I change foundations a lot. While I used to think this fickleness was part of an eternal quest for “the one,” I now realize that I really enjoy the journey associated discovering new formulas. In fact, I now have a variety of excellent bases that I keep in rotation (but there is always room for one more!).
By Terry’s newest foundation installment, Cover Expert, has earned a place in my lineup since January and I can personally attest to the fact that it provides fantastic coverage, is excellent for sensitive skin, features a light texture and is infused with ingredients more akin to a skin treatment, rather than a heavy makeup.
Retailing at $65.00, this foundation is accessible at beauty.com and Bloomingdale’s and Barney’s NY; it offers a generous 1.7 ounces (versus the usual 1 ounce quantity of most foundations) in a squeeze tube.
I selected #7, Vanilla Beige, which the By Terry website describes as a shade to “warm up medium complexion and bring a golden touch,” although, I think it is definitely suitable for light skin tones as well.
The #7 (as swatched below) is similar in depth and tone to many other foundations I’ve used in the past (swatched for reference HERE). While it has a slightly yellow undertone, I find it a bit more neutral than the GA Designer Lift in #5 and the Dolce and Gabbana Perfect Finish Cream Foundation in Natural Glow. I can see myself wearing this through the Spring and maybe moving to the #8 Intense Beige (to be swatched soon) by summertime.
For reference, the swatches below L-R: By Terry Cover Expert in #7 Vanilla Beige and Cle de Peau concealer in Beige (note that the concealer has more of a peachy/salmon tone whereas the foundation is more yellow-based).
The squeeze tube is fantastic to tote around in a cosmetics bag and I find the packaging to be streamlined and quite light in weight. The only caveat appears to be that some of the foundation can collect at the spout so when the lid is removed, foundation is pooling at the exit. This, however, has not led to any leakage at all, so it is more of a convenience issue rather than a messy one. Another concern for some may be the classic “By Terry Scent” associated with the product line; it is a little floral and herby but definitely dissipates within a couple minutes of application.
As previously mentioned, this foundation provides remarkable coverage without looking mask-like or unnatural; only a small, pea-sized amount is necessary to cover the entire face, and I prefer to apply with the Sephora Airbrush for seamless blending. Once applied, there is absolutely no line of demarcation and the finish is satin and skin-like rather. The lasting power is worth noting as well…I apply Cover Expert at 7 AM (and do not even need set it with powder) and it still looks fresh by 7 PM. It is not touted as a “long-lasting” foundation, but I find it to possess more endurance than other foundations with that particular distinction.
I wholeheartedly recommend this foundation option to anyone seeking coverage, skin care benefits and a natural finish.
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| A close up of how By Terry Cover Expert Foundation #7 looks on the whole face! I am also wearing Guerlain Terracotta Bronzer in #1 and YSL Glossy Stain in #18 Rose Pastelle (reviewed HERE) |
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| Above: By Terry Cover Expert #7 in direct sunlight. |
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| Above: By Terry Cover Expert #7 on the face in outdoor lighting. |
Comments (16)
I realize this is an older post, but I wanted to take a moment to thank you for your review of this terrific foundation. I too enjoy using a variety of foundations in differing finishes and coverages and have a handful I tend to rotate. I'm really pleased to find another great, but not so hyped, product. I really like how lightweight the formula is while still providing excellent coverage. I'm in between colours which is typical for me, but a 50% blend of #3 and #7 is a spot on match for my skintones. Again, thanks for the swatches and review!
Hello Wwendalynn,
Good to hear from you! I am so happy that you enjoyed my review and appreciate your kind words! Cover Expert is one of my favorite foundations and I love that you created your perfect match with two shades (I do that all the time!). The formula is remarkable and, when applied properly, looks so natural. What are some other foundations you enjoy using?
Take care and xo,
–The Beauty Professor
Hi again! Oh, what haven't I tried? LoL 🙂 On current rotation I have Dolce and Gabbana Perfect Finish Creamy foundation. Hmm..I seem to recall you reviewed this one as well? Again, it's that light almost mouse like texture that I really like. Late last year, I tried Armani Maestro and really tried to like it, but it's definitely not for me in the cold months. It seems to bring out dry patches which I didn't even know existed. It's kinda gross around my nose! haha. I might give it a go during the really hot summer months because I do like the realistic texture and my skin is much plumper and oilier to counteract those drying tendencies. On rotation now for night time, I really like Bobbi Brown Long Wear Even Finish foundation. It's a bit thick and not as nice as the D&G or By Terry in lightness, but it makes my skin look freaking flawless amazing in more formal evening settings. I used to wear Guerlain Parure Gold for evening, but find the BobbiB shades a better colour match and better coverage.. just trickier to apply. Guerlain shades do not translate all that well one me. I've also tried all versions of HD foundations which got me a bit hooked on the look of more coverage, but I still like to wear lighter coverage in the summer and so I pull out Tom Ford Traceless liquid foundation or Nars Tinted moisturize when going for a really bare look. I haven't tried the TF stick, but would like to. I would also like to try Armani Lasting silk, but luminous silk was horrible mess which sat on top of my skin so I'm skeptical. Oh and last, but never last if you know what I mean.. I have not tried any Rouge Bunny Rouge formulas so that is yet another mission. Have a great weekend!
Hello Wendalynne!
