First, because the server that hosts Never Say Die Beauty must have had a bad early morning yesterday and my blog was unavailable for several hours, I want to make sure that you know about the Paula’s Choice giveaway that launched yesterday. The giveaway is for a bottle of new Paula’s Choice Peptide Booster. I love this stuff. I truly encourage you to enter!
Now on to today’s post:
I was so excited to try ColourPop’s new No Filter Natural Matte Foundation that I was one of the first people to order. There are an admirable number of shades to choose from, 42 in fact. There’s lots to choose from. The shades range in color with options including Fair, Light, Medium, Medium Dark, Dark, Deep Dark. In addition, the shades have lots of different undertones: pink, yellow, neutral, peachy, peachy pink, golden, reddish pink, red, deep red, golden olive, golden yellow, golden tan, rich golden, olive, ebony. Yikes!
ColourPop has tried really hard to help shoppers online wade through all the different options to choose the correct shade. They have tools on the ColourPop website to help make the process easier. You can choose your match by brand, if you use a popular foundation such as MAC Studio Fix Fluid, Maybelline Fit Me, Estee Lauder Double Wear etc. Unfortunately, I guess I don’t use a popular foundation. You can also find a match by using their matching software. First, you choose your skin tone. I had a hard time with this because sometimes I’m Fair and other times I’m Light, depending on the brand. I settled on Fair and I clicked on Fair skin tone. Then you choose your undertone, and I chose Cool. The software picked Fair 20, Cool foundation with light pink undertones, based on what I entered, and I ordered that.
A few days later, I received my order, and during those early days of No Filter Foundation, they included a free F16 foundation brush. I had also ordered two LUX lipsticks that I reviewed recently.
I was so excited to try the foundation that I snapped a couple of quick photos of the box and bottle and went to town. But I was a little concerned that I chose wrong when I saw the shade in the glass pump bottle adorned with white stars. And I was right to be concerned. Fair 20, cool with light pink undertones is a very Fair shade, way too fair for me. I blew it. It looked white on me, like I was a Kabuki actor. I was so disappointed. Even though the foundation is priced at only $12, I felt bad because I didn’t realize that ColourPop has a no return policy. I get it because CP products are so affordable. But truth be told, I was afraid to try ordering another shade because I picked wrong the first time. I really didn’t know where to go from there. I decided to email CP and tell them what happened and ask them for help. I also was responding to another blogger’s review of No Fix Foundation and I mentioned in my comment that I ordered a shade that didn’t work for me. I lucked out big time because ColourPop customer service emailed me back. They said that because I was one of the very first to place an order for the foundation, they would help me find the right shade. Wow, thank you, ColourPop!
They asked me to send them the names and shades of the foundations I currently wear even if they weren’t one of the popular foundations in their matching list. In response, ColourPop sent me two shades:
- Fair 30, Neutral foundation with pink undertones for fair skin tones
- Fair 35, Neutral foundation with peachy undertones for fair light skin tones.
To be honest, I don’t think I would have found these two on my own because I’m not sure how CP differentiates between “Cool” and “Neutral”. I think I thought I was “Cool”, but then their Cool was too fair! I also wouldn’t have picked anything with peachy undertones if there was a pink undertone option. However, the “fair light” shade should have been the tip off that it might work for me.
Both Fair 30 and 35 are much closer matches for my skin than Fair 20. As the summer has gone on and I’ve been spending more time outdoors, my skin tone is more golden and more tan in spite of me wearing sunscreen. As a result, Fair 35 is the best match for me now. Success!
Here’s the best I could do with a neck swatch for Fair 35; you can’t see it!
I’ve been wearing Fair 35 for a couple of weeks now, and I like it a lot. Because the temperatures have been so hot since the foundation arrived, I have been wearing it without primer. I usually wear IT Cosmetics No. 50 Serum Primer or Hourglass Veil Mineral Primer or the even heavier Hourglass No. 28 Primer Serum – all of these are substantial primers, too heavy for this heatwave. I really should go through my stash, and see if I have something lighter, maybe Smashbox Photofinish?? But in the meantime, I have been skipping primer, and it’s been fine though my wrinkles are more evident than when I wear primer.
First, the pump. I usually like a pump dispenser for foundation. Because this foundation costs $12, I don’t expect luxury packaging. The CP pump is not a smooth pump. It’s a bit hard to control how much foundation comes out, sometimes I get a lot and sometimes just a little. I go with it. Also, the pump can be a bit messy with foundation dribbling down the pump after I pump out what I need. Not a big deal, but I sometimes have to wash the pump and bottle to clean it. I try to remember to always lock the pump after use by turning the pump head.
I apply CP No Filter Foundation either with my fingers, with the ColourPop foundation brush F16 that they sent, or with a blending sponge. Frankly, all three methods work for me. The blending sponge sheers it out the most, while fingers can apply a thicker base. So far, I think I like using the somewhat stiff CP foundation brush F16 the best with this formula, though I will try a slant Kabuki brush next. The foundation formula is oil-free, and I’d describe it as a medium weight liquid that has a siliconey feel to it (coz there’s lots of silicone in it).
