Hey guys, I know we don’t talk about makeup a lot around these parts, but that doesn’t mean I don’t love it. And picking a good foundation for your skin can be just as important as nailing your skincare routine. There’s been so much hype around the new Revolution Foundation Stick and honestly, I wish I could get on board with that hype, but after seeing loads of swatches online I was pretty sure the lightest shade would be too dark for me and I don’t know how to go about lightening a stick foundation? Instead I decided to try the Revolution Pro Foundation Drops along with the lightening drops that go along with it, which is what I’ll be talking about today. I’ve never tried a foundation that comes with a pipette applicator before, so I wasn’t too sure what to expect.
Shades
The foundation itself comes in 18 shades, with both lightening and darkening drops available. I bought the lightest shade, F1, which is way too dark for my skin (Nars Siberia, Fenty 100) so I was very thankful that I’d had the foresight to order the lightening drops as well. After playing with it the first time, making it too light, then too dark and repeating this process a few too many times, I realised that for me a 2:1 ratio of foundation to lightening drops works well. Now typically, this would infuriate me. I generally live by the philosophy that it’s 2018, if you can’t make a shade that matches my skin then you don’t deserve my custom. It’s a philosophy I wholeheartedly believe in. But, as the foundation and the drops together only come to £13, on this occasion I’m willing to make an exception to my rule.
Price
The foundation is £7 a bottle and the lightening drops are £6, BUT I didn’t realise until they arrived how small the bottles were going to be. Each bottle is only 18ml, making it just over half the size of a regular foundation. Of course, they’re really affordable, but it stops sounding like such a bargain when you take into account the cost per ml. If the bottles were the same size of regular foundations, it would come in at around £11.40 a bottle.
Application
This stuff blends like a dream. If you’re in a hurry on a morning and need something you can throw on quickly, this is great. I haven’t tried it will a Beauty Blender yet, and I’m not sure how well that will go. As the formula is quite fluid, I have a feeling that a Beauty Blender would more than likely eat up a lot of product, which isn’t ideal when you only get a small amount of product to begin with. I have tried it with a few different kinds of brushes though and it’s blended beautifully with everything from a kabuki, buffing brush and my personal favourite Zoeva Face Shape (small and dense, I think it’s technically a cream contour brush).
It also mixes beautifully with other products. As the ingredients for the lightening drops are practically identical, it mixes very well with those. I’ve also tried mixing it with other foundations and I’m yet to find a product they don’t mix well with. It applies brilliantly over SPF and all of my other products sit nicely on top of it.
On first application 2-3 drops give a medium coverage. It is buildable but I’d apply quickly as it doesn’t layer well as it starts to dry.
Wear
This is an interesting one, they arrived the day before my period started. Those of you who read my This Month post will know that my latest period gave me oily skin. As my skin is usually extremely dry and I’ve been testing this for just over two weeks now, I’m going to split the next part into dry and oily skin reviews.
Dry
This foundation is the kind that goes on slightly dry then becomes more dewy as it settles into your skin. When I first applied it, I was concerned that it was going to be too dry but as it set, it settled to a more natural finish. It looked good, however I wouldn’t recommend it for people with extremely dry skin as I think it will be too dry before it sets. I do however think this is a good foundation for those with dry or normal to dry skin. It lasts all day and wears evenly. It didn’t look at all cakey or patchy even after a full day of wear. Although if you have any flakey patches, it does exaggerate texture slightly.
Oily
If you have extremely oily skin, do not bother with this at all. You’ll be a pure oil sick in less than 10 minutes. If you have slightly oily or combination skin, this could work for you. Obviously, it will have a dewier finish if you have oilier skin but it shouldn’t look too greasy. This formula is oil free so you don’t have to worry about adding unwanted moisture.
When I tried this on one of my oilier days, I did find that it was clogging my pores ever so slightly. I’m not breakout prone so it didn’t develop further than that on me. If you do have oily skin and are prone to breakouts, this probably isn’t for you. Those with oily skin will definitely have to set this, while I didn’t have a problem with it fading or uneven wear, there was a definite transfer issue on my oiler days. I did mix it with a more matte foundation on a couple of occasions and it mixed and wore well on those days.
Overall
This foundation works best for those with in the middle skin, slightly oily, normal and slightly dry but will probably work better or those with dry skin rather than oily.
Final Thoughts
Pros:
- Works with literally every single product
- Price
- Blends perfectly
- Wears well
- No sensitivity issues
Cons:
- Shade range – I know I said I was making an exception to my rule, but it does still bug me that I had to buy the lightening drops.
- The tiny bottle
- Can emphasise texture
Overall, I do like this product, although I am slightly annoyed that I needed to buy the lightening drops too. However, if your skin tone is slightly darker than Casper’s I think that this is a really great product for the price. Even though this doesn’t work well for the driest or oiliest of skins, I do think this works well for most skin types. As it mixes so well with other products, it could work well if you wanted to customise your own formula, especially for the price.
