Review: W7 12 Hour HD Foundation*

Recently, the lovely people over at Xtras sent me a few bits and pieces from W7 to try out, one of which was the 12 Hour HD Foundation* in the shade 'Buff', which is the lightest shade. I've been using it for around a month now and thought it was high time I shared my thoughts!
The packaging consists of a frosted glass bottle with black print, a red plastic pump and a clear plastic lid; it actually reminds me of Bourjois's foundations, although I've never actually tried any of them so I won't be drawing any further comparisons. The instructions suggest to, "Apply this light foundation evenly to your face for the perfect catwalk look!" I've found it applies smoothly and easily, blending seamlessly, with both my fingers and my Real Techniques Expert Face Brush - I tend to use my brush as I think it's more hygienic, but on the occasions it needs washing or for travelling, my fingers do just as good a job.
I've been wearing this over W7's Prime Magic Brightening Primer, which gives a lovely smooth base, and the foundation itself goes on really nicely, giving medium coverage which is buildable for a near-full coverage where necessary; I touch up with concealer under my eyes but rarely need to add it over any blemishes. The shade, 'Buff', is actually perfect for my winter skin - finally a budget foundation which caters to us pale-faces - and two pumps is sufficient for my whole face unless I really need to build coverage in quite a few areas, in which case I'll use three.
The foundation gives a semi-matte finish, not completely matte but definitely not shiny-looking, either. It also feels really light on the skin, as claimed, which is great as it doesn't feel uncomfortable or mask-like throughout the day. I find it lasts a good 4-5 hours before I start to get a bit of shine on my forehead, which is pretty good going for my oily skin. I don't think I'd quite agree with the 12 hour claim, but certainly 8-10 seems to be absolutely fine as long as I touch up with powder halfway through the day.

[Ingredients: Aqua, Cyclopentasiloxane, Cyclopentasiloxane/Dimethicone

Crosspolymer, Isododecane, Glycerin, PEG-9 Dimethicone,

Phenoxyethanol/Ethylhexylglycerin, Disteardimonium Hectorite, Propylene

Carbonate, Ascorbyl Palmitate, Pentaerythrityl Tetraisostearate/Mineral

Oil/Disteardimonium Hectorite/Propylene Carbonate/Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1,

Tocopheryl Acetate, Disodium EDTA, Niacinamide, Sodium Hyaluronate.

May contain: CI 77891 (Titanium Dioxide), CI 77492 (Iron Oxide Yellow),

CI 77491 (Iron Oxide Red), CI 77499 (Iron Oxide Black).]

The ingredients aren't amazing, what with the Mineral Oil, and if silicon is a problem for your skin then this is a no-go. However, I've had absolutely no problems with this and haven't found it to break me out or irritate my eczema at all.
[Also wearing: W7 Prime Magic Anti-Dull Skin Balancing Primer*; Soap & Glory Kick Ass Concealer in 'Light'; Collection Loose Powder in 'Barely There'; Deborah Milano Natural Blusher in 'Cherry'*; Urban Decay Eyeshadow in 'Verve' and 'YDK'; Collection Longer Lash Lengthening Mascara in 'Ultra-Black'; MUA Pro Brow Kit; Soap & Glory Sexy Mother Pucker Lip Gloss in 'Punch Bowl'] All in all, I think this is an amazing foundation for its price point, giving a great and buildable coverage with a semi-matte finish and a long-lasting formula. I'm also really impressed that the lightest shade is fair enough for my skin and doesn't make me look orange at all! I'd definitely recommend this if you're looking for an affordable foundation for pale skin, or if you struggle with your foundation disappearing midway through the day.
W7 12 Hour HD Foundation is available from Xtras, for the great price of £3.99 for 30ml.
Have you tried any W7 cosmetics? Have you ever shopped at Xtras? What's your favourite budget foundation?

xo
[Please note this product was sent to me for the purposes of this review - this has in no way affected my review and as always, all thoughts are completely honest.]
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