Wednesday, March 27, 2013

Naturally Neutrogena

Not being available in Australia, I was particularly excited to get my hands on Neutrogena Healthy Skin Liquid Makeup SPF 20 when I visited the States last year. It seems to be a favourite of a few YouTube gurus I watch (Marlena from Makeup Geek, MakeupByTiffanyD, frmheadtotoe), so I was curious to see how it would fare on my skin and whether I'd love it as well. Not having any testers to determine my shade, I guessed my closest match to be Nude (40) purely from researching online before my trip.







I'd describe Neutrogena Healthy Skin as having light to medium coverage with a thin, satin finish that is only slightly glowy. I've heard this foundation being heralded as the cheaper alternative to NARS Sheer Glow, which was a major selling point for me. I wouldn't say they're the same — Healthy Skin doesn't have as much of an illuminated, softly diffused finish as Sheer Glow and also is lighter coverage and not as long-lasting.

It actually reminds me in application and consistency more of Make Up For Ever HD foundation, though not as high coverage and less matte. But like the MUFE, Healthy Skin doesn't take well to my skin if it hasn't been slathered in moisturiser beforehand. The first couple of times I wore it, it noticeably caked around my nose after a few hours and clung to a dry patch on my forehead. I've found it works best if I first apply a layer of La Roche-Posay Effaclar Duo, followed by a generous layer of Embryolisse Lait-Crème Concentré to really prime and boost moisture in my skin. It goes on fine with fingers (better for layering and building up coverage), or my trusty favourite, the Real Techniques Buffing Brush. Because of the thick moisturiser I put on, I've found that it can feel heavy at first, so I usually blot within 1-2 hours of application, which then manages to control shine for the rest of the day.

What I do like about this foundation is that it's almost undetectable on the skin, and the very natural way that it wears as the day goes on. Even though the coverage fades by the end of the day, it doesn't slip off the skin and leave it greasy and patchy to the same degree as other comparable foundations like Bourjois Healthy Mix Serum. The Nude (40) shade I picked out also turned out to be a crazily good match for me, which is probably the part I'm most thrilled about. The addition of SPF 20 is also always handy in an everyday foundation. If only they included a pump.

34 comments:

  1. It sounds like a lovely foundation for oilier skinned girls (or guys!) - I'm sorry that this one didn't work out that well for you though. But Neutrogena is really stepping up their game these days, so when I'm back in the states, I'll be out to swatch and test out some new products!

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  2. Thanks for the post, I've been curious about this foundation! Their other one claims to help with blemishes so I've been researching.
    The light coverage doesn't seem like it'd do well for me :(
    And every foundation should come with a pump!
    I love how the Revlon Colorstay in Australia now has a pump! :D

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  3. I love this for lazy weekends when I'm out and about during the day and want a bit more coverage than a tinted moisturiser. The colour I got (pretty sure it was the lightest available) is a perfect match for my skin too, so it seems they have done really well in terms of shades!

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  4. I really wish Neutrogena brought their makeup line to Australia! This foundation sounds like it would be right up my alley!

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  5. I wanted to try this ages ago, especially when I heard it was a dupe for SG- which I'm planning to buy in the US. It looks really nice on your skin though-- and what a great colour match, even if it's a bit of a pain to make sure it applies nicely. xx

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  6. This sounds really good especially the shade very natural looking, you mentioned it created a few dry patches so I take it this product can be dry on normal to dry skin types? I have oily skin so I may give this a go as it sounds amazing and hopefully it wont dry :) lovely review xxx

    www.krystelcouture.co.uk

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  7. Looks like a very promising product. I do hope it is available here in the Philippines. Most of my make ups are bought on online shops and I don't like it that way anymore. :(

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  8. I've been thinking about trying this so I'm so glad you did a review! I'm still searching for my perfect liquid foundation so feel free to keep doing reviews! :)

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  9. Love seeing your beautiful face, hehe. :D
    This foundation sounds really nice and natural! I've been meaning to start trying out foundations. This will definitely be on my list, but any other suggestions for natural-looking/light foundations?

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    Replies
    1. Pfffftttt :p
      Hmmm, I also like Benefit Hello Flawless Oxygen Wow for natural, light coverage everyday foundation. And the Garnier BB cream for Oily/Combination skin - that one really exceeded my expectations! :)

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  10. WOW good job getting the perfect match!! I've always thought about trying this product but since I'd heard nothing but rave reviews I wasn't so sure (sounds like a messed up reason, I know; I just usually don't get along with hyped products haha). Glad to hear your take on this foundation, it was really helpful :)

    Cassie
    thriftthick.blogspot.com

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  11. This is the one foundation I dumped down the toilet (well, the sink and then clogged it, haha!) I loved but as you said it started to cake as the day went on and clung to any dry patch you didn't throughouly moisturize. I can absolutely see why people love this but it just was not for me. The finish looked great for the first 30 minutes but it just went downhill :/

    - Jess
    The Mod Mermaid

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  12. This one sounds so interesting I love that it has SPF .. Makes it perfect for spring!

