Revlon Colorstay Foundation

When I ran out of foundation, I decided to go against my usual brand of Rimmel and give Revlon a try. I won’t lie, I was highly influenced by the free gift you get when you spend £15 or more on Revlon cosmetics over Christmas – a box of 4 full-sized products. But this post isn’t about the freebie, so let’s talk about the foundation itself.

Revlon ColourStay foundation is marketed as a buildable and blendable formula that gives medium to full coverage with impressive staying power. I picked up the combination/oily version, though it’s also available in a formula for normal to dry skin.

What Is Revlon ColourStay Foundation?

Revlon ColourStay is one of the most popular drugstore foundations in the UK and has been a staple in the beauty world for years. It’s known for its long-wearing formula that claims to last up to 24 hours without transferring.

The foundation comes in two formulas:

• Combination/Oily Skin: Oil-free, matte finish
• Normal/Dry Skin: Hydrating formula, satin finish

Each formula is available in a good shade range, though finding your perfect match can sometimes be tricky (more on that later).

Combination/Oily vs Normal/Dry: Which Formula Should You Choose?

Combination/Oily Skin Formula:

The one for combination or oily skin is an oil-free formula designed to help control shine for a perfect velvet-matte finish. This is the version I tried.

• Oil-free formula
• Matte finish
• Shine control
• Good for oily T-zones and combination skin
• Doesn’t feel heavy or greasy

Normal/Dry Skin Formula:

The one for normal or dry skin has a hydrating formula to keep your skin moisturised throughout the day and has a satin finish that looks more natural and dewy.

• Contains moisturising ingredients
• Satin finish
• Won’t cling to dry patches
• Better for mature skin or during winter months
• More forgiving than the matte formula

I usually would have gone for the normal or dry formula, but as I have an oily T-zone, I went for the combination or oily one. This turned out to be the right choice for my skin type.

The Packaging: Pump Bottle Design

One thing I really appreciate about Revlon ColourStay is the pump bottle. I do love the pump bottle – it’s always a must for me with foundation.

Why pump bottles are better:

• Hygienic (no double-dipping fingers into product)
• Controlled dispensing (less product waste)
• Easier to get the right amount
• Product stays fresh longer

The Revlon ColourStay pump is sturdy and dispenses a good amount of product with each pump. One pump is usually enough for my whole face, two if I want to build up coverage on problem areas.

How Much Coverage Does Revlon ColourStay Provide?

Revlon markets this as medium to full coverage, but I wouldn’t class it as full coverage at all. It’s more light to medium coverage in my experience, though you can build it up if needed.

My coverage assessment:

• One layer: Light to light-medium coverage
• Two layers: Medium coverage
• Built up: Medium-full coverage (but can look cakey)

What it covers well:

• Uneven skin tone
• Redness
• Old acne marks and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation
• Minor blemishes

What you’ll need concealer for:

• Active spots and blemishes
• Dark under-eye circles
• Deep acne scars
• Prominent discolouration

I don’t tend to build foundation up too much as I prefer a lighter, more natural look. For my everyday needs, one to one-and-a-half pumps gives me the coverage I want.

Does It Really Last 24 Hours?

Revlon claims ColourStay lasts up to 24 hours. Let’s be realistic – who wears makeup for 24 hours straight? But what they mean is the formula has excellent staying power.

My experience with longevity:

It has a staying power of around 12 hours, which is genuinely impressive for a drugstore foundation. I tested it on a full workday and it held up brilliantly.

• After 6 hours: Still looking fresh, minimal shine on T-zone
• After 8-10 hours: Still in place, slight fading on nose
• After 12 hours: Noticeably worn but still there, might need a touch-up

For a drugstore foundation, 12 hours of wear is excellent. I didn’t experience significant fading, and my T-zone didn’t get excessively oily throughout the day.

Tips for maximum longevity:

• Use a primer underneath (especially for oily skin)
• Set with powder in oily areas
• Apply in thin layers rather than one thick layer
• Make sure your skincare is fully absorbed before applying

What Does the Finish Look Like?

The combination/oily formula has a velvet-matte finish. This means it’s matte but not flat or chalky – there’s still some dimension to the skin.

The finish:

• Matte but not completely flat
• Skin looks smooth and even
• Slightly velvety texture
• Doesn’t look heavy or cakey (when applied correctly)
• Natural-looking rather than obviously made-up

The matte finish is perfect for controlling shine throughout the day. If you have dry skin, you might find this formula too matte – in which case, the normal/dry version would be better.

The Shade Range Problem

Here’s where I ran into issues. The colour I picked is sadly a bit too light for me, but it gives me the chance to use some darkening drops I got at an event a few months ago!

The shade range challenge:

Revlon ColourStay has a decent shade range, but the undertones can be tricky. The shades tend to run either very warm (yellow/golden) or very cool (pink), with not much in between for neutral undertones.

