Essence All About Matte Oil Free Makeup Review

Being a student every little penny is precious, I had run out of foundation and was in town and wanted to get a foundation that wouldn't break the break but also wouldn't break my face!

I went into Farmers and looked at all the different ranges then came across the "Essence" stand. I had seen this stand before in Farmers but never stopped to look.

The display was nicely set up and very simple, I was immediately pulled towards the prices because they were very reasonable! I am quite glad they had testers as well as it made the purchase more easier.

I think I paid about $8 for this foundation and it was worth it! The liquid foundation had a smooth consistency and blended very well for me.

It didn't irritate my skin, or create break outs! It also lasted most of the day! The foundation didn't smell powerful and it wasn't sticky at all.

It worked well with all my other makeup, I would go for this again!

I bought this a few weeks ago while in buying another of the Essence products id had recommended to me, i usually buy another brands Matt foundation, but the price caught my eye so i thought id give it ago. So glad i did its just as good if not better than my previous brand, stays on all day and looks great, doesnt feel heavy and looks great, and the price wow so cheap for a great product, i bought four products from the Essence range for the price of what i was paying for one previously, cant complain about that, im a total Essence convert now.

I bought this to try out when I saw it cheap at Farmers. I was almost out of my BB cream so I thought I'd give this a go and I'm so glad I did.

This foundation is matte yet non drying, it gets me through my work day without making my face look oily and yuck. I do still get a little shine on my nose but that's something I can live with.

It's easy to apply, I just squeeze it directly from the tube onto my face then blend it in with my Real Techniques foundation brush.

The coverage isn't all that great but a coat of powder over the top sorts that out.

The colour range could be better but if you find something that matches your skin tone even if it isn't a complete match, you can fix this by using a powder that matches.

I picked this up in an Essence sale at Farmers Manukau, paying less than $5 for it. I was intrigued by the claims of a matte finish, and the fact that the product is oil free.

Essence All About Matt! Oil Free Make-up is marketed as being mattifying yet moisturising, and long lasting. I find that my skin retains hydration but doesn't go oily when wearing this, but that the '12 hour' claim for how long it lasts is a little optimistic. It definitely lasts through my usual workday though, and the finish is a nice matte that wears well. You'd never know it was such a cheap product.

I class this as falling somewhere between BB cream and foundation. It's on the sheerer side for a foundation, but offers better coverage and finish than most BB creams. I apply it with my Bossy Blender and it works really well.

The packaging is slightly cheap looking, but who cares for a base product that you apply in the comfort of your own bathroom? The tube is tan and white, with a dark red cap and labelling. The dispenser is at the bottom, allowing easy extraction.

I have shade 20: Matt Nude. The 30 ml size is generous as a little goes quite a long way. The consistency is of a thick-ish cream that looks slightly dewy until it dries and sets to the matte powder finish. The product doesn't cake or crease that I have experienced.

For a cheap base, this is exceptional. It doesn't break me out or make me oily, it has a pleasant set, it lasts, and it looks good. I am now using this in favour of BB cream for 'normal' days.