New in - YSL All Hours Foundation review

We hardly left the summer months behind and I am thinking 'winter foundation' already. Nursing my painful disbelief and self-pity over the fact that it's September already, I started my quest for a great high coverage, long lasting foundation as a pleasant distraction. I am not sure why but it's a habit of mine to wear high coverage foundation when it turns cold outside. My usual go-to choice has always been good old Double Wear from Estee Lauder but as I got a little older I felt it was drying so it seemed like a good idea to look for something a little bit more nourishing.

Looking for new candidates I've found myself at a YSL counter eagerly advertising their new, highly anticipated full coverage foundation the All Hours. I signed up for a generous amount of sample with the lovely Debbie in the North Street store of Boots in Brighton and went home with a spring in my step to quickly try it. The excitement of trying new makeup never gets old!

I have been wearing it for a good few weeks now...could this be the one? I have to say, the chances are high it is, I love it so far. High coverage is a new direction for YSL when it comes to their foundation portfolio so let's see how they have done. Here are the facts:

What PR says: "YSL All Hours Liquid Foundation has you covered for endless nights: own the night and the day with a matte foundation for a flawless complexion, which stays put for up to 24 hours. A rich level of fine pigments means full coverage with a flawless, even finish, without a mask-like effect. The high coverage foundation’s innovative formula is waterproof and transfer-resistant, with no compromise on comfort and no need to touch up. The oil-free formula gives a matte look throughout the day and helps to reduce the appearance of pores. The YSL All Hours Liquid Matte Foundation formula is enriched with a skin care complex and UV filter leaving skin looking fresh and smooth. Suitable for all skin types, including sensitive skin. Dermatologically tested. Non-comedogenic. SPF 20."

My thoughts (keep in mind that I have normal to combination skin with slight t-zone oiliness):

The Packaging:  sleek, long glass bottle with a black stripe running along the middle. It is classy, chic, very YSL, it would look great on dressing tables.

Who it is for? It is strange because first, you would think this could work brilliantly for normal to combination, slightly dry, dull, young, ageing, tired skin since it feels quite glowy (later it dries to a satin finish but not entirely matte, at least not on me) and moisturizing on my skin but then it stays on really well so it could work for oily skin too as they say. The brand offers samples, I would definitely try that first.

The finish: it is very dewy on application then dries to a satin finish. I know, they advertise it as a matte finish, but it wasn't really matte on me.  Not that I mind in the slightest,  I was actually looking for a non-matte finish, but if you are thinking of getting it, definitely get a sample to see how it works on your skin. 

The coverage: medium to high, buildable

The fragrance: subtle, not overpowering

How it worked for me: Using a damp beauty blender to apply it, the foundation has a soft creamy texture and goes on beautifully.  A tiny bit goes a long way and in no time it gives the skin a gorgeous, perfected, flawless look. After finishing the makeup my skin looked healthier, brighter, revived, flawless every day in the past few weeks. This foundation is perfect when you need a bit of a pick me up on days when you feel tired or you are not feeling too well. It is really comfortable to wear, not heavy or mask-like on the skin.  I loved the satin finish too, it is just what I was after, the SPF 20 is a nice bonus feature. During the day it was wearing well, similar to Double Wear, I only had to blot the t-zone once or twice (that was on warm days) and touch up once under my nose and on my chin where all the foundations go first on me. On my cheeks, it stayed flawless all day.

I can't really comment about the 24-hour wear since I never wear a foundation that long but all in all this formula lasts really well. I tested whether or not it was transfer-resistant too, I gave big hugs to my boyfriend who was wearing a white t-shirt the other day (the things we do for science!) without covering him in yellow makeup so that's a good sign. They say it is waterproof which I haven't really tested, all I know is that I left it on when I was working out (HIIT cardio and boxing for an hour and mat exercises for another hour) it still stayed on surprisingly well even if I dabbed the sweat off (sorry for the gruesome details). This foundation, it seems, is perfect on hot days, in hot climates or if you feel self-conscious about your skin, but still want to go to the gym which makes it even better.
When cleansing in the evening I felt this needed a bit more than a cream, so I used the  Superfacialist by Una Brennan oil cleanser which took it off it in no time. 

Value for money: £33.50 for 25ml, this is luxury category, an investment piece but lasts a long time.

Here are the before and after shots by my window in natural light:

                               Before foundation                                After foundation                                Full makeup                                                                  

As far as I'm concerned, the All Hours has passed the test, it is a great foundation! It has decent coverage, gives a beautiful finish, it is long lasting and is comfortable to wear. It has only launched last week but I've already bought one bottle that will last me until the end of the year at least.