Fab or flub? Make Up for Ever’s new foundation promises HD perfection

For this week’s Fab or Flub? we decided to put a close-up on Make Up for Ever’s new Ultra HD foundation, which promises to help women look their photogenic best, even under the sharp focus of today’s high-definition cameras.

A revamp of the brand’s beloved (and recently discontinued) HD foundation, Ultra HD claims to be the first foundation designed to withstand the demands of the new 4K technology of the latest smartphones, televisions and cameras.

With 8 million more pixels than standard HD, 4K delivers sharper, more engaging images and (unfortunately) also shows every single facial flaw you may possess. And that’s where the Ultra HD foundation reportedly comes in.

Make Up for Ever reports that the new light-diffusing formula is suitable for normal to dry skin and creates a flawless, natural-looking complexion with a radiant finish.

Unlike the original product, Ultra HD also comes in liquid and stick form (both available for $43 at Sephora). The liquid version is sold in an impressive 40 shades (more than double the amount of the original), while the stick version is offered in 15 shades.

I liked the first HD foundation and thought it worked well, so I was surprised when I heard that Make Up for Ever had decided to tweak the popular formula.

As technology continues its rapid rate of change, however, it seems our makeup needs to do so, too.

And because Ultra HD promised the same benefits of the original and more, I was willing to give it a try.

First impression

Make Up for Ever may have tinkered with the HD foundation’s formula, but users will be happy to know that the packaging of the liquid version looks almost identical to the original.

That means a pump-style bottle that lets you control the amount of foundation dispensed and prevents any of the waste that often comes with open mouth bottles and tubes. For those who prefer something more solid, the Ultra HD stick foundation comes in a sleek, black tube that twists up and down to reveal the product.

In both liquid and stick form, the Ultra HD foundation is creamy, oil-free and super lightweight.

It blends effortlessly until it becomes like a second skin — almost undetectable once applied. The product offers good coverage, but might still require a concealer for imperfections like dark circles under the eye.

Fab or flub?

Fab! Cheers to Make Up for Ever for taking a product that was already great and finding a way to make it even better.

Just like the original HD foundation, Ultra HD offers amazing coverage without feeling heavy or giving a person that sense of wearing a face full of makeup.

Offered in an expansive range of shades, the foundation blends easily and has a natural-looking finish. It conceals blemishes well, and I found that it had great lasting power throughout the day (even in the hot Texas sun).

When stacked against each other, the liquid and stick versions are pretty even in performance. However, I am, without a doubt, head over heels for the Ultra HD stick. It makes putting on foundation easy and convenient, and I loved the dewy look it gave my skin. It also didn’t leave my face as oily as the previous formula.

So, next time you’re due for a new foundation purchase, I’d recommend giving Make Up for Ever’s Ultra HD a good, hard look.

This story was originally published August 14, 2015 at 1:26 PM with the headline "Fab or flub? Make Up for Ever’s new foundation promises HD perfection."