Spotlight on Make Up For Ever’s new foundations

When a make-up brand, well-loved by women and industry professionals around the world, launches a new gym-friendly foundation, we sit up and take notice

When a make-up brand, well-loved by women and industry professionals around the world, launches a new gym-friendly foundation, we sit up and take notice

When it comes to finding the perfect foundation, the struggle is real. You know the one that never cakes and feels like a second skin minus the oily shine, even when you work out? Well let us introduce you to Make Up For Ever’s Matte Velvet Skin Full Coverage Liquid Foundation and Matte Velvet Skin Blurring Powder Foundation, the latest duo to hit our beauty wish lists.

For the uninitiated, here’s a bit of background: Make Up For Ever foundations have been used by make-up artists on TV and film for decades. For the avid fans, the cult Ultra HD foundation became the go-to product for unbeatable finishes and coverage.

But as our daily lives become more hectic and beauty demands change, so too is our make-up, switching things up to be gym-ready and sweat-proof.

Don’t forget that your circulation and heart rate increase when you exercise, meaning your sweat glands go into overdrive to keep skin cool. This helps to get rid of dirt and oil from the day, so it’s important to make sure your base can let your skin breathe.

We need a foundation that can last for 24 hours without clogging up pores when we are on the move – a lot to ask!

The new foundations to work out in

The Matte Velvet Skin Full Coverage Liquid Foundation, £30.90, has a very clever formulation. It’s made with a flexi-fit mesh complex; in other words, the waterproof formula adapts to your facial movements, moving with your skin so that the finish is flawless and does not cake or crack.

Still worried about that sweaty shine? While synthetic mica uses light-reflecting particles to give you a natural and velvety finish, there is also a blend of powders in the mix that will mop up the excess oil that gathers on top of the skin when you workout. Think of this as an all-in-one base and blotting paper.

In fact, results show that 86% of women said the texture melted into their skin while 90% agreed* that the product does not dry skin out. What’s not to love?

Prefer a powder to liquid? Fret not, you are also covered with the Matte Velvet Skin Blurring Powder Foundation, £29. Forget old-school chalk-like powers that dull skin – this compact is formulated with special powders that interlock to give you a smooth, soft-focus finish. Build up the coverage using Make Up For Ever’s textured flat sponge; the black side for high coverage and the white side for touch ups.

Makeup Forever has always been a pioneer of shade inclusivity, long before it was shouted about in the industry. The Matte Velvet Skin Full Coverage Liquid Foundation features an incredible 40 shades and the Matte Velvet Skin Blurring Powder Foundation covers 30 for the perfect match.

Working out never looked so good.

*Make Up For Ever testing, conducted on 29 women who applied the product at lest once a day during four consecutive weeks

Lisa Oxenham

Lisa Oxenham is a trailblazing beauty editor, journalist, stylist, and creative director with over 20 years of transformative impact in the beauty industry. As the Beauty and Style Director at Marie Claire UK, she orchestrates high-profile shoots with celebrities and influencers, creating visually stunning and globally resonant content.

A passionate advocate for sustainability, Lisa serves on the Advisory Board for the British Beauty Council's Sustainable Beauty Coalition and the Media Advisory Board. She is also an ambassador for the Soil Association certification and the Amazon Research Institute. Through her "In The Loop" column, she keeps readers informed about the latest advancements in sustainable beauty and supports brands that champion environmental causes, emphasising the need for the beauty industry to reset its priorities.

Lisa's influence extends beyond words; she directs inspiring short films on sustainability and challenges in the beauty industry and is a sought-after public speaker. Recently recognised in the Who’s Who in Natural Beauty 2023, she also champions mental health and eco-conscious practices, demonstrating that glamour and environmental responsibility can coexist beautifully.