I Put Anastasia Beverly Hills' New Luminous Foundation to the 12-Hour Wear Test

I’m going to let you in on a little secret: I’m addicted to foundation. My addiction has led me to collect dozens, if not hundreds of different foundation brands, formulas, and finishes.

So as a way to suss out what products are truly Holy Grail-worthy, I have been putting all my foundations to the 12-hour wear test, including Anastasia Beverly Hills Luminous Foundation. Now, admittedly, I rarely wear makeup for more than a quarter of that time without my skin feeling claustrophobic. But I travel a lot, and often times I’m dragged to events that go into the wee hours of the night, so a long-wear test is what I deem as fair and effective. Also, I like to play a weird mind game with myself —if I see makeup creasing (my biggest pet-peeve), I won’t allow myself to take it off until the full 12 hours are up.

Pros + Cons

Pros:

• Luminous finish
• Water-resistant formula
• Photographs well
• Lasts through heat and humidity

Cons:

• May settle into fine lines without setting powder
• Less ideal for a natural, daytime look

Bottom Line

Anastasia Beverly Hills Luminous Foundation lasts all day and gives skin an airbrushed, dewy quality. Though it's meant to give light to medium coverage, it can easily be built up for full-on glamour.

Anastasia Beverly Hills Luminous Foundation $38.00

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About My Skin

I never prime my face; sorry, but I don’t really believe in it. Either that or I haven’t found a good primer. So if you have any suggestions, holler at me.

Before applying makeup, I always exfoliate my face with a muslin cloth and a balm cleanser like Emma Hardie’s Moringa Cleansing Balm. Then, I use Timeless Squalane Oil or Dr. Barbara Sturm’s Face Cream Rich to hydrate.

How to Apply

I applied the foundation to half of my face using the A30 Pro Brush from ABH, and to the other half with a damp sponge. I prefer how seamlessly the sponge blends out the product versus the brush, and how much quicker the sponge application is, so I’ll stick to that in the future.

I followed with a bit of Anastasia Beverly Hills’ Loose Setting Powder in the color Vanilla (it comes in five shades) under my eyes.

The Results

10 a.m. Immediately after applying, I could already see a dramatic difference in skin luminosity. The color match was perfect for me (240N).The foundation is definitely lightweight and medium coverage as promised, and it can quickly be amped up to full coverage with a second pass. I prefer having a natural look with skin peeking through the product, so I sheered it out with my damp sponge. The texture feels great, and dare I say it’s the perfect amount of luminosity.

10 p.m. I’m so impressed with this makeup. I definitely look like I’m wearing some product—and I’m not mad about it. My skin isn’t overly oily, despite the 100-degree L.A. day. It does settle into some fine lines around my eyes and mouth, but that could easily be combatted with a touch-up of setting powder.

Note: This is not a foundation for “my skin but better;” it’s “turn up and turn out” makeup. It photographs really well, and sheering it out with a damp sponge makes it much more wearable during the daytime. In the summer, it’s hard to get into full-beat without makeup completely melting off, so I’m thoroughly impressed by this.

The setting powder gives the perfect amount of brightness under the eyes without looking super white or cakey. I also love how big the jars are; not ideal for traveling, but they feel super luxe and make it easy to dip a damp sponge or dry brush into.

The Coverage: Buildable

One of the best parts of the ABH Luminous foundation is that it can look sheerer or more opaque depending on your preference for coverage. For a more natural look, sheer it out with a damp Beautyblender or sponge. For fuller coverage, build it up using a sponge or brush. Because the texture is lightweight, it won't cake or look too heavy on the skin.

What About Flashback?

Since it doesn't contain SPF, you don't have to worry about this foundation oxidizing or causing a flashback effect in photos, making it perfect for snapping selfies or wearing out to an event where you'll be photographed.

The Value

At around $38 for 1 ounce, Anastasia Beverly Hills Luminous Foundation is on par with other mid-to-luxury foundations. Given that it's medium coverage and can easily be built up without excess product, it's a good value.

The Packaging

As to be expected with ABH products, this bottle is perfectly luxurious. I read what Norvina, the president of ABH, said online about the reason for printing “FOUNDATION” so conspicuously on the glass: It was so makeup artists, professionals, and anyone in a rush have an easier time identifying it among their sea of products.

I’m not a makeup artist, but I can definitely be blind to products in my own bathroom—even when they’re right in front of me—so I appreciate ABH spelling it out.

Similar Products: You Have Options

Armani Beauty Luminous Silk Foundation: Like ABH's foundation, Armani's is oil-free and creates a satin finish. The price is also a bit steeper, at around $64 for 30 ml (0.5 oz).

Too Faced Born This Way Foundation: For a natural finish, Too Faced's oil-free liquid foundation contains moisture-boosting hyaluronic acid and coconut water for extra hydration. It generally retails for $40 for 1 ounce.

Our Verdict

Anastasia Beverly Hills Luminous Foundation is ideal for going out and nighttime looks, especially if you intend on taking killer photos. Overall, this is a perfect, buildable foundation for the dog days of summer and beyond.