We Road-Tested 4 Longwearing Foundations to See if They Really Lasted All Day


long lasting foundation hero image Chloe long lasting foundation hero image Chloe

Here’s some things we wish lasted longer...

Our clean hair, our weekends and our foundations.

The last is especially true when it comes to an occasion that calls for a long-wearing foundation like a wedding, or an ‘I’m going for after-work drinks and don’t-have-time-to-redo-my-makeup’ event.

If you’re on the hunt for a long lasting foundation but don’t know where to start, you’re in luck because our lovely Adore Beauty colleague Chloe has done all the work for us!

Chloe road-tested four long-wearing foundations that promised all-day staying power.

From the cult Estee Lauder Double wear to the bargain Maybelline Superstay 30-hour, Chloe put these foundations through their paces (and by paces we mean walking, sweating and even dancing) to see if they really went the distance.

Whether you’re searching for the best full coverage long lasting foundation or the best long lasting matte foundation, Chloe is here to help you discern which one is the best for you.

Did they stay out throughout the day and did they really go from ‘day to night’? Are they truly budge-proof?

I won’t keep you hanging any longer, keep reading for Chloe’s verdict on these four long-wearing foundations…


1. Estée Lauder Double Wear Stay In Place Makeup.

Estée Lauder Double Wear Stay In Place Makeup Estée Lauder Double Wear Stay In Place Makeup

Fast facts:

  • Has a natural, matte finish.

  • Medium coverage that’s buildable and promises 24-hour wear time.

  • Is Dermatologist-tested, and non-acnegenic (so it won’t clog your pores).

  • Is fragrance and oil-free.

  • Is waterproof and heat resistant.

  • Has over 900 five-star reviews.

  • Comes in 60 shades.

  • A makeup artist favourite.

  • Prefer a pump? You can purchase one separately.

  • Chloe’s shade: 3N2 Wheat.

Chloe’s Estee Lauder Double Wear foundation review:

The iconic Estee Lauder Double Wear foundation has been a firm favourite in many makeup bags for years because it’s just that good.

“I wore this foundation from 8:20am to 2:40am and it lasted really well.” Says Chloe.

What impressed Chloe most about the Estee Lauder foundation Double Wear was the skin-like finish it gave despite it being a fuller coverage foundation.

“It sits really well on the skin and works well with the rest of my makeup.”

The Estee Lauder Double Wear foundation held up really well even after a late afternoon walk and a few hours of wearing a mask with only minor creasage.

Instead of having to reapply her base before going on a night out, she simply blended out some of those creases.

And that’s the only touch up that was needed.

If you’re looking for a long lasting foundation for oily skin, Chloe also found this one to have great oil control.

This is a winner for anyone looking for a really good long lasting liquid foundation.

Don't just take Chloe's word for it, here are some of our AB customer reviews:

This product is perfect for long day wear or a night out. A little also goes a long way with this one.” - Mel.

Love love love this foundation. After trying so many foundations that promote all day wear and full coverage but didn't deliver, this was my last hope. This has been my go-to foundation for over a year now and I always make sure I have it on hand. Super good coverage and lasts all day (or all night if you're partying).” - Immy.


2. MAKE UP FOR EVER HD Skin Foundation.

MAKE UP FOR EVER HD Skin Foundation MAKE UP FOR EVER HD Skin Foundation

Fast facts:

  • Delivers a true-to-skin finish with medium to full coverage.

  • Promises 24-hour wear time.

  • Is non-comedogenic as well as sweat and water-resistant.

  • Available in 40 shades.

Chloe’s makeup forever hd skin foundation review:

Chloe was a big fan of the original MAKE UP FOR EVER HD skin foundation in her teens.

And now, she was putting the new and improved hd skin foundation to the test.

Her verdict?

“The finish is absolutely beautiful.”

“It’s so skin-like, it’s like I put a moisturiser over my face.”

After wearing this foundation on a 28 degree day, Chloe did an 8-hour check in (already impressive staying power at this mark), and found that besides some slight forehead shine, it had stayed on quite well.

“I wore the foundation from 10am until 11pm.”

“I went dancing  (I had two sessions) and my dancing sessions are always sweaty.

I love this foundation around the 4 hour mark. The way it melts into the skin, it’s just natural. It’s flawless, it’s beautiful.”

Who would the HD skin makeup forever foundation be best for?

“If you're looking for a dewy, more natural finish foundation that’s long-lasting, I would recommend the MAKE UP FOR EVER HD Skin."

This is also AB customer Linda's choice for long lasting foundation for dry skin that lasts all day. She says:

I love this foundation. It is the one I go to when I need it to last all day and look perfect. I have very dry skin but this sits beautifully on without moving into creases. All my other products also sit well on top whether they are cream or powder. With my dry skin I find I don't need to set this.


You can see how these foundations fared in real life on Chloe’s combo to oily skin in the YouTube video below:


3. M.A.C Cosmetics Studio Fix Fluid SPF15 Foundation.

M.A.C Cosmetics Studio Fix Fluid SPF15 Foundation M.A.C Cosmetics Studio Fix Fluid SPF15 Foundation

Fast facts:

  • A matte-finish liquid foundation with all day oil control.

  • Suited to all skin types but ideal for oily and acne-prone skin.

  • Long-wearing, promising up to 24-hour wear.

  • Is Dermatologist-tested and non-acnegenic.

  • Comes in over 66 shades.

  • Chloe’s shade: NC27

Chloe’s MAC studio fix fluid foundation review:

“Another OG and another staple in so many MUA kits.”

Chloe loves the full coverage MAC studio fix fluid offers but it did feel a little heavier on the skin.

And although it was a bit much for day wear, she found this one looked beautiful in pictures.

Making it one of the best picks for a special event like a wedding.


4. Maybelline Superstay Active Wear 30HR Full Coverage Liquid Foundation.

Maybelline Superstay Active Wear 30HR Full Coverage Liquid Foundation Maybelline Superstay Active Wear 30HR Full Coverage Liquid Foundation

Fast facts:

  • Comes in 21 shades.

  • Offers a full coverage and matte finish.

  • Promises up to 30-hour wear.

  • Suitable for all skin types.

  • Is transfer-proof as well as sweat and water-resistant.

  • Chloe’s shade: 36 Warm Sun.

Chloe’s Maybelline superstay 30h foundation review:

Looking for a long lasting matte foundation? This is the one you’ll want to add to cart.

“If you have really oily skin, or if you like a really matte finish, this one would be the one for you.”

“I remember looking at my cheeks around midday and thinking wow, everything just looks smooth.”

The only downside of this one for Chloe was that it was a little harder to blend out than the others.


Final Verdict…

Which were Chloe’s faves?

“My favourite out of the bunch, was none other than the Estee Lauder Double Wear.”

“I love the way it blended out, I love the way it sat on my skin, the way it looks on my skin, just everything about it.

One that really surprised me was the Make Up For Ever HD skin. I was surprised at how longwearing it was.”


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