The Perfect Soft-Matte Foundation: Bobbi Brown Skin Long-Wear Fluid Powder Foundation

Bobbi Brown’s first-ever liquid-to-powder foundation that promises a soft-matte finish! I haven’t been this excited for a liquid foundation in a while. I am a powder-foundation type of girl and at the rate that my skin produces oil, most liquid foundations do not last, despite how matte they claim to be.

product information

• Scent: no added fragrance
• Price: 39eur at debijenkorf.nl l 40usd at bobbibrowncosmetics.com
• Shelf life: 24 months
• Product quantity: 40ml
• Recommended skin types: combination to oily skin.

Shade Range

Bobbi Brown released 28 shades in this collection. My initial impression was that the colors looked beautiful swatched onto the skin. The foundation is well pigmented, while still maintaining a natural appearance on the complexion.

What I really appreciate the most about the formulation of their pigments is that their medium to deep shades are enriched with more than the usual red and yellow undertones only; pink, red-blue, medium beige, and dark beige undertones have also been included for a more accurate color match.

The colors are very flattering for dark skin. I love the visible warmth their pigments add to the skin.

Wear

Let’s start by analyzing the coverage. The foundation has a light coverage that covers only light complexion dissimilarities with some additional light smoothening of the skin texture as a bonus. The coverage is not advertised as buildable.

The fluid-powder formula has a fast-drying liquid consistency. This foundation sets so fast, I have to apply and blend per section. To apply I split my face in three, my forehead and the lower half of my face in two.

After application, the formula rests comfortably on the skin. The foundation sets as promised by Bobbi Brown, into a soft-matte finish. The skin appears visibly mattified, while still radiant in appearance.

As the day progresses, the wear remains comfortable. The longevity of the foundation is impeccable. I experience some inevitable oiliness after 4 hours, which is easily fixed by blotting and/or a light dusting with a powder.

Last, but not definitely not least, let’s talk about oxidation. I’ve worn this foundation for well over 16 hours and I can attest that the formula does not oxidize in a manner that alters the pigment.

Some more claims..

• ○Sweat resistant? YES, it does not separate or turn patchy. Allow the skin to dry then lightly blot and/or powder if necessary, and the finish will be good to go.

Transfer test

• A big hurdle when it comes to foundation and make-up in general, is transfer! Being that it’s marketed as a long-wear foundation and contains powder properties, I was as good as certain that it will not transfer.
• In both wear and the demonstration below, the foundation holds up extremely well. You will need to vigorously rub against something before it transfers. As a regular make-up wearer, I’ve definitely experienced the horror of hugging someone and then seeing a part of my face just casually transferred on their shirt. Quite awkward..
• This foundation is definitely hug-proof after it has set. In the video, I was firmly patting the napkin onto the foundation and I had to really rub to get some type of transfer.

Final thoughts

• The mattifying properties within the foundation make it perfect for oily to normal skin and for those with a dehydrated skin-condition to combat the over-production of oil.
• I have dry skin which is dehydrated, so I really, really like the way it wears throughout the day. They seemed to have really nailed it when it comes to the way the product interacts with the natural oils of the skin. As the day progresses, it looks even more like skin, but in a: my-skin-but-better type of way.
• I recommend this foundation for a polished everyday wear. The natural finish and long-wear make it perfect for me to wear while working a full day at my corporate job.
• Tell me in the comment if you’ve tried Bobbi Brown’s Skin Long-Wear Fluid Powder foundation and which products you would like me to review!