I love the look of matte skin with certain makeup looks, but often sheen-free foundations leave my dehydrated skin looking like a dull prune. So, when I heard about the Maybelline Dream Velvet Soft-Matte Hydrating Foundation, I thought it had the potential to offer the perfect balance between a flat finish and hydrated feel.
Now, I've had mixed experiences with the Maybelline Dream Foundations previously - Dream Matte Mousse was an unfortunate monstrosity for me, yet I liked the soft-focus effect of Dream Satin. So, I was intrigued to see if Dream Velvet could bowl me over.
With a whipped, gel consistency, this foundation is thick, creamy and concentrated. You wouldn't think that this formula contains twice the amount of water as the Dream Satin Liquid, but that's what helps it to feel so hydrating, according to Maybelline. Unlike other matte formulas, it doesn't set too quickly, allowing you to take your time to easily blend it thoroughly and achieve a smooth, even finish. My only annoyance about the consistency is that, as it's so thick, I do find I use quite a lot more of this foundation compared to others, especially when I'm trying to achieve a fuller-coverage result.
Strictly, the finish isn't entirely matte, as it does have a slight, satin sheen. That does make it much more flattering, though, as the skin isn't left looking dull or chalky. Definitely one of those foundations that looks miles better a few minutes after application, it needs the skin to warm it up and almost melt the product. Those with very oily skin may want to set this foundation with powder, as it does have that slight radiance to it, but I find the finish is much nicer without, to retain that freshness.
With a whipped, gel consistency, this foundation is thick, creamy and concentrated. You wouldn't think that this formula contains twice the amount of water as the Dream Satin Liquid, but that's what helps it to feel so hydrating, according to Maybelline. Unlike other matte formulas, it doesn't set too quickly, allowing you to take your time to easily blend it thoroughly and achieve a smooth, even finish. My only annoyance about the consistency is that, as it's so thick, I do find I use quite a lot more of this foundation compared to others, especially when I'm trying to achieve a fuller-coverage result.
Strictly, the finish isn't entirely matte, as it does have a slight, satin sheen. That does make it much more flattering, though, as the skin isn't left looking dull or chalky. Definitely one of those foundations that looks miles better a few minutes after application, it needs the skin to warm it up and almost melt the product. Those with very oily skin may want to set this foundation with powder, as it does have that slight radiance to it, but I find the finish is much nicer without, to retain that freshness.
Unusually and refreshingly for a matte foundation, which you normally expect to camouflage every imperfection, this one only offers a light-medium coverage. Creating a nice, uniform complexion, it will disguise minor flaws and redness, but I was surprised when it didn't cover all blemishes well, without layering it or following up with concealer. It's a great choice if you have clear skin to begin with, but just want to even out you skin-tone and be left with a matte complexion. As long as you don't go overboard and really buff it in well (or use it alongside a makeup sponge), it builds well, but it does start to exaggerate the look of peach fuzz the more you apply.
Instantly cooling on contact, the foundation feels light and comforting to wear. Although it certainly doesn't suffocate the skin or feel drying, I wouldn't say it's actively hydrating either. Maybe it would be for someone with oily skin, but I'd class something dewier, like a tinted moisturiser or BB/CC cream as hydrating for my drier skin. Matte foundations can often leave my face looking ten years older, but I haven't found this clings to any dry patches. As I haven't suffered with any larger blemishes since testing this base out, I can't categorically confirm whether it settles around or exaggerates them, but I'm going to guess that it would if they were very dry.
Instantly cooling on contact, the foundation feels light and comforting to wear. Although it certainly doesn't suffocate the skin or feel drying, I wouldn't say it's actively hydrating either. Maybe it would be for someone with oily skin, but I'd class something dewier, like a tinted moisturiser or BB/CC cream as hydrating for my drier skin. Matte foundations can often leave my face looking ten years older, but I haven't found this clings to any dry patches. As I haven't suffered with any larger blemishes since testing this base out, I can't categorically confirm whether it settles around or exaggerates them, but I'm going to guess that it would if they were very dry.
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| Maybelline Dream Velvet Soft Matte Hydrating Foundation 10 Ivory Swatch |
I find this base blends much better with a fluffier brush, rather than one with densely-packed bristles. Personally, my favourite tool to apply it with is the Real Techniques Cheek Brush, or my Beauty Blender, but I hate the finish of it when I apply it with something like the Real Techniques Expert Face Brush, as it goes patchy and leaves streaks across the skin.
