Estee Lauder Double Wear Stay-in-Place Foundation

Estee Lauder’s iconic Double Wear foundation was first launched in 1997 and became an instant classic with a loyal following.

I first color-matched it seven or eight years ago, and since then I’ve struggled to justify spending £35 on this medium to full coverage foundation that promises 24-hour hold.

But I recently visited Bicester Shopping Village and my shade was in stock at The Cosmetics Company Store for £24.50 – more than £10 off the recommended retail price. I also splashed out on a couple of MAC lipsticks and setting powders and got 20% off at the checkout, with the foundation costing just £19.60.

Estée Lauder’s Double Wear Stay-in-Place Foundation comes in over 60 shades, and I use 1C0 Shell, which is said to be the UK’s number one foundation, with over 8,000 five-star reviews on Estée Lauder’s website and a further 3,000 rave reviews on Boots.com. Shell is a very light shade with cool pink undertones and SPF 10 for sun protection, although I could probably use a slightly darker shade, there’s nothing a bronzer can’t fix.

Sweat, heat and humidity resistant, this £35 foundation has a matte finish and is perfect for those who find themselves with a shiny forehead in the middle of the day. Not only is the foundation non-greasy, but it’s waterproof and won’t oxidize, meaning the color stays on all day when applied.

Normally, I’m not a fan of matte foundations and prefer a more hydrated look, but Estee Lauder’s stackable coverage seems to be unmatched in the beauty industry. The best way I’ve found to use this high-performance base is to exfoliate and deeply moisturize and smooth the skin before applying the primer. This allows for perfect application, otherwise matte foundations can stick to imperfections such as dry skin or blemishes.

I then like to apply it with a damp beauty sponge, which helps take the foundation a step further, blends it better, and slightly counteracts the matte effect that makes it look uneven.

Double Wear’s ingredients are free of drying alcohols and mineral oils, and the formula is non-comedogenic and won’t clog pores. The dermatologist-tested beauty product is also free of synthetic fragrances and is a once-and-done product. I’ve bought a lot of foundations in the past that slid off my face throughout the day – some were so bad that my car heater left my face feeling like a slowly melting paint crayon. Luckily, this high-end Estee Lauder classic doesn’t do that, and thanks to improvements in the formula over the years, it completely covers skin imperfections without feeling caked on.

The overall effect is natural and the skin feels light and fresh. It’s perfect for creamy products like concealers and blushes, and it stays put throughout the day, controlling oil without creating wrinkles around the eyes or seeping into pores.

I have mixed feelings about Estee Lauder’s Dual Action Foundation. On the one hand, it provides excellent, long-lasting coverage without the need for touch-ups, it adheres well to the skin without creasing, and the color stays true. However, I do prefer an everyday look and the product is very matte without the use of a well-moisturized primer and a humid beauty blender.

The other downside, of course, is the price – unless you can get it cheaper at a specialty store, it’s a pretty splurgey expense. That said, you’ll still need to rely on them for shade. Not only that, but you’ll have to spend £5.50 on the pump alone, I’ll grant you that. Without it, it’s hard to determine how much product to use and it’s easy to pour out too much.

For me, this is the foundation for a night out or an all day event occasion. I really like this foundation and the look I’ve created with it, but £35 seems too much for a foundation to wear for digital work meetings and trips to the supermarket. I would never pay full price, but I would happily buy it if there was a discount. If you’re looking for an everyday foundation then this isn’t for you. But if you’re after something for date nights, weddings and other special events, and don’t mind putting in the effort, then the Estee Lauder Double Wear Foundation can provide some pretty perfect, irrevocable results.