Dear Clinique Beyond Perfecting Foundation,
I really wanted to love you. I really tried to make it work, but today I realized I have to let you go.
When we first entered each other’s lives, I had stars in my eyes. I’d heard what everyone had to say about you, and they were nothing but great things. So I grabbed my favorite buffing brush as of late and got to work.
Oh, my god. I couldn’t believe it — you were so easy to blend, to build, and your finish was so even and just… perfect. I’ve never seen myself with so few freckles, but then again, I don’t generally go for fuller coverage foundations like you.
As I went on with the rest of my makeup, I kept remarking at how amazing my base looked. It seemed like we were quite a match, but there’s something you should know… I don’t really fall easily, or ever at all. I can’t help but anticipate disaster.
While we seemed to be compatible on so many levels, you were a few shades too dark for me from the get-go. Love can require some sacrifice, and I understood that.
So we went out into the world together, and I was feeling like a total boss.
Eventually, the dream started to fade and reality began to set in. A few hours after we left, I looked in the mirror, and you separated across my skin the way oil beads up around water. It didn’t help that you weren’t quite my shade, which just exacerbated the visibility of our impending separation.
You really let me down.
I’m just 23. All around, I’m pretty easy going — my skin and I aren’t very fussy, too oily, or too dry. We’re right down the middle. Fine lines haven’t settled in yet, and I don’t have large pores, acne, or much varying texture. I can’t imagine what you’d have done to me if I did.
I couldnt let you go that easily. You were special to me. I had to try everything.
So I woke up the next day and used my Beauty Blender. We went through the same high of flawlessness for about five minutes before you decided to love my Beauty Blender more than my face, and you refused to stick around.
I tried more product, tried also using a setting spray to meld everything together so I could apply another layer on top, but not even that worked. You’d already made up your mind. You loved my Beauty Blender more.
So then I turned to the Internet. I read the claims and suggestions on sephora.com, and though they were so far from what I had experienced, I was desperate and took their advice.
Maybe it was just a misunderstanding! So, today I sat down for round 3. I really want to love you.
I’m using another buffing brush and a single dip into the bottle for application, just like Sephora told me to.
Alright, we’re good… This could work. This could totally work. I’m adding a tiny bit more in troublesome areas, and then setting it with a light dusting of my trusty powder. As I finish the rest of my makeup, I notice my base is still looking fantastic. Yes! This is going to work. Our time is now!
But it was short lived. I looked in the mirror a couple hours later, and you’d separated into lines I didn’t even know I had. That was the last straw. It’s over. We are not compatible.
But just because we didn’t fit doesn’t mean you aren’t deserving of someone else’s face. I hope you find that match. I wish it could’ve been me. What we had for a total of, like, an hour and a half was incredible.
Not yours,
Nicole
kellly says
May 26th, 2016 at 11:24 amThis was a great post! Not only a full product review, but a lot of fun to read!
Thanks!
Nicole Fraser-Herron says
May 27th, 2016 at 10:05 amThanks, Kelly!
Kimmwc03 says
May 26th, 2016 at 11:26 amFunny post. Unfortunately, this foundation was incompatible with me too.
Sandy P says
May 26th, 2016 at 6:24 pmHad the same issues. However I am of a “mature age” and it didn’t over my age spots. What a waste of money
Lulle says
May 26th, 2016 at 11:52 amI tried it and really disliked it. First, the shades are way, way darker than with the rest of Clinique’s range. A MUA matched me with Alabaster, which is the lightest shade, and I’m nowhere near Snow White fair. Then it emphasized all my pores, fine lines, and texture I didn’t know I had. It felt and LOOKED thick. To be honest I found it really yucky, and I also had high hopes it could be a great affordable high coverage foundation!
Lulle recently posted … Epic Fail: L’Oreal Magic Skin Beautifier BB Cream Anti-Redness (Review)
Nicole Fraser-Herron says
May 27th, 2016 at 10:05 amI feel bad for every Sephora sales associate that has to give samples out for this stuff. Can you imagine how long that would take?
alex lee says
May 26th, 2016 at 12:16 pmI love the lipstick you are wearing….what shade is that!
Nicole Fraser-Herron says
May 27th, 2016 at 9:43 amThank you! It’s Ofra Cosmetics New Orleans w/MAC Versicolour in Preserving Passion over top.
Sakura says
May 26th, 2016 at 12:25 pmClever post! I won’t be trying this foundation. Thanks for saving me the $$$!
Nicole Fraser-Herron says
May 27th, 2016 at 9:44 amAnytime ?
