Reviewed: Estée Lauder's new Double Wear

Images BeautyEQ

When it comes to foundation Estee Lauder's Double Wear is famous. The original was launched in 1997 as a full-coverage formula, and it gained a cult following fast. It was created to hide the signs of fatigue, breakouts and to cover the look of an uneven skin texture. A top seller (and it still is today) its claim to fame was that it stayed put. It lasts for hours on end, looking fresh from morning until after five, while not transferring, smudging, or melting off the skin in the heat. Enter the new Double Wear Sheer Long-Wear Makeup SPF20 with the same staying power as that lasting formulation but leaves a lightweight hydrating finish- and the best news, it's a hybrid makeup that offers skincare benefits to boot. Read on to learn more by editor Trudi Brewer.

Estée Lauder's Double Wear Sheer Long-Wear Makeup SPF20, $76.

Available in 27 shades designed to blend seamlessly into the skin by complementing your skin's undertones from cool, to neutral or warm. Here's how to find your perfect match.

 Cool (C) undertones: Your bare skin has a rosy tone and burns quickly in the sun.

Neutral (N) undertones: Your bare skin is more even-toned, not too pink or yellow-golden.

Warm (W) undertones: Your bare skin has a golden or olive tone and tans quickly in the sun.

How to use: The water-light, fluid texture of this makeup can separate, so shake well before applying, and it goes on effortlessly using your fingers.   

What is it?

I would call this foundation a hybrid that's because it’s stacked with skincare ingredients you don't find in traditional foundations. First up, it's a water liquid formula enriched with glycerin, watermelon extract, apple and lentil extracts, lecithin, magnesium, vitamin E, and hyaluronic acid. In addition, the fermented sea algae help boost the performance of all those ingredients. Another bonus is the SPF20 from titanium dioxide, and the 27 shades are made with iron oxides.

Why do I like it?

I seek out tinted makeup formulas because I like to layer them over my other products. I start with the all-important SPF, then an illuminating primer followed by a lightweight tint like this. I expected to build on this new Double Wear Sheer, but just one layer left a subtle, selfie-friendly blur. So a little goes a very long way. Though it's ultra-hydrating, the formula leaves a semi-matte smudge-proof finish. While the SPF is a little on the low side, complexion products shouldn't be the only line of defence against UV rays, so this isn't a make-or-break detail for me. Would I recommend this makeup? Yes, and while there is a long list of pros, including the diversity in the shade range, for me, this is more than makeup. It doubles as skincare with the bonus of luminous colour, so for that reason alone, it's a brilliant beauty buy.  

Before & After wearing 3N1 Ivory Beige.

Editor Trudi Brewer’s summer makeup look. Before makeup, and then after a layer of Double Wear Sheer Long Wearing Makeup SPF20 over a layer of MAC Strobe Cream, a pop of coral blush, a light layer of mascara, and lipgloss.