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| Above: The By Terry Densiliss Foundation comes in 10 shades and retails for $115. |
Upon hearing the news that the By Terry Densiliss Foundation recently debuted at my local SpaceNK, I promptly traipsed to the By Terry counter for a serious swatching session. Although I left with samples of both #4 and #7, as well as a full bottle of #7, I will exercise extreme restraint in this post and avoid offering my initial impressions other than to say that it appears to give glowy, medium coverage that lasts the whole day. This formula is currently available at Barney’s NY, Space NK, Bloomingdales, Beauty.com and B-Glowing.
Here is what the By Terry website has to say about this formula…
The 1st wrinkle control and firming serum foundation scientifically proven and approved,that improves skin density, diminishes lines and simultaneously treats all signs of aging.
Terrybly Densiliss® combines a revolutionary patented rejuvenating active ingredient with an optimal makeup correction that immediately targets surface wrinkles and provides deep-down and lasting global result.
A genuine complexion rejuvenator, 50% skincare 50% makeup, for 100% anti-aging effectiveness.
– Mimetic Factor: A new active patented care which reduces lines and wrinkles and stops the loss of density of the skin. He acts in a biomimetic way against wrinkles.
– Flawless Time-Control complex: an association of 3 “powders-pigments” for a triple action on the skin:
- “Wrinkle Control” translucent powder: smoothing correction
- “Instant Rosy Glow” Prisms: instant healthy glow
- “Autofocus Affinity” powder: reduces flaws optical
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| Above: Initial swatches of all 10 shades in indoor, fluorescent lighting. |
Shade Descriptions (in my experience):
1. Fresh Fair: Fair-light pinky beige for NW 10-15 skin tones.
2. Cream Ivory: Fair-light neutral beige for N/NC 10-15 skin tones.
3. Vanilla Beige: Light neutral beige for N 15-N 20 skin tones
4. Natural Beige: Light beige with yellow undertones for NC 20 skin tones.
5. Medium Peach: Light peachy beige for N/NW 25 skin tones.
6. Light Amber: Medium peachy beige for NW 27-30 skin tones.
7. Golden Beige: Light-medium golden beige for N/NC 25-27 skin tones.
8. Warm Sand: Medium to medium dark golden beige for NC 30-35 skin tones.
**There is a massive jump from Warm Sand to Intense Mocha!
9. Intense Mocha: Dark neutral beige for N/NW/NC 45-50 skin tones.
10. Deep Ebony: Rich, dark cocoa for N/NW/NC 50 + skin tones.
Scroll on for swatches of all ten shades in various lighting situations…
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| Above: Swatches indoors, with a flash. |
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| Above: Swatches of all 10 shades in the shade. |
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| Above: Swatches of the first five shades in the shade. |
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| Above: Swatches of the second five shades in the shade. |
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| Above: Swatches of all 10 shades in direct sunlight. |
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| Above: Swatches of the first five shades in direct sunlight. |
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| Above: Swatches of the second five shades in direct sunlight. |
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| Above: I vacillated between #4 and #7 before finally settling on purchasing the #7. #4 is the equivalent of NC 20 (and thereby would be too pale for me right now) while #7 is more on par with NC 25 skin tones. |
–Shop the Post–
Bottom Line: Clearly, I haven’t tried this long enough to provide a proper, comprehensively executed review, however, I can say with certainty that I have yet to be disappointed with a single By Terry product. The line is consistently reflective of immense quality…a harmonious synergy of skincare, color and performance. I will continue to test drive the Densiliss formula (in my current best match, #7 Golden Beige) this week and create an overview of my thoughts in the very near future. In the meanwhile, I hope this round of swatches is endlessly useful should you choose to order this foundation online, currently available at Barney’s NY, Space NK, Bloomingdales, Beauty.com and B-Glowing.
