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Revlon ColorStay Foundation Review

Revlon ColorStay for Combination/Oily Skin is a liquid foundation designed for matte, longer-wearing face makeup with buildable medium-to-full coverage. It stands out for oil control, strong value, and broad shade availability, though shade matching and packaging are less consistent strengths.
Expert reviewed
88
Overall score
Data-driven scoring Expert reviewed Updated analysis

Why we ranked it highly

Revlon ColorStay Longwear Makeup for Combination/Oily Skin is an oil-free liquid foundation positioned as a long-wear base product for users who want shine control, buildable coverage, and a matte finish. The formula includes SPF 15, Vitamin E, and multi-mineral powders, and the brand describes it as breathable, lightweight, transfer-resistant, and resistant to heat, sweat, and humidity. In this listing, the shade is 150 Buff, intended for a light skin tone, while the wider range is said to include 43 shades. Based on the product data and customer feedback, this foundation appears best aligned with everyday makeup users who want a dependable drugstore option for combination or oily skin. Reviews consistently praise its wear time, smooth blendability, and ability to keep skin looking more controlled through the day. The main trade-offs are less consistent shade matching for some buyers and bottle packaging that is not universally liked.
90-day review Expert reviewed User feedback Data scoring

Key specs

Features & Specs

Item Form
Liquid
Skin Type
All, Combination, Dry, Oily, Sensitive
Container Type
Bottle
Product Benefits
Acne Control, Flawless, Hydrating, Nourishing, Shine Control
Skin Tone
Light
Sun Protection
15 Sun Protection Factor (SPF)
Additional Features
Antioxidant, Breathable, Dermatologist Tested, Lightweight, Long Lasting
Finish Types
Matte
Coverage
Medium

Item details

Item Form
Liquid
Color
150 Buff
Skin Type
All, Combination, Dry, Oily, Sensitive
Recommended Uses For Product
Face Makeup, Hiding Imperfections, Mattifying, Shine Control, Smoothing
Container Type
Bottle
Brand Name
REVLON
Product Benefits
Acne Control, Flawless, Hydrating, Nourishing, Shine Control
Skin Tone
Light
Age Range Description
Adult
Specialty
natural
Country as Labeled
United States
Package Type Name
Bottle
Global Trade Identification Number
00309975410020, 00781549192493
UPC
781549192493 309975410020 885169916672 885577107686 885899453300
Model Number
007382-02
Manufacturer Part Number
7200434002
Manufacturer
Revlon

Product details

Is Discontinued By Manufacturer
No
Product Dimensions
1.25 x 1.25 x 4.13 inches; 0.13 ounces
Item model number
007382-02
UPC
781549192493 309975410020 885169916672 885577107686 885899453300
Manufacturer
Revlon

Scores breakdown

91 /100

Effectiveness

90 /100

Beauty results

84 /100

Skin compatibility

100 /100

Hair compatibility

86 /100

Shade range

88 /100

Finish quality

92 /100

Longevity

73 /100

Ingredient quality

Strengths

  • Strong oil control performance for combination and oily skin.
  • Long-wearing formula supported by a high longevity score and repeated review feedback.
  • Buildable medium-to-full coverage that evens tone without requiring much product.
  • Matte finish that many users describe as natural rather than flat.
  • Fragrance-free formula is a practical plus for users avoiding added scent.
  • Broad 43-shade range gives more flexibility than many drugstore foundations.
  • Competitive price point with excellent value relative to performance.
  • Strong customer satisfaction across a very large review base.

Limitations

  • Shade matching is not fully consistent, with some users finding shades too dark or mismatched.
  • Packaging quality is a weaker area, with complaints about bottle dispensing and older no-pump frustration appearing in reviews.
  • Some users find the texture thicker or heavier than expected.
  • The matte, oil-focused formula may emphasize dryness if skin is not well prepped.
  • Ingredient quality is less convincing than the product’s wear performance, based on the lower ingredient score.
  • SPF 15 is present, but this is limited sun protection and should not be overstated.

