13 Jan 2024, 00:00

Estée Lauder has just launched a new edition of their iconic Double Wear Foundation but in a slicker, lighter, and more sheer formula, delivering the same blurry effect of the original, but without feeling so heavy.  

We know what you’re thinking… Why fix something that ain’t broke? However, this new formula is promising to be even better than the OG. It still offers impressive buildable coverage (light to medium), but it’s more breathable and it’s very much there as an alternative to your full coverage foundation, leaving your skin still looking like your skin but just that bit better. Plus, both still offer a soft matte finish, while gently smoothing out texture and tone and offering all-day oil, sweat, and humidity control.

This new formula, however, it’s a lot more flexible with wear, as you won’t have to pair it with a “full beat”, you can complement it with some mascara and it should give you the “I woke up like this” moment we all strive for in our day-to-day. Packed with hyaluronic acid, watermelon, apple, and lychee seed extracts, hydration is in abundance, and SPF 20 will offer that added layer of protection.

Sounds good, right? Well, we’ve decided to put it to the test with some being day-one fans of the OG Double Wear, others had never tried an Estée Lauder foundation before. Here are five people’s truest and most honest thoughts…

The Product:

The Reviews:

Nitasha Dhiri, Conde Nast’s Director of Corporate Strategy

Shade: 3W1 Tawny

I’ve experimented with lightweight foundations over the years, from sheer formulas to powder foundations and BB creams I’ve tried it all. Despite my search for the perfect no-makeup foundation, I’ve struggled to find a formula that stands the test of time (let alone one that doesn’t come off after wearing a mask for longer than 10 mins!)

Estée Lauder’s Double Wear sheer foundation definitely hits the mark. It’s a great daily wear foundation that looks fresh without being cakey. The coverage is a little light for me and I had to apply it twice to get my desired coverage, but it did a great job of evening out my skin tone, and felt weightless on my skin. I set it with a light powder and it lasted throughout the day — which was a pleasant surprise!

I did struggle to colour match myself online and the formula is VERY runny (take note before you open up the bottle!) but overall not a bad pick if you’re looking for something light and fresh to work into your daily makeup routine. 

Rating: 8/10

Lottie Winter, GLAMOUR’s Beauty Editor

Shade: 2N1 Desert Beige

I've been a devoted fan of the original Double Wear Foundation for many years and swear by it for every occasion. Now I'm in my thirties, I'm finding my skin doesn't need as much coverage and I was on the hunt for something a little lighter, so this sheer version couldn't have come at a better time. 

What I love most is that the new version still has that unprecedented long-wear of the original, as well as the all-day shine control, but it is feather-light on skin. It's relatively buildable, and blends beautifully to be virtually undetectable – I would go so far as to say I've never seen a more natural-looking, second-skin finish. 

While it is a lighter formula, it is still a soft matte finish, which I love as I can add strategic areas of glow while keeping my shiny areas at bay. My only complaint would be that the bottle isn't bigger – I will be using this exclusively every day so it's bound to run out soon! 

Rating: 10/10

Shei Mamona, GLAMOUR’s Beauty & Entertainment Assistant

Shade: 6W1 Sandalwood

I’m not a huge fan of sheer foundation. I have brown skin, and like many women of colour, the hyperpigmentation is real! Plus, sheer foundations for dark skin are hard to get, as many brands don’t quite understand undertones. Often I find that sheer foundations in the darker shades end up with an ashy/chalky finish. So usually, if I’m looking for sheer coverage, I will go by with using none at all, with a splash of concealer.

However, this Esteé Lauder sheer foundation is different, because being part of the double wear family of course meant that naturally it was light as a feather but still provided very good medium coverage and it did give that ‘your skin but better finish’ as promised, and bonus, no ashy/chalky finish in sight. 

My only qualm was that because I used concealer to hide away any tone unevenness, the formula of my concealer and the very wet and runny formula of the double wear didn’t match, so I ended up rubbing it all away. I would also add that shade matching online was a tad bit tricky for me. However, all in all, if you’re looking for that no-makeup makeup look, then this foundation did the job! So much so that I think I’m ready to give it another go.

Rating: 7.5/10

Luca Wetherby-Matthews, GLAMOUR’s Associate Social Media Manager

Shade: 3N1 Ivory Beige

Having never tried the iconic OG Estée Lauder Double Wear foundation (but hearing countless glowing reviews) I was *very* excited to give its new, sheerer, sister foundation a try. First of all, the colour match is pure perfection and might be the best match I've ever had when choosing online, to the point where I could only just tell the difference between my skin and where I'd applied the foundation. 

The finish is matte and gives a very subtle amount of coverage, which would be perfect for no-makeup-makeup days, but I would definitely reach for another foundation if I needed more coverage, instead of building this one up. The one downside for me is that the texture is very liquidy, so I feel like I'm having to use a lot of product for not a lot of coverage payoff. Otherwise, I'll for sure be reaching for this when I want a low-key look.

Rating: 8.5/10

Georgia Trodd, GLAMOUR’s Associate Commerce Writer

Shade: 1W1 Bone 

I am such a stan when it comes to the original Estée Lauder Double Wear, so was practically chomping at the bit to try this version. For the most part, I was pleasantly surprised – despite being titled 'sheer', it's definitely buildable which suits me to a T. However, my disappointment came when it dried down and revealed my skin type for the world to see: dry. 

Unlike the original Double Wear, which despite being matte gives a definite skin-like effect, this one was a lot more powdery on the finish and I noticed it clung to certain areas of my face. With the right amount of skincare underneath, though, I think it'll be great for no-makeup makeup days, so I'll definitely keep it on hand.

Rating: 7/10

For more from Glamour UK Beauty & Entertainment Assistant Shei Mamona, follow her on Instagram @sheimamona

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