YSL All Hours Foundation Review
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YSL All Hours Foundation Review: The Long-Wear Classic

8.7/10

Based on

3 categories

Reviewed by Jamie Tugayeva
Jamie Tugayeva

YSL All Hours Foundation

As a makeup enthusiast, I'm thrilled with the YSL All Hours Foundation; it's a luxurious, long-lasting product that seamlessly integrates into my beauty routine. This foundation, requiring a bit of skill for perfect application, offers exceptional 24-hour coverage and caters wonderfully to different skin types, including sensitive ones. Its elegant packaging and adaptability across various retailers make it a valuable and accessible choice for those seeking quality and durability in makeup.

YSL All Hours Foundation
Coverage and Finish 9
Longevity and Wear 8
Suitability for Different Skin Types 9

Pros

  • Excellent full coverage with a luminous matte finish.
  • Long-lasting, up to 24-hour wear.
  • Does not clog pores and suitable for various skin types.
  • A little product goes a long way, making it cost-effective.

Cons

  • Not the most beginner-friendly foundation
  • The foundation may oxidize without a primer.
  • Has a strong fragrance
  • Higher price point compared to some competitors.

Today we are going to look at the YSL All Hours Foundation and how we got here. Many luxury clothing lines have a standout makeup line, but few have successfully claimed to deliver the same feeling in their products for so many years as YSL.

Lipsticks, foundations, the iconic concealer pen in its golden packaging, and airbrush finish, most makeup enthusiasts have tried and loved at least one YSL makeup item. I was no exception, starting off early by borrowing my mother’s YSL concealer on my acne and imperfections. The product gave flawless coverage and lasted for years without a drop in quality!

The YSL beauty line and the YSL All House Foundation uphold this standard of luxurious, high-end foundation. It may not be everyone’s cup of tea, as it requires some work to wear flawlessly, including a primer layer, to ensure longevity.

This foundation is not the most beginner-friendly, so even if you have the money to spend, you should have your makeup 101 down to achieve its legendary 24-hour wear. 

Very often, people label makeup items as not worth it just because they’re not as easy to use as some of their counterparts, but the more makeup technology moves forward, the more the foundation trends change. We’ve had trends ranging from dry matte bone foundation to glowing, sweat-like coverage.

Everything can sound appealing to some while also being extremely undesirable to others. This division is partially because, unlike something more mundane like a lipstick shade, foundations define the texture of your skin and act as the canvas where all other ingredients will go on. If not used properly, it can torpedo any effort to salvage your look.

Without further ado, let’s dive into this YSL All Hours Foundation review to see how to apply it, tips to make the most of it, and how to adapt it to each person’s needs.

All Hours Luminous Matte Foundation with Hyaluronic Acid | YSL Beauty

This breathable liquid foundation with SPF 30 that delivers up to 24h full coverage with a weightless feel and luminous matte finish. Transfer-proof, waterproof, heat-resistant. The unique luminous matte finish leaves skin looking healthy with a soft matte look. 

Buy at Yves Saint Laurent Buy at Amazon
We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.

What Does the YSL All Hours Foundation Do?

YSL All Hours Foundation Review

The YSL, All Hours foundation, targets people who want a full-coverage foundation with a matte finish. In the brand’s words, this base will keep your skin oil-free while preventing the natural oiliness of the skin from making the foundation patchy after a few hours.

When applied properly, the YSL All Hours foundation keeps your look in place without that uncomfortable wet feeling. The finish on this foundation looks like a second skin, sometimes even giving out a gentle glowing finish. Those looking for a completely dry matte finish may not find the All Hours suitable for this reason.

It covers up all imperfections and will last all night, but unlike many competitors with similar claims, the YSL All Hours does not clog pores. Some users have complained about pores looking larger when wearing them, but these effects vary from person to person. 

The YSL All Hours is a fan favorite, and many swear by it as their ride-or-die item for many years now. This foundation has stood the test of time and is a top-shelf classic in the high-end makeup world.

Who Should Use the YSL All Hours Foundation?

Despite being a matte foundation, all skin types seem to be rather happy with the YSL All Hours, as it does not dry the skin or break down in the presence of oil. Its enthusiasts regard it to be a magical foundation, which rivals its counterparts by adapting to each skin type. 

Its flexibility is also on display when used on sensitive or aging skin, two of the most difficult skin types to adapt to, which the YSL All Hours covers with no issue.

How do I Choose the Right Shade? 

YSL All Hours Foundation

To make a foundation look good, it is crucial to find the right shade. This means matching both your skin tone and your undertone. With many people restricted to online shipping, finding the right match is not as easy as swatching shades at a store.

To help you get a good match regardless of where you are buying from, tone match site Findation has you covered.

This platform specializes in tone matching, primarily using an extensive database of tones and undertones from almost all foundation items in the market, which allows users to get accurate recommendations about shares on different products based on the shades used in past items.

