MAKE UP FOR EVER Ultra HD Foundation & STEP1 Skin Equallizer Review + Swatches ~ Bows and Curtseys

Another year, another foundation that's hopped aboard the hype train! I have seen this foundation all over YouTube and Instagram lately as well as my local Sephora raving about it so I thought I would review it for you guys as well as compare it to the older Make Up For Ever HD Foundation formula which I absolutely loved. If you are interested in a review of the old formula, check it out HERE.

Sadly the old formula has been discontinued and has been replaced with the new Ultra HD foundation. With 4k technology, the next generation of digital devices will display images with unbelievable detail, stunning clarity, and heightened color than existing HD technology. Make Up For Ever claims this foundation is completely invisible under the latest, ultra-magnified resolution, and that the new formula looks completely natural on camera—and to the naked eye.

Some or all products shown in this post may have been provided by the said brand(s) and/or website(s) for potential review and/or use. For more information, please read my DISCLAIMER.

COVERAGE

Make Up For Ever claims that this is a medium-buildable coverage foundation which I happen to agree with. My skin is combination/oily with acne scars and some discoloration and it covered and evened out my skin tone quite well, although I did need some extra help with concealer. I do like that the product is buildable but for some reason, it didn't look natural on me. You can clearly tell that there is foundation on my skin and it's actually a little powdery looking on me. That's not necessarily a bad thing, but it's not what the product claims. It does however photograph and film beautifully.

COLOR

One of the absolute best things about this product is the HUGE range of shades that they have available. Currently, there are 40 shades in various undertones which is amazing! You are bound to find a shade that matches you. I was sent the three lightest shades available in the range and I was impressed at how light Y205 Alabaster is! It is too light for me which rarely happens so it will be perfect for you extra fair people out there! My match is Y215 Yellow Alabaster and as you can see from the swatches, it's hardly noticeable.

Taken with flash indoors

Taken with no flash and natural light

LONGEVITY & WEAR

I wore this every day for about two weeks, and while it's not a bad foundation, I feel like their older formula was a lot better. This one is a lot thinner in consistency and it does not stand up against the oily parts of my face, even with a primer. After about 3 hours, it's almost completely worn off on my nose and chin. Before it wears off though, it does look nice and it looks great in photos and video. I feel like this foundation is best to be worn for short periods of time, like for photo/video shoots which I feel like is it's main purpose. The foundation does not irritate my sensitive skin and has no detectable scent.

OVERALL

Although this is a highly raved about product, I do not think it's worth the hype, at least not for my skin type. Like I stated before, it is by no means a bad foundation and I believe that it would be amazing for someone with normal skin with little to no skin issues, or for someone who works in front of the camera often. It just doesn't work for me and I really wanted to love it, especially since I was such a big fan of the original HD foundation. The color range is wonderful, as well as the packaging (gotta love pumps)! As for my rating, I give it 3 out of 5 stars. I do suggest going to your local Sephora to get a sample of this before purchasing if you want to try it out. You can also get color-matched while you're there.

I was also sent four of their Step1 Skin Equalizers which are basically a primer.

From MAKE UP FOR EVER's website:

MATTIFYING PRIMER is the answer to unwanted shine, fighting against excess oil to ensure a matte makeup result. Formulated with our specific Sebustop Vegetal Complex, this first step equalizer instantly reduces pore size and controls shine for a flawless makeup all day long.

SMOOTHING PRIMER instantly fills in and blurs imperfections for silky soft skin. This satiny, non-oily formula evens out skin texture by minimizing pores, wrinkles and fine lines. Skin looks resurfaced and perfectly smooth for a flawless makeup all day long.

HYDRATING PRIMER instantly quenches skin's thirst by helping boost and refreshing tired skin. Formulated with our specific H₂O Complex, it provides moisture transforming dehydrated skin into a supple, healthy, plump surface for a flawless makeup all day long.

NOURISHING PRIMER instantly replenishes dry and dehydrated skin with a moisture-rich soothing formula. Our specific Vegetal Complex feeds skin, hydrating and reviving it while antioxidants protect from the elements. Its rich and creamy texture melts on the skin to nourish and sooth. Restores elasticity and revitalizes skin to ensure a more uniform texture and a flawless makeup all day long.

MY THOUGHTS

As you can see in the photo above, these primers all have a very different consistency and they also perform differently from each other.

Mattifying Primer: This stuff is no joke - it's seriously matte. Like, paper matte. It dries really quickly so it's best to use this one on targeted areas such as the nose, chin, cheeks and forehead. A little goes a long way and if you use too much it feels heavy. It minimized my pores and although this does keep my skin looking matte, it also can make me look a little dry. I think this will work better for me once spring and summer are here.

Smoothing Primer: This does what it claims - it smooths and blurs my pores and fine lines giving my skin a soft focus effect. It glides on and feels and looks satiny against the skin. I'm a huge fan of this one! I try not to use too much though because if I do, it tends to ball up with my foundation. I also like to let it set for about five minutes before applying foundation.

Hydrating Primer: The great things about this primer are that it is super lightweight and it feels moisturizing. Sadly, this one doesn't work for me since I have oilier skin and it makes my foundation slip off. However, this is great for someone that has dry skin!

Nourishing Primer: This one is my favorite of the bunch! I feel like it's the perfect balance of the previous three primers. It helps my makeup stay on longer, it makes my foundation look smoother and my skin feels nourished. After applying this primer, it has a bit of a tacky/sticky finish which I like because I believe it helps my foundation stick to my face a lot better than without.