I just wanted to do a quick review of the Makeup Forever Mat Velvet + Foundation that I purchased a couple of weeks ago. A few people wanted me to try it out and report back on whether it really is a good foundation or not. At $34 U.S. dollars, it is definitely the most expensive foundation I have ever owned. It is also my first (but not my last!) product from MUFE. I actually don't even know what color I have it in, because there is no label on the bottle! Wait a second, so I'll have to get color matched all over again? I'll have to put that in my "Cons" section. I just noticed that! I believe I am either a 30 or 35, but the best way to choose your shade is to have one of the MUA's test a few colors on your jawline. I find the salespeople at Sephora to be really helpful, so don't ever be hesitant to ask for assistance.
The main reason why I chose to buy this foundation in the first place was TiffanyD from YouTube. She did a review of it on her channel and I was convinced that it would work for me as well. I had been using Clinique's Perfectly Real Makeup for years, but because I've had issues with breakouts lately, I wanted a foundation that provided more coverage. Mat Velvet + is a medium to full coverage liquid. I was afraid that it would be too much, and that I was going to end up looking like a mannequin. However, I use my Sonia Kashuk blending sponge to apply a tiny dot on each of my cheeks, my chin, and an even smaller drop to my forehead. It covers beautifully girls! I have a few left over acne spots on my chin, and this conceals them quite well. I don't feel like it gives an unnatural appearance at all. Because it is oil-free, I have no worries that it will cause more acne flare-ups either. It is a matte foundation that still lets your own skin come through. My combination skin still needs a little bit of blotting after a few hours, but I don't look greasy with this stuff, even after wearing it all day long. So here's a quick wrap-up of my overall thoughts and impressions:
~PROS~
* It covers skin tone discolorations and imperfections brilliantly.
* Although it can be full-coverage, it is also very buildable and natural looking. Full to medium coverage doesn't mean you have to look like a mask! A very small amount of this product is needed.
* Great for combo-oily skin. Not sure about dry skin though. I've read some reviews on MakeupAlley from people with dry skin who do not like this product because it makes the dryness more pronounced. I cannot of course attest to that because my face is anything but dry normally!
* Oil-free, won't clog pores, water resistant.
* Wide color selection, including people with yellow undertones, pink undertones, beige...etc.
* As far as I have been able to see, it lasts all day. I'm talking at least a good eight to ten hours.
~CONS~
* The price. I was lucky that I had a gift card. It's a shame too, because now I am always going to want this over anything else, even more than my beloved Clinique.
* The amount of product you get (1.01 Fl. Oz.) is a bit small. But as I said before, you don't need a lot.
* The fact that the actual bottle isn't labeled with your particular shade number! Am I missing something?
* I've noticed it can be a little hard to blend at times. You have to work it into the skin.
~OVERALL~
I love this! I give it a solid A for performance, coverage, lasting power, color selection, and for keeping my skin matte, but not overly so.
I hope this review was helpful! Remember, this is just my opinion and experience with this product. If you have any more questions or comments, let me know.
♥ Noelle
