Review: Rimmel Stay Matte Foundation

New Year, New Foundation.

I came across this new foundation from Rimmel, called Stay Matte last week while strolling around Wal Mart (Unlike many, I try to stay away from Wally World as much as possible, but it's the only large-scale store in my little town). If it promises matte skin, I knew I had to take a chance on it.

What the packaging says: Shine Control formula for 12 hours matte coverage. With SkinPure Complex for a visibly purified complexion and gentle botanical extracts to help soothe sensitive skin. Oil-free. Non-Comedogenic. Non-acnegenic. Fragrance free. Paraben free.

The color I picked up is 100 Ivory. There wasn't a whole lot of color choices, only about 6 (give or take one), so that would probably be a point knocked off. The next day I was so eager to try this out. The texture is thin, comparing to a couple of my other favorite foundations: It's thinner than Revlon ColorStay Active and thinner than Vincent Longo Liquid Canvas Sheer Matte foundations. So, it's a nice in-between those two.

The color is somewhat misleading swatched on my arm, shown above. It looks almost too dark and a bit too yellow, but I am pleased to announce that it was actually a good match. Here is what it looks like on my skin, note that this is after concealer and translucent powder:

The first day of wearing this, I admit I put on a little too much. I knew this because towards the end of the day I noticed that my forehead was a little too dry and "ashy" looking. TOO dry? Yes, too dry. The next day wearing it, I went a little easier on the application, I didn't apply as much, and noticed the wear through the day was much better. I usually have to blot my skin a good number of times through the day (and when I say blot, I mean with a tissue, and not powder...I will elaborate more on this later). Wearing this foundation, I noticed that when I did blot, the oil that came up on the tissue wasn't as great, and I especially noticed that on my nose- my pores looked less noticeable.

I have to say that I am very impressed with this foundation. I have been using this for 3 days so far and I am also happy to report I have had no adverse reactions. Also, another note, I am wearing this with a primer and maybe this helps with the longevity of wear I have gotten so far with this foundation.

Here is a photo of me wearing the foundation, and believe me this is WELL after 12 hours of wear (Like, close to 13-5 hours) and I think it still looks pretty fresh and whatnot.

Also, remind me not to take another photo after taking a nap on the sofa?
*PS: The flash on this is horrid, I got a new camera for Christmas and I'm still figuring out the buttons and things ;)

Closing thoughts: I really really REALLY like this foundation. It's very rare to find a color match with a drugstore foundation, for one. And two, to come across a foundation that does what it says. I really would recommend it for gals with more oily skin, and definitely NOT for gals with dry skin, as this would only enhance that. It also reminds me very much of the Vincent Longo Liquid Canvas Sheer Matte foundation (in terms of how it dries- to a true matte finish)- for a fraction of the price. I also like that it still looks like my skin, it didn't feel mask-like and a long staying power. The only bad thing I would have to say about it, as I mentioned in the beginning, is that it comes in only a limited amount of colors. Still, if you can find a color match, I highly recommend trying it.