ETA:
♥ For your reference -- I'm MAC NC 35/37 to NC40 (if I have been sunbathing ;) ) ; Estee Lauder Double Wear Makeup in 3W1; Revlon Colorstay in Warm Golden or Natural Tan+Golden Beige (DAY) & Natural Tan (NIGHT)<--I do have many others shades that I just mix to get my customized color.
♥ I have Combination Skin--My T-Zone is super oily and my cheeks are normal to dry.
♥ I have Combination Skin--My T-Zone is super oily and my cheeks are normal to dry.
♥ I have dark spots, sun spots, freckles, acne scars and huge on-your-face pores.
******************
I can't believe I haven't done a full review about one of my favorite DS foundations, Revlon Colorstay Makeup!
Colorstay is the foundation I always go back to when others (DS or HE) fail. Granted, I haven't tried many HE ones. MAC Studio Fix was beautiful on me, but broke me out and transferred terribly. Select SPF15 was horrible and I'm still undecided on Studio Sculpt. I went to try EL Double Wear the other day but I'm still hesitant about the color match...*sighs* In the mean time, I am happy with Colorstay, my DS-HG foundation.
Anyway, here it goes:
♥Product Name: Revlon Colorstay Makeup with SoftFlex
Anyway, here it goes:
♥Product Name: Revlon Colorstay Makeup with SoftFlex
♥Description: As per Revlon website--"Makeup looks fresh and feels great for up to 16 hours thanks to the lightweight, comfortable feel from the Patented SoftFlexColorStay™ formula". This foundation comes in two formulas for different types of skin: Combination/Oily and Normal/Dry. The combination/oily skin formula helps you control shine; the normal/dry skin formula is "moisture-balanced". Both formulas are oil-free and give you flawless looking skin.
Colorstay Makeup provides medium to full coverage. The Combo/oily skin formula comes in 20 shades with SPF 6 protection (though the darkest shades do not have SPF); the normal/dry skin formula comes in 12 shades with SPF 15 protection (the 3 darkest shades have SPF 12). Revlon assures the foundation does not "rub off" with normal use.
♥Price: $10-$14 (price varies by location)
♥So...: Wow, so many claims--to control shiny faces, keep dry skin fresh and will give us flawless looking skin for 16hrs!?! That's a lot of promises. My experience with it? It works. Love the formula, the coverage and I have used this in hot+humid weather for more than 8hrs and at most, I had use blotting tissue on my t-zone around mid-day. The makeup remains intact and looks so fresh!
My first experience with this foundation wasn't the best. I really didn't understand why so many ladies liked it! I first used the shade called "Golden Beige" and now I know it is too light for me. I originally used a sponge to apply it on my face and yuck, is not the same. I felt like I had a mask on and my skin was itchy. No no no!
Then I decided to give it a try again about a year ago, if I remember well. I had seen videos and read about different methods of application. I changed the shade to Toast (which is too dark for me now, but good for summer--I mix it with moisturizer). I first used my bare hands (which sometimes still do---I'm not against it) to apply it on my primed skin, something I didn't do b4, and I liked how natural it look. But since I needed more coverage, I got the 187 brush and voilà! I truly got that "airbrush finish".
If you have seen pics here of me without makeup, you know what I mean about coverage. Most of the times I even skip concealer. I feel this foundation gives me such beautiful skin. Oh, I currently use both formulas.
♥PROS:
√ Medium to full coverage
√Most of the time I don't need to use concealer when using this
√ You can mix a dark shade with moisturizer to make your own tinted moisturizer; It works beautifully and is very refreshing
√Matte finish--I do mix it sometimes with MAC's Strobe lotion to get a "glowy/dewy" finish that really lasts
√Really last for hours and I mean that my makeup looks as if just applied
√Doesn't transfer and ruin clothes
√Comes in two formulas for different skin types and has SPF (not much, but always welcome)
√Many shades to choose from; I also mix some of them to get my perfect one
♥CONS
×It doesn't has a pump, it can get a bit messy
×It has an awkward, strong smell -- it does dissapears a few minutes after application
×Dries really fast, it is better do small areas at a time when applying with a brush
×There are no real options for neutral skintones with yellow undertones (like mine). I use Natural Tan when I'm tanned and Warm Golden seems to work the rest of the time. Since I have many shades of this foundation I mix them to make my own shade
×Drugstores don't have testers so you have to buy then try it on; I have quite a collection, just trying to get my perfect shade or at least one I can work with. Thank God for BOGO-free sales, just once I have paid full price
×Oily/Combo skin formula can dry your skin, so remember to always moisturize first! I don't recommend to use it daily
×Wish the Oily/Combo Skin formula had higher SPF. Then again, maybe that would change the quality of the product...IDK
♥IMPORTANT!
