July 13, 2009

Urban Decay Surreal Skin Cream to Powder Foundation Review

I suspect many of you may be excited about the brand new Urban Decay Surreal Skin Cream to Powder Foundation. Upon first seeing it I was pretty excited myself. My first foundation and the foundation that remained with me for many years prior to my experimenting with different formulas was in fact a cream. Becoming deeply attached to my cream foundation over the years it was of course very exciting to see one of my favorite brands releasing a cream compact foundation.


Jump ahead for a peep at the new Urban Decay Surreal Skin Cream to Powder Foundation.

I will in fact express my disappointment this isn’t cream foundation but a cream to powder. I love cream foundation however I’ll begrudgingly admit, in all my years of using it, it doesn’t wear as long as I’d like. I’ll also add that one thing about cream is the fact it doesn’t oxidize on my skin.

Anyway….cream to powder doesn’t hold too much appeal for a dry skin girl like myself as powder always holds a great danger of flaking up on my skin, aging me, and just making me look washed up.

Urban Decay Surreal Skin Cream to Powder Foundation impressed. That’s say alot considering how I normally don’t like this style of foundation or powder in general for that matter.

The foundation comes housed in the slick translucent purple compact that UD has embraced lately with many of it’s new compact releases such as their blotting powder. Goth fans shall rejoice at the purple color and graphic designs of which include a small dagger, skulls, and spiders. For those of you that aren’t in touch with your goth side you’ll still enjoy whipping this out of your purse for touch ups on the fly. The compact is a chunky dual chamber compartment compact which houses the foundation and a mirror on top and a brush applicator on the bottom.


Mmm yes I said brush. Surprised? I was. I expected a sponge applicator but a brush it is kids. The brush is a half moon and large in size. Bristles are slightly scratchy and I’m unsure if I’m ever going to grow accustom to brushing on a cream foundation. You see…I’m normally a finger girl and apply foundation as such. It’s rare I use a sponge or brush for foundation application, to tell me otherwise is like trying to break a dog into trying new tricks. I will say the idea of applying a cream to powder is logical as the brush sweeps the cream into place and blends it nicely but I do think it needs a little pat and rub here and there from my finger to get it in place.


Now the formula….

The formula is possibly the most interesting one I’ve come across in regards to cream that converts to powder. I’ve tried a few and have always either had too powdery a finish or not a powder finish at all. This almost instantly, upon contact with your skin, turns quickly to a powder. It’s buttery to the touch at first and quickly turns into a velvety smooth finish. So far I quite like it. I admit I’ve ditched the brush and have been applying with a sponge as I feel like I get a more even finish.


Some things you should know…..

I think it should work quite nicely with oily skin. Do prep alot prior to use. If your skin isn’t properly prepped you’ll feel like you have a mask on and the foundation will settle on your skin in a most undesirable way, believe me I know as I tried it on unprepped skin and proceeded to look terrible. Be sure your skin is nicely moisturized prior to use also apply primer as it creates a nice working canvas for the makeup.

The foundation wears for around 4 hours on me before I need a touch up but I can stretch this wear with proper priming to around 5 hours. One thing that delights me is how easy it is to retouch up as it’s as simple as applying powder. Sweep on with the brush or smooth on with your sponge, 1, 2, 3 retouch! I really loved how the foundation managed to stay fresh as well without oxidizing or turning gray, ashy on my skin.

Overall, Urban Decay Surreal Skin Cream to Powder should appeal to anyone that’s a fan of cream to powder finishes. The foundation has the potential to become a great product for Urban Decay as much of their Surreal Skin collection is quite good. The range of shades available should appeal as their appears to be a shade that suits everyone.

Urban Decay Surreal Skin Cream to Powder Foundation is available now from Urban Decay and later this month at Sephora.

For your chance to win an Urban Decay Surreal Skin Compact for yourself please see this link!

Anyone indulging?

Indulged already?

What do you think?

25 Comments

About the Muse

Isabella MuseIsabella is just an average everyday geeky girl who doesn’t blend her eyeshadow correctly, wears too much blush, and hopes she never finds her holy grail products because she likes the thrill of the chase so much. Her mission is to bring you super honest reviews on makeup, skincare, fragrance and all things beauty. She’s in no way an expert on the topic and she sure as hell isn’t a super model. But she’s passionate about makeup and is seeking like-minded individuals that like pina coladas, getting caught in the rain, and ones that enjoy spending hundreds of dollars at Sephora without feeling buyer’s remorse. If you’re that person feel free to reach out and leave a comment or follow me on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and Bloglovin‘.

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Comments

  • Kate

    This foundation is my holy grail of foundations. i’ve been wearing it since august, and i dont think i’ll ever wear another foundation. Urban Decay is my favorite brand of makeup, and this doesn’t disappoint. I, however, get a full day’s wear with this. The only time I touch up is if i have to go somewhere after work, and even then i don’t always have to.

    • the Muse

      UD is my fav too Kate 😀 I really am enjoying this. It’s not my HG but I love the texture and formula 😀 great stuff!

  • Kay

    Thanks for the review, this foundation looks like just what I want. But still no UK release! Gah!

