Rating: 4/5
Quick verdict: Rimmel Lasting Finish 25Hr Liquid Foundation has quickly become my go-to since I picked it up on a whim a few months ago. I love the coverage, the finish, and the lasting power. It isn’t matte, so on super humid days it may not last very long but it will still give you an enviable glow.
A drugstore foundation that I have started to prefer over my MAC Studio Fix Fluid foundation – I can scarcely believe I am writing these words. There is something bewitchingly nice about this humble foundation.
Rimmel Lasting Finish 25Hr Liquid Foundation SPF20
The formula
This is a winner.
The company claims this is a “skincare-inspired foundation” that is “infused with hyaluronic acid and vitamin E, helping to boost your skin with hydration so it appears fresh, plump and smooth.”
The foundation does seem to have a hydrating and plumping effect.
It has a smooth consistency and is easy to apply and blend. It doesn’t cake, doesn’t separate, and depending on how oily your skin gets, it may last several hours.
The shade
I’m an NC25 in MAC and I chose shade no. 200 Soft Beige from this Rimmel range. It’s an exact match for my skin and I find the shade is more natural looking than those that MAC offers.
The coverage
We are looking at a medium coverage here. You’d definitely need a concealer underneath for prominent dark circles and other blemishes if you want to completely conceal them.
The foundation, however, does a good job of minimising pores. I recommend a primer underneath to improve the adherence of the foundation to the skin.
Rimmel Lasting Finish Foundation isn’t meant for oily skin. And yet, my oily skin has been loving it.
The shine is present but controlled. I set the foundation with bareMinerals translucent compact powder. These days I actually prefer a dewiness to my appearance than going full matte. However, if you want a fully matte appearance, look elsewhere. (Also see: Foundation for Oily Skin – Everything You Need to Know to Pick the Right One)
Does it really last for 25 hours?
While I haven’t tested it, that 25-hour claim seems like a stretch. (That appears to be the case with most drugstore foundations; the longevity department is where high-end foundations shine.) But the vast majority of us don’t need our foundations to last that long anyway.
On my oily skin and in humid weather, this foundation started to grease up in three to four hours. I feel it also started to oxidise a bit around that point. But I haven’t been keeping makeup on my face for long (it being summer here in Australia and there being a lot of sunscreen underneath) so I’m going to have to test that again.
Overall, I reckon it will do a lot better in cooler weather. Besides, those with dry/normal skin may find better results with it.
Tips for using this foundation on oily skin, especially in humid weather:
- Use a matte sunscreen underneath the foundation (a greasy sunscreen and a hydrating foundation isn’t a good combination for oily skin)
- If you don’t use sunscreen, use a primer
- Use the foundation sparingly
- Blend well, starting from the centre of the face
- Set with a compact powder
Final thoughts
I have tremendous respect and love for this brand. I have had fun with their lipsticks and eyeliners, but this is the first time I’ve tried a base makeup product from Rimmel and I’m now keen on trying more.
While it isn’t going to replace Lancome Teint Idole Ultra Wear Foundation as my first love and the ultimate go-to in the world of foundations, Rimmel Lasting Finish Foundation is good enough to be my everyday makeup pick. The formula is certainly better than Maybelline’s Fit Me range. If you are confused between the two, I suggest picking this up. You won’t regret it.
