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I’ve got to catch up on my foundation reviews because I’m really behind. I sometimes get bogged down with too much detail and start comparing one foundation to another. Before I know it, I’m wearing two different foundations on each side of my face, and by the time I’ve finished, a year has gone by, and the product might even be discontinued, making it all seem pointless.
Moving on to Max Factor Radiant Lift Long Lasting Radiance Foundation: this does exactly what it promises – it’s radiant and long-lasting, providing all-day hydration without making your skin feel dry or cakey. Initially, I thought it was similar to L’Oreal’s Pro Glow, with its medium-to-full coverage and light, fresh feel, offering a nice glow. However, there are some key differences.
The Pro Glow, which comes in a tube – great for travel but a bit leaky – is very lightweight and noticeably lighter than the Max Factor Radiant Lift. The Radiant Lift comes in a glass bottle and has a creamier texture. While Pro Glow sets quickly and doesn’t leave any residue, Radiant Lift has a more substantial texture with a slight residue.
If your skin is quite dry, you might prefer Max Factor Radiant Lift. Its alcohol-free, creamier formula leaves a pleasing finish that dry skin tends to love. However, it doesn’t last quite as long as L’Oreal’s Pro Glow, which slightly outperformed it over a 14-hour wear test. Pro Glow also blends a bit better due to its lighter texture.
Now, let’s focus on the coverage and glow of the Radiant Lift. It’s not a dewy glow that catches the light but rather a “lit from within” radiance that provides an even and luminous finish. This soft glow looks like there’s a gentle beauty light beneath your skin.
In terms of coverage, Radiant Lift does a great job of evening out skin tone and covering dark circles under the eyes. While it’s not the most high-coverage foundation I’ve used, it certainly leaves a flawless finish without making the skin look flat.
You need to blend it fairly quickly because once it sets, it sets fast, which is expected since it’s a long-wear foundation. It’s particularly important if, like me, you have a bit of fluff on the upper lip.
Overall, there’s not much to dislike about Radiant Lift. It offers great staying power, a beautiful radiant finish, excellent coverage, and it’s reasonably priced. There are 18 shades available, which is decent compared to the 12 shades from Pro Glow, and it’s free of alcohol for those who prefer it that way. It seems more suited for drier skin rather than oily, as it appeared shiny on my t-zone during a hormonal phase.
For those seeking more moisture and dewiness, the new Clinique Even Better Refresh foundation might be the way to go, while Dior Forever Skin Glow provides similar radiance and coverage in a designer option with 30 shade choices.