Many of you are probably quite familiar with my raves about the Bourjois Healthy Mix foundation and its gel serum counterpart. But many will also bemoan the fact that this quite lovely foundation just isn’t available locally. Thing is, I may have found a local substitute 😀
But before you break out the pom-poms and cheers, I have to tell you that I hesitate to call this a substitute in a true sense, because I personally feel that this one’s a little more suited for someone with normal to dry skintypes. The foundation in question is the Revlon Age Defying Foundation with DNA Advantage Cream Makeup SPF20.
You may have noticed this in our local pharmacies – the red capped foundation bottle with the helix within the clear plastic case is quite eye catching. I must say at this juncture that I have had pretty good experiences with Revlon base products in the most part. In fact, were I to be asked to recommend a base (whether powder or liquid) easily available at the pharmacies, I’d almost always point you to the Revlon counter. Their products just work well for me, and the Age Defying DNA Advantage Cream Makeup is no exception.
The reference to the DNA and the double helix the bottle represents is the fact that this liquid foundation is not only supposed to act as a makeup base, but also is imbued with skincare anti-aging benefits. It is also supposed to help skin feel refreshed and revitalized and diminish fine lines and wrinkles with regular use. Personally, I don’t buy into all that.
Cynicism aside however, I must say that any benefit to my skin is better than none. Much to the credit of this product, I find the texture very smooth and hydrating on my skin. It does not look cakey nor does it cause my skin to dry out with prolonged use. Considering we sometimes have makeup on for long hours at work, it does matter if your foundation will hold up. Many long wearing foundations tend to be rather drying on the skin but this one feels comfortable on and actually stays looking good pretty much all day long.
What I like about the Revlon Age Defying foundation with DNA Advantage is simply just how it looks on my skin. With this one on, my skin looks plumped and dewy without looking oily. It applies very creamy but not thickly, and I find that it is very very comfortable on the skin.
However, I personally feel that this one is more suited for those with a normal to dry skintype as stated above. I have such a skintype and this product feels absolutely lovely on. It does not turn me oily once I set it with some loose powder or Meteorites, it makes my skin look good and coverage is light to medium depending on how much you use. My T-zone does sometimes get a bit oily throughout the day, but this foundation doesn’t make it worse so that’s a huge plus.
However, for those with oily skintypes, I can imagine you may find this one a little heavy on your skin. The texture of the product is creamy which some people may not like. Its not to say it will not work for you, since I can’t quite tell if it will. Its merely an observation and I will suggest you test it at the counters to see if you will like it.
(1) Revlon Age Defying DNA Advantage Foundation Bare Buff 10 (2) Bourjois Healthy Mix Serum Foundation #51 Light Vanilla (3) Diorskin Forever liquid foundation 10 Ivory
You may perhaps notice from the swatches above, how the texture of this Revlon DNA foundation compares to other foundations. The product is creamier and a little can go a long way. No. 10 Bare Buff is my perfect colour match. It looks a wee bit dark and pink in this swatch but on the skin it evens itself out quite nicely. I take #51 in Bourjois as my perfect colour match too so you could use that for comparison purposes.
The foundation comes with SPF20 UV protection which is pretty high, in a cosmetic product and whilst I would advocate the use of a separate sunscreen, there remain some who prefer not to, for various reasons. So using makeup with SPF is, I suppose, better than nothing.
In a nutshell
A creamy yet lightweight liquid foundation from Revlon with skincare anti-aging benefits and SPF20. The packaging is simple and eye catching, and the product works very well for those with a normal to dry skintype. Coverage is light to medium and it feels very comfortable on my skin all day long, looking dewy and glowy and covering minor flaws quite well. Those who have oily skin may not find it as comfortable on the skin although you could try with a thin layer as the coverage is quite impressive.
Pros: Affordable, Very comfortable on the skin, Skin looks plumped and glowy with it on, Coverage is fair for everyday, Does not make my skin oily (normal to dry skintype), High SPF20 broad spectrum protection
Cons: May not be suitable for those with oily skin, Limited shades available (4 locally)
I only use slightly under a pump for all over my face, and the formula is such that it goes a long way so a pump is usually more than sufficient. Coverage is fair, and I find that I do not need to use as much concealer, or that I only really need to apply concealer on the worst of my perceived flaws. A light dusting of loose powder or any finishing powder usually sets it quite well.
And here’s the ingredient list for anyone interested.
Some of you may ask – “How does this Revlon DNA foundation compare to the Bourjois Healthy Mix foundation?”
I’d say it comes down to preferences. Bourjois Healthy Mix is lighter in texture and the shades tend to be a little more yellow. The fruity scent also puts off some people because its quite strong. Above all, its unavailable locally.
The Revlon DNA foundation however has a slightly heavier creamier texture which some may not like and the shade is a bit more neutral with some pink tones. There is no scent which is a boon, and it is easily available locally. I’ve noticed lots of testers available so its always worth heading down to a Revlon counter and just checking it out to see if it might be something you may like 🙂
Have you tried the Revlon Age Defying DNA Advantage foundation? Do you like it? If you have oily skin or combination-oily and have tried it, I’d love to hear what you think because I don’t have that skintype and it’ll be helpful for others 🙂
Paris B
Revlon Age Defying Foundation with DNA Advantage Cream Makeup SPF20 Price: RM69/30ml Availability: All Revlon counters nationwide Shades available: Bare Buff, Tender Beige, Medium Beige, Honey Beige
Tracy says
Wow!! I think I might like this one!
