Nobody is perfect. That is why makeup exists - to help us conceal imperfections and enhance our best features. Flawless skin is what most of us aim for, and we can achieve the illusion of perfection with foundation. But not all foundations are created equally. That is why most of us purchase our way through bottles of product before we find the one that’s right for our skin. Here, I try Collection Cosmetics Lasting Perfection Matte Foundation.
It is not just getting the tone right that can make or break a foundation. The texture and how it sits on the skin are big considerations. So too is its staying power. The best foundations deliver the right finish, either matte or dewy, and look exactly like skin. They also last all day.
That means… They don’t separate on the skin. They don’t turn into a shiny mess. And, they most certainly don’t evaporate to nothing.
What I look for in a foundation goes beyond performance. It has to not just look good and last, it has to be easy to apply. That equates to no faulty pumps and nothing cakey, because coverage is key. I want my skin to look clear and even-toned.
Over the years, I dread to think how many duds I’ve tried. I’m a dead cert for new foundation releases - and I’ve tried them all. From Chanel to Revolution’s IRL, I’ve brushed, blended and sponged my way through more products than a supermodel. Sadly, I have rarely looked like one!
So, in my quest for ‘perfection’, I decided to try something completely different - from a brand that is ‘new’ to me.
Collection Cosmetics Lasting Perfection Matte Foundation
I purchased Collection Cosmetics Lasting Perfection Matte Foundation in the shade Beige. It was supplied in a 27 ml bottle with a pump action dispenser. It set me back £7, which is on the cheap side for a foundation. I went a shade or two darker in a bid to give myself a bit of a winter glow. Not quite après-ski but a bit more colour than finely milled flour! Yes, my skin is on the pale side.
This vegan foundation includes SPF 30 and the brand claims that it conceals, covers and smoothes the skin in one application. It further claims the full coverage foundation stays put for 16 hours. While there are brands marketing even longer wear products, 16 hours is impressive considering the low price. I couldn’t wait to put it to the test.
Important factors for me when testing foundation include:
Coverage - I need true full coverage, or a product that can be easily built to full coverage quickly.
Blendability - Anything that doesn’t blend well over prepped skin is going straight in the bin. I’m not a fan of patchy skin tones.
Durability - My foundation needs to last at least eight hours. I don’t carry makeup around with me during the day, so touch-ups are a never event. In fact, who in this day and age pops a foundation in their handbag? Not me, obviously!
Weightlessness - I want to be able to apply makeup and then forget about it. Being comfortable and not feeling ‘dragged down’ by foundation is important. Anything that I can feel on my skin is going to sap my self-confidence. How many times have you washed off makeup that just didn’t feel right on your skin?
Before using Collection Cosmetics’ foundation, I prepared my skin. After cleansing and toning, I applied a caffeine solution to the under eye area, a moisturiser all over my face and then a primer. My current favourite makeup primer is Rimmel London Lasting Finish Pore Minimising Primer.
The first thing I noticed about the foundation is that the pump works really well. I’ve had some issues with pumps from other brands. This one is great. It gives you good control over the amount of product dispensed. I always start with half a pump and aim not to use more than one full pump, unless I need to go over an area that requires more coverage. This can sometimes happen around my nose where I occasionally develop redness. I apply with clean fingers and blend with a damp sponge.
For me, blendability is important because I often apply my makeup very early in the morning. I start work at 7am, so I need to be out the door at 6.30am. I haven’t got the time - or patience - to be faffing about at the crack of dawn. This product applied evenly, with no fuss. It blends down under the chin nicely as well, so I’ve avoided the dreaded tidemark.
I always finish the foundation stage of my makeup with a very light dusting of powder and setting spray. To speed up the drying time, I use a hand-held fan.
What I like about this foundation:
It delivers great coverage and it doesn’t emphasise fine lines.
It offers medium to full coverage with no faff.
It’s very long-lasting - definitely the length of time I was looking for.
I like the fact that it includes SPF. I would prefer 50 over 30, but 30 is very good for a foundation, especially at this price point. I’ve seen much more expensive ones with far less SPF.
Another thing that impressed me about the durability was that there was zero separation on the skin. I do a very physical job, which sometimes involves operating machinery that emits steam. This foundation didn’t budge. My hair always ends up a mess, but my face… flawless! In the summer, I used a premium long-wear foundation that cost twice as much and it did, on several occasions, separate.
Do I recommend this long-wear foundation?
For the price, Collection Cosmetics Lasting Perfection Matte Foundation performed really well. It is easy to blend and lasts for literally hours. This makeup product is available in 20 shades.
It offers buildable coverage and durability. While it does deliver on the full coverage front, it can be mixed with a little moisturiser if you are just looking for a tint. I haven’t felt the need to use concealer with this foundation.
To avoid product transfer on my white work uniform, I patted off any excess product under my chin and on my neck.
The finish was the matte I desired.
As with any foundation, the crucial thing is prep. If you have oily, combination or dry skin, use targeted products to get your base right first. I found this foundation easy to use.
It’s definitely not a dud and, for me, is a keeper.
About Collection Cosmetics
Collection Cosmetics is a UK brand, founded in 1987. It offers a wide selection of makeup products, including bundles, at an affordable price.
It has an easy to navigate self-hosted online store and stockists include Amazon, Boots and Superdrug.