Maybelline Fit Me Shine Free Foundation Stick Review

Photo Credit: Maybelline

First impressions and reactions after using the product

I was really excited about the gel stick format for a foundation.  Foundation is the one makeup item I have always had concerns about when it comes to travel and portability. This stick format is great, because it seems like it would travel well, and be generally less messy than other foundation formats. The shine-free core looked a bit gimmicky since I cannot imagine a reason beyond marketing that it needed have a stand-alone core.

The first thing I did was swatch it on my arm because I had been really concerned whether or not I had picked the right shade.  This has always been a concern for me about drugstore foundations since testers are not available.  It does not matter how nice it is if the shade is off and you had to go buy another one. Well….the shade was a match!  I wonder how much of that was dumb luck and how much was experience with cosmetics, either way, I was happy!

There was no information on the packaging with respect to SPF, which is a BIG deal to me, so that delayed me using it until I had the opportunity to look it up.  There also was not a great deal of information about it on the Maybelline website, which really surprised me. I also did not see any information about SPF on the PR release, so I am guessing there is not any.  Now this just means I have to make sure to get my sun protection from another face product, but I like the convenience of having it all in one. I am very active and outdoorsy, so SPF needs to be part of my routine.

I like the way it applies!  It is not fussy, and blends easily.  It makes me think I could do one of those three minute makeup challenges someday ;-)  I used a flat head synthetic brush to blend and I was done with application in seconds.

Packaging

I liked it but I really wished there was more information included.  I was really surprised that sun protection was not even mentioned. The stick format is great for taking it places.

Product effectiveness

Weight is a big deal for me with foundation, because if it feels too heavy, it will only get worse as the day goes on and I will not want to wear.  Thankfully, the formula was pretty lightweight. The coverage was on the light side.

It was a little weird to see my face so matte after applying, but I liked the finish. As for durability, it seems to last okay.  I think you could make it through most of the workday without having to think about it.

 

Bottom Line

I would definitely buy it and recommend it to others. It would not be my go-to foundation though mostly because of the light coverage. I would be thrilled if they were able to make one that had medium to full coverage. I love the portability as well as the easy and mess free storage and application. This is a foundation I would throw into my purse, carry-on, and drawer in my office.  

p.s.- After I wrote this, I decided to try it with a primer for the heck of it.  The result was lovely!  Now, I would definitely use it either way, but I thought you all might want to know. Also, I found out that SPF ingredients tend to increase shine, so that may have been why they left it out of the Shine Free Foundation ;-)

   
      Note: I received this product free of charge as part of my participation in a focus group.  The   opinions shared about the product are entirely my own and 100% honest. It feels a little weird having to say that, but it is important to me that you know exactly where I am coming from. :-)

Photo Credit: Benefit

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