What impresses me most about ColourPop No Filter Foundation is that it is truly full coverage! It’s described as buildable, and I dab on a bit more on two of my dark spots. It is one of the very few foundations that I don’t need any concealer to cover my dark spots. That’s a wow for me!
Although CP describes the finish as “natural matte”, for me the finish is dewy. It feels velvety and very smooth. I like how it feels.
I have worn CP No Filter Foundation to the beach several times, and it lasts for me. When I wear it during a regular day, it stays on till I take it off. I have read quite a few of the reviews on the CP website, and some women complain that the No Filter Foundation doesn’t last on their combination or oily skin or that it wears off in certain areas. The fact that it lasts on me may be one of the few benefits of age and dry skin. I read a review that one woman said that the foundation emphasized her pores and wrinkles. It doesn’t emphasize my (small) pores, and it doesn’t seem to really settle into my wrinkles, though at the end of a long day at the beach on Sunday, I noticed in the car mirror on the way home that under one of my eyes, it did emphasize a couple of wrinkles. But I think if I had used a primer that wouldn’t have happened.
So, for me with my dry, mature skin with a few dark spots, ColourPop No Filter Foundation is a winner. Thanks again to CP for helping me find a good color match. The bottle contains 25 ml/0.85 fl. oz. and I think it’s well worth $12. In fact, I think it’s a bargain! Also, it’s vegan and cruelty-free.
Have you tried ColourPop No Filter Foundation yet? If so, what did you think? How did you determine your shade?
Ingredients: Water, Cyclopentasiloxane, Cyclohexasiloxane, Dimethicone, Butylene Glycol, Phenyl Trimethicone, Glycerin, Hydrogenated Polyisobutene, Silica, Peg-10 Dimethicone, Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Trimethylsiloxysilicate, Synthetic Sapphire, Polypropylsilsesquioxane, Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Polysorbate 20, Disteardimonium Hectorite, Phenoxyethanol, Caprylyl Glycol, Triethoxycaprylylsilane, Potassium Sorbate, Trisodium Edta, Hexylene Glycol, Tocopherol; MAY CONTAIN: Iron Oxides (CI 77491, CI 77492, CI 77499), Titanium Dioxide (CI 77891).
Morning 🙋🏻☕️☕️ Great review Allison. I have finally stayed with one foundation line……It Cosmetics. During the heat of the summer, I use their powder foundation Celebration Foundation™ SPF 50+
I love it. Other wise I use their Your Skin But Better™ CC+™ Cream with SPF 50+. I do use a primer before applying I really love Tarte timeless smoothing primer. With the powder foundation i use a make up brush my Artis Elite Mirror Oval #7 and with the liquid foundation I use a Beauty Blender Sponge. Afterwards I use Urban Decay Setting Spray All-Nighter. A must during summer heat and humidity. In California we are really having a major heatwave right now. Enjoy your day……☀️💐🥤
I’ve been thinking of you, DiEtta. I saw the temps in Cali and it’s no joke. I’m sorry. I have still been waiting for the Artis brushes to appear on sale on QVC, but haven’t seen them yet. Hopefully soon!!
Allison the brushes are sold on HSN. 😍
LOL, DiEtta, no wonder I haven’t seen the Artis brushes! I was looking in the wrong place 🙄 thanks!
I have tried only ColourPop lipsticks but never anything else. Canadians always get hit by massive duties when order internationally so I pretty much shop only through Sephora Canada. This foundation has garnered really mixed reviews so I’m glad that it worked for you.
I’m so surprised that ColourPop hasn’t expanded to Canada yet. And though CP started out with Sephora, I think they bailed and are now with Ulta that isn’t in Canada either. Boo! The reason this foundation is getting mixed reviews is that IMHO the formula doesn’t make a lot of sense for ColourPop’s core target audience, young women, many of whom have oily or combination skin, and those with oily and combo skin are the ones complaining about it. The No Filter Foundation is loaded with silicones and though they describe it as having a “natural matte” finish, it’s velvety with more like a satin finish. To me, it’s better suited to those with normal to dry skin. Odd, but I’m happy it suits me.
This is a really helpful review Allison! I am thinking maybe I need to buy some.
I was surprised by the ColourPop No Filter Foundation, Jen. I expected it not to work for my dry, mature skin because I assumed it would be developed for a younger woman’s skin. But in reality, it is full of silicones and it’s nourishing and velvety. The reviews are mixed, and those with oily and combo skin seem to be the ones who are disappointed in it.
What a great price! I normally use IT foundations but at this price I may need to purchase a bottle. As usual you gave lots of info.
Thank you, Sandy! I often use IT foundations as well, but I thought I had to try ColourPop at this price, and I’m glad I did. It’s a little lighter weight than IT Bye Bye and CC Creme and I think the coverage is even better.
