Ok, let’s get it out there. I love this Make Up For Ever HD Foundation. Yes, I’m late to to trying this foundation since it’s been out for a while, but it wasn’t for want of trying. I had a really poor experience at the MUFE counters at Sephora over 2 years ago and I swore off buying anything from them even though I was very interested in many of their things. I used to be a ardent user of their eyeshadows and Full Cover concealer, going through a couple of tubes of the latter even. But one horrible experience, where the SA at the counter refused (yes, that’s right, refused flat out) to allow me to purchase a foundation shade I wanted (I got the right shade, she wanted me to use one 2 shades darker) had me cutting off the brand from my radar.
But later, Make Up For Ever opened up their pro boutique on the 1st floor of Sephora Starhill and that is the place to go to for your needs. I had decent service there and I wasn’t pushed into buying crap I didn’t want, while allowing me to buy the crap I wanted, and everyone was happy.
Which is how I finally ended up buying the HD Invisible Cover Foundation in shade #N115. Sephora describes this as 115 Ivory, for light skin with pink undertones which is pretty accurate for me. I find this to be a fairly neutral shade that swatches on my hand lighter than I expected, but when worn on my face, is the perfect shade. So always try foundation where it is to be applied, folks, on your face not on your hands 😛
I will have to say that finding the right shade can be a little tricky. There are about 26 shades available with subtle nuances in each that allow it to suit most skintones, but you have to try it on to be sure so it is a high risk buying this sight unseen.
Make Up For Ever (MUFE) describes this as a HD High Definition Foundation because it has medium to high coverage, and gives skin the soft-focus effect so you look flawless up close and even under harsh lighting. While I and most of us, are rarely thrust under the spotlight, I like how this foundation makes my skin look pretty much perfect for photographs and in person for days when I feel the need to impress. Oh yeah, we all have those days don’t we? 😉
The MUFE HD Foundation has pretty high coverage and a slightly thick texture, but I find it fairly easy to blend. I have read reports of it setting quickly making for harder blending, but I did not personally experience it. Due to the high coverage, you don’t need a lot of product so bear in mind that less is more. Start out with just a little dollop and then work up from there.
I usually pump out a dollop on the back of my hand. This is usually about half a pump or less. Then, I use my fingers to blend it out and draw stripes down my face before blending it all out with a foundation brush. It’s basically this fool-proof foundation technique that I shared before, but the simplified, and lighter coverage version.
I personally find this foundation very easy to blend, and the high coverage means I can usually skip using concealer on areas that have some redness or pigmentation. For areas with pigmentation, I usually just go over with another thin layer of product and it looks fine.
I love the texture, which is very lightweight and practically weightless on my skin. It doesn’t feel heavy nor suffocating the way many full coverage foundations are, and yet, when you don’t use too much and you blend it out nicely, you look almost air-brushed when you look into the mirror. I have normal-dry skin and this doesn’t settle into lines nor does it enhance any flaky skin I may have from time to time. It doesn’t feel dry nor turn oily, and it really seriously looks great on skin from morning till evening. To help it stay looking flawless for longer, I usually buff over the NARS Light Reflecting Loose Powder (which I’m told is similar the the MUFE HD powder) which eliminates shine and keeps my skin looking pretty much perfect all the way till the evening, so I only have to put on some lipstick and I’m good to go after a day at work. Seriously, no other liquid foundation I own is this efficient!
But as they say, the proof is in the pudding, so here are the unretouched before-after photos to show you how the MUFE HD Foundation looks on me.
I only used a thin layer of product as this is how I wear it most of the time. A lot of my photos are taken just before going to work, so I don’t do dramatic stuff 😛 You may notice that redness oon the skin is significantly reduced, and the pigmentation on cheeks are covered. Not 100% but with just 1 layer of product, I think it’s pretty remarkable.
Here is the swatch of MUFE HD Foundation in 115 Ivory, alongside other foundations I wear and their shades.
Left-Right: MUFE HD Foundation 115 Ivory, Diorskin Nude 010 Ivory, Bourjois Healthy Mix Serum #51 Light Vanilla, Naked Skin Foundation 1.0
The MUFE HD 115 has more pink tones than Bourjois and Naked Skin foundation but I wear the latter 2 well because their texture is lighter and so applies more sheer. The texture of MUFE HD is rather similar to that of Diorskin Nude, except that Diorskin Nude in Ivory is more pink and will turn glowy after a while, while MUFE HD doesn’t. I like Diorskin Nude so I wear that a lot for work, but it doesn’t last from morning till evening, so then, I wear MUFE HD which works perfectly.
