Last year there was a serious heat-wave here on the west coast and every single makeup foundation that I had tried up to that point would rub right off of my face due to the perspiration factor, which was an unfortunate consequence of the extreme humidity that came along with said hot spell, leaving my makeup terribly smeared and streaked as a result, practically in an instant. By the time I was done with something as simple as grocery shopping, let alone anything more strenuous, my cover-up would be a complete and utter mess. It was immensely embarrassing, as I’m sure you can well imagine, and possibly even attest to from your own point of view.
The discomposure that I’ve experienced on far too many occasions, as I have described above, sent me on a hunt for a better foundation – one that would not rub off, streak or smear when the mercury – and the humidity – rises. One that would last through an active day of wear, no matter what the activities in question were. One that would blend in smoothly, while deftly covering the imperfections of my skin, such as occasionally dark under-eye circles and some broken capillaries here and there. Plus, I didn’t want something that would look obvious around the edges of my face – meaning the color needed to be a close match for my general skin tone. I always require that my cover-up contain an SPF of 15 or higher, to help prevent sun damage and premature aging, as well.
My Search Began
As I was browsing around the makeup section of my local drug-store, I discovered that the Revlon brand of makeup had a new line of liquid foundation on the market, known as Revlon ColorStay Active Light Makeup SPF 25 , which the manufacturer claims to be “sweat proof”, right on the front of the package. I was definitely intrigued once I’d read that.
Careful examination of the package revealed that the foundation is also “sun proof” and “rub-off proof … even during exercise”. In fact, it actually has an SPF of 25. The foundation also boasts a “Patented SoftFlex formula…”, which “…provides a lightweight, comfortable feel…”, that “…will not rub off with normal use…”, and “…lasts up to 16 hours…”, according to the Revlon website for this particular product.
After further investigation of the product, I chose a one-ounce tube of the “buff” colored foundation, which appeared to be a suitable match for my skin tone. Then I anteed up the required $12.99 plus tax and was on my way.
Incidentally, Revlon does make other ColorStay Active products that are designed to be used in conjunction with the Revlon ColorStay Active Light Makeup SPF 25 , however, at that time I chose to try out the foundation first, in order to see how the product truly performed.
The Application
The liquid foundation has a slightly viscous consistency, yet with a minor amount of force on my part, it flows smoothly and readily from the tip of the arrow-like tube that contains the foundation. I like that the foundation can be stored upright, yet the opening is at the bottom – this allows gravity to facilitate me in getting every last drop of foundation out of the tube.
Before applying any foundation to my face, I always begin with a freshly cleansed palette. The next thing I must do is apply a lightweight facial moisturizer and let it set up for a few moments, lest my arid skin attempt to imbibe the makeup, as if it were some kind of double chocolate-chip mocha frappe.
Once my own prerequisites have been fulfilled, I begin applying the Revlon ColorStay Active Light Makeup to my newly cleansed and moisturized skin with my fingertips. I realize that this is a somewhat unorthodox method, versus using a sponge-like makeup applicator, however I do make it a point to wash my hands and fingernails thoroughly before I begin applying my makeup. I’ve never had a problematic result after doing so.
I apply a dime-sized amount of the foundation to my fingertips on one hand, rubbing them briskly together with the fingers of my other hand, as this foundation does set up rather quickly. Gliding the foundation over my skin using both hands, beginning near my jaw line on either side of my face, I work upward, moving my fingers in a circular pattern, working from my cheeks toward my eye-area, then towards my nose and forehead, carefully blending in each area until the makeup is almost dry. After that, I apply a small amount of the foundation around my mouth and chin area.
Before the makeup sets up completely, I like to blend a tiny bit more foundation into the area surrounding my eyes, in order to help combat dark circles, plus I use a small amount on an area of my skin that has some unsightly broken capillaries.
I’ve discovered that this foundation has such excellent coverage properties that I don’t even need to use a concealer for my problem areas the way I used to with other foundations. After the foundation has fully dried up, I apply a loose, translucent facial powder.
How the Product Performs
Revlon ColorStay Active Light Makeup works exceptionally well with the loose facial powder that I normally apply over my foundation. The combination of these two products, when applied properly, provides a smooth and flawless surface, which is perfect for the application of powder blushers and eye shadows, regardless of the brand of the product, at least in my experience.
More importantly, no matter how incredibly high the temperature may climb in my area, and regardless of the activity level of my day, whether it’s a light-duty afternoon of errand-running and housecleaning, or I’m chasing the kids around the block for the twenty-fifth time, Revlon ColorStay Active Light Makeup honestly does live up to the claims of the manufacturer.
Although Revlon ColorStay Active Light makeup is in fact “rub-off proof”, I’ve found that it is also fairly easy to remove when using a proper makeup remover, be it a liquid, cream, oil, or gel, a makeup-removing disposable wipe – or even when using -gasp- plain old soap and water.
As mentioned previously, I purchased a one-ounce tube of Revlon ColorStay Active Light Makeup from my local drugstore for $12.99 plus tax, but a quick Google search proves that it is widely available at numerous online stores, such as best-price.com, drugstore.com and makeup.com, for those who enjoy making such purchases over the internet. The foundation comes in a wide variety of colors, ranging from “ivory” to “toast”, with eight other choices in between, including “sand beige”, “medium beige” and “natural tan”. I paid the full retail price, but this product may be purchased for considerably less, depending on where you shop.
For external use only. Not to be swallowed. Avoid contact with eyes. Discontinue use if signs of irritation rash appear. Do not use on infants. Apply prior to sun exposure.
Bottom Line
When I’m wearing Revlon ColorStay Active Light Makeup SPF 25, even on extraordinarily hot days, or anytime that I’m so active that I begin to perspire, I’m able to simply dab the sweat away, yet the foundation will continue to adhere strictly to my skin, without streaking, smearing, or rubbing off in any way, shape or form. I’ve also been exposed to the sun for longer than I would like while wearing this foundation and have been quite pleased with the sun proof factor capabilities, as I’ve notice no evidence of damage whatsoever after such sun exposure.
I wholeheartedly recommend this product to anyone that wants a sweat proof, “rub-off proof”, oil-free foundation, yet also desires a high quality makeup that is able to provide ample and even coverage, in addition to being SPF 25, to help prevent sun damage and premature aging.