Love your foundation rotation…it sounds like we've been down very similar roads! I haven't tried the Bobbi Brown Long Wear Even Finish foundation but your "freaking flawless" description is enticing. I agree that the Guerlain shades can be difficult…I feel like it's challenging to find a suitable match; combine that with the fact that they oxidize and it is a miracle that they match anyone (though the formulas are generally lovely). I recently tried the Estee Lauder Maximum Coverage foundation and was pleasantly surprised with the overall flawless effect…the lasting power, however, could definitely be better…especially in humidity. I do love the TF stick…just used it today for the first time in a while…it is easy to work with and imparts a clean canvas. I also couldn't stand Luminous Silk…I wanted to love it like everyone else did, but it never did "become one" with my skin and for that, it warranted an swift return.
Hope you had a wonderful weekend and talk soon!
xoxo,
–The Beauty Professor
hi,
i love your blog posts and swatches 🙂
I'm nc35-40 and also between 03 beige diaphane and 04 beige naturel ( 04 is a bit darker and also pinkish for me and 03 is a little bit light for me in summer) in lancome.
which by terry shade would be suitable for me? 🙂
Hello Bakimliblog,
Thank you so much!! In light of your current color matches, I think that you could be #10. There is a huge jump between #9 (NC 30) and #10 (NC 35-40)! In turn, #10 is probably your best bet, unless you want to get two, at which point, I would suggest #9 as well so you can mix to customize your shade!
Hope that helps…xoxo,
–The Beauty Professor
hi,
i couldnt decide which shade to buy in by terry and bought chanel perfection lumiere instead. Its 40 beige and suits my nc40 skin well.
I have to buy by terry online since its not sold in where i live. Which shade do you think would be better? #9 or #10 ? 🙂
Thanks for the update, Bakimliblog! I am glad that you were able to settle on a foundation that is a strong match for your skin. #9 is about NC 30 and #10 is about NC 40-42. In turn, I think that #10 is likely your best bet since #9 is much lighter than NC 40.
Take care,
–The Beauty Professor
Hello BP:-)
Love your blog and find it very helpfull. Could you compare cover expert #7 to Dior forever flawless 021 and Chanel Perfection lumiere B30? I want to buy this one online but I'm scared because I'm not sure if the color is too dark.
Thanks in advance, greets from Croatia:-)
Ana
Hello Ana,
Thank you so much!! i will do my best to swatch the shades that you've mentioned that I have in my collection as soon as I can!
Take care in Croatia…love from the USA ; )
–The Beauty Professor
Thank you so much for this useful and help post, very detailed and descriptive. Your swatches really helped nailed down my color matches although I am still debating between #3,and # 4. As in one of your other post, I am currently using Dior nude #20 and Dior airflash #200, can you give me some advice on what I should go for? Once again, thank you so much for such a wonderful post~~
My pleasure, Anon! I am glad you've found it helpful ; ) I suggest #4 because it is closest to the Dior Nude #20 and Airflash #200…#3 is quite light and very yellow, whereas #4 is light but slightly more neutral in undertone (like the Dior shades you mention).
I hope that helps!
xoxo and keep me posted,
–The Beauty Professor
Hi Beauty Professor,
I truly love your Blog the detail that you put into your reviews and swatching is fantastic and so so helpful so thank you for all your hard work.
I am going to buy this foundation online as no where near me sells it.
But I am really torn as to what shade to buy. 7 8 or 9
My skin colouring appears to be very similar to yours, now when you say in other posts that you are using shade 9 for summer when you tan, are you matching that to your chest or is your face tanning as well?
My face never really gets darker as I am dilligent with sunscreen but everywhere else tans a bit darker
I am curently using Estee Lauder Double Wear in 3c1 Pebble which is spot on, i have a neutral to slightly yellow colouring.
What colour do you think?
I am also using the new Napoleon BBB cream in Medium/dark which is fantastic. I am leaning towards 8.
Thanks in advance
Julie
Hello Julie,
Thanks for your sweet comment! I am so happy you found your way to my blog!! In response to your question, I don't ever tan my face so when I go darker, it's to match my body that does get a bit of sun in the summer ; ) I think that you will be happy with #8…#7 only works for me in the dead of winter and #9 is best when I have a tan, so #8 is a nice compromise, similar to the Double Wear you like.
I hope that helps…xoxo and do keep me posted,
–The Beauty Professor
Hi Beauty Professor! You are the first person I come to when I am considering a new high-end purchase. I am torn right now between the Cover Expert and Sheer Expert. I have pretty good skin and am 25, so I'm not too terribly concerned with covering indications of age. I really enjoy a more luminous finish, which first led me to sheer expert. However, I have read a few reviews that state Sheer Expert and Cover Expert have the same finish and Cover Expert is simply more coverage. I would love your opinion on this. If it is true, then I would most likely go for Cover Expert as I feel it would possibly be more versatiel than the sheer version. I don't have a retailer near me to test the two out, so your input on the finish of each and your favorite/why would be more than appreciated! Thank you!
Hi Ashlyn,
Thanks for the kind compliment! I own and love both the Sheer and Cover Expert but find that I reach for the Cover Expert more as it gives great coverage but can be sheered out with primer or an illuminator if you desire less opacity. I almost always mix Sheer Expert with something more pigmented (like Kevyn Aucoin SSE) when I am feeling experimental, so in sum, I suggest the Cover Expert overall!
I hope that helps…xx,
–The Beauty Professor