Revlon ColorStay Review: Best Foundation for Oily/Acne-Prone Skin

I am a wife, mother, and early educator who enjoys writing. I live in the beautiful Bay Area and enjoy exploring new places.

Revlon ColorStay Foundation Works

I have never publicly endorsed a product before, but I feel compelled to spread the word about this foundation. You can purchase this amazing product for about $9–$12 a bottle, depending on where you shop.

• Pros: Controls oil, cheap, easy to apply, many shades, won't cause breakouts, no odor, and does not rub off on my clothes or my pets or my daughter.
• Cons: It is always sold out in most stores or people have opened the bottle to try the product.

My Skin Type

I have extremely oily skin. By midday, I can use half my oil-blotting sheets and still look oily. I am also a mother, wife, preschool teacher, and active naturalist. As you can see, my days are filled with different activities, and I need a foundation that will last throughout the day. That is why I have searched for years for the best makeup for oily/acne-prone skin that will stay on my face and still look natural even at the end of the day.

How I Discovered Revlon's ColorStay Foundation

I have tried a wide range of products. Some were high-end while others could be found at Walmart. Each purchase brought a faint glimmer of hope, and I couldn't wait to begin my morning makeup ritual. Most of the foundations I tried would look great at first, but, by the end of the day, my skin would look slick with oil—or even worse, my foundation appeared to be sliding around my face.

Then, I heard about Revlon's ColorStay foundation for combination/oily skin. I researched the product and read numerous positive reviews. Still, I had my doubts after so many disappointments in the past. But during one of my many visits to Walmart with my daughter, I happened to come across the makeup in a shade close to my skin color. I took it as a sign because most of the other shades were completely sold out, so I added the foundation to my cart.

Like so many times before, I woke up the next morning a little giddy with excitement. I know, it's just makeup, but I was determined to complete my quest for the best oil-absorbing foundation.

Testing Out the Product

It looked great in the morning. It went on smooth, covered all of my acne scars, and evened out my complexion. Even better, there was no obnoxious odor or unusual texture. I felt slightly optimistic as I began my day. I took my daughter to the zoo, went grocery shopping, and worked in the garden. The day happened to be extremely hot. It was the perfect climate to test the foundation's claims.

Mid-Day Results

Throughout the day, I administered my own test—a test I have perfected throughout the years:

• Using one fingertip, I gently pressed against the area of my face affected by my oil glands the most: my forehead.
• Instantly, the results surprised me. No oil lingered on my fingertip, and my forehead felt dry to the touch. Still, I remained cautiously optimistic.

Evening Results

• I waited until my daughter went to sleep, and then I crept into the bathroom, turned on the light, and looked at my reflection.
• My face looked even and natural, with only a slight shine around my T-zone. By this time, the foundation had remained on my face for over 13 hours without any touch up. Not bad, not bad at all. I couldn't help but smile.

Three Months Later

That was three months ago. I have been using this product religiously without any breakouts, nor do I see any change in the makeup's effectiveness. People have commented that my skin looks "clearer and healthier."

Finally, I have found a product that fits my budget, suits my active lifestyle, and feels good on my skin.

This content is accurate and true to the best of the author’s knowledge and is not meant to substitute for formal and individualized advice from a qualified professional.

Comments

Sadia on July 26, 2020:

Price plz

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Krisha2222 on October 09, 2019:

Terrible product! Caused cystic acne all over face cheeks and neck. Do not use!

Dane Yu from United States on March 25, 2013:

I've used this product for years past as well and while I do agree that it is great with it's claims, sometimes I do have the problem of being able to feel it on my skin. It's a little sticky and easy to cake up sometime. But Revlon also came out with the Colorstay whipped creme foundation which is amazing! If you really like this version of Colorstay, you will probably like the new formulation as well. It's very interesting, because it's like a mousse creme in a jar. It can feel thick, but I recommend only applying a thin layer. It looks amazing and lasts even longer on me than the Liquid Colorstay version. You should definitely check it out when you get the chance and let me know how you like it! The color selection is harder to match though, so do some research before you go shopping.

Claire Tilly on October 20, 2012:

I have been "blessed" with fair, oily, acne prone skin, unfortunately. You name it, I've tried it - just about every product out there, which, in itself, is not so good for my skin. I just discovered Hyaluronic acid completely by accident. I am impressed!!! I use the Lady Soma Renewal Serum, where hyaluronic acid is the main ingredient.

I've had this really bad breakout on the side of my neck since July, that would just not go away. Since I began using the Lady Soma Serum, they're healing and going away. YAY!!!

I use it morning and night. My skin is soft, no longer oily and I have not have any new breakouts (even when my time of the month came).

I am becoming a lifelong customer. I love this stuff.

TeachableMoments (author) from California on August 30, 2012:

Thank you for taking the time to read my review. If you have oily skin like me then you will be amazed by this product's ability to control shine and breakouts. Let me know how it works out.

Janelle from Houston on August 30, 2012:

Very nice, I love a good recommendation piece. Finding the right foundation is very tricky at times.

TeachableMoments (author) from California on August 29, 2012:

I strongly recommend this product. Just make sure you purchase the Revlon Colorstay foundation for oily/combination skin. Many people end up purchasing the foundation for dry/normal skin and it will not work the same. Let me know if it works for you. I don't know if this helps but I use the early tan shade (340).

Dianna Mendez on August 29, 2012:

With my combination skin it is hard to find makeup that works at a reasonable price. I have not tried Revlon and will have to take a look at it next time I need replenishing. The current foundation I am using is not doing a really good job of evenly coating my skin. Thanks for the advice.