Have you tried this formula yet? Thoughts?
xoxo,
–The Beauty Professor
**This post contains affiliate links; my disclosure policy contains additional details on how these work.
Comments (58)
Yes, I got a sample of shade 7, I have been matched before the By Terry makeup artist had me at shade 8 in the Cover Expert(I always thought I was a NC20????? But must be deeper). The shade 7 was the closest in the new one. I like it a lot, good coverage, feels light on the skin. Haven't noticed any anti ageing yet. Whether I will buy a full size depends how long it take me to use up one of the 5 foundations I am rotating currently.
Excellent…and yes, you are right…shade #7 in the Densiliss is the closest to #7 in the Cover Expert/Sheer Expert formulas. It is the perfect duality of coverage and lightness and the lasting power is substantial (it is still going strong on my face as I type this, 12 hours after application!
xoxo,
–The Beauty Professor
I've tried it and it's amazing! It's a matte coverage with glow. It's the replacement of the Lumiere Veloutee formula. I did comparisons with cover expert, densiliss and LV.
It's my HG foundation, the 2 years were worth the wait.
Hello Panties,
It is amazing, indeed (as was your review!). I agree…it is totally worth the wait and definitely different from both the Sheer and Cover Expert versions (which I also own!).
xoxo and talk soon,
–The Beauty Professor
Thank you so much for the swatches! 🙂 Now I have to decide btw 4 and 7. Does it oxidize at all?
-Kate
My absolute pleasure, Kate! By the time I am writing this, I know you have chosen #7…ENJOY!
xoxo,
–The Beauty Professor
I am more excited than is reasonable knowing I most certainly ordered the correct shade! As always, your swatches are incredible. It is such a tremendous help to those who cannot get to the counter in person; the different lighting is beyond helpful! Plus they are just down right cool to look at! I have made some friends on MUA recently who adore your blog as well. Finding fellow foundation scouts is so much fun! On a side note: Yay! Panties is posting on your blog!! I have a feeling you two would be very good friends if in the same city! May still happen 😀
Hello Shoshanna!
You absolutely ordered the right shade (our shade!). Thanks for your kind words about my swatches…I like to treat it as an art form of sorts ; ) Thanks also for passing on the great news about BP supporters on MUA…I have read that site for so long that it is an utter treat hear such kind things! I deeply admire Panties' taste and know that we'd likely have endless makeup discussions if given the unmitigated chance…so fun.
You, my dear, have a wonderful rest of the week and talk soon…xoxo to you!
–The Beauty Professor
I love this post and your swatches! I purchased this last week (or actually used my Space NK/Bloomingdale's rewards to get it for free!) and am in love. I'm somewhere between a #2 and #3 in Cover Expert and Sheer Expert (I'm NC15 leaning neutral and usually mix the two BT foundations) and my favorite By Terry artist matched me to #4. We compared #2 and #3 and without a doubt #4 is the best match after I let it settle into my skin for a few minutes. After a few days' use I find it applies sheerer than Cover Expert but provides just about the same amount of coverage, if that makes sense. I can just about get a full day of matte coverage with two pumps. I'm still experimenting applying it with brushes and sponges and over primers and sunscreens. It looks amazing applied with a Beauty Blender over By Terry Seve de Rose serum. Hope this helps someone with a shade match.
Hello Julia,
Thank you! Nothing quite like using reward to procure a free, high-end foundation…bravo! Glad to know that you found #4 to be closer to a NC 15/ NC 20…that confirmation is just what those vacillating between shades need to know! I agree, the coverage is deceptively good, and the lasting power is equally remarkable. I wore it for 14 hours today without any major touchups (save, for a bit of powder in the afternoon). I, too, got great application results with the Beauty Blender.