Paris B says
You might, especially now that its winter and all 🙂
Tine says
I like using this one in the evenings, in winter. Gives me fantastic coverage, and because it’s cold, it doesn’t feel heavy on my skin, especially on my super-oily nose 🙂
Paris B says
Yes I do think in cooler climates, this would make a nice winter foundation. For us here in the tropics it can feel a wee bit heavy unless you have dry skin
jennifer says
i’ve never used foundation before. currently i’m using BB Cream. what are your opinion regarding bb cream vs foundation?? btw i loved reading all the write ups you put up cos you are direct and even put up pics 🙂 Many thx for your efforts and wonderful write ups :))
Paris B says
Thank you Jennifer. I have never been a fan of BB Creams per se (you can read why here). I treat them as I would tinted moisturizers and I prefer foundations for better colour match and texture. I have changed my mind since then of course but the only BB Cream I’ve really continued to use since then is the Garnier one that I happen to like. The rest are just average for me.
jennifer says
thx very much for your reply 🙂 will read your link in a short while *Hugs*
Lily says
I don’t have good experiences with Revlon foundations because I need a yellow based one. There isn’t a shade that matches me 🙁 Their light shades seem to be too pink for me.
Paris B says
Aww that’s too bad 🙁 I have had excellent luck with Revlon bases which is great for my wallet 😉
LeGeeque says
Hmm.. I was going to pick up Dior Forever foundation but this seems like a kinder alternative. I’m a little wary of this being thicker though. How does this compare with Forever?
Paris B says
Dior Forever is a bit drying used over a long time and on drier skins I feel its a bit too mattifying. The texture in this one is thicker but you don’t have to use a lot
xin says
i passed the one tht i inherited from you to my mom. and she loves it 😀
Paris B says
I have same skin as your mom! :O
Hanny Daforcena says
Currently, I’m aiming for the Bourjois Healthy Mix, thanks to you and Sukie heh heh. Its a lil bit saddening to know that local drugstore foubdations are more expensive than their foreign counterparts though.
Paris B says
I think its a matter of price perception. Overseas, the price point is lower but locally, our price points start higher on a dollar to dollar basis. I don’t think local pharmacy products are expensive when compared to what we would pay in the department store otherwise but from a dollar perspective it seems that way.
peach_ says
This sounds nice! My combination skin needs creamier foundations for winter since ones like Dior Forever can be too drying right now without piling on moisturizer. Will see if I can find a tester!
Paris B says
I think this one’s nice for cool dry weather or if you have dry skin. I like Dior Forever, but if I wear it too often, I find it a bit drying too!
Nikki says
Yes I have tried this and I love this to!!! For my skin type 😀
Paris B says
Hurrah! Glad you like this one too
Jamilla says
Thanks for the review! Must investigate further!!
Paris B says
I hope you like it too if you try it 🙂
gio says
Sounds like a great foundation! But too bad the shade selection is so limited. I don’t think I’ll be able to find a good match for my skintone..
Paris B says
Oh its just limited locally Gio 🙂 In Europe there are one or two lighter shades available.
giddy tigress says
Excellent! Was just about to ask a friend to get me the Bourjois foundation, but this sounds great! I might try it… 🙂
Paris B says
I think its a bit different from Bourjois. Bourjois is more universally acceptable for most skin types but this one would be more for the drier skinned girls 🙂
plue says
i got oily skin so this is a no go for me, but since it claims it’s to help aid in minimizing fine lines and wrinkles, I’d think this is memang targeted for older, drier or more mature skins.
Paris B says
I would say so yes. However, I liked their powder foundation in the same range too and I was using it years ago! 😀
plue says
eh this range was out for so long ady? and with powder foundation too?
Paris B says
Yep! Age Defying foundation has been around, without the DNA Advantage. I used to have their powder foundation. I like Revlon’s powder so I used to stock up!
beaty says
my skin is combination skin type so..erm Not suit to me ahh
Paris B says
I guess not 🙂
Jyoan says
haha, I was sold on the Bourjois Healthy Mix after reading your post, even when I don’t need and don’t use foundations!!!
And I must say, that the Bourjois goes on so sheer and settles into fine powder finish, much like loose powders that I normally use. Bourjois really makes it no difference between loose powder and foundation, for me.
Best part is that it didn’t break me out. My beautician stopped me from using any foundation ever, 5 years ago, and got me on to proper primer (sunscreen, no BB Cream back then), plus loose powder combi after she saw my skin that didn’t recover from the breakout.
yup. haha. so probably will not try Revlon or I’ll have difficulty finishing the Bourjois and all BB Creams stock. Also, somehow my skin doesn’t agrees with the standard drugstore brands… … things like L’oreal skincare etc. Very cautious now, don’t want to risk breakout.
Paris B says
The Bourjois foundation is an amazing one, price considering. I think its a great introduction back into foundation and I’m glad it worked for you 😀
Shay says
I thought the bourjois healthy mix foundation is very good! I love the sheer coverage that makes my face my skin but better.
I am concurrently using Paul & joe light cream foundation which I like less than the bourjois one. Your description of this Revlon one sounds like my Paul & joe. Think it might make my skin oil up…
Paris B says
If you have oilier skin, I wouldn’t recommend the Revlon – it does hae a tendency to be a wee bit heavy.
lyn says
I was rather tempted to get this foundation but I am using Revlon’s Colorstay, which I’m pretty happy with at the moment 🙂
Paris B says
I’ve never used Colorstay! LOL I found it too heavy for me when I tried it once before. But I’ve heard its not too bad
Rane Chin says
I just tried it on CNY day 1 & I love it. Planned to write a post abt it & Surprise to see you written it too 😉
Paris B says
Good to know you like it too Rane! 🙂
milktea says
The fat swirls of DNA engraved on the bottle have always fascinated me.. 🙂 Probably won’t go for this, skin still tends to be oily.
Paris B says
Yes! The packaging is most certainly eye catching isn’t it?