To get your match, simply enter the products and shades that suit you from previous experience, then search for the product you want to buy. Findation will use this data to give you your exact shade match.

I’ve yet to meet someone who didn’t find the right match on Findation. It’s a little makeup community secret that deserves more exposure.

If this is your first time buying a foundation or you can’t remember what you used before, go to the nearest store which stocks either the YSL All Hours or any other product listed in Findation, then ask a shop assistant to swatch the foundation on your hand to get a feel for the shade.

Some stores offer sample-sized foundations which you can take home and try out, but this practice is not as widespread as it used to be, unfortunately. Product samples allow you to see if the item is something you’d truly enjoy wearing throughout the day before making a long-term commitment.

Packaging

YSL All Hours

The YSL All Hours is a pump-based foundation, which has its drawbacks. After considerable use, sometimes the pump cannot reach the product left at the bottom of the package, which means some of it essentially goes to waste. Other than that, there are no major complaints about this foundation applicator.

The foundation comes in a frosted matte glass bottle. It requires some care to avoid breaking, but its components feel heavy and luxurious. The weight doesn’t always mean quality, but for many makeup collectors, having a sturdy package matters. The applicator comes inside a classic gold YSL unicarton.

As far as packaging goes, many people do not mind the blandness of luxury makeup, but personally, I feel like the highest end should step up its aesthetics a bit to match rivals handsomely, outdoing them even at lower price brackets.

The package on this foundation feels luxurious but not enough to justify the price, and besides the weight, it doesn’t exactly provide users with a unique experience. 

How do I Use and Apply the YSL All Hours Foundation?

Use the pump designed for the foundation. One pump should be enough to get enough product for a full application, but if you want more coverage, the foundation is rather buildable.  One drop still goes a long way, and most users will find it sufficient to cover the full face and any imperfections while still lasting the whole day as promised.

YSL also recommends starting off with their All Hours Primer to guarantee a matte finish all day long. This helps hold the foundation in place, and the difference can be rather dramatic. Sometimes it pays off to use the primers and powders from the same line as these products were designed with mixing in mind.

A mix-and-match approach can also work; however—everyone has different favorites and unique skin, so go with what you prefer. Just because YSL recommends only using products from the All Hours line doesn’t mean that you should break the bank for every single one.

On the user guide, YSL recommends using their All Hours beauty blender to apply the product. Many people prefer to use a foundation brush together with a liquid foundation, but there is no right or wrong way here.

Sometimes beauty blenders will absorb too much of a specific foundation depending on its consistency, while brushes might leave the product streaky on the face because of the bristles. Your best bet is to experiment and find out what works for you.

Makeup is all about combining products that help you achieve your goals, and this is equal parts science and art.

Much like concealers, many people decide to cover their foundation with foundation powder for extra coverage or finishing powder to bake and set everything in place. YSL offers their own All Hours Setting Powder specifically for this purpose to help set and guarantee your look stays matte.

Price Point

The YSL All Hours foundation is not a rare product to find in stores. It is available at Sephora, high-end perfume stores, and many department stores.

Given the variety of retailers, the price can fluctuate. For example, in Europe, it costs between 40 to 50 euros in most cases, whereas the average in the United States is $54. Stores selling it usually have good discounts periodically, meaning you can grab an excellent luxury foundation for a remarkably average price. 

All Hours Luminous Matte Foundation with Hyaluronic Acid | YSL Beauty

This breathable liquid foundation with SPF 30 that delivers up to 24h full coverage with a weightless feel and luminous matte finish. Transfer-proof, waterproof, heat-resistant. The unique luminous matte finish leaves skin looking healthy with a soft matte look. 

Buy at Yves Saint Laurent Buy at Amazon
We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.

Pros

  • Very transfer resistant 
  • A little product goes a long way 
  • Most primers work with it
  • Good for all skin types

Cons

  • It might oxidize without a primer underneath
  • Strong fragrance

Alternatives

Estee Lauder Double Wear

Estee Lauder Double Wear

Probably the most famous long wear high-end foundation. You’ve seen it on YouTube, on makeup artists, and all over Instagram. This is an old, tried-and-true product, but is it a good dupe for the YSL All Hours? Some say that it is even better than that, while also being slightly cheaper. 

Double Wear Stay-in-Place Foundation | Estée Lauder

Double Wear Makeup is the fresh matte foundation that looks flawless whatever comes your way. 24-hour wear. Oil-free. Controls oil all day. Sweat-, heat- and humidity-resistant. Lifeproof, waterproof foundation. 24-hour color true.

Buy at Estée Lauder Buy at Amazon
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Maybelline Super Stay Longwear Liquid Foundation

Maybelline Super Stay Longwear Liquid Foundation

The best drug store alternative to the YSL All Hours foundation. Maybelline’s foundations have been fighting their high-end competitors for a while now, and many are just as great, if not better.