Thanks for sharing your experience and do keep in touch…xoxo,
–The Beauty Professor
I cant tell you how happy i am you swatched all the colours of this , now ill be able to order it !!!! I love your website Rachel , i dont always comment but i always read it and watch you x im a foundation junkie always looking forvthe next best thing lol thankyou hunny
Hello Mabel,
Thanks for your bright and sunny comment! I am beyond glad you found this post (and my blog!) helpful…I have such fun writing about foundation ; )
Thank you for being a wonderful reader…xoxo and have a great week,
–The Beauty Professor
Thank you so much for this post! Your swatches are so much appreciated, particularly for those of us who live far away from any By Terry counter! I have successfully used your swatches and advice to buy Cover Expert in Vanilla Beige, #7, which suits me very well. I would love to order this foundation online but am also vacillating between 4 and 7. I think I am an NC 20-23 and I just can't make up my mind! If you or anyone could recommend which one i should lean towards because I'm so excited to try it!! thanks so much again
My pleasure, Sonia! I do my swatches for readers such as yourself and always appreciate the positive feedback ; ) This is a tough one…in my experience, #4 is closer to NC 20 (and, as Julia commented above, it could even work for NC 15 skin) and #7 is in the NC 23-25 range. Perhaps those additional details will give you greater clarity on your order…I sure hope so!
xoxo,
–The Beauty Professor
Fantastic! It is impossible to find shade descriptions, even on the BT website – this is great!
Happy to help, Marianne! Thanks for visiting!
xoxo,
–The Beauty Professor
Hi BP,
Would it be possible to have a picture of Cover Expert #7 next to the Densiliss #7 for comparison. Cover Expert in #7 is perfect for me but it's such a special shade that I generally go lighter, think NC 22-23. Chanel VitaL in B20 is also great for me.
Thanks so much for all your work. It's so appreciated.
I'll see if I can add one this weekend! The sun is gone for today, but hopefully I'll get some supremely accurate light tomorrow!
xoxo and take care,
–The Beauty Professor
Rachel you read my mind I swear!! LOL!! Soooo I just ordered Suqqu FFCF-N and was pondering this one from ByTerry and boom! Here you are with all these amazing swatches!! I've gotten a bit lighter with the arrival of Fall and right now Tom Ford Traceless stick in Fawn is my exact match. (I think I goofed ordering my Suqqu in 002…praying I'll lighten up a bit more lol!). Which shade in the ByTerry do you think would be closest to Fawn? 7 looks intriguing and honestly I'd rather go a smidge dark than too light…and 4 looks intensely yellow. Would you recommend shade 7?
With all the holiday goodies abounding, my foundation obsession is revving back into overdrive, as I always need "winter faves" to wear as a base for all the holiday lovelies!
Things have been so crazy, I'm excited to get back into the swing of things…I hope all is well with you! Hope to talk soon!
Much love!
Hello DocSmitty,
Wonderful to hear from you! Thrilled to hear that this post popped up in a timely manner for you! I find that #7 is somewhere between TF Fawn and TF Natural…close to a NC 25. Unfortunately, #4 (which is the next logical step down for light beige skin with yellow undertones) feels much lighter…very much a NC 20 shade. That being said, if you'd rather go a tiny bit darker, then #7 would likely be the best option.
I totally know what you mean about "foundation obsession," though I am afraid that mine is on overdrive for the entire year ; )
I hope all is well with you, too…looking forward to chatting soon!
Have a fantastic weekend…xoxo,
–The Beauty Professor
I, too, am interested in seeing a swatch comparison with Densiliss Golden Beige and Cover Expert shade #7, which I've used through two tubes based on your earlier review. Also, any remark on the difference in texture/finish would be much appreciated! I live nowhere near any store that carries By Terry and have to order from Barney's in NYC–sight unseen! Thanks!
