Fenty Pro Filt'r Hydrating Longwear Foundation - worth the hype?

Two years ago, I reviewed the original Fenty Pro Filt'r foundation here. In short, it was a lot of hard work to make it look good on my dry skin so I passed it on to a friend who has combination skin. I was surprised that it took two years to release a second foundation but it's better to take the time to perfect a product than just keep churning out releases, which is what a lot of other brands are doing at the moment. When I heard that a hydrating version of  Pro Filt'r Longwear Foundation was being launched,  I was in two minds about buying it. Lord knows, I don't really need any more foundations but the description of a natural finish, suitable for dry skin kinda sucked me in - what can I say, I'm weak?! I've been putting it to the test and want to share my thoughts. 

I'm delighted that this is housed in a tube with a pump, as opposed to the glass bottle that the original foundation was (and still is) in. There are 50 shades available so there really should be something for everyone. Fenty paved the way for a lot of brands extending their abysmal shade ranges, which is a really good thing. Every skin tone should have a match available in this day and age! I chose shade 230, which is described as being for light/medium skin with neutral undertones. It's quite difficult to find a foundation that is truly neutral - pink shades do not suit me at all and yellow tones are a little too warm (although I can make them work) but a true neutral looks best on my skin.

The formula is a creamy liquid - not too watery, which is nice as I can dab it on without worrying that it will drip off my face before I get to blend it. Although this is described as hydrating (and formulated with grapeseed oil), I still need to use a hydrating primer with this foundation, otherwise it's quite cakey and just doesn't sit, blend or feel good on my skin. That said, I need to wear a primer with all foundations!

I have tried a number of application methods - beauty sponge, my fingers, stippling brush, buffing brush etc. The best that I have found is the Powder N Pout HD Blender brush, which basically acts like a beauty blender. I have had this brush for months and liked it but it has really come into its own with this foundation as it really meshes it with the skin in the same way that a beauty sponge does. No other brush that I own works in the same way with this foundation.

The coverage is a solid medium, perhaps buildable but not to completely full, in my opinion. The finish is very natural - it isn't dewy, it isn't matte - it looks like perfect skin. Usually hydrating foundations are associated with a glowy finish but not in this case. I find that taking my time buffing it into my skin ensure that it really does look like my skin, but better. It applies smoothly over a hydrating primer, it doesn't cake or settle nor does it highlight pores or fine lines. It's basically what I had hoped the Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless Foundation to be.

I like that it doesn't feel heavy on the skin and what really impresses me the most is the staying powder. No joke - this will look exactly the same when you are removing it as when applied. That is without any powder! It is seriously brilliant and perfect for long days or nights out.

I don't know if I expected to love this foundation but I really do! Do you like the sound of it?

Available from Boots and Harvey Nichols.

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All products are bought by me, unless otherwise stated. I don't do sponsored posts. Opinion is always my own. Affiliate links may be used.