New Clinique Beyond Perfecting Foundation + Concealer (Review + Swatches)

The new Clinique Beyond Perfecting Foundation + Concealer recently launched and the brand sent over a bottle for review consideration. Foundation is one of my favorite pieces of makeup (so is blush, okay and concealer, alright add lipstick in there, too, you know what—might as well add mascara and highlighter, too) so if it comes in my shade, I want to try it…lol. Also I have the whole beauty blogger thing going so I review stuff constantly…lol.

So this foundation gives you a full coverage without feeling heavy and a natural-matte finish. It also has some really cool properties that allows it to last all day and adjust with your skin type.

Official description

For skin that’s beyond flawless and lasts all day, Clinique introduces NEW Beyond Perfecting Foundation + Concealer. A 2-in-1 liquid foundation and concealer, promising full coverage without the weight. Every time. Complexion perfection.

Smooth on as a foundation or spot-apply like a concealer. This formula covers everything, yet feels like nothing. Full coverage, yet lightweight. And it won’t disappear all day long. 12 hours wear.

Breathable formula adapts to skin’s needs with dual-sphere particles that absorb excess oil or add hydration. Whatever your skin requires. So dry patches are treated to extra hydration and shiny areas get zapped with oil-absorbing particles. The polymers in the formula won’t dry out and help the makeup glide on easy. Whether applying dots or smoothing over the skin, this foundation blends easily and creates a flawless canvas.

A unique applicator boasts different types of technique options. Use the doe foot part of the wand to apply dots all over the face, turn it sideways to spread across the cheeks and larger areas on the face, or just use the tippy top to cover smaller imperfections. Each angle presents a different possibility for getting the level of coverage you want.

It comes in 20 shades—the brand sent over the two deepest shades: Amber (denoted by Clinique’s D-G which means deep with golden undertones) and Clove (denoted by Clinique’s D-P which means deep with pinkish undertones). Clove was the closest to my skin tone though my undertones are more on the neutral side (you can see which shades I wear in foundations and concealers here).

In terms of performance, this foundation is AMAZING. It refused to give up on me. I was sweating when I was wearing it and even had it on in a hot shower (the things I do to test products…lol) and though I had very obvious oil breakthrough, the foundation still refused to quit. I probably only needed to touch-up with powder twice in about a 8-hr span. Even when it was time for me to start to get ready for bed and take it off, it still stayed on strong aside from some oily areas.

The coverage is definitely full but doesn’t feel like the full coverage foundations of yesteryear which is good to know if you require a little more coverage or want a flawless look. I felt the natural-matte finish and full coverage was too much for *me* (that plus the undertones were a little bit off). This doesn’t take away from it being a great foundation, it’s just not my personal finish and coverage preference.

Here it is on me:
(foundations tend to look the same on me in pictures so please make sure you read this entire post)

In pics it looks very natural, but trust me—in person it looks different—more “made up.” Naturally I’d never wear just foundation on its own, I’d add liner, mascara, brows, lip color, blush, and I’d probably add highlight/contour but I’m just showing what it looks like for those who say they need to see. I didn’t have time to do a full look and wanted to get this post up in a timely manner. You know, beauty blogger problems…lol.

Clinique artist tip:

“A common mistake with foundation is applying too much,” says Clinique Global Colour Artist, Jenna Menard. “This is where the unique applicator comes in handy. It controls the amount of product being applied so you don’t overdo it! What I love most about this 2-in-1 foundation is that it’s completely buildable allowing you to customize the coverage that’s perfect for you. Start with less, then work your way up for needed coverage.”

Bottom line: Clinique Beyond Perfecting Foundation + Concealer is an excellent foundation if you want full coverage and a natural matte finish and if you match one of the twenty shades. It performs well and is suited for those with Clinique skin types 2 and 3 (which is dry combination & combination oily).

Price and where to buy: $27 at Clinique counters nationwide and clinique.com. Also see widget below.