Is Estée Lauder Doublewear really as good as everyone says?

[RockStarMartini]

I’m late 40s and my skin is ok - combination, tends to be a bit shiny in places and flaky in others with some visible pores but not too many lines. Unfortunately I do have some sun damage so I definitely need a decent coverage but I don’t want anything that looks too heavy and ‘done’.

Is it worth splashing out on DW based on how good it’s meant to be?

I like it and have went back several times. It's buildable so I do lighter coverage for day time and look very natural and build it if I'm going out.

I wouldn’t recommend it for your skin type and finish your after. It is heavy coverage and looks very ‘done’. I think it works best on oily skin and imo can cling to dry patches.

I’d recommend Armani luminous silk, nars sheer or Lisa Eldridge’s foundation instead.

Agree with the above comment, it's not good for dry skin and definitely isn't a natural finish. I do like it but it gives you the done look you don't want, you can get a sample if you go to their counter in boots so maybe that's worth trying and they'll colour match you.

I bought several different ones before my wedding recently, inc Charlotte Tilbury, Doublewear and Armani Luminous Silk.
As @Blondbombsite said, the EL is probably one of the most obvious and ‘done’ finishes out there, and quite heavy, even with a light touch.
CT also was too heavy.
Armani I initially liked, but having worn it again recently, it did look quite obvious.

I’m mid forties with a similar skin type to you (and pigmentation), and best I’ve found recently is either Kosas, or surprisingly, a foundation serum by Typology. It’s more like skincare than makeup, and gives a glowy quite sheer look, but I find it builds well over the areas with pigmentation.

if you really do want to try the EL, ask for a small sample pot at one of the EL counters, they’re usually quite generous.

I think it's great - but you have to have a very light touch (I finally 'discovered' those fat foundation brushes and that has made a big difference).

OR, you can let it down with a no-oil moisturiser - that works really well. just mix together on your hand & apply.

For lasting finish, there's nothing like it.

I use it and it covers well despite combination skin. For me, I have a dry forehead, so just as I am about to apply my foundation I use a light layer of rose oil just in that area. That stops it clinging to the drier bits.

Just the one light layer - applied with a kabuki brush - looks perfectly natural on me.

I apply one pump with a damp beauty blender and it looks great, very natural but also with decent coverage. I have an oily t zone with big pores and cheeks on the dry side.

I like it but as others have said, it definitely has that 'make up' look. I use mine for going to weddings, nights out etc. My other favourite is Illamasqua skin base.

Armani luminous silk is better

I love it. My skin is very dry and I find it works much better than anything else I've tried.

I do prep my skin before application: gently buff away any flakiness, good moisturiser etc

If my skin is especially and noticeably dry, I apply it before my moisturiser has fully sunk in.

I'm younger than you but suffer with acne (so also get oily patches) and need good coverage. Can build it up over flawed areas easily, it's pretty weightless too.

Currently using DW Sheer. Miss their Light version, recently discontinued, but Sheer gives a lovely deweyness. Sometimes mix the two (DW and DW Sheer).

I also finish with Caudalie mist if skin is vv dry.

I live it but it covers my freckles which I love, so I Ed’s up just using it under my eyes, as it’s better than any concealer I’ve ever used, and on my chin to cover any hormonal break outs. I use Revlon Colorstay in the rest of my face and that seems to work fit me!

I like it but it does exacerbate my dryness if I use it repeatedly in the same week. I really rate the IT Cosmetics Your Skin But Better. So wearable.

I’ve used it since I was 16. I’m now 38

Too heavy for my liking, although the double wear concealer is very good, I just use that wear I need more coverage.

I've been using it but in the last month or so I've found it's not working as well and looks quite heavy. I've ordered their new Hydra version to try. I'll look at these other recommendations too though.

I think your foundation should get lighter as you get older. I realise you say you need some coverage but it's better to use a light/medium foundation and then concealer on the areas that a need a bit extra. DW can be quite cakey.

I have used it for the past 20 years and I’m now 47. My skin is much drier than it was when I was young but I still love it - the coverage & longevity are so good (I have acne scarring & pigmentation so need a decent coverage). But like others say - you have to use a light touch if you don’t want to look too “done”.

I’ve started using a better primer and less foundation and also use a kabuki brush to get a natural look.

I used it for years but went off it as I thought it looked cakey. I have recently gone back to it and, after years spent applying foundation with a brush, I've started using my fingers and the difference is amazing. It no longer looks cakey and nor does it settle in lines. If you want a lighter coverage, try using a damp beauty blender. I'd go and get a sample from an EL counter and see how you get on.

Thanks all, I think I’ll go to a counter and try it but if it’s not what I want there are some other good suggestions