I do find that this foundation photographs very well so if you know you’re going to be photographed a lot, this is one you could consider. It’s definitely one of my favourites when I want to look picture perfect yet without looking like I piled on a truckload of makeup.
IN A NUTSHELL
The Make Up For Ever HD Invisible Cover Foundation is a medium-full coverage foundation that has a lightweight texture that is very easy to blend. I find the coverage impressive with just one thin layer of product and I do find that a little goes a long way so you don’t really need a lot to get good coverage over the skin. I also find this long lasting on my normal-dry skin especially when I set it with the NARS Light Reflecting Powder and it isn’t drying. To get a lighter foundation effect, I sometimes mix in a serum or moisturiser so I only get a light coverage. The foundation photographs well, and makes you look picture perfect so this is one to try, if you plan to get a lot of photos taken or be seen on TV!
PROS: Lightweight texture, Easy to apply on skin, Medium to full coverage covers redness and flaws well, Not drying, Photographs beautifully, Makes skin look flawless even in person
CONS: Pricey but a little goes a long way, It maybe hard to find a colour match initially
WHO WILL LIKE THIS: Anyone who wants a foundation that will photograph well and medium-full coverage
Have you tried the Make Up For Ever HD Foundation? Do you love it as I do, or you hate it if it didn’t work for you?
Incidentally, this was the very same product and shade the Sephora SA refused to let me buy. I don’t know. As much as I appreciate having people help, quite often, a decision like this is for me to make isn’t it? If it didn’t work out, I can only blame myself; and since there’s no return policy here, if I had been gullible enough to listen to the SA I’d be saddled with a product far too dark for me to use and then I’d hate this. But I didn’t listen and I love this so all’s well that ends well 🙂
Paris B
Make Up For Ever HD Invisible Cover Foundation Price: RM175/30ml Availability: Sephora stores or the Make Up For Ever Pro Boutique at 1st Floor Sephora Starhill
Finally! You tried it. 😀 I went through a MUFE HD spell too. Now I’m trying really hard to use up all my NARS Sheer Glow in order to justify trying out the new Dior Star. LOL.
And I personally prefer the NARS Light Reflecting Powder than the MUFE HD. It’s just not the same.
Yes, FINALLY! LOL I really like this one and I STILL haven’t gotten my NARS Sheer Glow yet LOL I should one day too. I haven’t tried the Dior Star foundation yet – worth trying you think? I thought it looked a bit dry on my hand so I didn’t want to get it just yet.
Haven’t buy Dior Star yet. Just got a sample of 010 and 021. I like the texture and how it looks, but not too sure about the shade. The texture is slightly less runny than Dior Nude. Covers a little bit better than Nude, but not like Dior Forever. Feels really comfortable and gives you a barely noticeable glow. Go try, go try. 😉
I tested at Sephora and I think it’ll have to be 010 which does look quite light. I hear that the shade selection is a little off in Dior Star but I actually found it lighter in texture than Diorskin Nude! :O I guess I should go and give it a go eh?
Me too! I thought it was just me that thinks that 010 looks a bit too pink and light. While I’m fine with the intensity of 010, it made me look a bit too pink. And 021 is a bit too dark for me, but with just the right amount of gold in it. Le sigh…
I actually prefer the Star rather than the Nude. Nude just disappears on me after 2 hours, but the Star looks better and better by the passing hour. No primer, just with the NARS Light Reflecting Powder. Try asking for a sample. How’s Sephora Malaysia’s sampling policy like?
All these foundation talk is making me wanting to revisit MUFE HD. LOL.
Hey Paris,
I was directed to some shady ads and saw that they had used your picture! https://bellaveiskincare.com/white/sea/#/country/SG/?campaign=12001&subid1=292155&subid2=AN&subid3=102ff6311dc1e0916c5718d13d0168&subid4=&temp=21184550
Hey Cindy, thank you so much for letting me know! I got them to remove it and honestly, I’m disgusted that they’re stealing pictures from bloggers and using it without permission! What a nonsensical company!