Hello Suzanna,
Thanks for your comment…I just edited the pictures today and should have them up this week! Excited to share them on the blog!
xoxo,
–The Beauty Professor
Hi Beautyprofessor! I'm so glad i found your blog while searching for more info on the Densiliss foundation! I am a huge By Terry fan but i have never tried their foundation and when i heard that they are launching a new formula, i knew this has to be my chance after hearing raves about the other formulas! I am however, contemplating between this and Suqqu Frame Fix cream foundation and i am absolutely OVERJOYED to have found out that you did an amazing review on it prior to this! How timely! I would love for your opinion for a shade match up for both lovely foundations and an opinion if you think would be a better match for my sensitive combination skin? I'm a 010 for Dior and 2 for GA Maestro. I don't live near anywhere near a store which carries both brand unfortunately so i'd have to do so online without being able to test them. Appreciate much and thanks!
p/s: absolutely love your blog and can't be happier that i found my way here!
Hello Analisse,
Thanks so much for the extremely kind comment! I am so glad you found your way here as well ; )
You truly cannot go wrong with either the Suqqu or the By Terry…both formulas are wonderful for sensitive, combination skin. Shade-wise, you would likely be a 001 in the Frame Fix and a #2 in the By Terry Densiliss!
I hope that helps…do keep me posted on what you decide!
Looking forward to keeping in touch…xoxo,
–The Beauty Professor
i find the jump very normal for companies to do.. it makes no sense but i guess it is because they do not cater the the that end if there is such a jump.. its why it is so hard for me to fine a color to match me
I totally agree…it is unfortunate but rather common : (
xoxo,
–The Beauty Professor
Thank you for your fabulous review! Do you recommend a primer with this one?
My pleasure! After my morning moisturizer/serum, I follow with a pump of Le Metier de Beaute Peau Vierge as a primer/illuminator…it is the perfect base for all of my foundations!
xoxo,
–The Beauty Professor
Thank you so much for all of your swatches! Living in Canada, I don't get access to these brands very easily and have my bf in LA ship them to me. So I have to rely on swatches, and yours have never failed me:). I have to ask, how would you describe the staying power of this foundation? Is it long lasting or more towards medium? And is it as glowy as Kanebo Sensai CP cream foundation? Thanks!!
Hello MG!
Happy to share them…thrilled to hear they haven't failed you yet ; ) With regards to your question, I find that this formula is a bit more matte (kind of a "velvet matte") and a tad less long wearing than the Kanebo Sensai CP. It is excellent for, say, half a day's wear but I don't tend to use it as often when I know I have a super long day ahead.
I hope that helps!
xoxo and enjoy the rest of the weekend,
–The Beauty Professor
This is so helpful and confusing at the same time! I wear shade #3 in Cover-Expert (I'm an NW15), and from comparing your swatches of that one with the swatches of this one, I *think* I would be shade #4…? I guess I'll have to try and go in somewhere to make sure, I just never seem to have the time and ordering is SOOOOOO much easier!
Shani x
http://shedreamsinperfectfrench.com
Thanks for your question, Shani…I think that #4 would be your best match in this foundation!
Hope that helps…xx,
–The Beauty Professor
As always super helpful swatches…thank you! Your swatches helped me find the right shade in Armani's, Maestro when it first came out and interestingly enough when I started searching for information and swatches on this foundation I found your page again…you make it soo much easier. I'm very interested in this foundation but I'm usually knocked out of the running when it comes to foundations because I'm soo pale. I saw that one of the ladies above wore similar colors to me except Chanel Vitalumiere Aqua B10 is too dark for me and so is Armani Luminous Silk #2 so I thought I'd ask also. What I do have and can wear is Armani Lasting Silk #2 (a tad on the yellow side for me), Armani Maestro #3, Armani Face Fabric #0.5 and Burberry Sheer Luminous #1. By your swatches I'm thinking/hoping that I might be able to pull off #2 in this foundation…do you think that would work based on the foundations I have that I mentioned above? Thank you in advance!