Poor shade ranges are one of the biggest downsides to purchasing high-street foundations and I find Maybelline to have some of the fewest colour options of them all, with shades often leaning extremely pink or yellow in tone. Fortunately, I'm quite impressed that the shade I picked up, 10 Ivory, is neutral in tone and a great match for my skin when I'm at my palest. Available in seven shades, you're still fairly limited with options, but they have catered for darker skin-tones for once - finally! At £7.99 for , this is a nicely priced product that won't break the bank
Have you tried the Maybelline Dream Velvet foundation?
AGB X
Poor shade ranges are one of the biggest downsides to purchasing high-street foundations and I find Maybelline to have some of the fewest colour options of them all, with shades often leaning extremely pink or yellow in tone. Fortunately, I'm quite impressed that the shade I picked up, 10 Ivory, is neutral in tone and a great match for my skin when I'm at my palest. Available in seven shades, you're still fairly limited with options, but they have catered for darker skin-tones for once - finally! At £7.99 for , this is a nicely priced product that won't break the bank
Have you tried the Maybelline Dream Velvet foundation?
AGB X
20 comments
Lovely photos! Thanks for sharing your thoughts :) I hope you have a wonderful July!
ReplyDeletexo, mikéla / simplydavelyn.com
Thanks so much, you too! x
DeleteI've tried this foundation but unfortunately didn't like it, it was difficult to blend and accentuated all the dry patches I had :( x
ReplyDeleteMummy’s Beauty Corner
Oh no! I was worried that it would cling to dry areas, as a lot of high-street, matte foundations do, but I was actually pleasantly surprised with this one! Fortunately, as I'm really on top of my skincare at the moment, it blends well and looks really smooth on me. I wouldn't go near it if I was having a really dry skin day, though! x
DeleteThis sounds really interesting, although I'm not sure how it would last on me as my skin is super oily! I have terrible memories of the Dream Matte Mousse, too...
ReplyDeleteJess xo | The Indigo Hours
Yeah, Dream Matte Mousse really put me off trying Maybelline foundations for a few years, but fortunately I'm a fan of this one! If your skin is really oily though, then you're probably better giving this a miss and trying something else, to be honest x
DeleteLovely review! I have the same issue: I would love to try something matte but I always end up with dehydrated skin when I do so! This one sounds lovely, I like the fact that it isn't completely matte and its textures sounds dreamy! I will definitely check it out and see if I'm able to find my shade!
ReplyDeletehttp://fannyanddailybeauty.com
I hope you love it if you give it a go! Let me know what you think :) x
DeleteLovely review! I was really happy to hear that it gives light to medium coverage as my last Maybelline foundation was super cakey haha xD I'm really curious to try this and your photos are beautiful! :D xx
ReplyDeleteelizabeth ♡ ”Ice Cream” whispers Clara | (lets follow each other on bloglovin or instagram)
I was expecting it to have a much higher coverage and thought it might look heavy, but I was so pleased to find that wasn't the case. If your skin is a lot drier than mine, or you have a lot of rough patches, then it may cling slightly, though. Thanks so much! x
DeleteI'm not sure if I would get on with this range! I prefer full coverage and I think anything with dream in the title from Maybelline makes me think of Dream Matte Mousse! I never even tried it myself but have heard enough to horror stories for life haha!
ReplyDeleteDanielle's Beauty Blog
Yeah, I think Dream Matte Mousse scarred us all for life haha! Fair enough :) x
DeleteI've heard many good things about this maybelline foundation, I need to try it.
ReplyDeletewww.themakeupaficionado.com
Make sure to let me know how you get on with it :) x
DeleteI'm a huge fan of a matte finished too but do love the dewy look for summer as it looks so fresh :) I really like the sound of the dream matte foundation but not sure if it would break me out or not as my skins always been a trouble for me this way! x
ReplyDeleteJenny | Krystel Couture + Giveaway
Aw, what a pain! I always flit between a matte and luminous finish, depending on how my skin is feeling and what mood I'm in each day! x
DeleteI've read so many mixed reviews on this so I never bothered to try it. Good to know that the finish is actually satin matte, I was under the impression that it was dead matte.
ReplyDeleteShireen | Reflection of Sanity
On my skin, it definitely still has a slight sheen to it. I'm actually glad about that, as I hate it when foundations are too flat! x
DeleteOooh, I really do like the sound of this. I currently use the No7 perfectly matte foundation but when I'm struggling with money, I panic and try to find something cheaper but then I get awful break outs! I might have to try this!! Thanks for sharing xx
ReplyDeleteI haven't tried any of the No7 foundations, but I really should. I've heard great things about a few of them! Breakouts are something I really worry about with cheaper foundations too, which is why I usually prefer high-end formulas. This one hasn't caused me any skin issues though, thankfully! x
DeleteThanks for taking the time to read this post and leave a comment! I try to reply to each and every one of them within 24 hours! x