Revolution's IRL Filter Longwear Foundation Review: 5 People Test

Foundation is a really difficult product to get right – not least because it totally depends on skin type as to whether a formulation will work for you. But whether we've got dry skin, combination skin or oily skin, there's one desire we've all got in common. And that's for our base product make our complexion look as though we've got our favourite Instagram filter floating over the top. 

Enter: Revolution's IRL Filter Longwear Foundation, a liquid foundation which promises exactly that. Coined a “filter in a bottle” – and available in a staggering 30 shades – this epic new release claims to serve up 16 hours of wear (plus buildable coverage that never goes cakey or patchy). Impressive, huh?

As for the formula? It's vegan (check), cruelty-free (check), and boasts active ingredients with genuine skincare benefits – like niacinamide. Think: anti-ageing, anti-blemish and anti-pigmentation properties. Check again. Oh, and that's not even the best part. It'll only set you back £10, so if you like what you read? Run, don't walk. Here, five different people with five different complexions put the IRL Filter Longwear Foundation to the ultimate test.

The Product: 

The Verdict:

"I am obsessed with the new Revolution IRL Filter foundation. I feel like I’ve been manifesting this foundation formula for years, and now I have it in my makeup bag I couldn't be happier! As someone who has quite a dry complexion and opts for a more natural everyday makeup look, I've never been one to use foundation. Rather I would use a tinted primer/moisturiser, bb creams, and *alot* of concealer. However, with this new light weight, soft and breathable foundation (yes foundation), that gives a soft matte yet still glowy finish, my three stage routine had been pumped into one bottle.

“A small amount of product goes a long way. It spreads easily across the skin and creates an effortless, super silky airbrushed base. For a more natural day to day look I only used one pump of the product for my whole face however, this product is definitely buildable for an evening/event look and it won't result in any cakey looking skin. I found using a sponge works a little but better than a brush to allow for a more seamless finish. As far as full coverage foundations go it feels weightless on the skin and creates a more natural and flawless look to alternative products I've tried.”

Rating: 09/10

Shade: IRL Filter Longwear Foundation in F7

"The IRL Filter foundation has a really good consistency and I applied it really easily with the R28 seamless finish foundation brush and blending sponge. The foundation F16 is really smooth and silky and matches my skin tone really well. It did not crack and it wasn’t cakey after I applied it. It felt really lightweight even though it provided full coverage, covering up blemishes and creating a great base to apply other products.

"I found this product to be really pigmented and a little of it goes a long way. This means I can reduce the amount I use because I am able to do my entire face with 2 pumps, or even less, when I want less coverage.

"I only applied 1-2 pumps, depending on the coverage I wanted to achieve, and blended with my fingertips for a light, soft matte finish or applied more layers and blended with Revolution Foundation Brush to build up the coverage.

“Those who use tinted moisturiser or prefer minimal coverage, might find the coverage provided by this foundation is too much but it is ideal for those who need heavier coverage due to scarring or other skin issues. I love the fact that it is oil-free so it is suitable for people with combination or oily skin like myself. However, as the day wore on, it did slide off oilier parts of my face but this was remedied with a little touching up and use of a powder.”

Rating: 8/10

Shade: IRL Filter Longwear Foundation in F16

"I've tried a lot of foundations in my time (and was actually one of those strange, strange people who continued to wear foundation throughout lockdown) – so when I read claims of 16-hour coverage and a formula that makes you look like you've got a filter on your face, I was sceptical. I've seen it all before with affordable foundations: bold claims that don't live up to the hype.

"With Revolution's IRL Filter Longwear Foundation, however, I'm pleased to say I was proven wrong. SO wrong, actually. This stuff is really, really good. I applied it in the morning before a day of working from home and going out for dinner with friends, to make sure I really pushed those 16-hour claims. And needless to say, a full 16 hours later, it still looked exactly the same. It has quite a matte finish which, as a shiny-T-zone gal, I loved – and the coverage is really buildable. I was able to apply a couple of layers to the areas of my complexion that needed a bit more OOMPH without it going cakey. 

"The shade range is epic – there are 30 different shades to choose from – and the inclusion of niacinamide means your skin is getting a nice little anti-ageing/oil regulation/blemish-fighting boost throughout the day. Round of applause to Revolution, 'cos this bottle is now a mainstay in my makeup bag."

Rating: 9/10

Shade: IRL Filter Longwear Foundation in F8

"Prior to the pandemic, I was a “foundation nearly everyday” kind of girl and it’s been fun as life has re-opened to get back into wearing it. I’ve always had pretty oily skin so I was pleased to see that Makeup Revolution IRL Filter Longwear Foundation has a matte finish and after wearing it for a while, my skin didn’t become shiny and greasy. A little definitely goes a long way with this foundation and it's certainly buildable so if you're looking for full coverage I don't think you'll be disappointed! Whilst it is full coverage, it feels really light on the skin and at times I almost forgot I had foundation on at all.

“I'd say this foundation is perfect for nights out and other occasions where you want that more airbrushed, flawless feel. It's probably not for those that prefer a super natural look, but if you want to cover imperfections and get that filtered effect (it does what it says on the tin!), it's perfect and as a bonus, very affordable.”

Rating: 9/10

Shade: IRL Filter Longwear Foundation in F11.2

I’ve come across Revolution a few times recently while endlessly scrolling through socials, so I was curious to try out the IRL Filter foundation in real life. After seeing the words “filter in a bottle”, I was expecting the formula to be pretty heavy but this foundation actually glides on like a second skin! I was surprised at how natural it looked. It’s super full coverage but still breathable on your skin. The brush range is also amazing - the bristles are soft and I found they didn't waste excess product. I used the double-ended R28 seamless finish foundation brush and finished off with Revolution’s damp blending sponge. While the foundation lasted all day, it did dry out around my nose, so I’d recommend adding some extra hydration if you have dry patches on your skin. I look forward to wearing this more often!

Rating: 8/10

Shade: IRL Filter Longwear Foundation in F10

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