December 6, 2010

Almay Wake Up Hydrating Makeup Review, Swatches, Photos

It looks like you’ll see a new wave of hydrating foundation powders in the makeup come Spring (or now if you check around), so far I’ve seen two. Both Revlon and Almay have two new hydrating powder foundations available which mimic MAC Dr. Facilier Magically Cool Liquid Powder.

It’s been a while since this type of powder has made the drugstore rounds. I can only remember one instance of it actually and perhaps you remember it too, it was from Physicians Formula and must be at least 10 to 15 years back when they had a pink powder that had a hydrating, cool, water-like effect. A few high end types such as Awake have had such powders as well.

You can commonly find these from Asian brands however they haven’t quite taken off in the US and if the formulas are anything to go by now, may never take off. But we’ll see….

Almay Wake Up Hydrating Makeup is my focus today and later in the week I’ll introduce you to Revlon’s new Photo Ready Hydrating Makeup.

Let’s have a look and feel free to share your thoughts and experiences with hydrating makeups you’ve come across.


A cool refreshing foundation that glides onto skin like water!


You may wonder about the whole “hydrating” deal particularly if you haven’t seen, tried, or purchased Magically Cool Liquid Powder from MAC this year.

Basically the powder will make contact with your skin and proceed to feel like a cool burst of water. It’s novel, it’s refreshing, and it feels pretty darn great on dry skin particularly considering that my dry skin doesn’t really love powders or minerals in the Winter time. Seriously? If you have dry skin, chances are you avoid powder like the plague because it just accentuates patchy, flaky areas. Almay Wake Up Hydrating Makeup doesn’t do that as it has a cool, refreshing feel plus a very lightweight formula that almost seems to turn from powder to cream as it touches your skin. Without a doubt the formula deserves some recognition for just feeling lovely on your skin.

Another thing that deserves attention is the cool packaging. The powder comes in a larger jar with a sifter and a lid that houses the brush, this is where things get interesting. The brush slides out of the top and has a plastic case surrounding it and two slide mechanisms on the side which reveals the brush. The brush is super handy and easy to store and just the entire design is really travel friendly and portable however the sifter does tend to allow too much powder out, causing some dramatic, but the brush itself is really convenient. The brush has super soft bristles yet remains dense enough to allow you to “paint” the foundation into place. Folks who don’t wear a ton of foundation will like how the brush fits into just the right contours for application such as the sides of your nose and under your eyes.

It does have its down falls sadly….


I don’t wear alot of foundation and I only wear it because I want to perfect my face not hide or conceal problem skin areas. My main concern when purchasing foundation is how bright and refreshed will it make my dull skin. If you super from hyper pigmentation, dark spots, age spots, acne scarring, uneven skin texture, etc…and you want foundation that is heavier or pigmented enough to hide and conceal issues, Almay Wake Up Hydrating Makeup is NOT for you.

The makeup has virtually NO pigmentation. Once it hits the skin it absorbs and leaves behind very little color pay off therefore offering zero coverage. It does have the ability to perfect already perfect skin. So if you’re like me and you have a certain dullness sans larger pores or problem skin, you may find it works well at perfecting skin a bit and creating a nice, even flawless finish for makeup.

However, do not expect miracles. The formula is cool, refreshing, and very novel however it does not work so well as an actually base unless you have decent skin to begin with. I was thinking about it and it might just work well with larger pores but I’m not sure since I really don’t have this problem however it feels like it might do well as a base for perfecting such a problem so that might be something you wish to purchase it for.

Although I gave major props to the brush I do wonder how sanitary it is considering it remains a tad on the damp side after use and may become bacteria ridden rather quickly because of this!

  • Those with decent skin that don’t require alot of coverage (this will perfect already great skin).
  • Those in need of minimal, bare bones coverage.
  • Those with dry skin who want to use powder but avoid it because of patchy, flaky areas.

  • Those who need pigmented coverage!
  • Those who need foundation to conceal problem areas.


It sincerely, for the most part, offers no real coverage so you might want to try it as maybe a transparent finishing power or a way to touch up but not something you’d use to start off your makeup routine. I liked it as a more lightweight, no makeup look. It seems to give my dull skin a tiny lift but nothing dramatic. The cool, refreshing feel of the powder is very much appreciated by my dry, tried skin but doesn’t necessarily gain points for anything more. I can see this easily gaining a following simply because of that interesting formula.

Sadly, I wouldn’t recommend it’s $10 plus price tag unless you have money to throw around and you’re curious. Curious is good because I think it is something to try at least once in your life however if you’re on a tighter budget this review may save you that money for something else.

Anyone try Almay Wake Up Hydrating Makeup?

What did you think?

Share it!

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

  • Renata

    Hmmm I was curious to know your opinion because this is something I thought would be a good alternative to ‘dry feeling/looking’ finishing powders. You don’t seem too enthusiastic about this use for this powder, though…

    Anyway, I came to tell you I finally got the Physicians Formula (Mosaic) Multi-Colored Pressed Powder you said was fantastic, and it is! It feels kind of odd on my skin, but in a very nice way. So I came to thank you for this recomendation. Thank you!!!

    🙂

    • the Muse

      it’s ok renata, kinda novel, perfects my face slightly but nothing omg can’t live without ya know?
      Oh YAY!!! that’s my fav, so glad you like it!

    • the Muse

      hi randomblondechick I actually mentioned in my post it might be ok as a setting powder….

  • BeautyMaven

    Ooo anything that resembles Truth and Light is a must in my book! I saw the Revlon version on Target.com ~ which is craaazzzy similar to this one~ and am tempted to order but I’d much rather see colors in person, you know? Also very sad that it doesn’t offer more coverage. =(
    AND good point about the brush staying damp, ee! That’s frightening!