Ideal user profiles

  • Users with combination or oily skin looking for a long-wear matte liquid foundation.
  • Budget-conscious makeup buyers who want strong everyday coverage from a drugstore formula.
  • People who prefer buildable coverage that can go from routine wear to fuller evening makeup.
  • Wearers in warm or humid conditions who want better resistance to shine and breakdown.
  • Shoppers comfortable spending time finding the right shade match within a larger range.

Use cases

  • Everyday face makeup for combination or oily skin.
  • Long workdays when foundation longevity matters.
  • Hot or humid weather makeup routines.
  • Buildable coverage for uneven tone and visible imperfections.
  • Drugstore makeup routines focused on oil control.
  • Day-to-evening wear with limited touch-ups.

Fit and positioning

Who this works for

Category positioning

This product sits firmly in the makeup category as a liquid face foundation. Its main role in a routine is to even out skin tone, reduce visible shine, and create a medium-to-full coverage base with a matte finish. Within the broader foundation market, it is positioned as a long-wear drugstore option aimed especially at combination and oily skin rather than a dewy or skin-tint style base.

Best for

Revlon ColorStay is best suited to makeup users who want reliable oil control, strong wear, and buildable coverage at a relatively accessible price. It appears especially well suited to combination and oily skin types, people wearing foundation through long workdays, and shoppers who prefer a matte base that does not need frequent touch-ups. Buyers comfortable testing shades carefully may get the most from it.

Not best for

This foundation may be less suitable for buyers who strongly prefer very lightweight, serum-like textures or a fresh dewy finish. Some reviews describe a thicker feel, and the oil-controlling formula can look drier if skin is not well moisturised first. It may also be a frustrating fit for anyone who struggles with online shade selection or wants premium packaging and dispensing control.

Beauty results

The visible result is a more even, smoother-looking complexion with reduced shine and a matte finish. Customer feedback suggests the coverage can blur redness and imperfections effectively while still looking fairly natural for a longer-wear formula. On the right skin type and shade match, the result appears polished rather than overly flat.

Performance analysis

How it performs in practice

Each scoring dimension is separated into a compact card so the strengths and tradeoffs are easier to compare without reading one long block.

Effectiveness analysis

With an effectiveness score of 91, this foundation performs strongly in its main job: providing a longer-wear, shine-controlling base for face makeup. Product details and reviews align closely here. Users repeatedly praise its ability to stay in place, control oil, and deliver buildable coverage that lasts through the day. The formula’s matte positioning also appears credible for combination and oily skin. Performance concerns are mainly about feel rather than coverage, with some users describing the texture as thicker than expected and some finding it less forgiving on drier areas without proper prep.

Beauty results

The beauty result score of 90 reflects a consistently strong cosmetic finish. Review feedback suggests the foundation gives an evened-out complexion, helps reduce visible shine, and offers a matte to semi-matte look that many users still consider natural. Coverage is one of its strengths, especially for smoothing overall tone. A less ideal result may occur when the shade is off or when the formula settles more noticeably into pores for some wearers.

Skin compatibility

Its skin compatibility score of 84 suggests generally solid but not universal suitability. The fragrance-free, oil-free positioning is a practical plus, especially for users trying to avoid added scent or excess shine. Reviews indicate it works particularly well on oily and combination skin, while some users mention dryness or a heavier feel if skin is not moisturised well first. Sensitive-skin suitability is plausible but not strongly proven by the data alone.

Shade range

The shade range score of 86 is helped by the brand’s stated 43-shade range, which is a strong offering for a drugstore foundation. Reviews confirm that many users are able to find a good match, including undertone-specific success. However, this is not a flawless area: some buyers report shades running too dark or becoming less suitable over time. The range is broad, but exact matching still requires care.

How it compares

Within its category, this foundation appears stronger than average for long wear, shine control, and price-to-performance balance. It also compares well on customer satisfaction, helped by a very large review base and a high average star rating. Where it looks less competitive is in tactile formula elegance and packaging quality, as some users find it thicker or less refined than higher-end options. It also does not distinguish itself through ingredient transparency. In broad category terms, this is a performance-led foundation: stronger for matte wear, coverage, and value than for luxury feel, packaging polish, or highly personalised shade confidence.

