Estée Lauder’s double wear foundation has been a cult classic make-up buy since its original launch in 1997. Loved by A-listers and beauty editors alike, celeb fans include Kendall Jenner – and Daisy Edgar-Jones just became the brand’s latest ambassador. As a 41-year-old beauty journalist, I’ve been using Estée Lauder’s double wear on and off for years, so I was excited to put its new formulation to the test.
I have spent over a decade putting different bases to the test and generally prefer full-coverage foundation. Double wear has been a consistent favourite of mine during this time. I’ve never doubted its staying power, but I have sometimes wished the matte foudation was a bit more smoothing on my dry skin.
Now coming in 60 shades, the new Estée Lauder double wear stay-in-place foundation is being billed as buildable, while controlling oil and hydration levels. The fresh formula combines skincare ingredients, including balancing niacinamide, moisture-promoting glycerin and hyaluronic acid, plus brown algae extract to help reduce oil production.
But is it as long-wearing as the original? Keep reading for my honest review of the reformulated Estée Lauder double wear stay-in-place foundation.
Read more: 9 best foundations for dry skin, tried and tested by a beauty expert
How I tested
I spent a week using the new double wear foundation, applying it for daytime and evening wear. I tested the formula, finish, feel and how long it lasted on skin. I also looked at the coverage created, and whether it provided a smoothing effect. You can read more about my testing criteria at the end of my review.
Read more: Best foundations for mature skin 2026, expert-tested by a 60-year-old
Estée Lauder double wear stay-in-place makeup foundation
Shades: 60
Key ingredients: Niacinamide, glycerin, hyaluronic acid, brown algae extract
Finish: Matte
Why we love it
- Glides onto skin
- Long-wearing
- Buildable
Take note
- Pump applicator available to buy separately
First impressions
Presented in a chic glass bottle, the new Estée Lauder double wear foundation has a slightly different angled silhouette to the previous incarnation, and minimal branding. If I was to be really fussy, I’d like a pump applicator to be included, too – but, you can buy this separately for £7 (Boots.com).
Application
When applying the new double wear foundation (either with a brush or my fingers), it easily glides onto my skin, creating a soft finish that is matte without looking flat. I can tell that skincare-style ingredients such as niacinamide, hyaluronic acid and glycerin are included, because of the supple effect created, and how spreadable the formula is.
It’s also worth noting that a small amount goes a long way. I saw a full coverage effect without heaviness, and found it feels comfy to wear. The product can be layered, mainly because it’s not so thick that topping it up throughout the day leads to patchiness (which could be the case with the previous version).
Finish
On my skin, which is prone to dryness, the product seems to have stretch and that offers the smoothing element I seek with foundation. Think full coverage, but not cakey. I don’t tend to veer towards matte make-up products in general, because they can make my skin look dull, but this is different. It creates a seamless layer, while offering the satisfyingly blurring, shine-free coverage of a matte look.
Longevity
As well as being impressed by its coverage pay-off during the daytime, I noted the foundation lasted well into an evening spent dancing at a gig, without the formula budging or fading. It also didn’t cling to any fine lines or crease in that time. The brand claims its latest formula is humidity-resistant, and after a night spent in a warm, sweaty concert hall, I’d have to agree. My make-up was still in place when it came to cleansing my face at midnight. The formula is also oil-free and non-comedogenic, so it shouldn’t block pores or cause any breakouts.
This updated product successfully blends good coverage with a lightweight formula that feels both breathable and buildable. The no-budge original has been refreshed with a more modern skincare-led approach, that feels seamless to wear while still providing longevity.
Buy now £39.5, Boots.com
Is the Estée Lauder double wear stay-in-place makeup foundation worth it?
I’m impressed with Estée Lauder’s new double wear foundation, from its long-wearing coverage to the smoothing finish. It’s comfy to wear, stays put for hours on end and feels softening on skin. I’ll be adding this foundation to my make-up bag arsenal for long days and evening looks going forward.
How I tested Estée Lauder’s double wear foundation
To put this formula to the test, I wore it during the daytime and for a night out. I applied the foundation on top of my usual skincare routine for consistency. During testing, I looked at its finish, the coverage created, how long it lasted and the packaging. Throughout the trial, I assessed:
Why you can trust IndyBest reviews
Helen Wilson-Beevers is a beauty journalist who has been writing for IndyBest since 2021. In this time, she has tried and tested all kinds of skincare and makeup, from the best body oils to the best tinted moisturisers – so she knows what to look for when it comes to building a solid beauty routine. Helen has previously tested and found the best foundations for dry skin and has been using the double wear for years, making her the perfect candidate to test its new formula.
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