    Love your blog, I consult before all my UD purchases 😛

    • the Muse

      kay really? gasp! whoa what are they waiting on by now I was hopeful it would be out sheesh!

      Aw thanks hun 😀 cheers! I’ll be doing Urban Decay Spring 2010 Shortly for ya!

      • Kay

        As was I! But they seem to randomly omit things for release over here. For example, I have yet to find the Universal Mineral Powder. There are 6 lipsticks that have never appeared over here, Frigid shadow is nowhere to be seen, and we only got one of winter’s 24/7 sets! Maybe they think we’re not ready 😉 Either that or I’m not looking hard enough!

        Can’t wait to see the review, loving the look of everything! Loving the sparrrrrkle!

        • the Muse

          mmm that stinks kay! are you an mua’er or a forum member somewhere where US friends can CP for you maybe?! 😀

          LOL maybe they think we’re not ready! Yes that’s too much boldness for the UK hahaha! oh gosh the sparkle is amazing do you follow me on twitter? posted some images of the new shadows and alcie palette 😀 all will be revealed tomorrow!

          • Kay

            I am on MUA yeah, so maybe I should go for that approach. There’s only so long you can wait before you have to give up on getting stuff here! 😛

            I’m not on twitter actually (maybe I should be XD) but I have seen bits and pieces of the sparkle and quite a lot on the Alice palette! Looks gorgeous but I want to find out what the shades are, since they’re renames of existing shadows. At least I know we’re getting her over here!

          • the Muse

            kay I think mua’ers are fab for cping just make sure it’s a established member 🙂 you should come on twitter, UD is on and they always tweet good stuff 🙂 Also many other brands and ME! most important of all haha! I’ll def be sure to give you the names of the shadows versus the new names 🙂

          • Kay

            Thanks so much, at least I’ll have a month and a half to contemplate getting it after the US release 😛 Wooo! *goes to log on to MUA*

          • the Muse

            kay I just wanna sayI wish I could do the CP for you but I’m really busy and disorganized and busy as hell but I wanted to say I WISH I could do it for you 🙂 I hope you find a nice mua’er to get it for you 🙂 I know tons are VERY nice!

  • Kay

    Aw, thank you so much! I’m sure there will be more nice people out there to help a poor UD starved Englishwoman 😛

  • Shel

    Do you have any advice for “setting” this foundation? It is nice and creamy but it stays a bit too creamy and moist for me. I was hoping it would turn to a nice powder finish that I didn’t have to constantly touch up. Do you use the UD powder over this?

    • the Muse

      hi shel it should dry down matte…you could drive a loose powder but be careful not to over due it 🙂

  • Minttu

    Hi!
    I am dying to now what is your favourite cream foundation..(S)?:)
    So far I am happy with my Arden flawless finish sponge-on and Blasco.I finally got my MUFE face&body and I LOVE IT! I am also sucker for cream to powder and powder compacts allthough I have quite dry skin.
    So,miss Beautiful,would you PLEASE tell me ALL your favourites..

    • the Muse

      hi minttu. Shills BB 5 in 1 😀 my flavorite 😀 *hugs*

      • Minttu

        HI!
        When can I find it? Weird,never heard.
        Anythin more common in Europe Or USA?
        What is your favourite mousse make up,that quality of foundations never tried but think they don`t cover much
        My Guerlain parure aqua compact is coming,think,
        HAVE A NICE DAY!
        Any BBcreams for europian markets..?

        • the Muse

          hi minttu it’s available at Sephora and http://www.urbandecay.com This is available in the US and should be available in certain parts of Europe as well (UK, France…)

          Mousse? I don’t really have a fav but maybelline mousse is pretty ok.

          BB Creams in Europe no sadly just Asia 🙂

          Hope this helps!

  • Minttu

    Hi pretty!
    I have A stupid question..how do you use Macs mineralize skinfinish?
    My friend has it for brunettes and she might sell it to me.She also has those in few another colours.
    I found a great mousse foundation; Isadoras 16h active moist make-up and spf 30!
    What do you think is Macs best foundation for normal/dry skin for at least medium coverage? Thinking about maybe studio fix or stick.
    Bobbi Brown also has moisturizing cream compact,might like that.
    But my next order is absolutely MUFEs HD..

    • the Muse

      hi minttu. I use a softer brush such as the mac stripling brush and brush across cheek bones. the brunette one can be used as a blush.

      I don’t know anything about mac foundation sadly as I don’t use it, sorry. I’m a bb cream kinda girl 🙂 Enjoy your new foundation!!!!!!!!!

  • YT

    I’m glad I’m not the only one who shelved the brush. I tried a foundation brush and it was ok. I’ll be trying a sponge instead! ^_^

  • passerby

    Hi there. May I know what shade is your UD Surreal cream to powder foundation in? I’m a mac NC25, what shade do u recommend?

    • the Muse

      I don’t recommend shades passerby without ever having seen you. It’s too difficult to just recommend a color online to someone I’ve never seen. Sorry hun. I don’t use MAC foundations either so it’s even more difficult.

  • Whit

    I am having some problems with dry spots with this foundation. For the most part I have pretty oily skin. I always moisturize and prime my face before application. Perhaps it is because the winters are very dry in the desert? Should I wait until summer to try this again?