L'Oréal True Match Lumi Foundation: A review

Hello Beauties. I have another foundation review for you today - L'Oréal True Match Lumi Foundation. I picked this up in a mini "haul" about 3 weeks ago and I think I've learned enough about it to share with you today.

Originally, I got the shade C8 Nut Brown/Cocoa but that turned out to be too dark for me and was a chore to blend into my neck, so I returned it for C6 Soft Sable, which was a slightly better match - but we will get to that in a moment.

L'Oréal True Match Lumi is a medium coverage foundation with a natural finish. The luminous properties it claims are not due to shimmer or glittery particles in the liquid (whew, thank goodness!) but to 'Liquid Light Technology'. The makers of the product promise improved complexion with each use, due to added antioxidants and vitamin C. It is also claimed to last up to 8 hours and is safe for sensitive skin.

What I like about this foundation is first of all, the packaging! Thank you L'Oréal for including a pump!  The bottle is made of glass, which feels great in the hand and the cap is of plastic. The spout can get a little messy, but meh, no biggie. We got a pump!

The coverage of this is also really good. It covers discolorations easily, while still feeling lightweight.

The photo above shows the coverage Lumi provides on the dried up remains of my Cetaphil allergy (yes, its still there). I was impressed at how well this foundation covered discoloration, while still feeling so light on the skin. Major points for that!

In terms of lasting power, I think this is where Lumi falls short. I would describe the finish as 'natural' for about a minute after I apply it. Within 10 minutes, my face starts to look a little shiny (even after setting with the matching powder).

Within an hour, I feel like I need to take a shower! Haha. Ok, not really. But a blotting tissue becomes my best friend. Generally, I get a bit oily in the T-zone area and this foundation does me no favors in this department.

The L'Oréal True Match line separates its shades by undertones: cool, neutral and warm. I think this is beautiful because it helps to take some of the guess work out of finding a color match. However, the problem that I encountered was finding a shade to match my warm undertone. 

The darkest shade in the warm selection is a tan color that was many shades too light for me, so I ventured to the cool side, where the darker shades are found. There are really only 2 dark shades in this line and they are at least about 5 shades apart. 

Ignoring the debate of warm vs cool, I think that with a brand called True Match, the variety of shades should have been more extensive. I ended up with C6 after trying C8 and realizing it was too dark. C6 is a much better match in comparison but there is something a bit off about it on my complexion. I think it shows up too yellow and it is a bit too light.

Truth be told, I could probably mix C6 and C8 for a better match, but it just isn't worth it in my opinion. Why can't there be a C7?

For reference, I wear Mac NW45 or Revlon Colorstay in Caramel.

This foundation retails for $12.99 in drugstores.

Bottomline: I think this L'Oréal True Match Lumi Foundation has a few strengths: lightweight coverage  and packaging. The pump makes it really easy to dispense the product and that is a blessing for a drugstore foundation.

I would not recommend this if you have oily or combination skin as it does not hold up well to any extra "luminosity". I think this foundation is much better suited for normal to dry or mature skin.

Shade selection is poor if you are my skin tone or darker. Those who are any lighter should have a much better shot at finding a match.

Overall, I give L'Oréal True Match Lumi Foundation 3 out of 5 based on my experience.

Thanks so much for reading!

What foundation are you wearing today?