Does This Drugstore Makeup Really Last 25-Hours?!
Upon doing the write up for this blog post, I sat down with the press release, like I normally do, and I did a double take when I saw Rimmel's latest makeup claims to be 25-hour wear.
I'm always hesitant when it comes to drugstore foundation and concealers because I'm on the yellow side, having olive skin tone. From my experience drugstore makeup tends to be a bit cooler and pink based but times-are-a-changing!
I found Rimmel's range from cool to warm tones to be pretty decent in this collection. As for fair to dark makeup - the darkest Rimmel goes is Mocha. I think a lot of drugstore brands still need to broaden their shade range in that regard.
Application & Wear Test
When it came to testing Rimmel's Lasting Finish Breathable Collection, I wanted to do it on a day where my skin was going to be exposed to as many elements as possible. I applied it late in the morning and then walked to the nearby shop to run errands.
That day it was cold and raining outdoors, but really dry and warm in the stores. By the time I walked back home, I was overheating in my parka and sweating.
My combination skin is on the drier side these days because I've been using a retinoid in my nightly skincare routine. I was hesitant about the foundation clinging to my dry spots, but it just smoothed over the areas and looked natural.
BTW - I skipped the Breathable Primer because I don't really use primer unless I have a special event. I applied the foundation with the doe foot applicator, which actually turned out to be awesome. I liked it much better than the pump foundations I'm used to.
I found the foundation to be lightweight in texture. It smoothed over my skin nicely with my fingers. Again, this is part of my daily routine. I only use a sponge or brush if I have a special event.
I wouldn't say it was medium coverage though as Rimmel states, but I read some reviews on Makeup Alley saying it's buildable.
For reference, I used the shade 200 Soft Beige, which seemed comparable to my NARS foundation in Figi (a light-medium warm shade).
Next the concealer. I used shade Light. I should mention here that I'm really, really snobby when it comes to concealer, and I don't like leaving visible dark spots and dark under eyes to chance, so I prefer the higher end stuff. Some of my favourites are NARS, Becca, M.A.C, and Laura Mercier.
I dotted the concealer and dabbed it with my fingers like I normally do. The only drugstore concealer I've ever liked and re-purchased is Maybelline's Fit Me concealer. I found Rimmel's Lasting Finish to be comparable, if not better, on my first impression. It's creamy and covers up nicely. I did have to go in with my NARS pot concealer in some areas, but I always layer my concealer.
I checked my makeup again at around 7 pm. The foundation seemed to be fading a bit but still looked pretty good, as did my blush. There was no patchiness, but there was a little bit of oxidization. I should have gone for a shade up with True Ivory. Keep this in mind when you shop for it.
The concealer had worn down a bit though. I had to reapply it and opted to use my trusty Tarte Shape Tape concealer instead to freshen up. People who need light-medium coverage will really dig Rimmel's Lasting Finish Concealer. I prefer medium-high coverage.
So, Is it Really 25-Hour Wear?
Let's be real. Makeup fades throughout the day and unless you're going to bed without washing your face, how are you going to know whether or not your makeup is 25-hour wear. Seriously?
While I personally can't vouch for Rimmel's 25-hour claim, I can tell you this is a pretty good bottle foundation for $12. I've tried some designer foundations that cost over $60 that aren't nearly as good. Rimmel gives us a decent range of shades too and has cool and warm skin tones covered, from fair to medium-dark. Again, keep in mind it does oxidize so go a shade lighter.
As for the concealer, I love how it applied and covered up initially, but it did fade mid-day. Perhaps this was is best suited for those who need less coverage.
Overall, this is a great little drugstore gem that's already a hit with lots of people boasting about it on Makeup Alley and is suitable for oily to dry skin.
Rimmel London's new Lasting Finish Breathable Collection consists of 15 shades of foundation ($11.99 each), 6 concealers ($10.99 each), and a Breathable Primer ($10.99). I'm not claiming it to be breathable, this is what the actual name of the product.
The foundation comes in a glass bottle and convenient doe-foot applicator that's really nice and convenient, especially when in a hurry. The concealer comes in a squeeze tube with a sponge tip applicator, while the primer comes in a squeeze tube.
Disclaimer: The products in this post are a PR sample. All photos and opinions in this post are 100% honest and my own.
