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Rimmel Stay Matte Liquid Mousse Foundation Review

Rimmel London Stay Matte Liquid Mousse is an oil-free, fragrance-free matte foundation with a lightweight mousse texture and medium-to-full coverage. It is designed primarily for oily to combination skin and focuses on a smooth, shine-controlled complexion. The key trade-offs are inconsistent shade feedback and the possibility of a dry or chalky-looking finish for some wearers.
Expert reviewed
78
Overall score
Data-driven scoring Expert reviewed Updated analysis

Why we ranked it highly

Rimmel London Stay Matte Liquid Mousse Foundation in 091 Light Ivory is a matte complexion product supplied in a 1 oz format. Its stated formula is oil-free and fragrance-free, with an airy mousse texture intended to provide breathable coverage while mattifying powders help control shine. The listing describes medium-to-full coverage, while the specifications list full coverage, so the practical result appears designed to be buildable rather than sheer. This foundation is primarily aimed at adults with oily or combination skin who prefer a low-shine base. Review feedback frequently highlights smooth application, good coverage, a lightweight feel and accessible pricing. However, shade match feedback is mixed, including reports of colours appearing lighter or changing between purchases. Its very matte character may also be less appealing to users who want a dewy finish or have dry areas.
90-day review Expert reviewed User feedback Data scoring

Key specs

Features & Specs

Item Form
Mousse
Skin Type
Oily, Combination
Container Type
Bottle
Product Benefits
Flawless
Skin Tone
All
Additional Features
Oil Free
Finish Types
Matte
Coverage
Full

Item details

Item Form
Mousse
Color
Ivory
Skin Type
Oily, Combination
Recommended Uses For Product
Conceals Imperfections
Container Type
Bottle
Brand Name
Rimmel
Product Benefits
Flawless
Skin Tone
All
Age Range Description
Adult
Country as Labeled
Great Britain
Package Type Name
Tube
Model Number
34788818100
Manufacturer Part Number
34788818100
Manufacturer
Coty Beauty

Item details

Item Form
Mousse
Color
Ivory
Skin Type
Oily, Combination
Recommended Uses For Product
Conceals Imperfections
Container Type
Bottle
Brand Name
Rimmel
Product Benefits
Flawless
Skin Tone
All
Age Range Description
Adult
Country as Labeled
Great Britain
Package Type Name
Tube
Model Number
34788818100
Manufacturer Part Number
34788818100
Manufacturer
Coty Beauty

Features & Specs

Item Form
Mousse
Skin Type
Oily, Combination
Container Type
Bottle
Product Benefits
Flawless
Skin Tone
All
Additional Features
Oil Free
Finish Types
Matte
Coverage
Full

Product details

Is Discontinued By Manufacturer
No
Product Dimensions
1.54 x 1.02 x 4.59 inches; 0.25 ounces
Item model number
34788818100
Manufacturer
Coty Beauty

Scores breakdown

84 /100

Effectiveness

82 /100

Beauty results

75 /100

Skin compatibility

72 /100

Hair compatibility

62 /100

Shade range

81 /100

Finish quality

78 /100

Longevity

68 /100

Ingredient quality

Strengths

  • High value score of 92, supported by a listed price of $4.47 for a 1 oz foundation.
  • Oil-free, fragrance-free mousse formula is positioned for oily to combination skin.
  • Medium-to-full, buildable coverage with an 84 effectiveness score.
  • Matte, shine-controlling finish with strong finish and beauty-result scores.
  • Reviews frequently describe smooth blending and a lightweight feel.
  • High customer satisfaction score of 87 from a large 22,200-review base.

Limitations

  • Shade range score is a modest 62, with repeated reports of inconsistent colour matching between shades.
  • The very matte result may look chalky or feel drying for some users, particularly on drier skin.
  • Wear-time feedback is mixed despite the all-day shine-control positioning.
  • One detailed review reported foundation settling visibly in pores as it wore away.
  • No full ingredient list was provided, limiting a detailed formula assessment.
  • The flat matte finish may not suit buyers looking for a dewy or radiant base.

Ideal user profiles

  • Oily or combination-skinned makeup wearers seeking a matte base.
  • Buyers wanting buildable coverage at a low drugstore price.
  • Users who prefer a fragrance-free foundation format.
  • People comfortable taking extra care to confirm their shade match.
  • Those who like a smooth, low-shine complexion rather than a luminous finish.

