With a semi-matte finish and 40 shades available, is the new Valentino Very Valentino Foundation a new beauty must-have?

The internet was BUZZING from the moment Valentino shared the very first tease of makeup coming on their Instagram. That was way back in May, and it’s been an interesting journey to where we are now. The collection initially launched at Selfridges in the UK – but is now available worldwide, including at retailers like Neiman Marcus and Nordstrom.

Watching Valentino step into the arena of luxury makeup comes as little surprise to anyone who closely observes the beauty space. Luxury cosmetics are increasing in popularity – giving access to luxe items at an everyday price that is much lower than, say, the cost of a rock stud handbag or boots. 

Besides, we love makeup. It’s as simple as that. 

THE VALENTINO MAKEUP COLLECTION:

Unlike luxury counterparts like Hermes and Christian Louboutin who are dipping their toes, Valentino went all in for their makeup collection. They launched a full line of products that includes:

• GO-CLUTCH: Designed by Pierpaolo Piccioli, an innovative makeup/accessory hybrid that holds a powder or bronzer as well as a mini lipstick for beauty made easy on-the-go!
• TWIN LINER: 16-hour liquid liner that’s double ended
• GLITTER ME PRIMER STICK
• MASCARA
• ROSSO VALENTINO LIPSTICK: 50 lush shades available, ranging from pink and nudes to red and purples
• GO-CUSHION: 5 shades 
• VERY VALENTINO FOUNDATION: Semi-matte finish in 40 shades
• EYE 2 CHEEK PALETTE: 12-pan eyeshadow palette and blush duo for a multi-functional product 
• DREAMDUST EYE GLITTER: Available in 4 shades
• V-LIGHTER: A highlight infused with hyaluronic acid to nourish the skin
• EYESHADOW COLOR-FLIP: A multi-layered product with two quads that flip
• VALENTINO BROW TRIO: Brow pencil 3 shades

Valentino Very Valentino Foundation

It was the Valentino Very Valentino foundation that immediately caught my eye and there was no escaping getting on my hands on it.

As a devout fan of foundation, I simply had to find out for myself if this was a new must-have formula. How would it measure up against alternative luxury formulas from Chanel, Dior and YSL. Is it a long-lasting formula? How much coverage does it offer? These are just some of the many questions that circulated through my mind and after several weeks of testing — I’m here with a full report! 

Shade Range:

To start, let’s applaud Valentino for releasing a large shade range that will suit women of all skintones! It’s always refreshing to see brands produce an inclusive array of colors that women from all walks of life can enjoy. The 40 shades also come with a nice mix of cool, neutral and warm undertones.

Satin Finish

The Very Valentino foundation has a lovely satin finish to give your skin a beautiful, healthy appearance. 

Medium, Buildable Coverage

The Valentino Very Valentino foundation has a very natural appearance to it, letting your skin’s textures shine through but with buildable coverage to conceal imperfections. 

How to Apply

Over the last couple weeks I’ve tested out this foundation through a number of application techniques. It can be applied with a beauty sponge, makeup brush or even your hands! I was also very pleasantly surprised by just how easily the foundation blends into the skin. 

24 Hour Wear Time?

For whatever reason, beauty brands just love to say a foundation has a 24-hour wear time these days – despite probably no one wearing a foundation for 24 hours. So no, I did not wear the foundation for quite that lengthy an amount of time. I did, however, wear it from dawn through nightfall on several occasions.

All in all, I found the foundation holds up pretty well throughout the day. I wouldn’t necessarily call it “long lasting” however as it starts to get greasy and heavier around the 6 hour mark. It’s not terrible by any means, but if you’re planning to wear this through and entire workday and then into an evening occasion, you’re going to need a little powder to touch up. 

Lightweight Formula

One thing I really enjoy about the Valentino Very Valentino Foundation is how lightweight it is on the skin. It has the consistency of a tinted moisturizer type product, but with quite a bit more coverage. Its lightness is also perfect for layering in areas where you’re looking to get a bit more coverage.

Price

The foundation is priced at $64 for a .85 ounce bottle – which is notably smaller and pricier than alternative options. For example, Dior’s newest foundation is $52 for a full ounce.

Availability

Currently the Valentino Very Valentino Foundation is available for purchase from:

• Neiman Marcus
• Nordstrom
• Selfridges
• Valentino