Ranking summary

With an overall score of 88, Revlon ColorStay ranks as a very strong option in the drugstore foundation category. Its best-performing areas are value, longevity, customer satisfaction, effectiveness, and beauty result, which together make a convincing case for users prioritising all-day wear and oil control. It stands out most for combination and oily skin, where the matte finish and buildable coverage align well with buyer feedback. It ranks slightly lower than a truly elite product because comfort, packaging quality, ingredient quality, and shade consistency are less consistent strengths. Overall, its high score is driven more by real-world makeup performance than by premium formula or packaging refinement.

Buying advice

Consider this foundation if you have combination or oily skin and want a matte liquid base with strong wear, buildable coverage, and good value. It makes particular sense for everyday users who need makeup to stay controlled through workdays, warm weather, or long hours. Be more cautious if you have dry patches, prefer very sheer or dewy textures, or are highly particular about packaging ease. Before buying, check the shade carefully, especially if ordering online, and keep in mind that SPF 15 is only a limited extra feature rather than complete sun protection. If you are sensitive, reviewing the ingredient list and patch testing first is sensible.
88
Overall score

Final verdict

Revlon ColorStay for Combination/Oily Skin is a strong drugstore foundation rather than a niche or limited option. Its main strength is dependable makeup performance: strong oil control, long wear, and buildable coverage at a very accessible price. The main limitation is that the experience is not equally refined in every area, with packaging, texture feel, and shade matching creating the most common points of friction. For users who care more about staying power and shine control than luxury texture or premium packaging, it is an easy foundation to shortlist. For drier skin types or shoppers seeking a lighter, more skin-like feel, it may be less convincing.
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Key topics

Revlon ColorStay foundation review, Revlon Liquid Foundation ColorStay, best drugstore foundation for oily skin, matte liquid foundation with SPF 15, medium full coverage foundation review, Revlon ColorStay combination oily skin, long wear matte foundation, oil free drugstore foundation, Revlon 150 Buff review, foundation for shine control

Frequently asked questions

Is Revlon ColorStay a good foundation for oily skin?
Based on the product details, scores, and review pattern, it performs well for oily and combination skin. Oil control and wear time are two of its strongest areas, and many reviewers say it stays matte for hours without breaking down quickly. That said, results can still vary by skin prep and shade choice.
What kind of coverage does Revlon ColorStay offer?
This liquid foundation is described as medium coverage, and multiple reviews say it can be built up toward fuller coverage. In practice, it appears best suited to users who want flexible coverage that can look lighter for everyday wear or more perfected with layering.
Does Revlon ColorStay have a matte finish?
Yes. The listed finish is matte, and reviewers frequently describe it as shine-controlling with a semi-matte to matte look. Some user feedback suggests it can still look natural rather than overly flat, although finish perception may depend on skin type, primer, and setting products.
How long does Revlon ColorStay last?
Longevity is one of this product’s strongest areas, with a score of 92. The listing mentions up to 24-hour wear, while customer feedback more consistently supports strong all-day wear rather than proving a strict 24-hour result for every user. Heat and humidity resistance are also part of its positioning.
Is Revlon ColorStay suitable for sensitive skin?
The formula is listed as fragrance-free and dermatologist tested, which may appeal to some sensitive-skin shoppers. However, suitability for sensitive skin is not guaranteed, and the data does not provide strong evidence for universal tolerance. If you are reactive, checking the ingredient list and patch testing first is sensible.
Are the shades in Revlon ColorStay easy to match?
The range is broad at 43 shades, which is a positive for choice, but shade matching is not perfect for everyone. Reviews show mixed feedback, with some users finding an excellent match and others saying the shade ran too dark or became less suitable over time.
What are the main downsides of Revlon ColorStay?
The main trade-offs are packaging, texture, and shade consistency. Some users dislike the bottle format or dispensing control, and a smaller group find the formula thicker or heavier than expected. The oil-controlling finish can also feel less ideal on drier areas if skin is not prepped well.
Does Revlon ColorStay offer good value for money?
Yes, value is one of its clearest strengths, with a score of 95. At its price point, it combines strong wear, good coverage, and high customer satisfaction in a way that many shoppers view as competitive with more expensive foundations. Value is especially strong for users prioritizing oil control.

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