My skin has changed from oily to combination, and while I was satisfied with my previous foundation, it lacked staying power against sweat and oil. After some deliberation, I purchased the Estée Lauder Double Wear Foundation in Sand. First off, I can confidently say its longevity is top-notch. I noticed its effectiveness when I washed my face in the morning after applying makeup, intending to reapply. I've only used it twice so far, and I think my application technique needs improvement, so I plan to use it for another week to get a better feel.
As mentioned earlier, it seems to really emphasize pores. While it's said to be ideal for oily skin, I realized it's best suited for those with oily skin but no visible pores. I had such high hopes when I bought it, but it made me want to cry and skip work. Initially, I applied it with a brush, and the result was disastrous for my pores. Washing it off and reapplying with a sponge didn't help either. At first application, I was impressed by how well it absorbed, but as time passed, it seemed to highlight every flaw in my skin. Having combination skin, I was worried about dryness, so I even mixed it with oil, but it felt like I was applying melted rubber. I used Benefit primer, but it made no difference. The photos I've attached look awful even to me. It doesn't even apply properly around my nose, leaving that area looking patchy even after setting with powder.
I think this foundation would be perfect for those with oily skin and a smooth complexion. After a week of consistent use, my opinion remains largely the same as my initial review. While using this foundation, I've been more diligent with exfoliation and pore care. I can't deny that when the makeup does break down, it does so gracefully. Although it's water and sweat-resistant, it doesn't prevent sweating - the sweat just beads on top of the makeup. If my skin improves or maintains its condition, I might continue using Estée Lauder, but the emphasis on texture is stressing me out. I always touch up my nose area with powder after finishing my makeup. I've tried mixing it with other foundations and layering, but there's no avoiding the texture issues. It seems to seek out and magnify any areas with blackheads.
