Wednesday 22 February 2012

Review: Avon Ideal Flawless Foundation







Last November, I was invited to attend the Avon Beauty Bus where makeup artists and beauty gurus Pixiwoo were giving makeovers.
The lovely Sam matched me up for the new Avon Ideal Flawless foundation, which has recently been launched. For some reason, MUAs always always match me up for really dark shades - I'm usually the lightest, and I don't use bronzer or tan very often so I have roughly ten foundations which are far too dark for me.
Sam took one look at me and said "you're definitely Ivory" and sure enough, it's a perfect match. It must be one of the only foundations I have that I don't feel worried about wearing because I know it's a great match.

Ideal Flawless is available in 16 shades, making it ideal for all skin tones. It's pretty rare for a brand to embrace so many shades!
The foundation aims to be medium to full coverage whilst also looking natural, leaving the skin with a flawless finish. I usually wear medium to full coverage foundations, but I hate looking caked in makeup so I was really excited to try this out.
The bottle itself comes with a pump, another rarity for a foundation these days!

I started off using this foundation with my Sigma F80 brush, which I always use for foundation. However, I felt that this was a bit heavy, rubbing the foundation away. I prefer to use a MAC foundation brush or, even better, my fingers as the warmth really helps to create a nice base without over blending.
The formula is oil-free, something I usually look for in a foundation as I have a combination skin type, leaning towards oily. I need a bit of mattifying powder with this, like I do all foundations, but I would say it does have a reasonable lasting power, from morning until night with a touch up of powder.

The coverage isn't as full as I'd personally like, but my skin has been a bit questionable recently due to my Clarisonic breaking it out. I know people generally prefer medium coverage, so it's probably going to be ideal for most (and myself, when my skin is a bit clearer).

Overall, this is a great foundation, especially when you consider the price. It applies easily, leaves a smooth finish and lasts well - making it much better than most "drugstore" foundations around the same price.
I find the formula to be really light, meaning it becomes your skin, rather than sitting on top and looking cakey. It can be quite easy to over blend though, so a light finger works best to gently but quickly blend. I also find that setting with powder is required for longer lasting power, especially on those with oilier skin types.

On a side note, Avon have launched an app to help choose your shade. Have a look here.


(*) PR Sample

25 comments:

  1. I really like Avon, this looks lovely!

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  2. omg you look really lovely. havent tried any of their foundation but wow what u have on is on point. you know foundation is a very tricky makeup to choose. i can totally feel how you feel about being matched w darker shades.

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  3. I think Avon is a brand that is really over looked because its not available in stores, but I always found their products amazing! Definitely want to give this a try! xx

    www.pinksugarnotes.blogspot.com

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  4. It looks so nice on your skin. I never thought about trying Avon for makeup, reconsidering it now!

    www.jodiecharlotte.blogspot.com

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  5. Super review - it looks gorgeous on you Kate. Totally agree with all the things you said, the fact that it is the same price as many 'drugstore' foundations but delivers so much more is brilliant. x

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  6. So exciting! I can't wait for the time they start selling it in my country!

    http://sandra-thepuzzleofmylife.blogspot.com

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  7. Great review ! This foundation seems amazing ! xx

    clayandbeauty@gmail.com / @ClayAndBeauty

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  8. I'm an Avon lady in my spare time, & I've just got this foundation 'cause they do a lighter shade than Ivory which is better for me :) I really like it, but would prefer it if it had a fuller coverage.

    Catherine, XO.

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  9. This looks really good! Might have to try this xx

    http://beautyandablogger.blogspot.com

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  10. Definitely trying this out, your skin looks perfect!

    scousebrows.blogspot.com

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  11. This really does look lovely, I'll have to try it out once I've used up a bit of my huge foundation collection xxx

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  12. Your skin looks so lovely. This post has come at just the right time - I've just ordered this foundation in Ivory and was worried it might be the wrong shade but you seem to have a really similar skin tone to me so hopefully it'll be ok.
    Love your lashes too - which mascara did you use? x

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  13. Oooh, it looks so lovely! I'm having a bit of a skin disaster at the minute though, so I pretty much need full coverage all the way!

    Emily Wears Things
    xx

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  14. So glad you've done a review on this, i get the Avon catalogue and never know which shade to get incase it's a bit too dark or light. This shade looks perfect on you! xxx

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  15. This looks lovely on, a medium to full coverage foundation that still feels light sounds right up my street!

    xx

    http://wearenouvellevague.blogspot.com/

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  16. I think your skin, and your makeup in general, looks flawless here! Honestly never tried anything from Avon but at such a low price this could definitely be worth a try?!

    wishfulsinfulyou.blogspot.com

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  17. looks lovely, perfect shade :)

    I think the main thing with MUA's is that a lot of them are used to people who like at least a shade darker, I know that when I've been to benefit the girl has said do you want me to match your skin or do you want darker, I was like huh?! match my skin!! and she explained that a lot of girls like the orange look :-|

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  18. This actually looks like a good foundation - might be a possibility to try when im too skint for double wear haha!!! x x x

    http://girl-with-a-golden-touch.blogspot.com/

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  19. I definitley prefer using my fingers for my foundation. It blends in a lot better without wipping it off my face. I love the colour of your jumper here, really suits you ~

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  20. Your skin looks flawless, really wanna try this as I like light non-oily foundations!
    xxx
    Charlotte Couture Blog

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  21. What's your blush and lipstick here? Creme cup?? The blush?
    Your skin and make up is fabolous here.

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  22. Really want to try this out - I'm a sucker for a foundation with paler shades! x

    ug-lily.blogspot.com

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  23. This makes your skin look so nice! I never really look at Avon since they dont have stores and we dont have a rep near us, but this has definately encouraged me to go have a nosey!

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