Kindly scroll on for more details, swatches and images of the products in action as well as the Bottom Line…
I’ve been eagerly anticipating the debut of the *Le Metier de Beaute Afterglow Foundation for months and was so excited to procure it before heading out of town last week. This reformulation of the Classic Flawless-Finish Foundation (swatched and reviewed HERE) yields incredible medium to full coverage that is radiant without being overly dewy.
Fragrance and suncreen-free (a double win for sensitive skin like mine) with a creamy liquid texture, this foundation–which currently offers 10 diverse shades–feels lightweight yet long wearing and masterfully perfects the canvas while still looking entire natural.
I have experimented with wearing both Shade #4, which is a better match for my NC 23-25 winter skin, and Shade #8, which is a spot-on match for my light olive NC 27 skin. Even in warm and humid weather, this foundation performs with significant strength and lasting power; I prefer to apply one and a half pumps with a damp Beauty Blender and find that following with additional concealer over darkness or spots is virtually unnecessary due to the flawless perfection this formula imparts.
All in all, I am thrilled with the Afterglow Foundation; its illuminating ability is subtle and sophisticated and the natural finish simply looks like healthy skin. The fact that the coverage is buildable to a respectable medium-full level and the ingredients are friendly to sensitive skin makes this release an unequivocally worthy splurge for foundationphiles!
Official details, courtesy of Ivan Castro, Le Metier de Beaute Director of Artistry and Education:
Product Overview: This lightweight, skin enhancing fluid foundation evens out skin tone and imperfections flawlessly. Infused with hyaluronic acid for immediate hydration, this nurturing formula glides on effortlessly and uses exceptional pigment innovation to provide a long lasting, impeccable finish. Ten shades thoughtfully developed to match a wide range of skin tones.
Pro Tip: Carefully apply a dime sized amount of foundation over properly hydrated skin with the Le Métier De Beauté Foundation Brush. Begin in the center of the face and blend outwards paying close attention to any redness or discoloration. For an even higher coverage, apply a second coat with a foundation brush and pat into the skin with a finger or sponge. Set with either pressed or loose powder for a complete finish.
Payoff: Medium to medium full coverage
Skin Type: All skin types
FAQ’s:
How does the coverage of the Afterglow Foundation formula compare to the Classic Flawless Finish Foundation?
The Afterglow Foundation will provide similar if not, more coverage than the Classic Flawless Finish Foundation with even less product.
Are the colors in the Afterglow formula similar to the Classic Flawless Finish Foundation (swatched and reviewed HERE)?
Due to the popularity of shades #3, #5, & #7 in the Classic Flawless Finish formula, these top selling tones have been matched as closely as possible in the Afterglow Foundation. The remaining 7 shades have been thoughtfully reworked to meet the needs of our customers and is based off the feedback we received from both clients and specialists.
Why does the Afterglow Foundation in shade #3, #5 & #7 look darker than the Classic Flawless Finish formula?
Remember that the Classic Finish Flawless Foundation appears lighter in the bottle and then sets to about one shade deeper when applied on the skin. Shades #3, #5 & #7 in the new Afterglow Foundation have been matched to the final color payoff of its Classic Flawless Finish counterpart.
Why did we decide to change the foundation formula?
In order to continue to offer the best product available in the industry, we found it necessary to upgrade our foundation formula to one which features the most current technology and meets the ever changing demands of our clientele.
Is there a difference in ingredients between the two formulas?
The main difference is that you will not find SPF in the new Afterglow formula. You will, however, find many similar ingredients such as skin nurturing Hyaluronic Acid and Vitamin E which were present in the Classic Flawless Finish Foundation.
The *Precious Cream Blush by Kjaer Weis is the newest shade in the venerable KW family (other shades reviewed HERE). Its lush texture and neutral pale peach hue compliment a spectrum of skin types and skin tones as it’s easy to blend and imparts color without being overt. I prefer to use my ring finger to lightly blend a dab of Precious on the apples of my cheeks for a soft flush of color that stays put all day…simply brilliant!
Honey brown tones, indeed.
Next, the *Make-Up Atelier Palette Eyeshadow in Honey Brown Tones(exclusively available stateside at Beautylish) has stolen my heart. This mixture of warm neutrals–most with a satin finish– is absolutely exquisite; I like to apply the warm bronze (second from left) all over my lid and then blend a touch of the bronze brown (forth from left) in the crease. I finish the look by using the glimmering golden pearl white shade (first in the palette) as a blending hue up to my brow bone.
The formula has magnificent color payoff (all swatches below are representative of a single swipe) and the texture feels velvety and smooth with very little “dust.” On my eyes, the shadow seem resistant to creasing (even without primer) and wear smoothly for hours. I can’t wait to continue to experiment with this palette and I really need to summon the courage to try the russet middle shade and deep khaki-black last shade as I know they will craft a gloriously warm-toned smoky eye.
I have a gorgeous array of Make-Up Atelier products to feature in upcoming beauty stories so be on the lookout for more from this unique, high-quality, cruelty-free French collection!
Swatches in direct sunlight.
Swatches in outdoor shade.
Swatches in direct sunlight.
Finally, for lips, I embraced a combination of products that, in sum, create the quintessential cream nude pink lip:
I picked up the Kaplan MD Lip Liner in Nude (a warm beige) and Natural (a light nude pink) while traveling and am impressed by the creamy texture of this retractable pencil. A hearty dose of Nude makes lips look larger without being obvious (it is a near match for my natural lip tone) and Natural (worn in the images that follow) is a unique pink liner that enhances nude and pink lip color without looking too dark. Both shades are tremendously long lasting and my lips feel hydrated and comfortable over the duration of wear…I’ve been wearing this formula nonstop and know I’ll continue to reach for them frequently this summer.
The Coola Mineral LipLux SPF 30 in Skinny Dip is a unique lip balm for intense moisture and marvelous sun protection. The SPF is completely mineral (which I prefer) and the pale pink tint makes this balm a flattering choice.
Finally, I recently rediscovered my Christian Louboutin Silky Satin Lipsticks in Bikini and Tutulle (extensively reviewed HERE) and was once again reminded why I adore this opulent pairing. Major color payoff, rich hydration and stalwart lasting power are inherant to the formula and the bright and creamy pink Bikini is tempered by the nude pink Tutulle for a pop of color that is never conspicuous. The obvious wear of the bullets in the images above and below are a further testament to my affinity for this duo!
Swatches in direct sunlight.
Swatch (above bracelet) in direct sunlight.
Swatches in direct sunlight.
Swatches in direct sunlight.
The following images reflect all products in action…I also used/am wearing:
Bottom Line: I hope you enjoyed this swatch-heavy on location product review; the *Le Metier de Beaute Afterglow Foundation is a brilliant foundation option for those seeking radiant yet lasting medium coverage and I cannot wait to share swatches of the remaining shades in the coming days. Additionally, I am loving the Make-Up Atelier line (as aforementined, more reviews in the works) and cannot get enough of the dreamy peach *Precious Cream Blush by Kjaer Weis.
Good things ahead including a fresh video, a fragrance focus and a host of new product procurements…looking forward to ramping up my content creation now that my summertime hours are more bountiful!
Comments (2)
Can you please share the name of the person who colors your hair? Gorgeous. Thank you.
Thanks for providing LMDB swatches. I wear Marc Jacobs Re (Marc) in shade 52- what shade would you recommend in LMDB Afterglow foundation?