Sleek Creme to Powder Foundation: A dupe for Bobbi Brown's Oil Free Compact Foundation?

Since Bobbi Brown discontinued their Long Wear Even Finish Compact Foundation in the Oil Free version (the regular foundation compact is still available) I've been looking for a replacement. I've been wanting to try Sleek's Oil Free Creme to Powder Foundation for awhile as they have a wide selection of skin tones and I'm more of a yellow tone which is harder to find in the drugstore/high street. For the Bobbi Brown foundation review see here.

 

 

 

This is a medium to full coverage foundation that comes in a compact with a mirror and sponge so that you can apply it on the move. This foundation is also not tested on animals. Compared to Bobbi Brown's formula I found this formula to be drier and not as creamy, despite containing Jojoba oil which is supposed to have moisturising properties and I would not recommend this for dry skin.  Sleek claims this is lightweight formula: I didn't really notice this to be any different to Bobbi Brown and that it the only other cream foundation I've used, but I can say it's not especially thick or heavy. I have sensitive skin and I've been using this for around 5 months and haven't experienced any reactions to this foundation. I've included the ingredient list at the end of this post.The foundation also has SPF15 in it, however in the summer months I would advise you to wear sun cream as well because  SPF15 is pretty low. Because of the SPF this foundation will give flashback during photos, so it may be better for wearing everyday rather than for occasions where you'll know you'll be photographed.

Sleek Crème to Powder foundation covers red patches, spots and small light moles or freckles. However it doesn't completely cover big dark moles but if used alongside a good concealer it would probably do the job. It can sometimes cling to dry patches (on the bridge of my nose) but it's nowhere near as bad as Bourjois healthy mix foundation. Well moisturised or primed skin will eliminate this problem. The big difference between Bobbi Brown and Sleek is in the finish, Sleek gives a completely matte look while Bobbi brown is more of semi matte finish which I prefer because it looks more natural. A finishing spray would add some dewiness back to achieve a semi-matte look. This lasts around 8 or 9 hours and I've now got into the habit of using powder (Bourjois Healthy Balance Powder) to set my t-zone. It's fairly dry and matte so it would suit oily skin although you may have to touch up with powder during the day. I've been using a damp Real Techniques Miracle Complexion Sponge which gives an amazingly flawless, even coverage.

This foundation comes in a whopping 30 shades so there's likely to be a foundation to suit everyone. Many Boots and Superdrug don't carry the full range in the store but if you can't find shades near your skin colour, Sleek Online offers a 5 shade tester for £2.99 (shown in the first picture in this post.) I have the shade Barley (704)  but I think this is actually too dark and yellow for me. But if you have yellow tones in your complexion it's definitely worth checking Sleek's range out. I also have it in a dark brown for bronzing.

To sum up, I wouldn't call this a dupe for Bobbi Brown's oil free compact foundation- mainly because of the difference in finish and drier consistency. However this is a good oil free foundation at a fabulously low price. I would recommend giving it a go if you're looking for a new cream foundation or for a matte foundation.

Sleek Oil Free Creme to Powder Foundation has 9g product for £7.99. Available at Sleek Online, Boots and Superdrug.

Ingredient list:Caprylic / Capric Triglyceride, Poly(methyl methacrylate), Nylon-12, Isononyl Isononanoate, Octyl Strearate, Octyl Palmitate, Bees Wax, Candelilla Wax, Aluminum Starch, Octenyl Succinate, Jojoba Esters, Microcrystalline Wax, Methylparaben, Propylparaben May Contain: [ +/- CI. 77019, CI. 77891, CI. 77492, CI. 77491, CI. 77499]

Bobbi Brown Oil Free Even Finish Compact Foundation Review

Bobbi Brown claims "this foundation never looks fake or makeup-y, just like smooth, even skin. With 12 hours of flawless, oil-free wear, all you see is your skin-at its best."

Bobbi Brown Cream Compact Foundation in Warm Sand 2.5. Price £32 

This fooundation is available in 19 shades. It has won awards for

• Best Base for Black and Asian Skin, Sunday Times Style Beauty Awards 2013.
• Best Foundation Range, The Guardian Best Beauty Buys 2013.

 The Packaging-

This is the first compact I've had and it does make me feel like a lady. It's sleek and shiny with a mirror and sponge to apply it with. It contains 9 g. although the website shows the new compact is now 8g.

I chose Bobbi Brown because the range of foundations are yellow toned and I have a warm olive skin tone. At first I tried the moisturising foundation (I was persuaded by a Bobbi Brown make up artist with dry winter skin) this broke me out around my nose so I bought this oil free compact instead and had more success with it. However I do try and avoid putting this around my nose.

This is the first cream foundation I've used and it took a little time getting used to it. At first I applied it using the sponge provided but I found that this wasted a lot of product on the sponge and tended to look thick and cakey. Then I used a damp Real Techniques brush and this thinned the application producing a light-medium coverage. For light coverage I painted my face in downward motion and for more coverage I buffed it onto my skin. This covered red areas on my cheeks and around my mouth if I buffed the foundation and it can cover spots.
Basically coverage is buildable from light to heavy and dries to a matte finish. It does give smooth appearance covers ay bumps and doesn't cake (unless you are using the sponge provided which I recommend that you don't)  or cling to dry areas (I use a moisturiser before using.) I have sensitive skin but this hasn't caused any irritations or breakouts.
This foundation lasts about 12 hours or 8 hours without powder. I haven't got into the habit of powdering yet but I would recommend that if you are particularly oily, I would suggest powdering your T-zone.

Conclusion
This is a versatile foundation where you can decide how much coverage you need. It's a good everyday foundation.
This compact has lasted me at least 6 months wearing once to three times a week however for a friend who used it with the sponge provided and wore every day, it lasted a month.
I love the versatility of this foundation and will definitely re-purchase. I would recommend this foundation as a great all rounder.

You might like this if....

• You have yellow tones in your skin-tone
• Like the idea of a versatile foundation

You might not like this if...

•  You are on a budget and want full coverage everyday.