Essence #insta perfect liquid make up

#insta perfect foundation was probably one of the most exciting Essence launches this year because they finally created a diverse shade range that includes both very pale and deep shades. If you still can't find a match among nine colours, these are not expensive if you get two and mix them for a perfect shade. Both the bottle and formula bear some similarities to the famous Mac Face & Body and though it promises a strong matte effect, this is actually a very natural looking foundation.

Texture: Formula is somewhere between a liquid and creamy texture, but it spreads as any light liquid foundation. It's easy to apply and blend, you also have plenty of time to work with it because it takes a while to properly set and you can build it up without it starting to look cakey, but I haven't been able to really build up the coverage to high. Any method of application works with this foundation, whether you use fingers, a brush or a sponge. Formula reminds me most of Maybelline Fit Me Luminous (has a bit more coverage) and Mac's Face and Body (formula is more liquid, but has the same effect)  

Coverage & Finish: This is one of the least covering formulas I own and it just evens out the skin tone. You can see on my before/after pictures that my freckles are still visible and it certainly won't completely cover spots or dark circles. Some of the redness on my nose is covered, but for under my eyes I use a separate concealer. Finish is not matte as promised (I have normal/dry skin) and this is not the foundation that'll hold oiliness at bay, nor does it give me confidence it'll last very long on oily skin. On me the finish is satin and it takes several minutes for it to set, while in the mean time it stays a bit tacky. Overall this is a very natural looking foundation with not a lot of coverage, yet it doesn't look quite as nice as some other drugstore foundations such as Bourjois Healthy Mix (including the Serum version) or Maybelline Fit Me Matte + Poreless. I tend to combine it with their Camouflage + Healthy Glow Concealer that I use under the eyes and on my nose. These two formulas work great together.

Shade: I have the lightest shade in the range called 10 #cool porcelain and it's one of the palest shades I own. It matches my neck perfectly, but I almost feel like it's a bit too pale even for me, so if you're very fair this a great affordable option. Undertone is cool, so pink, but it's not very strong and it's a shade that's close to being neutral. 

Staying power: The description of the formula itself should clue you in that this is not something that lasts long on the face. It's a low coverage formula that's isn't really matte, plus it takes time to set, so it's prone to wiping off fast. I can't see this foundation lasting long on oily skin and it should definitely be used in combination with powder.

Packaging: The tube is much smaller than most foundations, but it holds the usual 30 ml. It's made of soft plastic, so it's easy to squeeze, though I have my concerns how it's going to be when it's close to empty.

Price and availability: It costs 4.89 € in Müller.

This is a foundation for those who don't need much coverage and don't have an oily skin. It's a natural looking base that is more of a cross between a tinted moisturiser and a proper foundation, though it can be built up, just not to very high coverage. Most will want to use a high coverage concealer with this, but it's a decent drugstore foundation and the shade range is impressive. Is it worth the purchase? Honestly, I wouldn't miss it in my collection, but I also don't regret buying it. It's average, but I suppose for the price that's what you get.

Have a great day!

Posted in: Skincare