If you’re a fan of full coverage foundations, the chances are you’ve either tried Estee Lauder’s Double Wear or you’ve heard hella good things about it and want to try it. Often praised as people’s holy grail full coverage base, Double Wear had been on my foundation ‘to-try’ list for a looooong time, and as my latest bottle of Sheer Glow started to run out I finally decided to pick it up.
Double Wear promises flawless coverage that will stand against heat and humidity to deliver 15 hours of staying power. While it won’t smudge, fade or oxidise, it also claims to be super lightweight and comfortable on the skin, too. There’s an impressive 29 shades to choose from in the Double Wear range, and I was matched via Findation (read more about that magic little tool here) and then in store to 2N1 Desert Beige.
The packaging is the heavy glass that you expect from higher-end foundations, and has nice gold detailing and a gold lid. Now onto my major criticism, which if you read my NARS Sheer Glow review might not come as a huge surprise to you – NO PUMP.
When oh WHEN will premium brands stop being such absolute tight arses and just include a bloody pump? I mean, look at that hot mess of a bottle rim there. Gross. As with Sheer Glow (before I caved in and bought the extra pump – swine…), the lack of pump makes this really difficult to distribute and I often end up under- or over-pouring. It’s a nuisance, I tell ya.
When I first tried it out, the pump situation really annoyed me so Double Wear and I weren’t off to the best start anyway. Then I then started to apply the foundation using my usual buffing brush and I just couldn’t seem to get it to blend into my skin properly. I struggled to get the full coverage that DW is famous for, and for the first few days I was pretty unimpressed.
Then I decided to try a different application technique, and instead stippled the foundation into my skin, and VOILA. The full coverage that I had heard so much about was a reality. I couldn’t believe that something as simple as the application could make such a difference, but suddenly I fully understood the hype that Double Wear attracts. The coverage is flawless, and the staying power really IS impressive. I use a setting spray most days, but even when I’ve forgotten to do that I’ve managed to get through a whole day of work with only the tiniest bit of shine coming through on my t-zone.
One thing I will say is that the heavy coverage can leave your skin looking a little ‘flat’ and it does take some contouring and highlighting to add the definition back to your face (or create it, in my case – I naturally have the definition of a potato). Because of this, Double Wear probably won’t be right for those people who like to get away with a light base and quite fuss-free makeup. However, if you’re like me and are seeking full coverage and a flawless base, then I’m sure you’ll be a fan.
Estee Lauder Double Wear is a high-end foundation, and will set you back around £30. However, as with every other high-end foundation that I’ve tried, it is well worth the money. This also has the added benefit of SPF 10, which – while not great for flash photography – is good for our skin and preventing those pesky wrinkles.
While I think I still prefer the slightly dewy finish of NARS Sheer Glow, Double Wear has definitely entered my top 5 foundations and I really recommend it. Even though I am forever angry about the pump… *shakes fist*.
Have any of you tried Estee Lauder’s Double Wear? Let me know in the comments!
I love foundations with a pump, but I have to give this one a try!
It really is one of the only negatives, so if you can get through that you might love it 🙂 xx
The MAC foundation pump fits onto the bottle! Made it so much easier! Xx
My mum swears by this and kept telling me it’s the best foundation that she has ever used but I dislike it. Its not the foundation’s fault though, I just prefer dewy and light coverage base. And no kidding about the pump, I mean is it that hard to provide your customers with one?
Shireen | Reflection of Sanity
Ahh yeah, I can see how it wouldn’t be to your taste! Think it’s definitely one of those love or hate products 🙂 xx
ive just bought this and I didnt know how to get it to full coverage, thanks for the tip!
Pam xo/ Pam Scalfi♥
Oh I’m glad it wasn’t just me who struggled at first! Hope that helps then Pam 🙂 xx
It has been sitting on my to try list for ages now, I better bite the bullet and go get it. The pump thing IS annoying though. I mean, what is the difficulty there?
