Swatches + Comparison: L'oreal True Match Foundation SPF17

W4 ~ W4.5 ~ W5 ~ W5.5 ~ W6 ~ W4

I like trying out different foundations and I'm always looking for the next best thing, 

but I just keep coming back to the L'oreal True Match one. 

Pros:

• affordable
• can be applied with a sponge, finger, dense buffing brush, stippling brush or flat paddle brush
• blends easily
• doesn't dry too quickly
• doesn't flake or emphasize dry patches 
• buildable, medium to full coverage
• leaves a natural finish when worn with a setting powder 
• large color selection (33 shades)

Cons:

• US version does not come with a pump (Asian & European version offers a pump)
• skin's natural oils start seeping through after 2.5 hours of application
• nose looks greasy after 4 hours of application
• foundation looks shimmery under direct sunlight

Packaging: The US version of the L'oreal True Match foundation doesn't have a pump, which is unsanitary and inconvenient. I apply my foundation with a brush, so when I pour/pump the foundation out onto a glass lid, it's easier for me to measure if it has a pump. Also, the pump prevents bacteria from getting into the foundation, thus extending the shelf life.

I love this foundation so much that I went out of my way and got the Asian version just for the pump. I have been repurchasing the US version and have just been refilling the product into the one with the pump. For a more convenient way, you can buy an empty pump dispenser bottle at Target, Walmart and other stores, but I just find the L'oreal glass bottle to be more attractive looking.

Color: The L'oreal True Match foundation comes in 33 shades, which are labeled using a number and letter system. C denotes cool, which is suitable for those who have a pink undertone. W means warm, which is suitable for those who have a yellow undertone and N means neutral, which is suitable for those who are neither cool nor warm.

I have a warm, yellow undertone, but W4.5 is too yellow and made me look like a Simpsons character. W5 is too light and is oddly lighter than both W4 and W4.5, while W5.5 is slightly darker and more orange based than W6. When I have a summer tan, W6 matches my NC37/40 skin tone perfectly and the undertone is warm, but it's not too yellow or too orange. In the winter months, I'm an NC30/35 and wear the L'oreal True Match foundation in W4. For reference, I also wear 021 mixed with 031 in Dior Forever and 127 in MUFE HD.

Application: The L'oreal True Match foundation has a liquid consistency that's slightly thinner and runnier than the Make Up For Ever HD foundation. It doesn't streak when I use a dense flat brush, such as the Royal & Langnickel BX-40 (mini review), and it buffs quickly into my skin when I use a dense round brush, such as the Crown Brush C439, but my favorite method of applying it is using a stippling brush, such as the MAC 187 (review), because it leaves an airbrushed finish.

The foundation glides onto the skin smoothly and it doesn't dry as fast as the Revlon ColorStay or Dior Forever foundation. So, it provides ample time to blend and you don't have to worry about it leaving a patchy or blotchy finish. Also, it doesn't flake or emphasize dry spots if you exfoliate and moisturize well. It evens out the skin tone and covers redness and blemishes with just one layer. Although it offers buildable, medium to full coverage, it doesn't make your skin look thick or cakey. Instead, it leaves a natural finish that's not too dewy or too matte when set with a powder.

The L'oreal True Match foundation contains SPF 17, which causes a white cast to the face when taking flash photography, but it offers sun protection and blocks about 95% of UVB rays. It is also important to mention that it does contain tiny shimmers, but it is only noticeable under direct sunlight. When I'm under artificial or natural lighting, I can't detect a single shimmer on my face.

Longevity: I have an oily t-zone and normal skin on the rest of my face. My skin's natural oils start seeping through after only 2.5 hours of application and my nose looks disgustingly greasy after 4 hours of application. I end up having to blot and re-touch with powder quite often throughout the day. Because the foundation is not long-lasting, I prefer to use it when my skin is not as oily, like during the winter months or when I'm only going to be out for only a few hours, like during a dinner date. 

One thing to keep in mind is that I never wear primers underneath my foundations except when I wear my MUFE HD foundation because I've had no luck with most of the ones that I've tried, including Benefit The Porefessional (review), CoverFX Clearprep FX Matte, Philosophy The Present Clear Makeup, NARS Pro-Prime Oil-Free, Too Faced Primed & Poreless (review), Smashbox Photo Finish regular + light version, Laura Mercier Oil-Free, Lancome La Base Pro Perfecting primer and many others. The MUFE HD primer is the only primer that lengthens the wear time of my MUFE HD foundation; however, I see no difference with the longevity of my makeup when used with my Dior Forever or L'oreal True Match foundation.  

If you find that primers lengthen the wear of your foundation, then they might also work well with the L'oreal True Match foundation. We all have different textures, skin types and complexions. Just because the foundation doesn't last long on my oily t-zone, it doesn't mean you will get the same result.

Bottom Line: I've tested over 20 foundations, ranging from drugstore to high-end, and the L'oreal True Match is one of my favorites of all time. Although the wear-time could be better, I find the foundation to be super easy to work with, no matter which tool I use to apply it and I love that it provides great coverage, while still leaving a natural finish to my skin. Also, it matches me perfectly and I'm sure you will find a "True Match" for you too from their wide selection of 33 shades. I highly recommend checking it out, even if you're not a fan of drugstore products because it beats alot of the other ones in the market, including those in the high-end range.

Note: The L'oreal True Match foundation contains 1oz of product and is available at Ulta, Target, and drugstore.com for around $8. As with any drugstore product, I would definitely wait for a sale because there is always a "buy one, get one half off" or even a "buy one, get one for free" sale.

*This post contains affiliate links. None of the products mentioned are sponsored.

Have you tried the L'oreal True Match foundation?
Which shade do you wear?