This is a 30-hour wear, transfer, and sweat-proof foundation, and its fans recommend it universally. It is also readily available in almost all stores that stock makeup products.

Super Stay Long Wear Liquid Foundation | Amazon
$16.07

Be your own professional makeup artist with Maybelline's full coverage 24H foundation.

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01/22/2024 03:57 am GMT

La Mer The Soft Fluid Long Wear Foundation 

La Mer The Soft Fluid Long Wear Foundation 

If you’re aiming for something to spend time on, La Mer has the solution. But despite its heavyweight list of ingredients, it’s not exactly worth the price point. It gives you the luxury experience, but you can also aim for something that doesn’t cost 100 USD a pop. It’s still great, and it works if you are OK with the price.

La Mer The Soft Fluid Long Wear Spf 20 Foundation | La Mer
$130.00

Weightless fluid foundation with buildable medium coverage and a naturally radiant finish. Color won’t fade – even in humidity.

Buy at La Mer Buy at Amazon
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L’Oréal 24 Hour Fresh Wear Foundation

L'Oréal 24 Hour Fresh Wear Foundation

Another great drug store alternative, which was unavoidable a few years back. The foundation is still in stock, and many haven’t given up on it yet. Applicable with brushes, beauty blenders, and keeping you matte and oil-free for as long as needed. It’s truly a great foundation and underrated

Read More: L’Oreal Foundation Line Guide: Which Foundation Is The Best For Your Skin Type?

L'Oréal Paris Makeup Infallible Up to 24 Hour Fresh Wear Foundation | Amazon
$18.89

L'Oreal's breakthrough long-wear foundation offers up to 24 hours of wear with a weightless formula that allows the skin to breathe. The ultra-thin liquid goes on smoothly to give a fresh, even, healthy-looking complexion.

Buy at Amazon Buy at L'Oréal Paris
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01/22/2024 01:21 am GMT

Dior Forever Skin

Dior Forever Skin

One of the most known foundations by Dior after Airflash, this is a trailblazer and very well-known to hold even in metal concerts. This foundation Loved by many, and it is no surprise.

It’s also more of an older choice, but a great one. The Dior Forever Skin provides matte coverage for many hours and will not disappoint in any sweaty weather. 

Christian Dior Dior Forever Skin Glow Foundation | Amazon
$55.00

This new-generation foundation is formulated according to a rigorous list of ingredients. Enriched with extracts of iris, wild pansy, hibiscus, and nasturtium, Dior Forever Skin Glow reveals more beautiful skin day after day.

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01/22/2024 12:46 am GMT

FAQs

Question: Does the YSL All Hours Foundation oxidize? 

Answer: Some people report it can oxidize up to two shades darker. One person said that it went one shade darker but could’ve been because they avoided using a primer or anything under the layer of foundation. 

Question: Is YSL All Hours non-comedogenic? 

Answer: Yes, the YSL All Hours foundation is non-comedogenic, oil-free, and dermatologist tested. 

Question: Is YSL All Hours full coverage? 

Answer: Absolutely! It claims to stay on for up to 24 hours, and when applied properly, it really lives up to the hype through the whole day. No two skins are the same, of course, so results may differ from user to user, but the overall opinion of the YSL All Hours is that it is one of the longest-lasting foundations in the market.

Question: Does YSL All Hours Foundation have silicon? 

Answer: Yes, it is a silicone-based foundation, which leaves a light touch and a non-greasy feel. 

Question: Is YSL All Hours Parabens free? 

Answer: Yes, it is! It is also one of the 91% most allergen-free foundations available on the market. 

YSL All Hours Foundation Review: Final Thoughts

The YSL All Hours foundation is a great foundation, a fact validated by thousands of reviews and happy customers. Today it’s hard to decide which foundation performs best given how saturated the market is, but if you are unsure of which one to choose, the YSL All Hours is a safe shot.

Now, is the YSL All Hours foundation an irreplaceable one? Well, that depends. If you want to spend more money on a luxury foundation, this is a perfect choice and is likely to become your Holy Grail item.

With drugstore brands picking up the pace and introducing several heavyweight foundations, it is possible to find great alternatives to the YSL All Hours while spending a fraction of the money. The question to you, the buyer, is simple: what do you really want from a foundation to use daily?

If a low cost is not on your list, then I absolutely recommend the YSL All Hours. It suits most skin types and gives flawless coverage with long wear, and one package lasts for many months thanks to the good spread on the product.

All Hours Luminous Matte Foundation with Hyaluronic Acid | YSL Beauty

This breathable liquid foundation with SPF 30 that delivers up to 24h full coverage with a weightless feel and luminous matte finish. Transfer-proof, waterproof, heat-resistant. The unique luminous matte finish leaves skin looking healthy with a soft matte look. 

Buy at Yves Saint Laurent Buy at Amazon
We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.

Read More: YSL Foundation Line Guide: Is It Worth The Hype?

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