Linda, Libra, Loca: Beauty, Baby and Backpacking
I KNOW RIGHT, how hard can it be? Sigh. Still, I do recommend giving it a try! xx
This is like one of those beauty cult products I keep hearing about, nothing but good things 🙂
I prefer a lighter coverage, but I love the packaging of this bottle!
Nereyda│ This Girl Is Obsessed
People do seem to swear by it, and I do understand that now 🙂 xx
I tried a sample of this but it was too matte for me, however I love DW Light! xx
Beautylymin
Ahh I just love a matte coverage sometimes, but can see why it wouldn’t be your thing! DW Light sounds like it could be perfect for me in the summer 🙂 xx
I’ve been seeing advertisements about his foundation literally as far as the eye can see! It looks gorgeous on you but its a shame the finish isn’t more dewy
Allie | RainyAllie
It is a shame for people that love thagt dewy look, though mixing with a bit of liquid highlighter could solve that 🙂 xx
Absolutely gorgeous! <3
x, Kat of Nested Thoughts
Follow me! // Instagram // Twitter // Facebook // Snapchat: katherineannika
Thank you! xx
I’ve heard mixed reviews on this foundation but it looks fabulous on you! x
Thanks doll, I’m definitely a fan but can see why some people wouldn’t be! xx
I’m more of a fan of a lighter dewier finish but I have to say this does look great on you! Shame about packaging though, it’s so annoying when there isn’t a pump! xx
ohhelloitshannah.blogspot.co.uk
I know, it’s such a little thing but really makes a difference! xx
Great review! Sounds like perfect!
Xoxo,
Love from http://www.trangscorner.com {a lifestyle, fashion, beauty, and food blog}
It is pretty brilliant 🙂 xx
I’ve tried Double Wear and, while I’m a fan of fuller coverage foundations, I actually prefer Revlon ColourStay foundation- half the price and really good stuff! Have a good weekend 🙂
http://www.vibrantbeautyblog.com
Ahh I haven’t tried that one – will have to check it out, thanks for the tip 🙂 xx
Loving the sound of this foundation and I’ve had it recommended to me by a couple of people now so really must try! 🙂 I also hate the fact they don’t come with pumps, it’s so annoying! I actually bought two for Nars Sheer Glow and actually forgot I bought them and binned them with the empty foundation bottles ha,ha! I won’t be doing that again in a hurry 😉 x
Jenny | Krystel Couture ♥
Haha oh no, I’ll be cherishing my NARS pumps for life! xx
Really interesting review! I’m a huge fan of full coverage so I should probably try this one out – having no pump is so annoying though!! I currently go with Lancôme’s Teint Idole…
Christina ♥ https://caliope-couture.com
Ah I love Lancome’s Teint Idole too! So sounds like we have similar taste, and you would definitely be a fan of Double Wear 🙂 xx
Great review. x
http://www.themakeupaficionado.com
Thanks for reading 🙂 xx
I have just bought this recently too and it is the best foundation I have ever used!! It looked horrendous with a brush so I used a real techniques sponge and it works a treat! But why no pump, drives me insane!!
I need to replace my sponge as I reckon it would apply even better for me too! xx
I love this foundation – it’s just my perfect night out base 🙂 the lack of pump is pretty annoying. The MAC pump fits this bottle so you could try that (though it’s stupid to have to buy one separately, if you have one spare you might as well!) I agree the finish is so shine-free and long-lasting 🙂 xx
Jasmine Talks Beauty
Glad I’m not the only one annoyed by the pump! But it’s so good it gets away with it haha xx
This is my holy grail just for the fact it stays put all day! Too many foundations have I purchased that look lovely in the morning but by lunchtime I have the shiney forehead of a marathon runner – or the dreaded patchwork quilt look !!!
One thing I would say about this foundation is that you really, REALLY need to take the time to apply it properly! I apply it with a brush and then pat it into place with a make up sponge. If you don’t put it on properly it will look terrible (and will stay looking terrible until you take it off)!!
BUT if you spend the time putting it on properly it will still look the same by the end of the day – and it’s totally worth it!!
Ladyplanner_x
Xx
I’m so glad I wasn’t the only one who struggled with the application at first (and even more glad that I found the right way to apply it!) xx