Rimmel Lasting Finish 25 HR Breathable Foundation Review

I’ve been on the hunt for new reliable foundations lately. My skin is experiencing a major change this season, and foundations that look good on me are starting to get fewer and farther between. I just have a lot of boxes to check off— I need enough coverage for my hyperpigmentation and acne, something long lasting that I don’t need to touch up, and a natural finish that’s not too matte and not too dewy. Is that too much to ask?

So when I heard about the newest formulation of the Rimmel Lasting Finish 25 Hour Breathable Foundation, I had to add it to my list of must-trys.

This new version is supposed the lightest long-lasting formula at the drugstore, with up to 25 hour wear that’s sweat and transfer resistant, plus SPF 18 for protection. It’s supposed to offer shine control, which sort of scared me because I was worried the finish might be too dry for my skin right now.

The bottle comes with an applicator wand attached to the top, with a soft angled tip that makes it easy to swipe directly onto your face. I personally like the fact that this is becoming more popular with drugstore foundations, though I do understand the downside. Since it’s touching your face and going back into the foundation, its a little less sanitary than tube or pump packaging. To keep your foundation fresh, make sure you only use the applicator on a clean face.

Upon first swipe, I could see the coverage right away. Rimmel does label this as medium coverage, and I’d say that’s about right. But let’s reverse for a second. The formula is really easy to blend without losing that coverage, but oxidation is quick and pretty dramatic. The three shades I’ve tried all become warmer upon drying down. The closest shade to me is 200 Soft Beige. It’s absolutely perfect when I first swatch it, but it does become just slightly warmer than my skin tone when it’s set. The difference isn’t super noticeable but if you’re looking closely at my face, then neck, then back to my face… you’d be able to tell.

Alright— back to coverage. As I said, it definitely tops out at medium, as it does well to hide subtle discolorations and redness but needs to be layered to cover anything prominent. You can of course also use concealer or color correctors anywhere you need extra help. I don’t mind doing this, because I can spot-correct while leaving the majority of my face looking more natural. In the photo above, I’ve only used the foundation by itself so you can see the scope of the coverage.

The finish is a soft matte. It’s not cake-y by any means but it doesn’t do a ton of favors for my dry patches. Over the skin that feels normal/oily however, it looks really natural and fresh. On a mild weather day, it stays looking this way for about 10 hours before you can start to see it break down. No idea where they got the 25 HRs from, but I mean… who’s going to be wearing it that long anyway? I think 10 hours is pretty great and would still buy it if that’s how it was labeled. I did feel that my oil didn’t get out of control while wearing this and I didn’t feel the need to blot or powder. I think this foundation is most suitable for those who don’t have dry patches, and would work really well for normal to oily skin. And unlike many other long lasting foundations out there right now, this didn’t give me a tight feeling on my skin. It definitely feels weightless and extremely comfortable throughout the day.

I think the Rimmel Lasting Finish 25 HR Breathable Foundation is definitely worth picking up at only $6.99, though your only issue may be finding a shade that works for you. Just remember, most drugstores will take back and exchange used makeup if you don’t like it! And when you’re looking at the bottle, imagine it drying down to be slightly warmer than what you see.

Have you tried this new drugstore foundation formula?