Sabrina says
May 26th, 2016 at 12:58 pmI just loved the post. And it made me rethink buying it.I was actually quite curious about this foundation.
Nicole Fraser-Herron says
May 27th, 2016 at 9:46 amI’d recommend going into a store and at least swatching it. It baffled me – EVERYONE loves this foundation. It has a lot of potential, I’m just not even sure who it’s recommended for at this point. Dry skin? Oily? No idea. Mystified.
Cheyanne says
May 26th, 2016 at 12:59 pmOmg I love how this was written. Very entertaining!
-Cheyanne
http://www.lifeofcheyanne.blogspot.com
Nicole Fraser-Herron says
May 27th, 2016 at 9:47 amThank you! ?
Angela says
May 26th, 2016 at 1:45 pmLOL Great review, thanks for the honesty
Nicole Fraser-Herron says
May 27th, 2016 at 9:47 amThat’s what I’m here for!
Kellee says
May 26th, 2016 at 1:56 pmAwesome post! Very entertaining to read and very informative as well!
Erin says
May 26th, 2016 at 2:27 pmYIKES! I guess I can skip it. I’m not even sure they would have a shade that would work for me either. We’re similarly pale but I’m cooler in tone.
Erin recently posted … Ponzi Vineyards 2014 Pinot Gris
Nicole Fraser-Herron says
May 27th, 2016 at 9:48 amOh man. No they would not. The lightest shade was darker than the tannest part of my body. Not as bad as Tarte, but not as good as NARS or MUFE.
kwmechelle says
May 26th, 2016 at 3:17 pmThis was so funny & creative. Great read. Can’t help but wonder what lipstick you’re wearing? 🙂
Nicole Fraser-Herron says
May 27th, 2016 at 9:49 amThank you! I’m wearing Ofra Cosmetics liquid lipstick in New Orleans with MAC Versicolour stain in Preserving Passion over top!
Rachel R. says
May 26th, 2016 at 6:32 pmLOL This was a fun read. This stuff would be way too dark for me, so I’m not even going to try it.
LindaLibraLoca says
May 26th, 2016 at 7:10 pmSome things are just not meant to be. I had it in my list, but am unsure now. At 37, I have a lot of fine lines one could settle in to.
LindaLibraLoca recently posted … My labor and delivery story
Nicole Fraser-Herron says
May 27th, 2016 at 9:50 amSad face. I think it’s just a slippery foundation that moves around everywhere, no matter what you set it with. Such a shame.
Cecilia Wong says
May 26th, 2016 at 9:41 pmLoved your post. I was chuckling all throughout the great read.
Becky says
May 26th, 2016 at 9:46 pmOh boo! That’s such a shame! Love your style on this post, though! And it does look beautiful freshly applied!
Beekeyper – Latest post – 6 steps to swoon-worthy skin
Ashley says
May 26th, 2016 at 10:41 pmI thought it was just me! I’ve been trying to get this to work for me for 2 weeks and thought I could eventually find some primer or setting spray that would help, but I’m having the same issues. I didn’t even realize I had forehead lines before this foundation.
Nicole Fraser-Herron says
May 27th, 2016 at 9:59 amSame! So tragic. But now that I think about it… I don’t like the idea of a doe foot applicator for my foundation at ALL. I guess you could put it on the back of your hand first, but that seems aside the point if you’re going to provide the convenience of the applicator. What happens when you get a pimple, or just start to but don’t really realize what it’s future is in taking over your face… and then you contaminate the wand… then the product. Oh god it just sounds like a massive breakout situation that will never end.
MizzJ says
May 26th, 2016 at 11:56 pmLol this review was hilarious although I’m sad it didn’t work for you as this is one my favorites! I agree that the shades are sooo tricky to match and it takes some learning to use. The first few times I used way too much and broke out like crazy.
MizzJ recently posted … Les Soins de Jacynthe Skincare Review | 100% natural and 100% Canadian
Nicole Fraser-Herron says
May 27th, 2016 at 10:04 amIt worked for you?! Thank god. I’m so happy for you (and that isn’t sarcasm)! I really wanted it to work for me. It was honestly the most beautiful foundation upon first application. Sad days for me.
denise S says
May 27th, 2016 at 12:42 pmI don’t wear foundation but had to comment on that lipstick you’re wearing! Wish I could pull off that color! Looks great on you!!
Stephanie says
August 25th, 2016 at 6:19 amLove the post. I’ve had the same issues with this foundation. It’s in a long term relationship with the beautyblender. Have sadly had to part ways with it.