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I’m a bit of Dior foundations fan, dare I say I’m quite familiar with their (common) pros and cons. Now, I’ve had this for a quite a while, so this isn’t a first impression kind of review.

Dior claims this waterproof and sweat-resistant foundation is one Dior professional makeup artists use to create an instantly flawless complexion with ultra-buildable coverage, from a natural nude glow to high-coverage perfection.

Who is it for?

Skin types: Marketed to all. However, I think if you have very dry skin or very oily skin, this might not work well for you depending on how you prep your skin beforehand.

Packaging

The foundation comes in a nice Dior box. Onto the actual product, it’s a lightweight squeezy plastic bottle. It’s in-line with the rest of the Backstage range which leans more functional than luxurious. I don’t mind it as it’s very travel friendly. Also, don’t be fooled by the small size bottle, it holds 50ml. (most foundations are 30ml or less) However, this does not come with a pump, once you remove the cap, you pour it out through the nozzle. It can get a little messy, so cleaning around the nozzle from time to time is a must.

Shade

There are 40 shades in the range, including 16 intensities and 6 undertones. I ended up with the shade 2.5N – Neutral (For reference I have Dior Forever (before repackaging) and my shade is 30 and 20, Forever Undercover I have shade 25). I’ve always found that Dior foundations oxidise on me and so I usually go for at least 1 shade lighter. When I purchased this, I went into Dior store and shade match and the sales associate said this foundation wouldn’t oxidise, that’s why I went for 2.5N. However, after I wore it a couple of times in normal daylight, I noticed this oxidised on me, maybe not as much as the other Dior ones. If I ever need to repurchase, I’ll definitely go for 2N. Another thing to note, ‘Neutral’ still leans a bit warm.

Formula

This is a very lightweight foundation, feel weightless on the skin. This foundation doesn’t claim to offer any skincare benefits in anyways, neither hydration or oil-controlling that kind of things. To me, it feels like pigments. When my skin is a bit sensitive or dehydrated though, I don’t reach for this foundation because of the high alcohol content as it can feel slightly drying. However, when my skin is back to the oily/combo state, then this foundation is perfect. This formula does not contain SPF so that’s no worry on white cast or flashback in photography.

Dior Backstage Face and Body Foundation Ingredients

Ingredient Listing: Cyclopentasiloxane, Aqua (Water), Alcohol, Trimethylsiloxysilicate, Polyurethane-35, PEG-9 Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone, Phenyl Trimethicone, Glycerin, Silica, Disteardimonium Hectorite, Sodium Myristoyl Glutamate, Glyceryl Undecyl Dimethicone, Phenoxyethanol, Propylene Carbonate, VP/​VA Copolymer, Tetrasodium EDTA, Parfum (Fragrance), Aluminum Hydroxide, Linalool, Limonene, Citronellol, BHT, TocopherolMay Contain: Ci 19140 (Yellow 5, Yellow 5 Lake), Ci 42090 (Blue 1 Lake), Ci 77007 (Ultramarines), Ci 77163 (Bismuth Oxychloride), Ci 77491, Ci 77492, Ci 77499 (Iron Oxides), Ci 77891 (Titanium Dioxide)

Coverage, Wear & Finish

It’s a very buildable light to medium/full coverage. Dior suggests, for a light nude coverage, use your fingers to gently dab 1 layer of foundation and massage onto face; for medium to full coverage, apply 2 -3 layers with a brush.

Whilst this doesn’t come with a traditional pump, I think the amount I use probably sits between 1 – 2 pumps. However, since the consistency of the formula is rather fluid, it’s not always easy to pour the same amount every time. Also, it needs a good shake before applying as it has the tendency to separate slightly if I haven’t used it for a while.

Usually, I start from the centre of my face but focus mainly on areas I want more coverage e.g. post-acne marks or mild redness, and blend it out either with fingers or a dense brush. The coverage is light-medium to medium and this typically gives me a good even complexion. The finish is very natural. I don’t find this to be either dewy or matte. As with most foundation, how you prep the skin beforehand is key, having a well-hydrated skin to start with makes this foundation looks very skin-like and feels comfortable. If any problem areas are still not covered, then I use concealer to spot conceal. My preference is not to layer too much foundation, making it harder to maintain for a long day.

For a normal workday, I wear foundation from early morning to late evening, about 12 hours or so. I would get a bit of shine on my nose by mid-day which is quite normal for me. Some days I would go straight to the gym after work and while I noticed the foundation was wearing off either through light sweat or quick shower post-workout (I only pat the moisture off my face, not rub), it’s not in any ways melting off in an unmanageable manner. Bear in mind, that would be almost at 10 hours mark at that point, so any foundation that holds up that long and through a workout is good. I think this performs just as good as Estee Lauder Double Wear, without the heaviness feeling.

Scent

Yes, there’s a scent, if you have used any Dior foundations then you are accustomed to it. It’s the same scent. You can smell the alcohol as well. It doesn’t linger too long. By the time you finish applying the foundation, it’s gone. If you are sensitive to smell or fragrance ingredients, then definitely try before you buy. I’m used to the scent now and also this has never caused me any irritations nor breakouts.

Final Thoughts

Overall, I really like this foundation. I find this to be similar to Mac Face and Body but with more coverage and the buildability is true to its claims. Like most foundations, it’s best to get shade match and a tester before purchasing a full size, this is more so for Dior foundations. Once you get the right shade, then you’ll fall in love with it whereas the wrong shade that oxidises it can be frustrating. This foundation comes in 50ml which is almost unheard of which makes this as good value as a drugstore foundation. The shade range is good though if you have very dark skin tone, you might still struggle. As for the longevity, it’s pretty long wearing even though it doesn’t have that claim. I also like an SPF-free foundation so I can wear it any time of the time and not having to worry about any flashback when taking photographs.

The only 2 cons for me are the high alcohol content which stops me from reaching for this when my skin is feeling particularly dehydrated; then the messy nozzle which I still couldn’t figure out how it got that way inside the bottle itself. Please pray a pump version will happen at some point.

Price

£29.50/50ml

Available: UK (HouseOfFraser)*

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