Revlon ColorStay Foundation Review

I have been using the Revlon Colorstay foundation for the past two weeks and let me tell you...

A few weeks back during a BOGO Sale at Rite Aid, I purchased the Revlon PhotoReady foundation along with the Revlon Colorstay foundation. I was so pleased with my results while using the PhotoReady foundation that I could not wait to try the ColorStay foundation and see if I would get similar results. I have been using the Revlon Colorstay foundation for the past two weeks and let me tell you…

Revlon Colorstay Makeup with SoftFlex for Combination/Oily skin 410 Cappuccino

The Claim

  • ColorStay makeup with SoftFlex provides lightweight comfort , so you feel like you’re not wearing makeup
  • Looks fresh for up to 16 hours
  • Oil-free Shine Control
  • Natural, flawless look
  • Transfer Resistant
*Source: Revlon’s website and product bottle

My Experience

Foundation applied to the back of my hand to demonstrate how well the product blends. It dries to a matte finish with a bit of sheen. Check it out on the face…

 I apply this foundation using my E.L.F. Studio Foundation Brush. Before I get into details about the application, I have to say that this foundation smells weird in the bottle… kind of like paint. However, after it is applied the smell dissipates. I just had to mention that. Anyway, the foundation applies smooth but you must move quickly to avoid streaks, as it dries very fast. It has buildable coverage and can be layered without looking cakey. I use a nickel sized amount to cover my entire face and it leaves me with a flawless finish. It is not heavy at all and does not feel like I am wearing anything on my face. I wear this foundation from about 7am until at least 9pm during the work week, and it holds up very good. The foundation stays in place without sliding and controls oil well, I barely have to use my blotting sheets during the day. The makeup also is truly transfer resistant. I touch my face a lot during the day (bad I know), yet I don’t see any product left on my hands. You must use a makeup remover to remove this foundation as it will not come off with a regular cleanser. Even in the morning after applying my makeup I have to use a makeup remover to remove the residual product from the back of my hand, as soap and water doesn’t cut it.

The Revlon Colorstay Foundation retails for $12.99 USD for a 1 oz bottle, but can frequently be found on BOGO. Overall I am very pleased with this product. It performs well and did not break me out. Compared to the PhotoReady foundation, I feel that the ColorStay foundation gives slightly better coverage. It also photographs just as well. So if that is what you are looking for than this is the product for you. I am very pleased with both foundations that I have tried from Revlon and my experience has overall been great. I would repurchase this product in a heartbeat.

Pros

  • Lightweight, buildable coverage
  • Blends well
  • Long wearing
  • Truly transfer resistant
  • Didn’t break me out

Cons

  • Lack of pump dispenser
  • Weird smell
  • Expensive for a drugstore foundation, however it can frequently be found on BOGO

Overall, I give this product a 4/5. I took off a point for the weird smell.

My finished face…

Other products used

Face

L’Oreal Magic Perfecting Base Primer

NYX blush in Cocoa

NARS Albatross to highlight cheekbones

Eyes

Revlon Colorstay liquid eye pen in Blackest Black on upper lash line

Avon Glimmersticks eyeliner in Blackest Black on waterline

NYX eyeliner in Sapphire on lower lash line

Maybelline Lash Stiletto Mascara in Soft Black

Lips

Smith’s Rosebud Salve

MAC l/s in Viva Glam Gaga

MAC lustreglass in Starnova

23 Responses

  1. I LOVE your site…adding it to my must reads, next to the Ny Times…lol! Thanks for the advice…

  2. thanx for sharing hun,was trying to purchase this product but having doubts but after reading ur blog I think imma give it a try,thanx hun stay beautiful n blessed

  3. Hi, I'm not a makeup guru just someone who likes to wear makeup for pics and events or outings. And today I'd like to help solve the main concern in regards to the colorstay foundation. It does not have a pump!

    So this is what I came up with. if u have questions please comment below.

    God bless you and have a victorious Day!!!

    First Steps

    *Clean out really well a finished Olay Total effects creme jar (or a similar jar)

    *Let it air dry

    *Pour in your Revlon Colorstay foundation

    *Seal the pump and Voila!

    you have a new airless pump container for your foundation without the mess or waste…

    Hope this was helpful!!!

  4. great makeup tips i currently use covergirl queen collection it has great coverage but it does get on my hands and clothing lol and it doesnt break me out i would luv 2 try revlon but im afraid of it breaking me out b/c i do have sensitive skin

    1. I have been wanting to try the queen collection foundations for so long, but it has been so hard to find here and when I do find my shade is sold out 🙁

  5. i need to see this on somebody who doesnt have nice skiin already lol, ur skin is pretty eventoned

  6. Hi Erica,

    Do you find that this foundation gets darker when it oxidizes. I tried it (in the shade Cappuccino) and believe me I had to remove it before I left home… it gets at least 1 shade darker when on me. Have you had any experience like this with this foundation?

    1. Hi Billie. This foundation oxidizes on me as well. For this reason I can only wear it in the Summer when I have a tan. It doesn’t work for me when I’m lighter in the cooler months. Mixing it with a liquid illuminator helps to lighten it a bit

      1. Okay great! I will try the liquid illuminator. I live in Jamaica so you know it’s pretty much summer all year (Lol!) so my complexion doesn’t change. I tried mixing it with a lighter shade which works fine but I refuse to buy 2 foundations when I can get the same or even better results buying one, probably even for the same price or less.

  7. I would love to get a chart to compare the shades for the revlon colorstay foundation and covergirl 3 in 1 foundation, I would love to try the covergirl brand but i’m not sure the shade to choose. I tried revlon foundation in toast 370 which oxidizes a shade darker.

  8. Hi Erica, what shade in this foundation would you recommend for someone who is a NW50?
    Thank you

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