Both formulas have shades with the same name, but the colors ARE NOT the same. Normal/Dry formula tends to be darker than the Combo/Oily skin one. I read somewhere that this was a quality issue, but I have been using this for a long time and still the colors are different (I e-mailed Revlon about this but got no reply). I have noticed that, at least on me, when the Combo/Oily formula dries (and oxidizes), the color seems darker. So you better be careful when choosing them based only on recommendations.
Watch these two bottles, same shade, different formula:
Colorstay Makeup provides medium to full coverage. The Combo/oily skin formula comes in 20 shades with SPF 6 protection (though the darkest shades do not have SPF); the normal/dry skin formula comes in 12 shades with SPF 15 protection (the 3 darkest shades have SPF 12). Revlon assures the foundation does not "rub off" with normal use.
♥Price: $10-$14 (price varies by location)
♥So...: Wow, so many claims--to control shiny faces, keep dry skin fresh and will give us flawless looking skin for 16hrs!?! That's a lot of promises. My experience with it? It works. Love the formula, the coverage and I have used this in hot+humid weather for more than 8hrs and at most, I had use blotting tissue on my t-zone around mid-day. The makeup remains intact and looks so fresh!
My first experience with this foundation wasn't the best. I really didn't understand why so many ladies liked it! I first used the shade called "Golden Beige" and now I know it is too light for me. I originally used a sponge to apply it on my face and yuck, is not the same. I felt like I had a mask on and my skin was itchy. No no no!
Then I decided to give it a try again about a year ago, if I remember well. I had seen videos and read about different methods of application. I changed the shade to Toast (which is too dark for me now, but good for summer--I mix it with moisturizer). I first used my bare hands (which sometimes still do---I'm not against it) to apply it on my primed skin, something I didn't do b4, and I liked how natural it look. But since I needed more coverage, I got the 187 brush and voilà! I truly got that "airbrush finish".
If you have seen pics here of me without makeup, you know what I mean about coverage. Most of the times I even skip concealer. I feel this foundation gives me such beautiful skin. Oh, I currently use both formulas.
♥PROS:
√ Medium to full coverage
√Most of the time I don't need to use concealer when using this
√ You can mix a dark shade with moisturizer to make your own tinted moisturizer; It works beautifully and is very refreshing
√Matte finish--I do mix it sometimes with MAC's Strobe lotion to get a "glowy/dewy" finish that really lasts
√Really last for hours and I mean that my makeup looks as if just applied
√Doesn't transfer and ruin clothes
√Comes in two formulas for different skin types and has SPF (not much, but always welcome)
√Many shades to choose from; I also mix some of them to get my perfect one
♥CONS
×It doesn't has a pump, it can get a bit messy
×It has an awkward, strong smell -- it does dissapears a few minutes after application
×Dries really fast, it is better do small areas at a time when applying with a brush
×There are no real options for neutral skintones with yellow undertones (like mine). I use Natural Tan when I'm tanned and Warm Golden seems to work the rest of the time. Since I have many shades of this foundation I mix them to make my own shade
×Drugstores don't have testers so you have to buy then try it on; I have quite a collection, just trying to get my perfect shade or at least one I can work with. Thank God for BOGO-free sales, just once I have paid full price
×Oily/Combo skin formula can dry your skin, so remember to always moisturize first! I don't recommend to use it daily
×Wish the Oily/Combo Skin formula had higher SPF. Then again, maybe that would change the quality of the product...IDK
♥IMPORTANT!
Both formulas have shades with the same name, but the colors ARE NOT the same. Normal/Dry formula tends to be darker than the Combo/Oily skin one. I read somewhere that this was a quality issue, but I have been using this for a long time and still the colors are different (I e-mailed Revlon about this but got no reply). I have noticed that, at least on me, when the Combo/Oily formula dries (and oxidizes), the color seems darker. So you better be careful when choosing them based only on recommendations.