Will I buy this again?
I can definitely see myself buying the lightening drops again, purely for the sake of convenience of having some around. As for the foundation, I’m not sure. If I find myself using it to mix with my more matte foundations to make them slightly easier on my dry skin then I probably will repurchase. The only reason I’m hesitant to say yes is because I can see myself getting slightly annoyed with having to mix my shade every time I want to use it. Maybe that won’t bother me, time will tell.
Have you tried this foundation? Do you like it? Or do you have any suggestions as to how I can lighten the shade of the stick foundation? I’d love to know your thoughts.
Until next time,
Sophie
Buy the foundation drops here and the lightening drops here.
This post contains affiliate links
I loved this review so much, it’s very detailed and it was a lovely read. I will be reading your blog more often from now on. xx
This sounded like such a good foundation until you mentioned it could be quite drying!! I do want to try stuff from revolution pro though!
I just got the stick foundation and I’ve only worn it once so far but I loved it!! This sounds very interesting too, but since I have oily skin I’m not sure if I’d give it a try :/ The lightening drops do sound very handy to have!! xx
Angela |
I don’t think this would be any good for me as I have an oily T zone. I tend to stick to Bare Minerals loose powder but even that slides off by the end of the day 🙁 That said, I think the lightening drops are a great idea, especially as you can mix them with other foundations. This was a really thorough review, thank you so much for sharing, Sophe, it was really helpful! x
Lisa | http://www.lisasnotebook.com
Absolutely love this blog post, I’m such a huge fan of revolution makeup products but I haven’t tried this foundation but I’ll definitely be adding this to my to buy list!
The lightening drops sounds interesting! I don’t isually wear foundation anymore but this wouldn’t be a great fit for me as my skin is more oily than anything, especially with make up on it but I’ve heard great things about the brands other products too!
Jessica & James | http://www.foodandbaker.co.uk
Sadly I don’t think this would be too good for me as I have quite oily skin! I’m surprised they don’t do lighter shades though, especially when you see all other brands increasing the shades they do! Maybe its their secret way of getting people to also buy the lightning drops etc. Great review!
Amy,
https://creativenails.uk
I’ve been on a hunt for a perfect foundation for a while. I’m going to have to check this one out even though now I’m wondering if they have my shade. They should really make some more of them!
I have really pale skin so would need the lightest shade possible too. I didn’t even know lightening drops existed, they sound like a good idea in this case. If they made more shades I’d give it a go, I like my makeup routine to be as straightforward as possible he he. Great review Sophie! xx
Bexa | http://www.hellobexa.com
This is a great post lovley! You were so imformative, I really want to try the lightening drops. I’ve also seen darkening ones which would be so useful for the summer when I get too dark for my foundations.
Love, Cally xx
http://www.lovecally.com
I still haven’t tried any foundation drops and I’m so ashamed of myself! These are a bargain, will definitely have to pick some up when I’m next in Superdrug or Boots!- x
I always struggle to find a foundation I love, and always spending the earth when I do. Even thought they’re small bottles for £11, this sounds like a good deal if the foundation is good. The lightening drops sounds like something I would rather buy though, definitely will be looking into them!
This was such a good review! I absolutely love Revolution products usually but I don’t think I’ll bother trying this foundation! Love how honest you were about the products! I’ve got the lightening drops from The Body Shop but if I ever need some more I’ll definitely try these as they seemed to work well for you and they’re much more affordable!
Jess // foundationsandfairytales.wordpress.com
xx
I’m still on the hunt for my perfect foundation. This one looks good apart from I do have slightly oily skin so I’m not sure it would work for me but this is such an in depth review!
Samantha |
I tried this the other day and was actually quite disappointed I don’t know if it was perhaps the primer I used with it but I was so oily all day and I have the DRYEST skin.
Really good review though! Definitely agree with a lot of your points.
Louise //
It’s sad that they’re not that great for oily skin – I guess that’s me ruled out!
Florence
I love how professional the bottles look, I was so surprised when you mentioned how affordable the price was! I’d love to try this when my current foundation finally runs out ☺️
Beka |
It sounds like a good every day foundation but I wouldn’t buy it as I have oily skin. Reading this was so helpful and now I know I’m not missing out on anything. xx
Thanks for reviewing these because I love Revolution but I’m not sure this would be right for me so it was helpful to know now.
I’ve never seen this foundation before or heard anything about it – but it seems really good! I’ll have to check it out! Great review! ❤
I’ve never come across this one but I love the fact it comes in so many different shades!
It’s a shame you wouldn’t want to get the foundation again, but I would love to try the lightening drops. I have always used The Body Shop lighting drops which are amazing, so it would be nice to try a new brand.