I love that this is buildable! I might have to give this one a try.
Fair 30 and Fair 35 look like a pretty good match for your arm, but I know that can be different from your face and neck.
Great review. I’m excited to give this foundation a try and glad to hear it works for you.
I’m kind of surprised about the CP No Filter Foundation. I really expected it to be made specifically for CP’s young target market, many of whom may have oily or combo skin. I was shocked that it worked well for my dry skin; in fact, it seems more suited to normal-dry skin. If you try it, I’d be eager to hear your thoughts!
I’m so glad that I read your review. I was convinced that this was meant for oily skin so I was going to pass on it but reading that it works so well for your dry skin, I think that I need to give it a whirl.
I’m actually surprised, Erika, that this is so siliconey and velvety. I almost didn’t order it because I thought it would be created for their target market, younger women, who tend to have oilier skin. I am delighted that it works so well on my older, dry skin. The finish is called “natural matte” so I guess they are suggesting that it’s not as dry as a bone on the skin. But I’d describe it as a velvet or maybe satin finish. For $12, it’s worth trying if you can figure out your shade. Maybe you’re a Fair 20 if you paler than I am?
I wish they would put them in Ulta with sample so I could test before committing to a possible color that might not match me! I like the idea of it and the price is decent, plus like the pump. I love the foundation I use but I wish it had a pump. Also I wish this was truly matte because I can’t stand shine on me, LOL!
I wish Ulta carried the CP No Filter Foundation too. I think being able to try the shades would be helpful. So this doesn’t “shine” on me, but my skin is dry. Personally, I think this foundation is better suited to normal-dry skin.
I’m pleasantly surprised to read how nice they were about changing your shade to find ones that match you. I’ve been thinking about buying this too but like you finding a match isn’t easy. I’m non-traditional when it comes to brands of foundation I like though I have some Bobbi Brown that’s a pretty good match. I’m going to give this a try.
I have a Bobbi Brown foundation that is a great match for me too, and I still love it. Marcia, do you think Fair 20 would suit you? If you’re interested, I’ll send it to you.
I’d love it Allison. Let me paypal you for the foundation and/or the shipping. Thank you!!!!
That sounds like a great (and affordable) option!
Their match tool put me with Fair 35, though I suspect 30 might be a better fit.
I’ll probably order a bottle when my current stash gets lower. I’ve got 3/4 of a bottle of Nars and half a bottle of Guerlain Lingerie de Peau sitting there right now. Not to mention the Laneige cushion compact in my bag…or its refill *shifty-eyed-look* or the Nars powder foundation in my vanity drawer…..
Hmm, I have more bases covered than I thought! pun definitely intended. 😛
Rach, Fair 30 and 35 are very close – I don’t know if you could tell from my swatches. I posted my face today to the article so you could see what Fair 35 looks like. I have a ton of foundations that I bought too including a tube of very pricey Hourglass Illusion Skin Tint, but I really wanted to try the ColourPop, and I’m glad I did. Well worth the $12 for me. Love your puns!
I’m too nervous to buy it without a return policy. I know I’ll mess up the color as well lol
This certainly is an affordable foundation, and I like the finish. It’s too bad that the pump is messy, but the price definitely makes it well worth trying. Based upon your swatches, I think that tI could wear either Fair 30 or 35. Thanks for the excellent review, Allison!
Thank you, Helen! Fair 30 and 35 are very close. Today, I added a photo of my face wearing Fair 35 so those who might be interested in the shade could see how it looks on my face, not just my arm. I think ColourPop No Filter Foundation is a terrific everyday foundation for those of us without oily skin
I have combination skin so I don’t think this would work well for me. I’m also not crazy about the brand as historically for me they have had a lot of issues with colour consistency.
I’m curious, Jen, to find out what issues with color consistency you’ve experienced with CP. Do you mean buying a shade of concealer and then buying it again and the shade is different? Or have you found that the shadows differ when you repurchase?
Fair 35 looks like it would be the color for me, and I like that it’s buildable.
I was shocked that this ColourPop foundation is truly buildable. That I don’t need concealer is a wow for me!
It’s very impressive that you don’t need a concealer with this foundation! In my experience, very few foundations can do that without feeling very heavy. I would try this one, despite the less than perfect pump packaging.
Today, instead of the ColourPop foundation that I’ve been wearing for the last few weeks, I wore IT Bye Bye Foundation because I wanted the SPF 50. My skin looked so greasy with the Bye Bye (I didn’t use primer, just Paula’s Choice Resist Moisturizer SPF 50 that is lightweight), and it felt so heavy and I looked greasy. I had to put on powder to get rid of the shine. I am very impressed with the CP No Filter Foundation and for $12, it is so worth it.
I love that this will work with greasier skins, I have a few trouble spots. The coverage looks great and I love the bottle!
Nina, to be honest, I’m not sure that if you have greasier skin that you’d like it. I was surprised at how it works so well with my dry skin, and it’s loaded with silicones.