The blogs these days are filled with comparisons of the Revlon Colorstay and MAC Studio Fix Fluid. However, few people have drawn comparisons between the Colorstay and Estee Lauder Double Wear even thought they claim to have very similar characteristics. I have used both and can give my honest opinion about both products:
First things first- The packaging. Yes both have equally irritating glass bottles without a pump so a lot of product does go to waste and it makes the bottle dirty when it is poured out. However, the Double Wear does look more elegant with a gold cap.
Price? The Double Wear is definitely more expensive, retailing at $35* and £26.50 while the Colorstay is at $13* and £ 12.50. So, is the pricey choice worth it?
The first thing I have to point out with the Colorstay is that it smells awful. While the Double Wear isn't completely fragrance free, it doesn't smell as bad. The Colorstay literally smells like paint which really puts me off. However, if that kind of thing doesn't bother you, ignore this point.
Secondly, the coverage. The Double Wear is supposed to be a medium, buildable coverage with a semi matte finish. I honestly think that with a foundation brush, this foundation can create full coverage without feeling heavy or cakey. It feels quite light on the skin and covers most acne, pigmentation marks well. It does live up to its name as it stays on for the whole day without touch ups, even if its hot and humid.
The shades are quite extensive and I can easily find one for myself for winter and summer. It is an oil free foundation, but it does not cake on dry skin. Most importantly it doesn't make me break out! I have very sensitive skin and this has never caused any flare ups for me. Overall I absolutely LOVE this foundation and would recommend it to anyone.
The Colorstay I have to say is a big disappointment for me. It is a full coverage foundation and as I used the oily/combination one it is matte. However, that's where the good news ends. This foundation dries SO quickly it is impossible to apply it section by section or slowly. I couldn't achieve a smooth result with a brush and I think that a wet sponge would be the only applicator tool that could be used. Furthermore, when it dries, this foundation oxidises and goes a couple of shades darker than when its wet. It always made my skin look cakey and orange or pink. This brings me to the point that it is also hard to find a shade for my skin tone. I have olive/yellow undertones and I am usually an NC 35 in MAC but with Colorstay I had to mix 005 Medium Beige and 006 True Beige to get my colour close enough. It has not made me break out but all the other factors have made me dislike it very much.
So, YES the price is definitely worth it! Although the Colorstay does a pretty good job for the price, if you want to spoil yourself definitely go for the Double Wear!
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| Estee Lauder Double Wear Swatch: 3W1 TAWNY |
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| Revlon Colorstay Swatches: Above 005 Medium Beige Below: 006 True Beige |
*Price in the United States