I pretty much had the same experience as you at the sephora counters on MUFE. I feel they are not equiped well enough in terms of knowledge of the products they are selling. They sell the HD loose powder in 2 sizes. Wanted to get the small one. And the SA told me there is no such size. Next when she tried it on me. The amount of powder she use is crazy much ! I actually told her that we are only suppose to use a tiny bit. Needless to say. I looked pasty after that 🙁
Ugh! What’s this about Beauty SAs and their poor product knowledge eh? Really makes me mad especially when I want to buy something and since they piss me off, I won’t and therefore lose out on a chance to try/buy what I want Bah. Anyway, next time you want some proper service from MUFE, go upstairs of the Sephora Starhill store to the MUFE Pro counter. MUCH better!
I had the same counter experience recently at Covo. The BA refused to allow me to get the foundation shade I want. She too insisted I get one shade darker. I gave in to the shade she wanted me to purchase because I figure it’s only RM25 (promo price). Turns out it’s too dark for me and now the foundation is sitting somewhere.
I went to Sephora last week to purchase Bare Mineral powder foundation. I was so anxious choosing the shade for my skin tone as I knew the BA will somehow push one or two shade darker for me. Initially I was recommended Medium Beige. I explained my oily skin condition i.e. oxidization and turns out the BA ‘listen’ to me and she tried Light on my jawline. Perfect match. Phew. Otherwise I’d be pouring RM244 down the drain.
These BAs are weird, I swear. Often I think they forget that mall/store lighting isn’t proper lighting. Lucky for you that you didn’t pay top dollar for a product you can’t use! I didn’t realise the Bare Mineral foundation was so expensive! RM244! :O
Oh no Bare Mineral foundation is not that pricey. It’s RM119. I bought the 6-pc kit that comes with 2 full size brushes and 3 deluxe size products 😀
Ahh ok, gave me a shock thinking it was over RM200 hehe
I like the foundation due to the extensive shade selection and it applies beautifully however it doesnt last long on my oily combination skin. Good news is they have another line called matte velvet without spf for skin like mine.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts on this for oily-combination skin Jess! I had a friend who loved Matte Velvet and who told me to try it but I found it so drying but it’s great to know that that one works well for oily skin 😀
I think I bought this about 3 years ago and it was my favourite! Hate it when SAs do that. I came across a very snobbish MUFE SA that put me off the brand for a long time. She wasn’t even a pro makeup artist, from the amateur advice she dished out. Lol!
Hello Lily and Paris! I wonder, whose SA is more snobbish? MUFE or MAC? :p Honestly, I have no idea MUFE SAs come across as snobbish… hmm…
MAC hands down 😛 I had a poor experience with MUFE when they had their counters but recent experiences at the actual boutique are fine. They seem to know what they’re talking about anyway 😛
Ugh yes, even when MUFE had their own counters, I always encountered crappy service so I’d buy my stuff online instead of at the counter 😛 But foundation was one of those I didn’t dare take a chance with online.
this has nothing to do with MUFE foundation but just sharing my bad experience with SA too but it was with Sasa. The SA (her tag read that she’s a senior) and kept pushing me to buy mask, serum, moisturiser, foundation and etc when all i wanted to buy was just an eyebrow brush. She refused to even let me choose my brow brush, and kept trying to lead and push me to the other aisles selling other non makeup tools. i was so cheesed i told her firmly that i just wanted a brow brush and that’s it. after that, she gave me such a black face and banged my shopping basket on the cashier counter when i wanted to pay. i was so pissed that i told them their service is so so so bad that i’m not even wanting to buy a ‘cheap’ brow brush anymore and just walked out. needless to say, i never return to that outlet anymore.
i was looking for a bb cream for light coverage, and while passing by another Sasa outlet i was very reluctant to walk in. but i figured, just try lah. it was probably my good luck that the SA was very nice and helpful, and she also know how to leave me alone when i needed it. i ended up buying 2 things from her with her recommendation – which was straightforward and answered my needs as well. customer service is so so important!!
it goes to show that it’s different persons having different service minds – regardless of brands… 🙂
LOL Share away! So many of us have all these horror stories about SAs! Oh I have my own stories about SASA SAs which is part of the reason I don’t go to Sasa stores anymore. I know I’m missing out on a lot of deals and Sasa exclusive brands but seriously, their staff attitude in almost every store I’ve been to just puts me off so I figured I’d rather not put myself through the stress. It’s good to know you finally got what you wanted at a different store so taking a chance and 2nd chances can sometimes be a good thing!
I know I haven’t commented in many time but university is taking most of my time, however I needed to comment this one.
