The Ordinary Coverage Foundation – Confusion

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While I was trying to write this introduction, I got sucked in to the black hole that is “The Ordinary Drama” time lines. As much as I claim I don´t care for drama online (and believe me, I don´t) it seems like once you start reading, you simply can´t stop.

So much has happened since I shared my initial thoughts here, and it leaves me incredibly confused.

 

The Ordinary Coverage Foundation
The Ordinary Coverage Foundation

 

So how do I proceed? I guess I will continue with what I do best and focus on the product at hand, the The Ordinary Coverage foundation and no longer think about the time wasted following link after link in an attempt to make sense to what ultimately may not have one.

 

What The Ordinary claims

Coverage Foundations are full-coverage formulations available in a comprehensive shade range across 21 shades. These foundations contain higher pigment levels than our Serum Foundations but still offer a smooth finish that avoids the heavy makeup look that can make skin appear more aged. The texture is that of a lightweight, non-oily cream.

The pigments used in these formulations are treated for a rich, highly-saturated effect. These pigments are suspended in our proprietary spreadability system that allows pigments to look natural on the skin, resist collecting within fine lines and stay on for longer. The foundations offer a semi-matte finish and are compatible with most primers and are designed to work exceptionally well with the primers offering from The Ordinary.

 

The Facts

With 21 shades to choose from, each based on different undertones, there should be a match for everyone. I picked 1.1 Fair Neutral, which is an excellent match for my skin right now.

One bottle of The Ordinary Coverage Foundation, equipped with a pump, contains 30 ml and retails for 6,70 € on the website here.

The EU version comes with SPF 15, exclusively based on Titanium Dioxide. While SPF 15 isn´t enough protection for my taste anyway, I don´t like to solely rely on Titanium Dioxide. It does not cover the whole spectrum of UVA rays, so I´d recommend pairing it with a dedicated SPF. (On a side note: I did not notice any white cast, which is usually a giveaway that companies uses nano particles of Titanium Dioxide. The Ordinary state that they don´t use nano particles though.)

 

The Application

While all three methods (beautyblender, brushes, fingers) work, I tend to prefer a buffing brush with this one (I use the one by Real Techniques). A beautyblender works too, but sheers out the foundation, and with fingers it can get a little patchy.

With my regular skincare routine there was no issue with piling, despite me using a silicone based SPF underneath and, as claimed, I found it to work equally well with different primers.

 

The Finish

When first applied, the finish was natural with a tiny bit of glow. Over the course of the next four hours it would get noticeably more dewy. While this finish is loved by many, I found I needed a mattifying primer and powder to feel comfortable. When worn without mattifying primer and powder, it would get greasy after six-ish hours, when paired with both (and with a mid-day powder touchup) the finish would stay natural to dewy for up to ten hours.

Only the first two hours were semi-matte on my combination oily skin.

 

The Ordinary Coverage Foundation
The Ordinary Coverage Foundation

 

The Coverage

One layer gets you to medium coverage, another layer hides (almost) everything you want to cover.  Only very dark patches of hyperpigmentation would need an additional concealer.

I never tried applying more than three layers, but three worked fine without looking cakey.

 

The Feeling

Despite the coverage, the foundation feels lightweight on my skin. Lightweight, non-oily cream describes it perfectly.

 

The Weartime

Without preparing my skin it looks great for four hours and starts to disappear in areas where I touch my face a lot afterwards. In addition to that it will break up around my t-zone, especially my nose, at around six hours, which can easily be prevented by using a mattifying primer.

When paired with primer and powder (or when I don´t touch my face that often) I get a solid ten hours wear with minimal fading.

 

The Skintypes

Based on my experiences, I´d recommend this foundation for normal to oily skin, depending on the finish you prefer. Mature skin will benefit from the radiance it offers and the fact that it doesn´t settle into pores and fine lines.

If you are dry, make sure to use good hydration underneath as I found it to cling to dry patches without that.

 

The Final Verdict

A lovely lightweight full coverage foundation at a great price point. Best suited for normal, combination or mature skin.

 

The Ordinary Coverage Foundation
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