon as I swipe this stuff on it's like MAGIC. Seriously love love love it.

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

sweetsophiav on 9/30/2012 7:44:00 PM more reviews by sweetsophiav

Age: 36-43   Skin: Dry, Fair   Hair: Brunette, Wavy, Coarse   Eyes: Brown    

I love this foundation. I have dry skin and this foundation very moisturizing on my skin, but not oily!! I don't really care much for the packaging though, other than that, it's perfect! I have two shades, in the winter I use the 160 shade and through the summer I used the shade 162.

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pauley on 9/28/2012 12:10:00 PM more reviews by pauley

Age: 44-55   Skin: Combination   Hair: Red   Eyes: Green    

Love,Love,Love this makeup is great looks so natural
I wear the Ivory, looks great all day I use a damp sponge
to apply that works best for me. I like this better that
the high end foundation.

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beckySC on 9/26/2012 1:53:00 AM more reviews by beckySC

Age: 18 & Under   Skin: Acne-prone, Fair-Medium   Hair: Brunette   Eyes: Green    

Gives my skin an amazing natural glow but can become slightly oily/cakey near the end of the day. I suggest not using as much powder when you first put it on even though its an oily foundation because the powder absorbs the oil and makes it look cakier. I just put some powder in the middle of my forehead, shiny nose spots and on my chin and lightly on my cheeks. Im not a big fan of the brush it comes with but its easy to use if youre in a rush, otherwise i use my own brush. Also, ive noticed its better to put concealer on TOP of this foundation instead of underneath.
LOVE it!

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