Use cases

  • Everyday makeup routines for oily or combination skin.
  • Buildable coverage for uneven-looking tone or visible imperfections.
  • Matte makeup looks with reduced surface shine.
  • Budget-focused foundation shopping.
  • Layered makeup looks where a fuller-coverage base is preferred.
  • Application with a brush for users who prefer a buffed finish.

Fit and positioning

Who this works for

Category positioning

This is a makeup foundation rather than a skincare treatment. Its main role is to create a more even-looking complexion, cover visible imperfections and reduce the appearance of surface shine within a makeup routine. The mousse format and matte finish place it in the budget full-coverage foundation category, particularly for oily to combination skin. It is best viewed as a complexion base for users who prioritize coverage and shine control over glow, skincare-style hydration or extensive shade personalization.

Best for

Rimmel Stay Matte Liquid Mousse is best suited to oily or combination-skinned users who want a matte foundation with buildable medium-to-full coverage at a low price. Its strongest scores cover value (92), customer satisfaction (87), effectiveness (84) and application (83). Reviews repeatedly mention smooth blending, a non-greasy feel and solid coverage. It is especially relevant for buyers who prefer a fragrance-free formula and do not mind checking shade references carefully before committing.

Not best for

This foundation may not be the best match for dry skin, users who prefer a radiant finish, or anyone sensitive to a chalky-looking matte effect. Reviews are mixed on hydration and wear time, with one detailed report of visible pore settling as the foundation faded. Shade selection is another concern: the shade-range score is 62, and several comments indicate that colours may run unexpectedly light, dark or inconsistent. Buyers wanting a highly reliable shade system may prefer to compare swatches first.

Beauty results

The visible result is a smooth, matte, relatively high-coverage complexion with reduced shine. Reviews suggest it can make skin look even while allowing some natural skin character to remain visible when applied more lightly. The finish is intentionally flat rather than luminous, which can work well for shine control but may read as chalky or dry on some skin textures.

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 84, Rimmel Stay Matte Liquid Mousse appears to perform well at its central task: delivering an even-looking, matte complexion with meaningful coverage. The oil-free mousse formula and stated shine-control focus align with repeated review comments about coverage, smooth blending and a non-greasy feel. Reviews also indicate that a small amount can be used for a lighter result and built up when more coverage is wanted. Performance is not fully consistent, however, as wear time and pore settling are concerns in some feedback.

Beauty results

The beauty-result score of 82 reflects a generally strong matte complexion result. Customer comments often describe smooth coverage, a polished appearance and reduced shine, while the product description emphasizes a silky feel. Because the finish is deliberately true matte, it is less likely to satisfy users seeking luminosity. A few reviews describe it as chalky or very flat, particularly where the wearer prefers a more moisturizing-looking base.

Skin compatibility

The 75 skin-compatibility score suggests a reasonably focused fit rather than universal suitability. The formula is described as oil-free and fragrance-free and is targeted to oily and combination skin, which supports its category positioning. Review feedback is mixed on whether it feels drying: some users like the smooth look, while others find the matte effect less comfortable on dry skin. No full ingredient list was supplied, so compatibility beyond the stated features cannot be assessed in detail.

Shade range

Shade range is a relative weak point at 62. The listing identifies this variant as 091 Light Ivory, but reviews show mixed experiences with matching across the broader range. Some buyers say their selected shade matches well, while others report shades looking too light, dark, orange-toned or different from earlier versions. This does not establish that every shade is inconsistent, but it makes current swatch checking and retailer return terms more important than usual.

How it compares

Within the matte drugstore foundation category, this product appears especially competitive on value, coverage and customer approval. Its 92 value score is substantially stronger than its 62 shade-range score, making it more compelling for shoppers who already know a suitable shade than for those buying blind. It also performs well for application and a non-greasy matte result, which supports its oily-to-combination positioning. Compared with a more universally adaptable complexion product, it is likely less attractive for dry skin, luminous-finish preferences or shoppers who need highly dependable colour matching. Its overall 78 score reflects good core performance with meaningful fit-related compromises.

