I’m always on the market for makeup with real deal, all day long, no muss/fuss/budging staying power.
Why? Because my skin seems to absorb everything that touches it. No matter what I use, it doesn’t hang around for long.
Even skin tone is at the top of my makeup agenda, so naturally, it’s extremely frustrating to get home at the end of the day with uneven skin.
One night, perusing the makeup aisle at Walgreens while I waited for a prescription to be filled, I noticed Maybelline SuperStay 24HR Makeup (foundation).
Twenty-four hours?! Doubtful, I thought, but for less than $10, I had to give it a try.
How long does it really last?
I compared my results to the claims on the label: does it withstand heat, sweat and humidity? Yes, yes and yes. How about non-transferable? I think so, another yes.
Even though it doesn’t last a full 24 hours (didn’t expect it to), I have to say, SuperStay 24HR passed my test.
And I’m amazed! This stuff did not budge at all. My biggest pet peeve is makeup that rubs off on anything and everything I touch. To see how well it would fare, I purposefully skipped primer OR setting powder (which I usually use), and it fared well.
As you’ll notice in these comparison pix, the foundation didn’t hold up quite as well in my oily t-zone as it did on the rest of my face, but this was without a setting powder. All things considered, I’d say SuperStay 24HR Makeup performed rather impressively.
This pic was taken around 10 a.m. First, I washed and moisturized, then waited about 8 minutes before applying the foundation.
This pic was taken about 12 hours later. The shots were taken in different lighting, which may make it difficult to see the differences, but my t-zone didn’t hold up as well as the rest of my face. Without foundation, I normally have prominent dark circles and discoloration around my mouth (on the sides), but in this pic the only things really standing out are my tired eyes! My skin tone still looks fairly even, and I think my dark circles were kept under wraps.
Value
The first thing I noticed applying SuperStay 24HR was how a little went a long way — always great when you get more bang for your buck. The coverage is buildable, but from a medium point. It’s definitely not a foundation for lighter coverage, and the matte finish has to be blended well to get a nice, even consistency.
Foundation Face-Off: SuperStay vs. Revlon Colorstay
I think they’re very comparable, but SuperStay has Revlon’s Colorstay Foundation beat when it comes to staying power.
My favorite thing about SuperStay is that it doesn’t make me feel like I’m wearing plaster — like something that has to be chiseled off my face. That’s how some types of long wear makeup products feel to me. No, it’s lightweight and feels natural once it sets, with the biggest downside being that it doesn’t come in enough shades.
There are only three options for darker skin tones, for example, which obviously can’t cover everything from olive to deep brown. I think Caramel worked well for me, which is great because I love this foundation. 🙂
Final word
In this economy, I’m all about fabulous finds for gals on a budget, and I have to say that Maybelline SuperStay 24 HR ranks very high on my scale of drugstore brand foundations. It’s definitely worth $10, and worth a shot if you haven’t given it a try. I have no doubt that by the end of a night out on the town with the girls, you’ll be completely impressed with the staying power of Maybelline SuperStay 24HR Makeup.
The Fashionable Housewife says
Sounds great! I would be interested in trying it, but I would be concerned about the fact that if it stays put really well, does it clog pores? Will I get an acne breakout the next day? I’d love to know if you experienced any adverse affects from it staying on so well!
.-= The Fashionable Housewife’s last blog post… Limited Edition Pink Clarisonic PLUS Sonic Skin Cleansing System =-.
Sharon says
Omg your face looks amazing even after a full day of work. I love my black opal stick foundation however i feel it does tend to rub off onto others eek! I’m still looking for that elusive rub proof foundation maybe this could be it…
Rebecca says
Ooh, this is perfect! I’ve seen this in CVS and just the fact that “24 hour” was in the name made me want to grab some… but I haven’t had too many (or, ahem, any) good experiences with drugstore foundations, so I opted not to. You’ve definitely changed my mind! I’ll be picking some up, stat!
.-= Rebecca’s last blog post… I give thanks for OPI at Sephora. =-.
Christina says
Yeah, I can’t seem to get my makeup to stay all day long (unless we’re talking about on my phone screen… ugh). Thanks for a great review, Khalia… when my foundation runs out, I think I might give this one a shot!
lily says
YES I Love this foundation!!! Except it’s reallllyyy annoying to get out of the bottle. stayed on very well for me (especially on humid hot summer days!)
and i dislike the fact that it doesn’t have more spf 🙁 but its definitely worth the money
BlovetBeauty says
wow u have great skin! I dun even think u need foundatioN!
.-= BlovetBeauty’s last blog post… Funny Videos & ZOE’s Gifts 🙂 =-.
Cindy (Prime Beauty) says
Oh I need to try this, I’ve been using Revlon Mineral Mousse but I like the stay all day factor~
Tavia says
Khalia’s review sounds great! I just bought the HD foundation from Make UP For Ever but I’m not satisfied with the coverage but definitely I will keep my eye on this one 🙂
.-= Tavia’s last blog post… Bobbi Brown Cabana Corals – Spring 2010 Collection =-.
Khalia Bentson says
Hey ladies!
In response to The Fashionable Housewife’s question, I did not have any issues with any acne or breakouts after using this foundation… although I would not be surprised if people with acne prone skin did end up having a few issues here and there. I personally use the Clarisonic Face Brush because its a FABULOUS exfoliator and helps keep my skin feeling fresh and smooth. I see that you just did a post on the pink one. LOVE it! I actually reviewed it as well several months ago.
Christina I know EXACTLY what you mean about the phone screen. So annoying. If anyone asks for my phone for any reason it’s almost an automatic instinct for me to wipe it off before handing it to them!
.-= Khalia Bentson’s last blog post… Origins Friends and Family Sale Ends Today =-.
Khalia Bentson says
Oh and thanksBlovetBeauty! You THINK my skin is so great because this foundation has great coverage. 😉 I have a few uneven areas that bother me though.
.-= Khalia Bentson’s last blog post… Origins Friends and Family Sale Ends Today =-.
Marisol says
I wonder how much $$ Walgreens makes out of those of use who like to wander the beauty aisles.
BTW, you have gorgeous skin & brows to die for. =)
.-= Marisol’s last blog post… Gals Guide meet up =-.
Khalia Bentson says
Thanks, Marisol!!!!
.-= Khalia Bentson’s last blog post… Prescriptives 4-Piece Gift: FREE TODAY ONLY!!! =-.
Kierra says
Hi,
I am so happy I found you site – I have been looking all over for an African American make -up reviewer.
I hope that you can help me, I have really dark under eye circles, and also darkness around my mouth area as well, CAN you recommend a good concealer, that I could use, that could help me get a more even skin tone.
I would appreciate any help you can give me.
lizbeazley says
im so gana buy this today after wurk cant wait…looks great…but here in new zealand..it cost like nearlly $40…sooooo yea.. any way.. i jus really want it
PL says
Kierra,
You can visit the Maybelline website to see the matching concealer for the 24HR line. See if they carry it in a shade that is suitable for you. They seem to have a few other 24HR products, as well.
Toya says
i’m fairly darker than you, and i bought this in cocoa… perfect!!! when i tried it on for the first time, it’s like i shed the old skin and was greeted with new, vibrant, NATURAL-LOOKING skin! it’s great. i’m tempted to buy another bottle just to make sure i have an extra in case kmart stops carrying it. great review by the way. you look gorgeous!