Estee Lauder Double Wear

Double Wear Foundation - $36

I'd like to share with you a foundation that everyone has heard of that I decided to try (haven't used this in over 7 years) out again. I know a lot of people who rave about this and their skin just looks fantastic but being more partial to a dewy finish, I've just never gravitated towards this product. However, whilst flouncing about the Estee Lauder counter at Macy's I picked one up for the fuck of it. And considering this is one of the least expensive high-end foundations out there, I didn't lose any sleep over it.

I've decided I have a very love hate relationship with this foundation. The first two times I used it, I ended up having to wash it all off (which was not only a nightmare but damn near impossible) and start all over. However, once I finally had it the way I wanted it, it literally stayed without budging even a fraction of a centimeter ALL FREAKING DAY. Until nearly midnight. So, I used my Real Techniques Expert Face Brush to apply this foundation. It's a very thick liquid foundation so I used about two pea sized amounts for my face with some extra for touching up.

The first time I applied this I attempted to do a second coat and as soon as I ran my brush along my jawline, the foundation that had already set smeared like tacky paint and it was impossible to fix. The whole thing is really hard to explain unless you've experienced it yourself. So, fast forward to my second go at it and after the first base I put on I used my brush in almost a stippling type motion to dab on extra foundation in problem areas and that seemed to work okay. I feel like it's hard to get a really natural look with this foundation unless you already have good skin, which I don't. I definitely have problem areas and really bad combination skin so it's hard to cover up imperfections without looking like I'm covering up imperfections. This morning, I put this on and just wasn't pleased so I washed it off and put on my good old faithful Laura Mercier Silk Creme Foundation which is still all time favorite.

All in all I think that if you have good skin and you're just looking for something to give you that flawless look - this is for you. If you're looking to cover up spots and whatnot - opt for something a little more natural looking. But that's just me. I would choose slightly less coverage but still look like my skin is my own instead of looking powdery and cakey but with no blemishes. Blech. I will definitely use this one on a night out since it does stay for what seems like forever - and blushers and bronzers blend so nicely into it which I sometimes have an issue with when I use my Laura Mercier.

What are your experiences with this foundation - am I doing something wrong here? Did anyone else have a similar experience or have other issues with this? Please share!