Watch these two bottles, same shade, different formula:
As I mentioned, I have bought many shades looking for one that suited my skin. Right now I am between Golden Beige and Natural Tan, so I mix the two of them and get a beautiful shade. Warm Golden also works for me.
You may ask: Why bother mixing diff. shades? Because I consider the formula is so good, I really don't mind doing so.
I did bought really light shades like Buff and Fresh Beige on purpose, I use them with Toast and get another customized beautiful shade. I think I'll eventually just use Natural Tan+Golden Beige (if I don't get any paler, geez!) and also Toast to make my personal tinted moisturizer.
I did bought really light shades like Buff and Fresh Beige on purpose, I use them with Toast and get another customized beautiful shade. I think I'll eventually just use Natural Tan+Golden Beige (if I don't get any paler, geez!) and also Toast to make my personal tinted moisturizer.
From left to right:
Buff(c/o), Fresh Beige (n/d), Natural Tan (n/d), Natural Tan (c/o),
Rich Tan (c/o), Toast (n/d), Toast (c/o), Active Light in Toast
(Click to enlarge)
Buff(c/o), Fresh Beige (n/d), Natural Tan (n/d), Natural Tan (c/o),
Rich Tan (c/o), Toast (n/d), Toast (c/o), Active Light in Toast
(Click to enlarge)
Also wanted to mention that in my experience, if this foundation looks/feels like a mask on your face, you probably applied to much. Less is more with Colorstay! Start by applying just a drop. Then build it up.
You do have to apply this on well moisturized skin or it will emphasize dry areas on your face. I have found that MAC Prep+Prime face primer or BORGHESE Prima Viso face primer works really well for me. I used Smashbox Photofinish on winter months--which in Puerto Rico means cooler temperatures-- and it was okay, not perfect, but okay. I will not be using Photofinish with Colorstay on this summer season.
PLEASE NOTE: I can't stress enough how much difference it makes to apply Colorstay with a MAC 187 brush or similar brush (I also have the Ulta version of the 187---good buy!). The finish is unbelievable! With my fingers I get a more natural finish. Just experiment with different methods of application to get what you're really looking for.
♥Rating: 4/5 (I would love if Revlon made it fragance-free and if at least it had a pump...LOL). All in all, awesome foundation.
You do have to apply this on well moisturized skin or it will emphasize dry areas on your face. I have found that MAC Prep+Prime face primer or BORGHESE Prima Viso face primer works really well for me. I used Smashbox Photofinish on winter months--which in Puerto Rico means cooler temperatures-- and it was okay, not perfect, but okay. I will not be using Photofinish with Colorstay on this summer season.
PLEASE NOTE: I can't stress enough how much difference it makes to apply Colorstay with a MAC 187 brush or similar brush (I also have the Ulta version of the 187---good buy!). The finish is unbelievable! With my fingers I get a more natural finish. Just experiment with different methods of application to get what you're really looking for.
♥Rating: 4/5 (I would love if Revlon made it fragance-free and if at least it had a pump...LOL). All in all, awesome foundation.
From left to right:
Buff(c/o), Fresh Beige (n/d), Natural Tan (n/d), Natural Tan (c/o),
Rich Tan (c/o), Toast (n/d), Toast (c/o), Active Light in Toast
**n/d=normal/dry formula
**c/o=combo/oily formula
No flash--Indoor Lighting
Buff(c/o), Fresh Beige (n/d), Natural Tan (n/d), Natural Tan (c/o),
Rich Tan (c/o), Toast (n/d), Toast (c/o), Active Light in Toast
**n/d=normal/dry formula
**c/o=combo/oily formula
No flash--Indoor Lighting
No Flash--Natural Lighting
I also have Golden Beige (Indoor):
(It seems Golden Beige is a decent match,but this is the back of my arm. It looks too light on my face)
¡Vivan, amen y rían!