Ranking summary

With an overall score of 78, Rimmel Stay Matte Liquid Mousse ranks as a solid budget matte foundation rather than a universally easy choice. Its strongest drivers are excellent value (92), high customer satisfaction (87), strong effectiveness (84), easy application (83) and a convincing matte finish (81). The product’s oil-free, fragrance-free mousse format also fits its oily-to-combination target audience well. Its ranking is held back by a 62 shade-range score, a middling 68 ingredient-quality score due to limited formula detail, and mixed reports of dryness, pore settling and wear time. It is a practical option when matte coverage and price outweigh the need for broad shade confidence.

Buying advice

Consider Rimmel Stay Matte Liquid Mousse if you have oily or combination skin, prefer a true matte foundation and want buildable coverage without a high price. Confirm the exact shade before purchasing, especially because review feedback flags colour inconsistency across variants and potential differences from prior purchases. If possible, compare current swatches rather than relying on shade names alone. Buyers with dry skin or a preference for glow may find the finish too flat or chalky, so it may be worth considering how it performs over their usual base products. Check the current label for the full ingredient information if formula-specific concerns matter to you.
78
Overall score

Final verdict

Rimmel London Stay Matte Liquid Mousse is a strong-value matte foundation with a clear purpose: affordable, buildable coverage and shine control for oily to combination skin. Its key strengths are the smooth mousse application, oil-free and fragrance-free positioning, high buyer satisfaction and excellent value score of 92. The principal limitation is shade confidence, as colour matching receives mixed feedback and the shade-range score is only 62. The intensely matte finish can also be less comfortable for dry skin or glow-focused makeup preferences. Overall, it is a solid category option for shoppers who can verify their shade and want a practical matte base.
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Key topics

Rimmel London Stay Matte Liquid Mousse Foundation review, Rimmel Stay Matte foundation, 091 Light Ivory foundation, matte foundation for oily skin, oil-free mousse foundation, drugstore full coverage foundation, fragrance-free matte foundation

Frequently asked questions

Is Rimmel London Stay Matte Liquid Mousse Foundation good for oily skin?
The product is specifically described as an oil-free matte foundation for oily to combination skin, and its 81 finish-quality score supports its shine-control focus. Reviews often praise the non-greasy feel and matte appearance. Individual results can differ, especially depending on skincare preparation and application amount.
How much coverage does Rimmel Stay Matte Liquid Mousse provide?
The listing describes medium-to-full coverage, while the product specifications list full coverage. Customer feedback commonly mentions coverage of visible imperfections and an even-looking complexion. Some reviewers also report using a smaller amount for a lighter everyday result, so application quantity appears to affect the final coverage level.
Does Rimmel Stay Matte Liquid Mousse last all day?
Longevity is scored 78, indicating generally solid rather than uniform wear. Several reviews say the foundation stays on well through the day, but one detailed review reported fading after around four hours and visible settling in pores. Wear can vary with skin type, climate, preparation, and the amount applied.
Is Rimmel Stay Matte Liquid Mousse suitable for dry skin?
This foundation is positioned for oily to combination skin rather than dry skin. Its matte finish can appear chalky or slightly drying according to some review feedback, so it may be less suitable for people who prefer a moisturizing or dewy base. A compatible moisturizing base may matter for those choosing to try it.
Is Rimmel Stay Matte Liquid Mousse easy to apply?
Its ease-of-use score is 82 and application score is 83. The airy mousse formula is described as gliding on smoothly, and several reviewers say it blends well. One reviewer preferred buffing it in with a makeup brush and allowing layers to dry, suggesting technique may improve the result for fuller coverage.
Are the shades consistent in Rimmel Stay Matte Liquid Mousse Foundation?
Shade matching is the product’s clearest weakness, reflected in a 62 shade-range score. While some buyers report an excellent match, others find shades too light, too dark, or changed compared with prior purchases. Checking current swatches and comparing the exact shade name carefully is sensible before buying.
Does Rimmel Stay Matte Liquid Mousse have fragrance?
The provided product details describe the formula as fragrance-free, and the scent score is 86. This removes added fragrance from the product’s stated features, although no full ingredient list was supplied. Buyers with known sensitivities should still review the current package information before use.
Is Rimmel Stay Matte Liquid Mousse good value for money?
Value is a standout area with a score of 92. At the listed price of $4.47, the 1 oz foundation has a large review base and repeated comments that it offers strong coverage for the cost. Its value is most compelling for users who can find a workable shade and enjoy a matte finish.

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