If you weren't born with it... (Maybelline Superstay Silky Foundation)

Member Name: jasminesarah

Product:	Maybelline Superstay Silky Foundation
Date:	26/11/08 (321 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Good smooth coverage

Disadvantages: Quite dark, has to be blended

Whilst I am quite excited by lipstick, and even more excited by glittery eye shadow (well, Christmas is coming up!)... I have to admit that I'm not excited at all my foundation. To me, it is a (quite boring) means to an end. I don't have any major skin problems save for the odd spot, so foundation just helps me not look blotchy or too pink, or whatever my skin has decided to do that day.

For longer than I care to admit, I've been using Maybelline Mousse, and have reviewed this product on Dooyoo. I was quite happy with it until I noticed that some other reviewers said that it doesn't stay on well, and now I am inclined to agree. Anyway, in Boots last week I was forced to make a change in my conservative foundation buying habits - there was no Maybelline Mousse on the shelves! (At least not in a suitable colour.)

It was Saturday and very busy so I didn't take advice - I just grabbed this one from slightly further down the shelf. Maybelline Superstay Silky (TM) Foundation is unusual looking, because it has two shades. The foundation colour looks darker than you might expect, but that is because it is then mixed with a pale cream as you apply it. I'm quite pale, and it is winter, so I chose 'Ivory'.

Superstay comes in a pump action bottle with a clicky lid. when the lid is removed it reveals a double pump - one button to press but two holes for the liquid to come out of. The first time I used mine the liquid only came out of the coloured side and I had to fiddle with it a bit to get both parts working. As you use your fingertips to apply the foundation, it mixes together to make the specified shade.

Why? I have no idea - this could be just a gimmick, or it could have some marvelous scientific basis. It is quite a satisfying procedure, but I can't say that it makes all that much difference. I will say that the colour seems a bit darker than I would expect - to be honest you don't expect 'Ivory' to be dark at all, and this is not exactly orangey but it is hardly Wednesday Addams either.

The foundation goes on and covers really well. It isn't as light as Maybelline Mousse but I do think I prefer it. It gives a very even finish, although it was harder to blend in some places, I think due to being a tiny bit too dark. It occurs to me that by pressing on one side of the button more than the other you could vary the mix and so therefore the shade - but then you'd be left with some in the bottom of the bottle. As I have just started using this, I don't know how easy it will be to get the last dregs out of the bottle with the pump, but I don't imagine it will be as easy as a mousse pot. This system is more hygienic though.

The packaging claims that this foundation gives 'flawless coverage' for 16 hours. I think the 16 hours is a bit optimistic, unless perhaps you sit still, indoors, all day, but the coverage is pretty good. I would recommend this foundation as a medium coverage product. It feels lovely and stays on fairly well. I have not found that it clogs my pores like some liquid foundations have in the past.

Maybelline Superstay Silky Foundation is available in Boots and other make up stockists, and costs around £9.99 for 30ml. It has a SPF of 12. Selected Maybelline products are 3 for 2 in Boots at the time of writing.

Summary: Above average foundation at a medium price - worth a go!