I JUST WANT THIS FOUNDATION NOW. It has “nothing” to do with the fact that in this period I’m taking photography and audiovisual language (in a short name: video) and I don’t know when I’ll be on spotlight.
Also the fact that you say that in your humid climate it didn’t turn oily makes me think that in my colder and drier weather it will be quite good for my oily skin. I have to go to Sephora and check it, just wish this time they have a new bottle (the last time I wanted to try it the foundation was separated iuck!).
Also about the HD powder it’s just silica but in certain lights it makes skin look more airbrushed (I looked awesome under Sephora lights and in sunlight it was right) and now I think both products together have to make skin looks flawless.
Hey Efrain! Thank you for taking time out to comment – appreciate it and I hope you’re enjoying your time at university. It’s truly one of the best times of your life! And you’re taking photography! That’s so cool and so much fun. I wish I had such fun subjects available to me when I was at Uni but I was in a traditional course and these just weren’t offered 🙁 But yes, this is a very nice foundation that I really love but I do have to note that I have normal-dry skin so it might be why it works for me. Another reader, Jess has mentioned above that for her oily-combination skin, it doesn’t stay on as well so she prefers using Matte Velvet. I hope you get some luck trying out both the HD and Matte Velvet and see which works better for you!
i have this and enjoy it on an occasional bases. i found it a little bit drying if used daily. i usually find that sephora sa are friendly but lacking in skill when it comes to color matching. sadly their skin iq system never works on me either. i’m always getting shades that are too dark or too orange. here in the states, if they tell me the shade i want to try is too light, i respond by telling them that asians have a cultural preference for looking paler and that usually does the trick.
Interesting about it feeling drying. I guess I rotate my bases so often I don’t notice it but it’s a good point to bring up, Joy 🙂 And that’s a funny answer you give them. Some things are just easier not to explain eh? LOL I don’t understand why anyone would wear a foundation that isn’t their skin tone. Isn’t that what it’s for?!
I love this too. I wear this alternately with my Guerlain Parure and Lingerie de Peau, have acne scarred skin so I only go for full coverage makeup most of the time.
Good choices for foundation Peggy! I love the Guerlain ones too! *high5*
As price is the only CON you listed, I’m inspired! You know I would trust you with my life when it comes to all matters cosmetic.
I can’t tell you how annoyed I am with BAs who insist on a foundation match that doesn’t match. It’s enough to make me not want to wear a foundation ever again.
Yikes! You do realise that makes it a heavy burden to bear, SG? 😛 But truly, this foundation is wonderful. Give it a try the next time you’re at MUFE and see if you don’t fall in love with it too 🙂 I hate it when BAs think they know your skin better than you do. Honestly, who’s wearing it eh? You or them 😛
Helloooo Paris! How are you? Settling in your new nest yet? 🙂
I’ve been on a foundation phase lately trying out this and that. HAHA! I’ve been reading about this MUFE HD foundation a lot and aiyah… I want it now!! 🙂 I am intrigued to know its lasting power as you had described! 🙂
Hi Ting! How have you been? Yes, I’ve moved and am settling in nicely, thanks for asking! I’m always in a foundation phase so you know you have a friend in me haha! This one’s really nice but if you have oilier skin, give Matte Velvet a try. Another reader mentioned that it might be better especially since we have humid weather here.
Thanks for such a great review, as always! I have been thinking about trying this foundation as well!
You’re welcome Jen and hopefully this helped you make up your mind! 😉
Oohh good pick! Not gonna harp on the SA’s at Sephora locally, I think most of us have established that most times these SA’s don’t really don’t have a clue on what they are talking about. Cant believe how they try to talk down to you about makeup sometimes. Gosh! Anyway, good pick of foundation, been hearing ntg but praises for this particular one 🙂
All the praises for the foundation are well deserved! I also like how they have such a wide selection of shades to suit almost all skin tones. But yes, SAs whether at Sephora or otherwise can be quite a pain but the good ones can sell me the moon and sun 😛
I tried this but it set too fast and went patchy when I tried to blend it. So nope, sticking with Lunasol and 3CE.
I do prefer foundation shades that are slightly yellow. Pink based ones make my rosacea look worse…
Interesting, I didn’t find it to dry very quickly but foundation is a tricky thing 🙂 What I liked about MUFE was how they cater for most skintones so they have those for people with yellow bases and pink bases which is far better than many other brands out there, Japanese brands excluded 🙂
Ugh, I’m the only one in the universe that has a bad experience with this MUFE HD Foundation! Everywhere on the blog sphere everybody has a hit with this. But it was a miss for me.