Tips for finding your shade:

• Always swatch in natural daylight if possible
• Test on your jawline, not your wrist or hand
• Check if the shade oxidises (darkens) after a few minutes
• Read reviews about specific shades online
• Consider using shade-adjusting drops if you’re between shades

I ended up using darkening drops to make my too-light shade work, which is a bit annoying but not a dealbreaker given how affordable the foundation is.

How to Apply Revlon ColourStay Foundation

The application method can make or break this foundation.

What works best:

• Damp beauty sponge: Gives the most natural finish
• Buffing brush: Good for building coverage
• Fingers: Works okay but can look streaky

Application steps:

1. Start with moisturised, primed skin
2. Shake the bottle before use
3. Pump one to two pumps onto the back of your hand
4. Apply to face in sections, blending quickly (it sets fast!)
5. Build coverage where needed
6. Set with powder if you have oily skin

Important tip: This foundation sets quickly, so work fast when blending. Apply in sections rather than trying to do your whole face at once.

What Does It Feel Like on the Skin?

Texture:

• Creamy but not thick
• Blends easily when first applied
• Sets to a slightly powdery finish
• Doesn’t feel heavy on the skin
• No strong fragrance

Once set, it does feel like you’re wearing makeup – it’s not one of those “second skin” foundations. But it’s not uncomfortable, and I didn’t experience any tightness or irritation throughout the day.

Is Revlon ColourStay Good Value for Money?

Revlon ColourStay foundation typically costs around £12-15 in the UK for 30ml, depending on where you buy it.

Where to buy:

• Boots
• Superdrug
• Amazon
• Lookfantastic
• Beauty Bay

Is it good value?

For the price, absolutely yes. You’re getting:

• 12-hour staying power
• Buildable coverage
• A proper pump bottle
• Decent amount of product (30ml)
• Shine control that actually works

Compared to high-end foundations that can cost £30-40, Revlon ColourStay offers similar longevity and coverage at a fraction of the price.

Revlon ColourStay: The Pros and Cons

What I loved:

• Excellent staying power (genuinely lasts 12 hours)
• Pump bottle packaging
• Affordable price point
• Good coverage for a drugstore foundation
• Matte finish controls shine well
• Doesn’t oxidise much
• Widely available

What could be better:

• Shade matching is tricky
• Sets very quickly (can be difficult to blend)
• Not truly full coverage despite claims
• Can look cakey if you apply too much
• Matte formula might be too dry for some skin types
• Limited neutral undertones

Who Should Buy Revlon ColourStay Foundation?

This foundation is perfect for:

• Oily or combination skin types
• People wanting long-wearing makeup
• Those on a budget but not wanting to compromise on quality
• Anyone who prefers a matte finish
• People who don’t want to touch up throughout the day
• Those looking for decent drugstore coverage

Skip this if:

• You have very dry skin (try the normal/dry formula instead)
• You need truly full coverage
• You prefer a dewy finish
• You have hard-to-match undertones
• You want a “your skin but better” natural finish

Final Thoughts

After using Revlon ColourStay foundation back in 2016 and testing countless other foundations since then, I can confidently say it’s one of the better drugstore options available.

Is it perfect? No. The shade I picked was too light for me, and the formula does set quickly which can make blending a bit rushed. However, for around £12-15, you’re getting a foundation that genuinely lasts 12 hours, controls shine, and provides decent buildable coverage.

Would I repurchase? Yes, but I’d be more careful with shade selection next time. I’d also consider trying the normal/dry formula during winter months when my skin is less oily.

My rating: 7.5/10

It’s a solid drugstore foundation that does what it promises (aside from the 24-hour claim, which is a bit exaggerated). If you can find your shade match, it’s absolutely worth trying.

Have you tried Revlon ColourStay foundation? What did you think of it?

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Revlon ColourStay Foundation FAQs

Is Revlon ColourStay foundation good?

Yes, Revlon ColourStay is a good drugstore foundation. It offers buildable light-medium coverage, lasts around 12 hours, and costs £12-15. The combination/oily formula controls shine well with a matte finish. The main challenge is finding your perfect shade match.

Does Revlon ColourStay really last 24 hours?

Not quite 24 hours in my experience, but it does have excellent staying power. I got about 12 hours of wear before needing to touch up, which is impressive for a drugstore foundation. It doesn’t transfer much and holds up well throughout a full workday.

Which Revlon ColourStay formula should I choose?

Choose the combination/oily formula if you have oily or combination skin and want a matte finish with shine control. Choose the normal/dry formula if you have dry skin, mature skin, or prefer a more hydrating satin finish.

What coverage is Revlon ColourStay?

Revlon ColourStay provides light-medium coverage that can be built up to medium-full. It’s not truly full coverage despite marketing claims. One layer gives light coverage; two layers give medium coverage. It’s buildable but can look cakey if you apply too much.

How do I apply Revlon ColourStay foundation?

Apply with a damp beauty sponge for the most natural finish, or use a buffing brush for more coverage. Work quickly as it sets fast. Apply in sections, blending immediately. Use 1-2 pumps for your whole face and build where needed.