Thank you SOOOO much for the swatches! You're awesome! I used this 2 years ago and hated it, but I'm going to try it again using a brush. And I used to be "buff" but I think I'm fresh beige
ReplyDeleteonce you found the right shade, the trick is looking for a way to apply it that fits you the best(fingers, sponges or diff types of brushes) and start by adding foundation little amounts at a time. good luck!
ReplyDeleteAugust 15
When my MAC liquid NC50 finished, I took the bottle and matched it with Revlon colorstay Caramel. I have oily skin and after 30 min, I had a shine.
ReplyDeleteI went to buy MAC studio fix liquid foundation NC 50, the color was off. It was slightly darker and NC45 was too light. I mix the NC50 with the Caramel and got the perfect color.To my surprise, I got a matted and oil free finish all day!
Will not use one without the other!
@NubianLockedPrincess : That's great! Finding the perfect foundation is quite a task and I'm glad you did. I also mix foundations searching for different finishes/coverage. <3 =D
ReplyDeleteStudio Fix was the first foundation I tried that matched my skintone perfectly and the finish was perfect!!! But (**tears**) it didn't work for me.
Not only did I broke out from it, it also did transfer a lot, even though I experimented with different setting powders and primers. Also, it didn't have the staying power the Revlon CS has. Maybe humidity is a big factor? Down here is all about heat and humidity.
=(
This is the best review I've seen on this product! Thanks SO much for the swatches and thorough review. I was hesitant about trying this foundation until I read your review, but Toast (in C/O) seems to be a perfect match for me (I'm a Px Virtual Matte in Fresh Tawny gal, sometimes MAC NC44ish depending on formula).
ReplyDelete@rubysubi: thanks for the feedback, let me know if you like it. If this is the first time you are going to use it, check with the store about their return policy in case you don't like it or decide it is not for you.
ReplyDeleteI still love it and love the finish I get with it.
Let me know how it goes. Good luck. =)
Hi! I know this blog post is almost a year old but I wanted to know if you remember if fresh beige is darker or lighter than golden beige?
ReplyDeleteIn your pictures it looks like fresh beige is darker, but according to the numbers, it's supposed to be lighter? (fresh beige is 250 while golden beige is 300).
I'm an NC25 in MAC SFF and I tried golden beige and it was too dark for me, and I was thinking fresh beige might be a better choice but now it looks quite the contrary! LOL I'm so confused! I really wanna use CS but I can't find my shade.
Well I hope you read this, I would really appreciate any help.
Oh and I'm from Puerto Rico too, saludos desde Bayamon :D
Argh. It ended up being suuuuper pinky red on me (Toast). The search continues. Still searching for a yellow but not ashy DS foundation.
ReplyDelete@Lily: Hola chica, muchos saludos!
ReplyDeleteI'd say it is darker. I've read NC25 ladies use the Colorstay in the Nude shade(combo/oily formula) but check it out to see if it is not to peach.
Check these links if you haven't already:
Temptalia Foundation Spreadsheet:
http://spreadsheets.google.com/ccc?key=0Ao6y1ARypAgbdDFtMDFVZlZEcnd0T0d5bTQwMmhzVVE&hl=en
Specktra.net Revlon Colorstay Thread (one of them):
http://www.specktra.net/forum/f267/revlon-colorstay-nc37-137285/index2.html#post1604790
The thing with the Colorstay is that the shades with the same name are different in each formula (comb/oily or normal/dry). Also, the shades in the combo/oily formula get darker as they dry.
Fresh Beige is pretty much for neutral to cool undertones --contrary to Golden Beige which is pretty much yellow. I make Fresh Beige work by adding a bit of Revlon Bare it All Lustre drops in Goldi-Looks (disc); that makes the shade a bit more warm. (The new option for lustre drops are the Age Defying Spa Face Illuminators, they have like four shades varying from cool to warm tones).
Assuming you are buying the combo/oily formula (and don't like to waste the bottle you already have), try mixing your Golden Beige shade with the one called BUFF (in combo/oily form) --it also has a yellow undertone and I use it to lighten up some of the darker shades I have.
I still use this foundation and I think I will do forever because honestly the staying power is amazing, it stands the heat and humidity in Puerto Rico and best of all it does not transfer. I honestly don't mind mixing shades to get my customized one.
Thank you so much for answering, you are so helpful!
