Rave: L’Oreal Paris Infallible 24HR Matte Foundation

L’Oreal Matte 24Hr Infallible Foundation does the trick!

I have a number of favourite foundations and over the years as a beauty editor I have tried plenty, so it takes a lot to impress me. And, at the risk of sounding a tad snobbish – drugstore foundations don’t usually float my boat. But after hearing rave reviews from around the globe, Infallible 24HR Matte Foundation by L’Oreal Paris piqued my interest.

What L’Oreal Paris says:
“A matte result that lasts up to 24 hours. Clinically proven; waterproof, steamproof. All the comfort, none of the shine. Perfect coverage. No Cakey effect. Easy to apply, enriched with perlite technology, and reduces the appearance of shine up to 24 hours.”

How it applies:
As it’s a matte foundation, you do have to work a little quickly, but it applied smoothly and seamlessly. Of course I always have the slip of a moisturiser to help anyway. I start at the centre of my face, where I need the most coverage and blend it outwards. I like to use my fingertips and I preferred the application this way. Others have said they love it with their Beauty Blender, so it’s all about personal preference. I found with a brush it went on too thick and wasn’t for my tastes. I should also mention I have the matching Primer and, while I never usually use a primer (lazy much?) I found this a great way to get a silky smooth finish that really lasts. If you’ve got a night out on the town coming up, you could confidently turn to these two to stay put until you’re ready for bed.

The verdict: 
Very, very impressive. The coverage is not at all cakey or streaky and can be built to give you that flawless Lioele look, but with a matte finish. I find it lasts beautifully throughout the day and sits well under a setting powder for touch-ups. Better still, it doesn’t oxidise so the colour remains spot on until you remove it. I love that there are shades light enough to accommodate my very fair skin, which can be hard to find. I use the lightest shade – Vanilla – and get a gorgeous ‘China Doll’ look, which I think matches my natural skin tone perfectly. I only have a little T-Zone oil but I can imagine that for those with seriously oily skin, this foundation – along with its partner primer – would be a Godsend. As for the 24-hours, well I am far too old for naughtiness like sleeping in my makeup, so I haven’t tested that. Either way, L’Oreal Paris Infallible 24HR Matte Foundation gets a thumbs up for finish from me.