    • the Muse

      beautymaven yup got the revlon version myself but haven’t tried yet ;-D sadly coverage is zero on the Almay one but hopeful for the Revlon one here! Yup, brush remains damp, can’t go be good for germs yak!

  • Hillarie

    Hmm… I might want to try this one as a setting powder. It’s really cold where I live and I can definitely see my skin getting extremely dry sometime soon 🙁

    I read somewhere that the claim to fame for Revlon’s version is coconut water and Almay’s is cucumber

  • Amee

    Thanks a lot for the review dear 🙂
    I think i will also use it as loose setting powder if i will buy..

  • Sunny

    I have good skin and was looking for a lighter coverage but something to finish my look. I had used Bare Minerals for a few years, but the shades were never correct. I purchased the previous offering by Almay in their prior mineral makeup and really liked it. So I decided to try the new wake up. I really am impressed at how well it matches my skin (Ivory) and how pretty it sets and lasts. It is a winner and I will purchase several before the fickle brand discontinues it, like everything else I like.

  • Elektra

    I saw a review on the revlon version of this, and supposedly theres amazing amount of glitter in it. It is the same with this one? If not I’d like to try as a setting powder for my dry skin.

  • Shirl

    I found your blog via search for BB cream reviews! What a well written yet cheery informative blog. I am going to bookmark this one!I wonder though if you could mention cost of what you paid for so readers have a ballpark figure of what to expect in costs especially for those of us who have to order online from outside of US.

    Also did you use the brush to apply? Thus the lack of coverage maybe? I find most mineral makeups apply better if you ditch the brush and tapping into the lid idea. It’s too messy and people end up quitting mineral makeup when it’s a viable option for those with sensitive skin.

    Firstly, sprinkle some minerals into a small glass bowl, dont bother with the lid, I think the bristles can get caught in the threads of the lid and get damaged. Secondly, ditch the brush idea, it causes flyaway and if of poor quality can end up scratching your face from overbuffing. Use a flat latex sponge.

    Anyways, in my search for a liquid foundation and other options due to my skin being so dry I found BB creams but it’s frustrating to have to order online. But I noticed in my search that Almay’s Smart Shade foundation is really a BB cream in another form. Three colors, sefl-adjusting and the formula-check it out, Almay is pretty similar to what I have seen ingredient wise.

    Your thoughts?

  • Alyssa

    I just bought this and i thought it looked great. When i put it on, it really felt cool on my face, and made my skin look really smooth and natural. I would definitely recommend this to anyone.

      • Tessa

        Do you have a recommendation for a good foundation for coverage, and then I want to get this powder for my dry skin to go over the foundation. Thanks 🙂

  • Ash

    I totally agree. The product is great as a light finishing powder but offers basically no coverage. If I didn’t enjoy the feel of the formula the product would have been a complete waste of money especially since there are so many other drug store brands at half the price that cover a lot more. However, My skin is terribly dry and using this as a finisher over some liquid foundation is the perfect combo for me. Other powders are just too heavy for my purposes and even when I put a little on I get the cake look and it really shows off my dry skin which is a disgusting look. But your right this is good for people who have dry skin and don’t need all that much coverage. I can’t wait to use this as my summertime makeup

  • RACHAEL

    Well, I bought this because I had MANY MANY years ago had a friend, show me this powder at sephora that felt like water when it went on….I always remembered it and thought about how I would like to have some sooooo…when I seen this on t.v I just knew it was gonna feel the same ..and it does. As someone who SWEARS by her mineral makeup, I figured it would provide the same coverage…NOT SO MUCH. But I am only 28 with pretty decent skin so while I do seem to have to keep going over it, I think it works well for me. BUT DO NOT EXPECT THE SAME COVERAGE As YOUR MINERAL MAKEUP….ull be very upset if its something that U HAVE TO HAVE! My biggest issue is it ends up like a liquid makeup or a cream, I find it under my fingernails and on my phone after I use it….which since I never even liked foundations til I found mineral makeup 3 years ago, its def not something Im used to…So I would say for someone with good skin if someone who just wants something to wear on days they don’t want a fulll face then this will work.

  • Kace

    Aghhh.. I usually use Neutrogena Products and powders for my skin. (I have A Small acne problem on my forehead and chin). Anyways today i decided to try Almay, which was reccomended to me from my friends… I was gonna choose between the ‘clear complexion powder’ And this….. For some stupid reason i went with the pressed powder.. Which is so SUCKISH. Should i have gone with this instead? And ohh thanks for the review 🙂

  • Anonymous

    I tried this after seeing the commercial for it. I remember about 10 years ago Prescriptives had a powder with a similar cooling effect and I loved that. I sprung for the Buff color as that has always been my shade in other Almay foundations. I absolutely was pleasantly surprised by this makeup– I LOVE IT! Personally, I think the coverage is perfect. I have blemishes and imperfections which it minimizes without looking like a thick mask. The color blends perfectly with my skin tone and the feel of this is light and hydrating. I may buy a backup just to have because I love this so much. I hope they never stop making it! If you have drier skin and you like light coverage I think this may be the ideal powder foundation for you…

  • Nicole

    I don’t like the smell at all. I use it as a finishing powder over my concealers because I’m very white I usually have to but ‘translucent’ or “light ivory” shades haha. But I LOVE the packaging and I overall like the product. i would buy it again if it wasn’t so sparkly. you can really see the “shine” specks they put in the makeup

  • Carly

    Your reviews are always so great! (: I will definitely want to buy this since my skin is already close to flawless! <3

  • Aggy

    Would this help minimize dark circles at all? I have good skin other than that. Thanks!

  • Vani

    I would like to purchase almay wake up hydrating make up. I am not aware how to use it. Could anyone tell me?