Reviewed: Dior Forever 24H-Wear Matte Foundation Gave Me a Brilliant Matte Finish

When I’m in search of a foundation, I want something that will make my skin look practically flawless. Who doesn’t, right? And as a woman with a skin tone that’s been hard to match over the years, I’ve slowly progressed from settling for a shade that matches my skin as best it could to finding a foundation that not only matches, but gives me the look I want. Now that I know what I’m looking for, I wanted to give the Dior Forever 24H Wear High Perfection Skin-Caring Matte Foundation a try (phew, that’s a mouthful). After hearing about how popular it is, I was interested in testing it out myself and seeing if it was worthy of all it’s praise. Read my full review, ahead.

Pros

• Easily buildable
• Lasts for hours without caking
• Works well with other complexion products

 Cons

• Fragrance is strong
• Sensitive skin can react to ingredients
• Shade range is more limited than other brands

The Bottom Line

Dior’s Forever 24h* Wear High Perfection Skin-Caring Matte Foundation is a product that has an awesome finish and lasts for hours. If you don’t have super sensitive skin, this foundation is worth giving a try.

About My Skin: Acne-prone, sensitive, combination skin

My skin has always been sensitive and doesn’t respond well to certain ingredients and fragrances in skincare and makeup. I first started experiencing acne as a teen and still do today, so my skin and I have been through a lot. Since my skin can react to products easily, I keep my makeup routine streamlined and simple: on most days, I use my CoverFX Power Play Concealer on any spots and dust over my skin with my MAC Mineralize Skinfinish Natural Powder. When I’m going out though, I love a medium- to full-coverage foundation and am pretty open to trying different ones if it means I find a gem that I can add to my collection. A favorite of mine is the NARS Sheer Glow Foundation. Since the Dior Forever 24H Wear High Perfection Skin-Caring Matte Foundation is beloved by so many, I was excited to try it out and see if I’d love it just as much as others do.

How to Apply: Beauty sponge, fingers, or makeup brush

Since the Dior foundation is a liquid product, it can be used a few different ways: you can use your fingers, a makeup brush, or a beauty sponge. Using the pump from the foundation, I applied the product on my forehead, chin, and cheeks. I then used my damp Beautyblender to work the product into my skin and all over my face. It’s a really smooth and blendable product, so applying it with my beauty sponge was really easy to do. After a few moments of blending, I had an even and smooth complexion.

The Results: Even skin with a medium coverage

Once the foundation settled, I had amazing, flawless-looking skin. Initially, I was really impressed with my results and could see why so many people love this product. Before this 24H Wear iteration was launched, Dior actually had a slightly different formulation (known just as Dior Forever Matte Foundation). I never had a chance to try the original Dior Forever Matte before it was reformulated into the 24H Wear version, but, if the original foundation inspired the reformulation, the brand certainly did a great job with the changes made.

As you can see, this foundation gives my skin the natural, matte, enhanced complexion I typically look for when it comes to mattifying foundations. And since I prefer having skin that looks like it has a subtle glow, I don’t ever want to look too powdery or shine-free. Dior definitely delivered in this area, and I was completely sold on this foundation.

Irritation: I experienced a mild allergic reaction

I know this has been a glowing review so far, but you should know that there’s a major caveat. After a few hours of wear, I started to notice some tiny, itchy bumps on my skin. Having experienced this type of response to products before, I knew that my skin was having a reaction to the Dior foundation immediately. Since this wasn’t my first rodeo in the allergic reaction department, I didn’t concern myself too much with it; I took my makeup off and washed my face. Within two hours, the bumps on my skin shrunk to about half the size, but the itching went on for a few more hours. This has been a longstanding issue for me when it comes to trying out complexion and skin care products: my skin is so sensitive that I’m always taking a risk when I try something new.

When I read the ingredient list, I knew that there might have been a chance I could react to the (strong) fragrance or other ingredients in the product. Since I know that the stakes are a little higher for me because of my skin’s sensitivity, I don’t hold an allergic reaction against any brand or product. I work in beauty and test out products all the time—a potential reaction is part of the game for me. Though, as always, I recommend conducting a patch test before trying this product (as you should with any product). And with any specific concerns, it’s always best to speak to your physician.

Since I try to be as objective as possible when I review products, my allergic reaction to Dior’s foundation plays a minimal role in my thoughts of the product overall. My skin is not everyone’s skin, and my personal experience doesn’t shape my review completely.

The Value: A decent price for a prestige product

I think the Forever 24H Wear High Perfection Skin-Caring Matte Foundation is a foolproof product that can work for skin that isn’t as sensitive as mine. It applies beautifully, it’s buildable, and it has a lovely matte finish that lasts and lasts. Since Dior is a prestige beauty brand, I was actually really impressed with the price point. To spend $52 for 1 fl. oz. of a high-end foundation is reasonable; you can treat yourself to a little piece of luxury guilt-free.

Similar Products: You Have Options

Makeup Forever Matte Velvet Skin Full Coverage Foundation ($38): One of my personal favorites, Makeup Forever’s Matte Velvet Skin Full Coverage Foundation is a nourishing, breathable, mattifying foundation that blurs over imperfections without making your skin look too artificial. Able to last for up to 24 hours, Matte Velvet skin can rival the Forever 24H Wear High Perfection Skin-Caring Matte Foundation if you’re looking for a slightly more affordable product. 

L’oreal Infallible 24 Hour Fresh Wear Foundation ($15): L’oreal’s foundation is one of the most reliable drugstore foundations that can be compared to Dior’s: for $15, this product is just as high-performing as any luxury product out there. With its medium to full coverage, ability to resist sweat, and lasting power, the Infallible 24 Hour Fresh Wear Foundation is a budget-friendly product worth checking out.

MAC Cosmetics Studio Fix Fluid SPF 15 Foundation ($33): A classic in the beauty world for years, MAC’s Studio Fix Fluid is a timeless foundation that has a medium to full buildable coverage, a natural matte finish, a 24-hour wear, and broad spectrum protection with SPF 15. Providing one of the most inclusive shade ranges on the market, Studio Fix Fluid is a great alternative to Dior’s Forever 24H Wear High Perfection Skin-Caring Matte Foundation.

Our Verdict: It does what it claims, but be weary if you have sensitive skin

This foundation does exactly what claims: it delivers a medium coverage, a natural matte finish, and can stay put all day. While it doesn’t deliver anything dramatically different than other products on the market, it’s a solid contender in the foundation category. Just be aware of the possibility of an allergic reaction if you’re sensitive to fragrance or certain ingredients. Try a patch test before applying this product to your face, and as always, direct any specific concerns to your physician.