I was in Sephora for an hour and forty five minutes. After only an hour an SA came to me (but I’m fine with being left alone, it happens at every single Sephora outlet), so we tried 118 and 120 on two sides of my face. They’re both a match but in consideration of oxidization and what not, SA n I agreed 118 would be a better choice. I mean, I even stepped out of Sephora (Starhill branch) to check myself under natural lighting.
Anyway, it always turns out ashy on me. It’s really “flat” on me, I gave it three months plus to try on any occasion. But this is the only foundation that gives me the feeling that I should use bronzer cause it’s just too umm… “flat”. I had used it with Estee Lauder’s Primer/Mac Prep & Prime/ Mac Strobe Cream/MUFE HD Primer (container sample). Not too sure if it’s the primer or the foundation, it always slides really horribly and my face gets incredibly oily. After trying so hard to get it to work, I went “meh” and switched back to my Shiseido Perfect Refining Foundation (before it’s discontinued). And that’s the moment I agreed with you Paris, I’m sticking to Japanese stuff for foundation’s sake!
So now it’s just been sitting in my drawer, if there’s any taker, I’d be willing to give it away for free! Mine’s at 118 and it’s barely used for such a big bottle of foundation. I really don’t mind one bit, I know it’s a good foundation so it’s such a waste to let it sit untouched, unused.
Oh dear, so sorry to hear that this didn’t work for you 🙁 I find that the Sephora SA actually don’t seem to know what they’re doing which is a pity. I know what you mean by flat, but could it be because the shade is a little off, or that you may be wearing a little more product? Since you have a full bottle and if no one’s taking you up on your offer, I’m going to suggest that you take it to the MUFE boutique at Sephora Starhill (upstairs) and see if they can help you get it to work. I could hook you up with someone if you like 🙂 But you know, Japanese foundation is quite stellar. They’ve got that perfect combination of light texture and coverage and colour that leaves you looking just perfect!
Ooh, I’ve always wanted to try out this foundation (but I’ve been receiving so many products to review that I’m putting shopping on hold!). I loved my Diorskin Nude, and yes, it didn’t last throughout the day, so glad to here that MUFE’s HD foundation is a close match. Will give a try one day!
In terms of longevity and coverage, the MUFE definitely trumps the Diorskin Nude so I think you’ll like the MUFE one! 😀 Like you, I get swamped too but there’re some things we just have to get for ourselves eh? 😉
I just wanted to ask your opinion on the Lunasol Skin Modelling Foundation vs the MUFE HD foundation. I\’m looking at getting a foundation that photographs well and from your reviews on both products it appears that both are quite good. Is the Lunasol as long lasting as the MUFE? From the reviews I\’ve read, everyone seems to agree that MUFE is very long lasting. Any suggestions on which one would be better? 😛 Fyi, I have combination skin with an oily T-zone without much blemishes just some freckles on my cheeks and living in Australia so the weather isn’t as humid as Malaysia.
Hi Martina, I’d pick the MUFE over the Lunasol for longevity and coverage. Also I find the MUFE is kinder for the camera. However, for everyday use, I’d go with Lunasol because it’s lighter and looks more natural. I suppose it depends on what you’re looking for and if what you’re looking for is a foundation that photographs well, then it’ll be the MUFE HD 🙂 Try to get a sample and see if it suits you.
Hi Paris. I bought mufe hd foundation in shade 115 but I feel too pink on my face. I am NC 20 in MAC. What is the solution since in my country no return policy and it is pricey. Could i mix with the other foundation? With shade? Should be same brand or can be different brand? Or mix with primer? What brand of primer and what kind of primer? Thanks.
Hi Ellen, 115 is a bit pink I agree. To counter that, you can try to blend with a warmer toned (more yellow) foundation that you have in your stash. Alternatively, use a yellow finishing powder. I’ve heard of Ben Nye Banana powder working well for this purpose, although I’ve never tried it. MUFE has a loose powder that’s good quality and you might be able to get it in a warmer shade to counteract the pink tones in the foundation. Or if it doesn’t work as well as you think it does, the best thing to do is to either sell or give it to someone who might be able to wear it, and get a shade that suits you better. Foundations are unfortunately, hard that way. Good luck!