Product: 4 of 5
Packaging: 5 of 5
Quality: 4 of 5
Price: 5 of 5
Overall: 4 of 5
Would I repurchase? Unless I find a better foundation, or if it starts looking icky in the warmer weather, I most definitely will!

::: The Product :::
Revlon PhotoReady is marketed as a foundation that helps you have the look of “poreless, airbrushed skin in any light”.  The foundation contains photocromatic pigments that bend and reflect light virtually erasing any flaws, and is supposed to give a soft, luminous finish with complete yet undetectable finish.  PhotoReady Foundation contains SPF18 (titanium dioxide and iron oxide), which is a plus since it is stable.  It is also both fragrance- and oil-free.

Revlon PhotoReady comes in a clear glass jar with a black cap and black pump – Yes, a pump!  Each bottle contains approximately 1 fl. oz. of foundation.  Colors range in 12 shades covering a broad spectrum of skin tones.  While not necessarily ranging from lightest to darkest, but from the lowest number to the highest number (001 – 011), shades available are: Ivory, Vanilla, Shell, Nude, Natural Beige, Medium Beige, Cool Beige, Golden Beige, Rich Ginger, Caramel, Cappuccino and Mocha.

There’s also a matching pressed powder and a newer compact cream-to-powder foundation.  I haven’t tried either, but I haven’t heard a lot of positive reviews for the cream-to-powder foundation.

::: Ingredients :::
(Active Ingredients : Titanium Dioxide 1.1%, Zinc Oxide 2.0%) Water, Cyclopentasiloxane, Dimethicone, Cyclohexasiloxane, Butylene Glycol, Boron Nitride, Cetyl PEG/PPG-10/1 Dimethicone, Phenyl Trimethicone, PEG/PPG-18/18 Dimethicone, Sodium Chloride, Nylon-12, HDI/Trimethylol Hexyllactone Crosspolymer, Calcium Aluminium Borosilicate, Alumina, Trimethylsiloxysilicate, Glycerin, Bis-PEG/PPG-14/14 Dimethicone, Isodecyl Neopentanoate, Dimethicone/Bis-Isobutyl PPG-20 Crosspolymer, Trisiloxane, Methicone, Triethoxycaprylylsilane, Tribehenin, Methyl Methacrylate Crosspolymer, Cycloheptasiloxane, Silica, Sorbitan Sesquioleate, Tetrasodium EDTA, Phenoxyethanol, Caprylyl Glycol, 1,2-Hexanediol /- (CI 77019/Mica, CI 77891/Titanium Dioxide, CI 77491/CI 77492/CI 77499/Iron Oxides, CI 77947/Zinc Oxide)

::: My Experience :::
I decided it was time to move on from mineral makeup since it wasn’t getting along with my skin anymore as far as shine and oil, and it was fading too quickly.  I tested out a few high-end and low-end brands before I figured to go with Revlon ColorStay since it’s a cult favorite.  Sadly, it was too thick and I think it was contributing some of my acne issues.  I also tried L’Oreal Visible Lift, which wasn’t too bad but fades quickly as well, and Boots Lift and Firm made me look like an oil-slick.

Just before exhausting myself into going back to mineral makeup I figured I’d give Revlon PhotoReady a try since a lot of people love it.  The one thing that had been holding me back on trying it was the comments I had read regarding the shimmer made by the light-reflecting particles, which had been likened to the effect of Edward from “Twilight” twinkling in the sun. I figured I couldn’t lose either way, so why not give it a go.

I originally purchased 008 Golden Beige, but it wasn’t the right match.  So, I ended up with 006 Medium Beige.  You’d think the higher number would be darker, but it’s not.  I fell in love with PhotoReady almost immediately!  I look almost airbrushed, and I would consider the coverage to be medium.  It’s not overly thick or too thin that it’s runny, and is easy to blend (I just use my fingers).  The color holds all day and I don’t look oily by the end of the day, and I don’t even have to reapply powder for any shine.  Sadly, I think my color has changed and I need to look for another color.  I’m not sure why since I purchased it in the winter and it’s still winter.  Maybe it’s because I started a new skin care regimen that’s brightened my skin and evened out my skin tone (YAY!).  Either way, I love the foundation and unless one I’m testing out now ends up being a better fit, I’ll be sticking to PhotoReady!

::: Overall :::
If you don’t mind some shimmer from the light-reflecting pigments, or you’re okay with medium coverage, then I say give this foundation a try.  It’s not too expensive (price ranges from $10 – $14), and can easily be found anywhere Revlon is sold.  My best recommendation is to purchase it from a store who accepts returns (which does NOT include Target!).  It might be tricky finding your shade, but Temptalia’s Foundation Matrix might be a lifesaver for you if you know your “M.A.C color.”

Disclosure: This product was purchased by me from a local store. For more information, please view my Disclosure Policy.

Photo courtesy of CVS.com.

2 Responses to “Review: Revlon PhotoReady Foundation”