Estée Lauder has released yet another variant in their Double Wear line of makeup. There are so many Double Wears now I think it's getting a little confusing.
Claims
The Double Wear Nude Water Fresh is one of the more lightweight options. It promises a "fluid, long-wear makeup feels like you have nothing on. Moves comfortably with your skin. Looks fresh, natural, healthy, even-toned. With SPF 25 and anti-oxidants, it’s your invisible defense against environmental damage from UV rays and pollution. Instantly and continuously hydrates with a moisture complex of red fruit extracts, including watermelon, lychee seed and apple. In shades for all skintones.
Lightweight. SPF 25 / Anti-pollution. 24-hour wear. Light-to-medium coverage."
My experience
Colour
This point is only relevant if you already own another Double Wear from Estée Lauder. I found the inconsistency of the colours between one Double Wear range and another is disappointing. The shade "Desert Beige 2N1" in the original Double Wear is a good match for my skin tone. However, the "Desert Beige 2N1" in the Double Wear Nude Water Fresh is significantly different - it is much fairer.
Unfortunately Desert Beige 2N1 is the shade that I've got and I have to work with this "wrong shade" (and blend it like crazy) for the rest of this review.
Texture
This is one of the thinnest foundation that I have used. It is silky and is truly water-light. It is very comfortable when it goes on skin and it does not dry quickly, so I can take my time to blend the makeup. However, I wouldn't say that it is "effortless" to blend. Some work is needed to move the foundation so it doesn't sink into pores and lines. But once it is blended it looks good. I am not entirely sure whether it's because I've got a fairer shade than my skin, or is it just the way that it is. However, from my experience with the original Double Wear, it does require some effort to blend (even with the right shade).
Throughout the day it is extremely comfortable to wear, and I cannot feel that it is on my skin at all.
Coverage and finish
The coverage is sheer. Even though Estée Lauder claims it to be of light-to-medium coverage, I'd say an additional layer doesn't really give me any more coverage. As you can see below most of the flaws are not "covered" but just slightly "evened out". (For comparison to medium coverage foundations, see my reviews on Bobbi Brown Skin Long-Wear Weightless Foundation and Lancôme Teint Idole Ultra Wear.)
It gives a healthy glow and overall radiance to my skin. I really like the almost-dewy finish.
Left: not wearing any foundation, concealer or powder; Right: after wearing Estée Lauder Double Wear Nude Water Fresh in Desert Beige 2N1, with no powder and no concealer. No editing or filter was used in either picture.
Longevity
This foundation does not settle into pores and lines and it does not cake. It also does not transfer and does not come off. I can get away with no blotting for about 6-8 hours and after that shine begins to show on the T-zone. I don't think that is has a 24-hour wear though, as the foundation is so sheer that it actually starts to disappear at the end of the day.
To summarise:
Pros
Extremely lightweight and comfortable to wear
Comfortable to wear all day
Silky texture
Sheer coverage
Radiant finish with a healthy glow
Does not settle into pores and lines
Does not cake
Does not transfer
Does not cause congestion or breakout
Cons
Blotting is necessary after 6-8 hours (I have normal skin)
Some effort is needed to blend over pores and lines
Not a very buildable foundation
Poor and unhygienic packaging (I need to pour the foundation onto my fingers from a glass bottle, but a pump is available at extra cost)
Recommendation
This foundation is really good for a radiant, no-makeup-look. However, it doesn't have the same longevity and oil-controlling properties of the original Double Wear. The colour does not necessarily correspond to that from the original Double Wear range, so a colour re-match is necessary.
Overall rating 3.5/5