Alys
This is a really interesting type of foundation, my problem is I’m so lazy when it comes to make up I couldn’t be bothered with mixing the two to get the colour right. So fair play to you for having the patients for it! ☺️ Xx
Shame about the small bottle sizes but seems to be a reasonable enough price. As always another good review clearing stating the pros and cons. X
I like the way you set up your ending with the pros vs. cons.
I actually didn’t realise the bottles were as small as they were, so thank you for mentioning that as that has definitely made me think two about this product.. ♀️ I’ve been drawn to the Full Coverage Camouflage Foundation over the drops, and after reading your bit about oily skin, I know now that these definitely wouldn’t be for me – I would definitely be the aforementioned ‘pure oil slick’! ♀️
This foundation comes in 18 shades?! I must be able to find one that matches my skin colour as I have been having trouble doing so. Fab post xx
El @ Exclusory
I was sold until you mentioned it can be drying. This would be no good for my skin as I suffer from Rosacea I think it would really draw attention to my dry patches. The size of the bottle also sounds a tad disappointing. Thank you for such an honest review!
Carly xx // http://www.prettystyleofliving.wordpress.com
So frustrating that they don’t have enough shades in their range! I have never tried lightening drops. I often tend to mistakenly buy shades that are too light for my skin tone so I could definitely use the drops that darken foundations!
I love how detailed this review was! xx
Love how in-depth you did with this review! Really makes me want to go and try this product out. I also noticed when I purchased the concealer that they don’t have as much product in as others do! X
I have never tried lightening drops. it seems interesting. I myself am fair complected and I use to go tanning but now that I am 39 I don’t really want to keep damaging my skin; so I’m so pale. I hate the way everything seems to be either too light or leave an orange tint. Maybe this is the answer to all my foundation problems. Thanks for the great review.
With also having very pale skin I’ve steered away from foundation and moved to tinted moisturiser in the last few years, glad you found something that worked.
I think it’s always worth having lightening and darkening drops because as our skin tone can change with the seasons. Hopefully Revolution work to extend their shade range.
Louisa
What a bummer. This sounds like such a great product but unfortunately, I have really oily skin so I doubt it’ll go well for me 🙁 Thanks for sharing about it!
☼ cabin twenty-four
I’ve never heard of this foundation but glad I now have – sounds great and so does the price. Also, those lightening drops sound really handy! Need to get some of those! ☺
Loved this post! I can’t believe this is their lightest shade, I know you can use the lightening drops which is a great idea but that’s a lot of effort every day.
Picking the right foundation is so important! It’s pretty cool to see the foundation stick to look like this. It seems so user-friendly! I love how it’s friendly on the $$$ as well! I like how a couple of drops go a long way. Glad there were some pros to this product! Thanks for sharing your thoughts :).
exquisitely.me
I really like the idea of the lightening drops. But I think I’ll pass on the foundation. My skin is combination – sometimes oily, sometimes dry. It’s struggle street 😀
Never heard of this product before, sounds like a great dupe for the Body Shop foundation drops. There are so many great reviews on Revolutions as a brand, I definitely need to do a haul on pay day!
Fran
The layout of this post is VERY good! So informative. I quite like the idea of the foundation/lightening drops (which I would definitely have to use). I might have to look into it as an everyday foundation, although you mentioned it can emphasise texture, the pros do seem pretty good to me x
Elise //
I don’t wear foundation often but I have a wedding to attend soon so I’d need some makeup! This sounds perfect for my skin type. Thanks for the very detailed review!
It sounds like a good product! I do have quite yellow toned skin so I’m not sure if they’ll have my shade but I’ll have to have a look! Great post xx
http://www.laurenannbeauty.com
I’m really prone to break outs and I have oily skin at times so I’m not sure if this would be for me reading about it but I do love the idea of this product, maybe buy it and give it a try to see what it’s like on good skin days. I do need something to help me get the right foundation colour as I find it so hard to match to my skin.
Jordanne || Thelifeofaglasgowgirl.co.uk
Such a detailed review. I must admit the last time I wore a foundation was about 10 years ago. Nowadays I just use a finishing powder and some concealer. But I always love to read some beauty reviews and yours was great.
Lea, xx
I surprisingly haven’t even heard of this! I’ve heard a lot of mixed reviews about the stick foundation but haven’t even seen this one which is mad! The coverage and finish sounds really lovely and I have combination skin so I’d definitely love to give it a try if it’d be a good match for me. I’m a sucker for anything revolution, such a brilliant brand who seem to be killing it at the moment! I am super pale much like you though so I think I’d have to buy the lightening drops too…
Alice Xx
Unfortunately have oily skin so this isn’t for me! But great review Sophie!
Uptown Oracle
I need to to thank you for this excellent read!!
I certainly enjoyed every little bit of it. I have you book marked
to look at new stuff you post?