L'Oreal Pro-Matte Infallible Foundation
New for Spring 2015
Price: $12.99-$14.99 per ounce
L'Oreal has expanded their "Infallible" line of complexion products with the release of their new Pro-Matte Infallible Foundation for January of 2015.
A lot has changed since the release of L'Oreal's orginal Infallible 24 Hour Foundation and there have been some much needed changes to the foundations performance & formula.
In many ways, Pro-Matte Infallible is a step in the right direction for L'Oreal and it certainly has alot going for it but it does have a few minor hiccups.
The Infallible History:
What makes L'Oreal Pro-Matte Infallible very interesting is two fold; the fact that it's intended to replace the original L'Oreal Infallible 24 Hour Makeup and the changes that L'Oreal has made to the formula.
If you're not familiar with the original Infallible Foundation you're not missing much. It was probably one of the top ten worst drugstore foundations- for a variety of reasons. The formula was a typical long-wearing formula but it had an awful tendency to separate, the finish was icky and the shades were awful with the stereo-typical "drugstore beige".
Luckily L'Oreal has improved on most of the major issues that were present with Infallible and there have been some significant improvements with the new Pro-Matte Foundation!
The New Technology:
L'Oreal has had alot of success with their standard liquid to powder foundation formula the past few years. If you've read any of my reviews you're probably sick of me mentioning L'Oreal Magic Nude, Maybelline Dream Wonder, Armani Maestro Fusion, or YSL Fusion Ink Foundation.
All of these are identical formulas (with prices ranging from $8 to $60) and the formula is about 30% cell damaging alcohol which makes this one of the biggest beauty conspricies in recent history.
Anyways, liquid to powder foundations are huge right now and when they're formulated without alcohol they have the potential to be as life-changing as a beauty product can possibly be.
L'Oreal employed this philosophy when they created Pro-Matte Infallible Foundation because it's a liquid to powder formula and the first by L'Oreal which doesn't rely on alcohol. (Although the new L'Oreal Pro-Mist Setting Spray that's being displayed with Pro-Matte is mostly alcohol.)
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The "Pro-Matte Infallible" Claims:
L'Oreal claims that Pro-Matte will allow you to:
"Achieve a matte finish that won’t fall flat with this air-light, longwearing liquid formula. Lightweight and creamy, foundation goes on smooth with a demi-matte finish that lasts up to 24 hours—hiding imperfections for a smooth, clear complexion."
Formula & Performance:
Overall, L'Oreal isn't exaggereating their claims too badly. Pro-Matte has an incredibly thin consistency that blends beautifully and will last all day.
This is a foundation that will set fast. You have to be comfortable with applying your foundation quickly because once it sets the formula isn't the most forgiving in the world & even for a liquid to powder formula it's on the budge-resistant side.
If you have dry skin you'll want to be sure to adequately moisturize. It;s not an overly drying formula but you can't count on any hydration whatsoever which makes it a good choice for those with acne/breakout prone/oily skin (who may or may not need to set/touch up.)
Coverage can be built to the fuller side of medium but most people will probably have to stop building at a medium level- unless you're fortunate enough to find a perfect match in one of the shades offered.
Shades:
Pro-Matte Infallible comes in a selection of 11 shades that are designed to suit fair to deep skin tones but more likely will only accomodate those with Light to Deep skin tones.
One of the biggest obstacles with L'Oreal's orginal Infallible Foundation was undoubtedly the shade range. The shades all had horrible undertones that oxidized horrible into a pinky beige that wouldn't look natural on anyone.
They have corrected the oxidation issue to a point but it is still present and certainly something that you have to take into consideration- particularly if you have fair skin.
I can kind of get away with shade 101 Classic Ivory but make no mistake: Classic Ivory is NOT equal to Classic Ivory in any other L'Oreal foundation and is a good deal darker.
Because of the shade limitations and the tendency to turn into an unnatural color, Pro-Matte needs to be considered very carefully if you're looking for the fullest of full coverage.
Cautions & Caveats:
If you use a primer, you'll want to make sure that it's a formula which is compatible with Pro-Matte. I have found that mixing certain products with Pro-Matte result in a unique residue which is extremely unappealing.
Compatibility is a bigger issue with a formula like this because it doesn't contain any sun protection so it MUST be used in conjunction with a product which has adequate SPF.
I wish I could recommend a perfect combination of products to use wit Pro-Matte, but I haven't found it yet. I find it works best at night when I use it over a regular moisturizer. If I try to experiment too much with silicone primers or serums I tend to get the residual residue. This may not bother some people but I'm sure a few will find it to be a nuisance.
Conclusion:
I really love the fact that L'Oreal decided to expand their Liquid to Powder line up and improve their Infallible Foundation all in one step. I think that it's a step in the right direction.
They've still got a ways to go, but right now Pro-Matte is one of the most affordable Liquid to Powder options which doesn't rely on alcohol and that's a huge plus.
Pro-Matte isn't as elegant as Cruelty Free options like Laura Mercier Flawless Fluide Foundation or Urban Decay Naked Skin Weightless Foundation but those are both expensive.
If you've been wanting to try a liquid to powder formula but don't want to shell out the big bucks than Pro-Matte may be worth considering.
If you're looking for a reasonably priced formula that's similar to this and Cruelty Free, you may want to consider Paula's Choice Best Face Forward Foundation.
It's a very similar formula to L'Oreal Pro-Matte but already has the SPF included so you don't have to worry about mixing as many products and the shade range is far superior. (I have swatches I haven't gotten up yet so if you're eager to try those just let me know and I'll upload them.)
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| L'Oreal Infallible Pro-Matte Foundation Swatches of Shades 101 Classic Ivory, 102 Shell Beige, 103 Natural Buff, *Shades are mislabeled in picture as 201, 202, & 203* |
What happened to the review for the Maybelline Fit Me Matte and Poreless foundation? I know that I've seen it, but now when I try to find it I get, "Sorry, the page you were looking for in this blog does not exist."
ReplyDeleteThanks for this blog. I love that you review both high-end and low-end companies and that you try to swatch as many shades as possible -- very useful and helpful!
Why did you remove the comparisons between L'oreal Pro Matte Infallible and the Maybelline Fit Me Matte and Poreless foundations? I read it yesterday, but see that it is no longer present. I found the comparison extremely helpful!
ReplyDeleteWow this was a great really in depth review, thanks!
ReplyDelete