Calvin Klein 3-in-1 Foundation; Review & Swatches of Shades

Ck One 3-in-1 Oil-Free Liquid Face Makeup SPF 20

Price: $30 per ounce

Calvin Klein's Ck One line has produced the 3-in-1 Face Makeup SPF 8, Oil Free Liquid Foundation which claims to be a primer, serum, and foundation all in one. What is nearly as remarkable as these miracle three-in-one claims, is that Ck 3-in-1 Foundation has actually managed to get some of the highest user-ratings for liquid foundation on MakeupAlley, but does that mean it should be the last stop on the foundation train?

If you've read my reviews on Calvin Klein's Ck One Water Fresh Makeup or Ck One Mousse Concealer, you probably have noticed that I have not been overly kind to the complexion products in the Ck One line. That being said, out of the five complexion products currently offered by Ck One, (Ck One Water Fresh Makeup, Ck One Mousse Concealer, Ck One 3-in-1 Concealer, Ck All Day Foundation and Ck One 3-in-1 Face Makeup Liquid Foundation), without a shadow of a doubt, I definitely find Ck One 3-in-1 Foundation to be the most impressive.

Ck One 3-in-1 Foundation touts some very extensive and bold claims. The name is derived from the promise that 3-in-1 Foundation will replace your Serum, your Primer, and your Foundation. Ck One also goes on to make some very bold statements about the charecteristics of each of those properties.

This is what Calvin Klein claims: 

This distinctive liquid synthesizes serum, primer and face makeup into one simple, weightless formula. Triple-treated pigment technology mimics skin for an effortlessly natural, radiant finish. No compromise on skin perfecting coverage. Antioxidants protect skin, lasting up to 11 hours.

Serum:

• Nourishes skin
• Infused with Vitamins A, C, E
• Radiates skin with moisturizers + emollients

Primer:

• Smooth, uniform & flawless finish
• Extends makekup wear for up to 11 hours
• Shine-control
• 
  
• Face Makeup:
• Oil-free formula
• Skin-tone perfecting
• Gives 100% natural look
• Non-comedogenic/Non-acnegenic
• Dermatologist tested

This is alot for any foundation to claim. Notice the contradictory promises of being both "emollient/moisturizing" AND "oil controlling?" This isn't a new claim by any means many foundations claim to be balancing, but no foundation can miraculously moisturize while being drying, they just can't. 

What foundations CAN be however, is a balanced formula which is suitable for normal, slightly oily or slightly dry skin without causing too much distress to either skin type; and THAT is where Ck One 3-in-1 Face Makeup succeeds as a foundation, but it should only be used as Face Makeup and not in any way used as substitute skincare!

Initially, Ck One 3-in-1 Face Makeup is a very thin liquid foundation which means that application can be achieved using almost any method and 3-in-1 Foundation does do a great job of looking like natural looking skin whilst providing light-medium coverage.

The finish of Ck One 3-in-1 is matte but if you have oily skin you will want to use a primer if you want a true matte finish, but on the plus side the texture is unlikely to clog pores if you're acne prone.

Keep in mind also, that no matter your skin type or skin tone, you MUST wear a sunscreen under Ck One 3-in-1 Face Makeup because a foundation with an SPF of 8 is NOT sufficient sun protection for any day of the year!

There are some finely milled fragments of glitter in 3-in-1, they're not noticeable visible, but you should be beware if you hate glitter.

The shade range is actually somewhat impressive considering the ho-hum options Ck One usually offers, with a grand total of 13 shades that will suit fairly light to very deep skin tones, although those in the medium range may find their options somewhat limited.

The lightest shade, 50 Ivory has distinct pink undertones and is pretty fair, but like all the shades it does oxidize slightly so if you have porcelain skin tread carefully. The next lightest shade is 100 Porcelain and while that has obvious yellow tones it dries far too dark for someone like me to wear with my current skintone of about NC10, but if you're a true NC15 you should be ok.

All in all, I do understand why many people are happy with the performance of Ck One 3-in-1 Face Makeup, but I think there are some much better foundations on the market that will suit the same range of slightly dry-slightly oily skin. Some Cruelty Free options include Mally Ultimate Performance Liquid Foundation, Nars Sheer Glow Foundation, or Urban Decay Naked Skin Weightless Ultra Definition Foundation. These all have finishes similar to Ck One 3-in-1 and provide at least as much coverage!

Calvin Klein Ck One 3-in-1 Face Makeup SPF 8 Oil Free Foundation; Swatches of Shades
50 Ivory, 100 Porcelain, 200 Fair, 300 Sand, 350 Warm Sand, 400 Bisque,
500 Tan, 600 Honey, 800 Cappuccino, 850 Toffee, 900 Walnut, 950 Espresso

Calvin Klein Ck One 3-in-1 Face Makeup SPF 8 Oil Free Foundation; Review & Swatches of Shades
50 Ivory, 100 Porcelain, 200 Fair, 300 Sand, 350 Warm Sand, 400 Bisque, 
500 Tan, 600 Honey, 800 Cappuccino, 850 Toffee, 900 Walnut, 950 Espresso