ReplyDeleteNow that you mention mixing golden beige with buff, makes me want to smack my head because I had both of those shades and got rid of them! When I noticed Golden Beige was too dark (and too pink, for some reason), I gave it to my sister. Then I asked the girl from the walgreens beauty counter which one she would recommend and she said Buff. So I got that and it was way too light and ashy gray for me. I was so mad and disappointed that I put it in the trash and now that's long gone, lol.
I do use the combo/oily formula and I never realized that it gets darker upon drying! But now that you mention it, it makes a lot of sense because one day I put on Golden Beige and it looked good when I applied it, but then on my way to school I saw myself in my car's mirror and it was SO dark and SO red... I had to do something about it but I couldn't go back home, so I took out my hand sanitizer and rubbed enormous amount of it until I took it all off and went to school with a bare face, lol.
Maybe I'll wait until there's a sale at walgreens (a good one, not a BOGO 50% off) and get a couple of shades to try out. I've been considering 180 Sand Beige and 240 Medium beige. I have the feeling 180 is too light though. Yesterday at Walgreens I compared the bottles 240 medium beige and 250 fresh beige side by side and 250 seemed yellower, that's why I was considering getting it until I saw your swatch, lol!
Anyway, I really am rambling non-stop here so I'll stop now, I'll let you know how it turns out :)
Thanks again!
@rubysubi: I know there aren't many options for girls like us (with yellow undertones) in the drugstore. Loreal True Match has lots of shades, it is nice but the staying power is not that great at least on me. Good luck!
ReplyDelete@Lily: OMG @ cleaning your face with hand sanitizer, :-O LOL! I just can imagine. Well, check out CVS in Bayamon, they also have good sales. But you know, foundation is one the products I don't mind spending a few pesos more if I get a great match, excellent finish and staying power. Buena suerte!
It was a pain to remove the CS with hand sanitizer, it didn't want to come off! I guess that's a good test for its staying power.
ReplyDeleteI will try CVS! I think I can see their sales ad online which saves me time :)
Anyway, I guess if nothing else works I'll resign to keep buying studio fix fluid because I truly love it, but I'm a poor college student and my wallet dies every time I use it (lol) so I wanted something less expensive for less-than-special occasions.
Also I noticed that in my previous comment every paragraph ends with "lol"! What can I say, I'm a happy person, "LOL!"
I have a question hopefully you can answer is natural tan in comb/oil skin darker or lighter than the dry/normal one? Or is rich tan the better choice I'm NC40 but stuck between natural tan and rich tan. Help!
ReplyDelete@Anonymous: As I mentioned in my article and show in one of the pics, the Normal/Dry formula in "Natural Tan" is darker than the Oily/Combo one. Natural Tan in the Oily Combo Formula should work well for NC40s since it has a bit more yellow than Rich Tan.
ReplyDeleteHTH.
omg thank u so much for clarifying some of the shades. I couldn't make heads nor tail of it..I used to wear Early Tan until I could no longer find it in Canada. So I was using Natural Tan in oily/combo but it's too dark for me. So I am currently using True Beige and it's still too dark for me but I mix it with Classic beige from Maybelline and it seems to do the trick. Only problem with Maybelline is that it's not true to it's claim of 'colorstay'. I become very oily with it. So I'm trying to find a lighter shade. Someone mentioned that I belong 'warm' group and that yellow undertones will work better for me. But I will definitely pick up some bottles of some lighter shades and try out my luck and hopefully will use 1 bottle rather than mixing 2 colors to find the rite match. Thanks for the swatches, really helped me alot!
ReplyDeleteI know what you mean about Maybelline Superstay. I did a review about it and my biggest dissapointment was it did not control oil, my face was super oily just a few hours after application, compared to Colorstay.
ReplyDeleteHi! Just wanna say thank you sooo much for the swatches. I live in Indonesia so it's very interesting to find someone from the same sort of climate doing a review on this foundation.
ReplyDeleteI bought the Revlon CS combination/oily in Medium Beige but it was too light and pink and ruddy. For the record I'm MAC NC25. I'm now considering Golden Beige because it seems the truest to my undertone but if it's too dark then I will mix it with Buff, thanks to your swatches!