Thank you…so happy to hear that! I do indeed think that #2 should work for you…it is quite light and should be perfect for your skin when one considers you other color matches ; )
Hope that helps…xoxo,
–The Beauty Professor
This foundation came today and turned out to be the best color match I've ever found. What an amazing foundation…no wonder everyone is gushing over it! This foundation ticks all my boxes- correct color, gives a glow but not dewy, has skin care benefits, blurs fine lines/hides pores and it's long lasting. Yes it's expensive but considering what I spend on foundations that need a serum and a primer underneath along with a powder on top…I can see this saving me in the long run. Talk about an airbrushed finish! I'm considering the By Terry foundation brush now…have you tried it? Have you found a brush you prefer with it? Also, I'm currently using Armani Maestro concealer & Master Corrector together…have you tried By Terry's concealer and if so what do you think about it? Thanks again for the help!
I am so glad to hear that! It is an incredible formula and definitely deserving of the praise it receives.
I haven't tried the By Terry foundation brush…I use a Beauty Blender when applying most of my foundations and love the ease and overall finish ; ) I have indeed tried the By Terry Concealer (Touch Expert) and it is wonderful…velvety, good coverage and long lasting…truthfully, it feels a lot like the Densiliss formula!
xoxo and have a lovely weekend,
–The Beauty Professor
Hello again…I ordered the Hydra Primer just for my t-zone and also ordered the brush I mentioned. OMG that brush applies this foundation perfectly…it reminds me of a larger version of a flat concealer brush and it lays down the foundation seamlessly, just incredible! I also ordered the new Cellularose Blush in Rose Melba…it is due here tomorrow and I can't wait to try it. I came back because I'm considering some of By Terry's serums and one is the Seve De Rose Double Serum that someone here mentioned worked beautifully under Densiliss…the other two I'm considering would be the Cellularose Serum and the new Cellularose CC Lumi Serum in Immaculate Light. Would you have a recommendation between the three?
Hello!
So happy to hear of your brush success and hooray for the impending arrival of Rose Melba…it's so very pretty! With regards to the BT Serums, I completely recommend the CC Lumi Serums…they give the most gorgeous glow and also feature advanced skincare benefits. I haven't tried the first two you mention but can attest to the wonder of the Lumi Serum. Magnifique!
xoxo,
–The Beauty Professor
Hello again!
I'm about half way through my bottle of Densiliss and considering something lighter (just a bit more sheer) for the warmer weather but in a similar shade to Densiliss #2…which is a rare find. Having oily/combo skin I really like Armani's Maestro (I know that both shades 2 & 3 work well for me too) for it's texture and ease. I happen to be a die heard ingredient junkie so I know that there have been advances even since Maestro. With that said and my coloring in mind, is there a foundation, tinted moisturizer or BB cream that you would recommend I try out this summer that gives a nice healthy glow?
Thanks again,
Launa
Hi Launa,
I would suggest the Eve Lom Radiance Lift Foundation (semi matte but lighter in texture than the Densiliss) or the Koh Gen Do Aqua Foundation (light to medium coverage and blowy!). As BB creams go, I love the Napoleon Autopilot BBB Cream…good coverage and glowy as well.
I hope that helps…have fun on your foundation journey…xoxo,
–The Beauty Professor
I'm wondering if I should contact space NK or By Terry for samples of the 3 lightest shades to review for my blog? I honestly think I could wear any of those shades. 1 looks slightly too pink, 2 slightly too yellow, and 3 1 shade too dark. I need to experiment!
Hi Erin,
If you live in the US, I would think it would be better to contact Space NK, as By Terry is located in France. I am not sure how they go about samples via mail but it is worth a try!
Take care,
–The Beauty Professor
I'm in Germany right now, soon to return to the USA!
