L’Oreal Infallible Pro-Matte: The Best Drugstore Full Coverage Foundation?

Will L’Oreal Infallible Pro-Matte be a dupe for the iconic Estée Lauder Double Wear?

We all know and love the iconic Estée Lauder Double Wear foundation, with its full coverage and comfortable all day wear. But, a bottle and pump will set you back about $55. If you’re looking for a decent foundation dupe, look no further: I got you.

L’Oral Infallible Pro-Matte Foundation, in my opinion, is the best dupe for Double Wear. I put these foundations in a one-to-one wear test to see just show similar they are. I was honestly shocked at how similar the two were in terms of how they look, perform, and wore on the skin. It just might be the best drugstore full coverage foundation, and here’s why.

Promises vs. Performance: This $12.99 foundation has a lot of bold claims.

L’Oreal Infallible Pro-Matte promises a matte finish that “won’t fall flat” thanks to its lightweight, long wearing liquid formula. They say the creamy texture goes on smoothly, providing a demi-matte finish. Heat, sweat, and transfer resistant, this foundation promises to last up to 24 hours. It is suitable for all skin types with its oil free, noncomedogenic formula. The buildable medium to full coverage says it will hide imperfections, providing a “smooth, clear complexion” while controlling shine.

I found Pro-Matte to apply best with a damp sponge since it is a thicker, more full coverage formula. This helps spread it out evenly without packing on too much product. It does take a bit of working with to blend out since it is a thicker texture and dries down quickly, so keep that in mind. After blending in, I was met with a soft matte finish that still gave me that lit-from-within glow. As L’Oreal promised, I didn’t “fall flat” with the matte finish.

Though this foundation is long wearing, it isn’t perfect. It can separate and crack, especially around the mouth and smile lines. It isn’t fully resistant to facial movements. The thicker formula can also look cakey and heavy throughout the day, so be careful not to apply too much product. A little goes a long way. I don’t feel that it gave me the all day shine control that L’Oreal promised; My face was pretty oily all over by the end of the day, but I didn’t feel greasy. I would definitely recommend setting the face with a powder to help soak up excess oil, especially if your skin tends to get oily.

Quick Rating Rundown

This Product

(3.3)

:L’Oreal Infallible Pro-Matte Foundation

Price: $12.99

1.0 oz

Value

(4)

Application

(3)

Coverage

(3.9)

Texture

(3)

Longevity

(3)

Shade Range

(2.7)

Extra Benefits

(2.5)

Industry Standard

(4.4)

:L’Oreal Infallible 24 Hour Fresh Wear

Price: $15.99

1.0 oz

Value

(5)

Application

(4.5)

Coverage

(4)

Texture

(4.3)

Longevity

(4.5)

Shade Range

(4.3)

Extra Benefits

(3.5)

MILABU PICKS

(4+)

:Best Rated Full Coverage Foundations Under $25

Price: $11 – $22

various sizes

Value

(4+)

Application

(4+)

Coverage

(4+)

Texture

(4+)

Longevity

(4+)

Shade Range

(4+)

Extra Benefits

(4+)

MILABU PICKS

(4.5+)

:12 Best Foundations You Need To Try

Price: $15 – $70

various sizes

Value

(4.5+)

Application

(4.5+)

Coverage

(4.5+)

Texture

(4.5+)

Longevity

(4.5+)

Shade Range

(4.5+)

Extra Benefits

(4.5+)

^{Our Rating Criteria}

How It Compares: L’Oreal Infallible makes two of the best drugstore full coverage foundation formulas.

One of my holy grail drugstore foundations is L’Oreal Infallible Fresh Wear (rated **** 4.3). I do prefer it one over Infallible Pro-Matte for a few reasons. One, it wears more seamlessly on the skin with less cracking and creasing. It does feel lighter and doesn’t look as cakey since it has a more liquidy formula. The finishes also differ: Pro-Matte is a demi-matte finish, while Fresh Wear has a natural matte finish. I do think both of these foundations are great for different occasions. If you’re looking for a true full coverage, matte foundation: Pro-Matte would be great for you. However, if you want something a bit more liquidy in consistency with more of a natural finish: Fresh Wear would be the better option.

A drugstore dupe for Double Wear.

Now, I want to compare Infallible Pro-Matte to the cult classic Estée Lauder Double Wear (rated ***** 4.6). When testing these foundations one-to-one, there are major differences. Both foundations provide a buildable medium to full coverage with a matte finish which is where similarities stop. Infallible Pro-Matte is much heavier looking, emphasizes texture and imperfections, and can clings to dry spots. Pro-Matte has substantially more cracking and creasing occurring around the mouth, eyes, and forehead as the day goes by. I found that I got oily around the t-zone area much quicker with drugstore option as well. Application wise, Double Wear has a more liquidy consistency that stretches much easier over the skin, which allows you to use a much bigger variety of makeup tools, e.g. variety of beauty sponges and foundation brushes. One last big item, Double Wear comes in 55 shades (Pro-Matte only comes in 22), making it easier for you to find your perfect skin tone match.

Milabu Beauty Method: Need all day wear? Grab this best drugstore full coverage foundation.

1. Prep skin. If your skin is on the drier side, I recommend a hydrating primer (this one from Hard Candy, $7, is great). If your skin leans more oily, pair with a gripping/oil control primer like Neutrogena Shine Control Matte Primer + Serum ($17.99).
2. Start with a pea sized amount on the back of your hand.
3. Apply dots of foundation across your face. Concentrate more product where you need more coverage. For me, this is my cheeks to conceal redness.
4. Taking a dampened beauty sponge, blend out the foundation using tapping/bouncing motions.
5. If desired, repeat steps 3-4 to build coverage.
6. To help control oil and shine, set complexion with a lightweight setting powder. I enjoy using Coty Airspun ($6).