My local Boots store has finally caught up with what feels like every other store in the country and got itself a NYX stand! I only had a quick browse as the store was super-busy when I was in town, but I picked up a tube of their Stay Matte But Not Flat Liquid Foundation to try; my skin is ridiculously oily, so I'm always attracted to anything that offers me a matte base. I'd not heard much about this foundation prior to purchasing it, so let's see how I've been getting on.
NYX claim that this foundation is, "Oil Free • Water-Based • Full Coverage • Mineral-Enriched • Matte Finish." I picked up shade 04 'Creamy Natural' from the range of eleven shades; there are thirty shades listed on the US site (here) so I'm a little disappointed that the UK only seems to get eleven. There is little to choose from for darker-skinned customers, which is a shame. That said, 'Creamy Natural' is a good match for my skin-tone, so I'm one of the lucky ones I guess!
The foundation is quite thick in texture, which means it takes a fair bit of blending on the skin, made difficult by the fact that it "sets" quite quickly. It's doable with fingers or a brush, but works best with a dampened sponge for the smoothest, most even finish. I've tried it alone and over The Body Shop's Instablur (my favourite!) as a primer, and find it goes on much the same over both. The coverage is medium-full though not very buildable, as it does tend to go cakey quite quickly. I'd say "matte but not flat" is a fair summary of the finish, to begin with - it's not shimmery or glowy, but it's a little bit more "alive" than some matte foundations can be. In terms of lasting power, I've found it does tend to crease a little under my eyes and in my laughter lines, even when set with powder.

[This is the most accurate photo colour-wise.]
The main reason I picked this up was the name; "Stay Matte" is basically #lifegoals for me, so I was pretty disappointed that, despite the fact that I always set with powder, oil started to come through in 3-4 hours without primer, and around 5 with Instablur under the foundation. Admittedly, it's not terrible, and far better than some - but when your foundation is called "Stay Matte", I expect to, well, stay matte. Too much to ask?

[Apologies for the not-great photo - still trying to get the hang of my new camera!]
NYS Stay Matte But Not Flat Liquid Foundation is priced at £6 for 35ml of product, available in the UK at Boots stores or online here. It's not not a terrible foundation, offering decent coverage and a reasonably nice finish - but it's one I'll repurchase, as the creasing and oiliness mean it just doesn't last as well as I'd hoped. If your skin is more normal-combination than straight-up oily like mine, then it may be worth a try! Have you tried any NYX foundations? What's your favourite NYX product?



[This is the most accurate photo colour-wise.]

[Apologies for the not-great photo - still trying to get the hang of my new camera!]
xo
I haven't tried this foundation but your skin sounds very similar to mine. The coverage looks good, I like the fact that is gives a little glow, I may have to buy this one!
ReplyDeleteMy skin is straight up oily as well so it might not be good for me :/ my Boots just got a NYX stand as well!
ReplyDeleteI love NYX. I practically live at the one in Boots. I've never tried their foundation, but love a lot of their products. This sounds really good x
ReplyDeleteSounds an interesting foundation, I haven't try of this but this is so interesting for me. I will check this out
ReplyDeleteI have oily skin too, so not for me, although the price is good.
ReplyDeleteThis is an excellent review of the product. It sounds like a great product.
ReplyDeleteEverybody loves a good Nyx product, I might have to give this one a go myself as I have mainly dry skin but suffer with shine a lot too! xo
ReplyDeleteEmma-Louise | Dino's Beauty
I haven't tried this range - I used to use matt foundations, but the older I get the more I look for a foundation that actually adds dewiness. Trying to desperately roll back the years! ;) x
ReplyDeleteGreat review, I've never heard of this brand before, I'll have to see if my local Boots has a NYX section to check out their products. I always struggle to find a foundation which blends well and doesn't irritate my eyes - maybe I'll find a good one in this range. :)
ReplyDeleteI've heard loads of people raving about how good Nyx is supposed to be (for the money) so interesting to see it didn't quite live up to expectations. I have the opposite problem to you - my skin is super dry, so foundation always looks rubbish anyway. At least the price makes it worth a try!!
ReplyDeleteSo weird that it's supposed to be a matte foundation and doesn't stay matte.. really annoys me when products don't do things it claims it will do
ReplyDeleteRonnie
www.veronicabizzarri.blogspot.co.uk
xx