Hi Erin…I am very fair and neutral but lean ever so slightly to a pink undertone. I run into problems with most fair foundations running too yellow my skin, I own Armani Lasting Silk #2 which works for me but leans a bit too yellow and I also own Nars Sheer Glow in Siberia which is way too yellow for me but the next shade up was too dark…with that I can safely say I own Densiliss in #2 which is a perfect match and very neutral. We neutral pale girls struggle to find something pale enough in the first place but then when we do find something we have to tackle undertone issues as well. I'm extremely happy I finally found my HG shade in this foundation. Hope this helps….would love to hear what you finally settled on! 🙂
I got shade matched yesterday with number 2, which is a very good match for my pale, yellow-leaning skin. For comparison (I went home and swatched it with my other foundations), it is most similar to GA Maestro in 2. It is a bit darker than Nars Siberia (same yellow tone), and a bit more yellow than Bobbi Brown Alabaster (though shade-wise they are similar). The Densiless 3 is extremely close to Bobbi Brown in Porcelain.
Thanks for sharing your experience, Elizabeth…I know it will be helpful to readers in your shade range ; )
xx,
–The Beauty Professor
Hi what are the differences between shade 1 &2 in densiliss and cover expert.
The 1 leans pink while the 2 is more neutral!
Hope that helps,
–The Beauty Professor
Hi Rachel!
I have cover expert in #2 and it's a perfect match for my skin tone, do you think dens #2 would be a good match?
I do, indeed, Jessica!
xx,
–The Beauty Professor
Very helpful when it comes to choosing a foundation shade here, I almost went far too light but thanks to your swatches I went with the #4 natural beige 🙂
Great blog and love how helpful it is!
Laura http://www.shehearts.net xx
Happy to help, Laura ; )
xx,
–The Beauty Professor
Hi
Really just wanted to commend you on your work. You are the only beauty blogger who ever gives some thought to women of colour. I love highend foundations and you are the only one who covers my skin tone range on your swatches. I usually have to wait till you review or describe products before I can commit to them and they always dead on. Thanks just wanted to show some luv.
What a wonderful comment to read…thank you for taking the time to share it! I am so passionate about providing full spectrum swatches and am always encouraged when my posts resonate with my readers!!
Thanks again…love to you…xx,
–The Beauty Professor
Thanks for reviewing so meticulously many of the luxe European and international brands I love, please keep posting your superb videos and articles.
I have oily, blemish prone, dehydrated 35 year old skin, showing the first signs of ageing, with redness and acne scars that need med-full coverage. My skin eats foundation and melts powder, applied at 7am, by lunchtime only an oil slick remains.
I hesitate between bT Densiliss (matched to shade 4 at Space NK here in England), Cover Expert (I guess shade 3) and after reading your blog, TF Traceless Perfecting (I guess Ivory or Fawn – will have to purchase online, not available in my region). Or, do you have any other recommendations for a very long wearing, smoothing foundation for older, oilier skin?
(In the liquid foundation category, I've already tried and found lacking – Chanel Mat Lumiere (shade 20), Chanel Perfection Lumiere (shade 10 Biege), YSL Teint Resist (shade 2 Blond), Nars Sheer Glow (shade light3 Gobi), EL Double Wear (shades 1W1 Bone and 1W2 Sand), DiorSkin Forever (shade 11 Cream), Revlon Colorstay (shade Buff) to name a few).
Your expert advice would be greatly appreciated, I'm open to any suggestions!
Many, many thanks, Tima x
Hi Tima,
Thanks for the kind comment! With regards to your question, the By Terry Cover Expert (perhaps #3 or #7) is excellent to mattify oily skin types and the wear time is marvelous. Additionally, the TF Perfecting holds up very well (Fawn or Ivory should be a match) and doesn't budge once set. Both are fantastic options!
I hope that helps…xx,
–The Beauty Professor
Hi BP! How does the coverage of Densilis differ from Cover Expert? Which one provides more coverage? Thanks!
Hello!
The Densiliss is medium coverage (but can be built to full) and has a natural satin matte finish while the Cover Expert offers immediate full coverage with a matte finish. Both can be full coverage but I would give Cover Expert the edge in the coverage department!
Hope that helps…xx,
–The Beauty Professor