pretty things.: double wear light

Being the foundation junkie that I am, I am always on the lookout for the perfect base. With most products I can usually tell pretty quickly whether or not they work for me.

This however wasn't the case with Estee Lauder's Double Wear Light Stay-in-place-make-up SPF 10.

After several months of testing, I feel that I can finally give you a well-rounded review.

This is what it claims:

Claims to be sheer to medium coverage, lightweight and transfer-resistant with a natural finish. It also promises to stay in place for 15 hours.

Price Tag:

Around 28 GBP/ 40 EUR/ 35 USD.

Shade:

Estee Lauder has only 6 shades in this foundation. One of the issues I had with this foundation is that the shade doesn't match me during my paler months. I was matched to shade intensity 3.0. As a NC25 I found it too neutral and too dark, almost orange, to be worn during winter/spring. Only now, when I am around NC30-35 can I wear this foundation.

Consistency, scent and application:

The foundation is not too watery and not too thick and has almost no scent to it. It applies and blends easily into the skin. I found that a pea size amount is sufficient for a layer of sheer coverage. It covers the redness on my cheeks and some scarring. It is buildable without looking cakey.

When my skin is normal - slightly oily, Double Wear Light feels comfortable and lightweight. I found that this foundation was too drying during the winter months and I could only wear it comfortably during the summer months. It holds up for a full day and only requires minimal blotting around my t-zone after about 4-5 hours. This is pretty good, as my t-zone tends to get very oily after a few hours.

It gives a natural semi-matte finish.

Pros:
- light medium coverage
- blends in easily and feels lightweight
- natural semi-matte finish
- keeps oils at bay and is long wearing

Cons:
- may not be suitable for dry skins
- not fully transfer resistant
- may be difficult to find colour match

Final thoughts:
Double Wear Light is a decent high end foundation for every day wear. It's best suited for girls that don't need or want high coverage. I would not recommend this foundation to anyone with dry or oily skin.

Will I repurchase?
Probably not, as I do need a foundation that I can wear when my skin gets drier too.