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  13. Yes I noticed the lasting power is poor with this foundation but I do like the finish and coverage. I have oily skin so I always had to blot a few times during the day. It isn't bad for drugstore though!

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  14. I've had my eye on this foundation ever since Jen mentioned it but I have a very oily T-zone so based on your review I'm going to pass. I can only imagine how disappointed I'd be if this didn't work for me, considering the trouble I'd have to go through to get it : / So thanks, you just saved me a lot of money and headaches! *muah

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  15. I've heard good things about this foundation, however it's pretty pricey for a drugstore one. Here in the US it retails for almost $15, which I think it' mad. I might try though, it's tempting. xx

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  16. It sounds like a nice foundation! it looks glowing and natural on your skin as well. Though it might be too dewy looking for my combination skin..
    We only have Neutrogena skin care line here, too bad we don't have the make up line.. :/
    One of my fave youtube guru, Allison from Amarixe also loves this foundation!

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    1. Seems to be a hit with lots of popular beauty YouTubers! I really enjoy watching Amarixe too, she seems really down-to-earth and eloquent.

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  17. I have to admit, I've never heard of Healthy Skin, but it does look like a pretty impressive foundation, especially if it can be likened to NARS' Sheer Glow for a reduced price! Looks gorgeous on your skin, too xx

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  18. it's always fun to try new foundations. i'm not a big neutrogena fan, though!

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  19. You have fantastic skin!

    Neutrogena makeup is not available in Canada either, so I love poring over those when I cross the border. Tried a concealer from them a long time ago and just loved it to death. I think Neutrogena is a great budget line - not the greatest ever but well worth the affordable cost.

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  20. I've been interested in this foundation, and hopefully Neutrogena brings in their makeup line to Australia too.

    http://lacy-rose.blogspot.com

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  21. I have the Neutrogena skin clearing foundation. I love the consistency, natural finish, and smell, but I hate the shade I chose. I chose Fresh Beige, and it's just so orange looking in natural light!

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  22. super agree! I really had hard time getting foundation packaging like this! why don't they just add pump on it...>_<

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  23. I tried this a while ago, but the lightest shade is super tan (almost orangey) on me. I wasn't a big fan of the formula either.

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  24. I don't like the smell. I do like the coverage and I don't mind the dewy finish since I have to powder the t-zone anyway, but the smell puts me off wearing it. Natural Beige is too dark for me but less yellow-leaning than Bourjois 53, but I just bought the Healthy Mix Serum in 52 so maybe I'll give it another go. PS: found the NYC Sunny bronzer at Cosmetics Fragrance Direct for $2. $2. I was so excited I bought 2. If I still had my blog I'd give one away. :p

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    1. Haha yay! I saw that the US but passed on it. It's really strange the stuff I passed on while I was there. Like Wet n Wild Nutty - it was like $3 but I still passed. Do you like it? Is that the one Amarixe raves about?

      I actually don't notice the smell at all, which is weird as I'm usually quite sensitive to those things. I don't find it dewy on me either. Maybe you can mix Bourjois HMS #52 with the Neutrogena to get a better shade match? And I wish that you did still have your blog!

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  25. I hate how America get so much stuff that everyone else doesn't!!!
    It's always so good when drugstore stuff matches your skin tone :)

    xoxo

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  26. I purchased the Neutrogena foundation way back because I also heard it was good dupe of the Nars one (which I tried in Sephora and really liked) for a fraction of the price. I agree that it doesn't quite illuminate my skin the way Nars does, but for the price I paid, it's not bad at all. My biggest gripe is also the lack of a pump, my bottle is a total mess now :(
    xoxo
    Jenny @ Geeky Posh

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  27. Love it, i'm not into dewy foundations but it suits you lovely and I loooove to see your face (even if its just a part of it)!

    xx flo

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  28. I picked up two foundations from the States last week: this one and the MUFE HD.

    I have the exact same problem as you with this foundation caking around my nose, which leads me to believe I'll have the same problem as you with MUFE. Darn it! I wish I had gotten NARS instead! :(

    Love your reviews! You've made a follower out of me! ;)

    ♥ emi
    http://emicablyyours.blogspot.ca/

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  29. How lucky that you got a perfect colour match- it is the best feeling ever! I normally always moisturise before I apply foundation as without moisturiser my face gets very dry and tight which I hate. I dislike it very much when foundation clings onto the dryness of my face, it's not a pretty sight! I adore the Real Techniques Buffing brush- it is my most favourite and most used makeup brush! I don't understand why they just don't make the foundation with a pump- it'll make application so much more easier!

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  30. Sounds like this would be a great match for me as well... I might give it a try!

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  31. I think it’s great since it didn’t make your skin look orangey :)
    xo,
    ~Pauline @Kallony

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