I'm willing to spend a bit of money looking for the right shade of this foundation - I applied it with my Sigma F80 and I literally only used 2 drops of it, sheered down with my Kose spray on moisturizer. Besides it's so much cheaper than MUFE.
My only problem is it's a bit too matte for my taste!
@Nit: I think Golden Beige may be a bit dark for you. The oily/combo formula tends to oxidize, making the foundation to look darker after a few minutes (After 30 mins maybe?).
ReplyDeleteIf the foundation is too matte, trying mixing it with you favorite highlight lotion or even eyeshadow. I use MAC Strobe Liquid or Revlon Lustre Drops.
@ Beda:
ReplyDeleteReally? My experience was that it got fairer after a while.. I looked positively gray. A lot of people wearing NC25 says Sand Beige is good for them, but it looked so fair on the store and reviews. I'm really torn now :/
Oh, sorry, this is Nit btw :)
ReplyDeleteAnd thanks for the help - I really appreciate it.
@Babz: Whenever a foundation make my skin looks gray, it's because the undertone is wrong. In my case, I need yellow undertones and can tolerate just a bit touch of pink, but too much and gray it is. One issue of the Colorstay is that it doesn't provide more shades with yellow undertones, IMO.
ReplyDeleteHello,
ReplyDeleteI was wondering if you could help me out a little with picking a color. I recently tried 240 Medium beige and it was noticeably darker. It didn't have a yellow undertone either >_<
Which ones have yellow undertones?
I'm pretty pale with a yellow undertone so i'm thinking go with Buff or Sand Beige
@Monica: Of those two, I think Buff has more yellow.
ReplyDeleteCheck: http://www.specktra.net/forum/f267/revlon-colorstay-nc37-137285/index2.html#post1604790
Look for Post #68. Maybe that helps.
B.
Is this foundation very difficult to remove? I have sensitive skin and I'm hesitant to buy this because I don't want to break out. :/
ReplyDelete@Anonymous: I highly recommend the double cleansing method -- with this and all foundations. I use MAC's Cleanse Off Oil and then a Neutrogena's Extra Gentle Cleanser. Never had issues!
ReplyDeleteHi pretty, great review!!!
ReplyDeleteI'm Mac NC35-40, witch shade do you recommend me for c/o skin? Thankxxx!!!
xD
@Aya: Sorry I didn't reply b4. For C/O skin, Warm Golden works pretty well for me. Natural Tan is a bit darker, you could check that one out too.
ReplyDeletehi...i'm wearing medium beige but it has this pink undertone. i'm also wears nc35-40.
ReplyDeletewhich one do you think slightly darker than Medium Beige and has a yellow undertone? warm golden or nat tan.
@Arummmanis: Both shades work for me, I'm normally between NC 35-40. For the Combo/Oily Skin formula, I'd say Warm Golden has more of a peach undertone; Nat. Tan is darker than W.Golden and I consider it has more of a yellow undertone.
ReplyDeleteI like to mix Caramel and Buff (both have yellow undertones) to get my customized shade.
hi, i've heard amazing things about this foundation so thought i'd try it. what colour would you recommend for someone with pale skin (but not ghostly white!), and naturally reddish blonde hair? thanks x
ReplyDeleteI normaly don't do recommendations of foundation shades, except for those that are close to my skin tone. Have you had your skin tone matched at MAC? If so, maybe you could use Temptalias's foundation matrix: http://www.temptalia.com/foundation-matrix
ReplyDeleteor this Specktra thread (updated):
http://www.specktra.net/t/137285/revlon-colorstay-in-nc37/60#post_1604790
Revlon's CS lightest shades are Buff (yellow undertone) and Ivory (cool undertone). I'd dare to say that if you are cool toned, maybe Ivory could work for you (and take in consideration that the color of the the normal/dry formula is different for the oily/combo one).
I'd suggest to buy the foundation in a store where you can return it if it does not work for you.
Good blog: You should start many more. I love all the info provided. I will stay tuned:) Television Makeup Artist Sydney
ReplyDeletehi..great blog...i'm natural tan in colorstay combination/oily...i want to buy estee lauder double wear..is 3w tawny too light as compared to natural tan?
ReplyDelete@Anonymous: 3W is a little light right now for me (I'm NC 40); 4W fits better. Ask for a sample of both first!
ReplyDelete