The quest for the perfect foundation is a never-ending journey for many. We crave that flawless complexion, that canvas upon which we can paint our best selves. When it comes to high-end foundations, Yves Saint Laurent (YSL) is a name that consistently appears on beauty lovers' radars. Their All Hours Foundation has long been lauded for its long-wearing capabilities and full coverage promise. But does it truly live up to the hype? Is it worth the investment? And how does it compare to the discerning eye of a seasoned makeup expert like Temptalia?
This comprehensive review aims to dissect the YSL All Hours Foundation, examining its claims, performance, and overall value. We'll delve into its texture, finish, shade range, and wear-time, while also considering various aspects like availability at Sephora and Boots, the All Hours Foundation Stick, and even the nuances of finding your perfect shade using the YSL foundation color chart. While we won't have an official Temptalia review to directly quote (as that would require their own independent assessment), we'll approach this review with a similar level of detail and critical analysis, providing you with a thorough understanding of this popular foundation.
The Allure of All Hours: What YSL Promises
YSL All Hours Foundation positions itself as a high-performance, long-wearing foundation designed to provide a flawless, matte complexion that lasts all day (and night). The brand promises full coverage that effortlessly conceals imperfections and evens out skin tone without feeling heavy or cakey. It claims to be transfer-resistant, sweat-resistant, and humidity-resistant, making it an ideal choice for those with active lifestyles or those living in challenging climates.
First Impressions: Texture and Application
One of the first things you'll notice about the YSL All Hours Foundation is its texture. It's undeniably thick, which can initially be intimidating for those accustomed to lighter, more fluid formulas. However, don't let the thickness deter you. This is where the "blendable" aspect of the product shines.
While thick, the foundation is surprisingly easy to work with. It glides onto the skin smoothly and blends seamlessly with the help of a good quality brush, sponge, or even your fingertips. A damp beauty sponge can help sheer out the coverage slightly, while a dense foundation brush will maximize its concealing power.
Coverage and Finish: Achieving Flawless Perfectionysl all hours foundation review temptalia
The YSL All Hours Foundation delivers on its promise of full coverage. It effectively covers blemishes, redness, and uneven skin tone with just a small amount of product. For those with significant skin concerns, it can be layered for even more coverage without looking unnatural.
The finish is a true matte, but not the flat, one-dimensional matte that can leave the skin looking dull and lifeless. Instead, it's a velvety matte that retains a subtle luminosity, creating a natural-looking, almost airbrushed effect. The foundation effectively controls shine throughout the day, making it a great option for those with oily or combination skin. However, those with dry skin might find it necessary to properly hydrate and prime the skin beforehand to prevent the foundation from clinging to dry patches.
Long-Wearing Performance: Does it Really Last?
Longevity is where the YSL All Hours Foundation truly excels. It lives up to its name, providing impressive wear-time that lasts throughout the day and well into the evening. Even after hours of wear, the foundation remains intact, with minimal fading or transfer.
The sweat-resistant and humidity-resistant properties are also noteworthy. The foundation holds up well in hot and humid conditions, resisting the dreaded melting and sliding that can plague other foundations. This makes it a reliable choice for special occasions or long days when you need your makeup to stay put.
Shade Range and Matching Your Perfect Hue: The YSL Foundation Color Chart
Finding the perfect foundation shade is crucial for achieving a natural-looking finish. YSL offers a decent range of shades in the All Hours Foundation, catering to a variety of skin tones and undertones.
The YSL foundation color chart is your best friend when navigating the shade selection process. It's typically organized with numbers representing depth (lighter to darker) and letters indicating undertone (C for cool, N for neutral, and W for warm). For example, B20 is a light beige with a neutral undertone, while BD50 is a medium beige with a warm undertone.
It's always recommended to swatch the foundation on your jawline in natural light to ensure a perfect match. Visiting a Sephora or Boots store where you can test the shades in person is ideal. However, if you're purchasing online, carefully research shade descriptions and compare swatches to your existing foundations to find the closest match.
Where to Buy: YSL All Hours Foundation Sephora and Boots
The YSL All Hours Foundation is widely available at major beauty retailers, making it relatively easy to purchase.
* Sephora: Sephora is a popular destination for purchasing YSL beauty products, including the All Hours Foundation. They offer a wide selection of shades, as well as helpful staff who can assist with shade matching. You can also find the foundation online at Sephora.com.
* Boots: In the UK, Boots is a reliable source for YSL cosmetics. They carry a good range of shades and often offer promotions and discounts on beauty products. The foundation is also available on the Boots website.