January 12, 2017

Wet n Wild Photo Focus Foundation Review & Swatches

Wet n Wild Photo Focus Foundation ($5.99) is a new skin-perfecting foundation that was created for use under different light sources to deliver a flawless, camera ready finish. In a world of youTube, Instagram, and selfie everything this new foundation was created for use in photos to give you skin a no filter, perfected finish that prevents white cast in photos. Wet n Wild tested it under 7 different light sources and with and without flash to deliver you a formula that won’t make you look pasty in photos.

I have to admit, this foundation didn’t make sense to me. I understand that powders leave a white cast in photos but I actually never had issues with my foundation looking pasty in photos. It actually isn’t even a concern of mine and I take a lot of photos for the site but having a white cast on my skin due to cream or fluid foundation hasn’t been an issue of mine. However, I am careful whenever I apply powder as I have been known to look too pale or ghostly if I overdue it.

None the less, I was curious about this.

Here are my thoughts, review, and swatches on Wet n Wild Photo Focus Foundation.

Run to the drugstore, pick this up ASAP. I love it!

Wet n Wild Photo Focus Foundation is available in 20 shades and will set you back $5.99 at Walgreens with a dollar off coupon that’s available in displays in store. This weights in at 1 oz in a heavy glass bottle with an attached large paddle applicator. I admit the paddle applicator was part of what sold me here. I hate living in 1985 where liquid foundations come in glass bottles that you have to tip in order to access the contents. The paddle makes for a mess-free way to get the foundation out of the bottle. It’s also really handle for swiping the foundation on your face (just be sure to wipe it off before replacing it in the bottle).

I picked this up in Soft Beige which is a light, soft beige shade with beige undertones that fit my skin perfectly. Yet another reason to love this as the light shade did not have pink undertones and it matched my light medium skin perfectly. On first swatched I just knew this was a foundation I was going to love. This has a light, fluid texture that absorbs easily into skin. It blends like a pure dream on my dry skin. The satiny matte finish did not adhere to my drier skin and it looked flawless and natural. The coverage can be applied more subtly for a natural finish or you can build easily to medium coverage. Be careful, a little goes a long way. You can always go back later and build the color up so start with a little and add more as needed.

Wet n Wild Photo Focus Foundation Swatches (Soft Beige)

I thought the formula had a slightly slippery texture which could be due to the dimethicones. Don’t worry, it didn’t create an shine or oiliness and it sets to a satiny matte that wore for a solid five hours before showing very minor signs of wear. I read a few reviews that mentioned oxidization but thankfully I didn’t experience any issues. The shade stayed true during the initial application and well into a few hours of wear. I liked how it brightened up my complexion and eased dullness.

One thing that does deserse mentioning is the fact this does have a rather odd scent that’s a little less powerful than the one I experienced the Tarte’s Rainforest of the Sea Aquacealer. It kind of reminds me of a magic marker scent. It disappears once you apply it but when you open the bottle it does hit you in the face.

I can’t say if Wet n Wild Photo Focus Foundation is great for photos as I’m so not a great photographer. As I mentioned above I really never experienced issues with liquids or creams in photos but have had my issues with powder. Whether or not this is some wonder for photos is beyond me. I will say this is a lovely lightweight fluid foundation that has a smooth, even appearance on skin that feels and looks natural.

I really liked it and I’m a little shocked it only cost me five bucks.

Muse Approved.

Wet n Wild Photo Focus Foundation is available now at drugstores.

Tried it?

Do share!

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‘.

Leave a Comment

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Comments

  • LA

    Muse, is this similar to the Maybelline Dream Wonder Fluid-Touch Foundation or the L’Oreal Magic Nude Liquid Powder foundation in terms of consistency and finish? It sounds that way from your review — would def make this worth a pick up for me!

  • Lorraine. E.R

    I’ve seen a few reviews of this and they’re all positive so far! I’m not a makeup snob but I guess I am a foundation snob because my first thought was that wet n wild could never make a good foundation- but that is just silly of me. If I could find a $5-6 foundation that worked well I’d be thrilled, so I am definitely going to give it a shot.

    • Isabella Muse

      I’m like that, I wasn’t sure about WnW foundation and I kind of felt like I didn’t even want to try it, glad I did though 😀

  • Maria

    Thanks for your your review. I was hesitant to buy this since I just bought the new Loreal total cover foundation which was double the price. Is this foundation good for combo skin? Thanks.

  • Kimmwc03

    If it looks good under fluorescent lights then it’s a winner in my book. I’m going to grab it the next time I go to Walgreen’s.

    I’ve heard of foundations with SPF causing a white cast or flashback but I’m not sure what they are referring to since this one doesn’t seem to have any SPF.

  • Jessica

    Oohh..I want to try! I’ve been on a mission lately to go from high end to drugstore make up. Thanks for the review!

  • Jane

    Estée Lauder Lucidity used to have the worst flashback! I never used it, but I remember my EL colleagues looking ghostlier than I in pictures and clients complaining about it.

    I just bought the WnW! I haven’t tried it yet, but I’m stupid excited. Since I put my makeup on in the early am, I’m waiting for a few more weeks till it’s lighter out.

    • amy

      Thataylaa did a review on YouTube, and she has some serious skin issues (I don’t mean that to come off as rude), and she got some pretty good coverage from it.

      *I don’t typically mention others SM channels in the comments, but I think this particular video/product is worth putting out there, just to see how much coverage one can get from a DS foundation.

      • Bbeeps

        You could have just said she has scarring or pigmentation to cover >___>

        • amy

          She also has “active” cystic acne, by her own description, in addition, hence the term “issues”. I didn’t say she had ” bad” skin, or a horrible complexion, or use any other “offensive” terms. She is absolutely gorgeous, and I obviously watch her videos, so nothing was meant to be an insult.

  • MichelleBelle

    I used to get white cast whenever I used dream matte mousse foundation. That was like 10 years ago.

  • Carol G

    Wow. I was extremely curious about this when I saw it launched on the WNW website. I am pleased to hear that you are giving it the thumbs up. I will definitely pick up a bottle of this at Walgreens next time I’m there. WNW is killing it. They are fast becoming my go to brand of drugstore makeup, leaving everyone else in the dust.

  • Rebecca C Floyd

    I bought this one today. In the lightest shade because I am very fair. I’m interested to see how it will work out on my face. I’m very oily on my t-zone and very dry every where else.

  • Wendy

    Girl you kill me. You wrote: “Here are my thoughts, review, and swatches on Wet n Wild Photo Focus Foundation. Run to the drugstore, pick this up ASAP. I love it!”

    hahahaha!

    I need read no further, Walgreen’s bound!

    🙂

  • Michelle

    Love your blog and thanks for the review! Would you say its similar to the Tarte Maracuja Miracle Foundcealer that you reviewed back in Feb 2015?

    • Isabella Muse

      My pleasure Michelle! Thank you! No, not really, I think Tarte’s formula is more runny/watery. This reminds me of the consistency of It Cosmetics CC Veil. The concept is a lot like Foundcealer but not quite the same thing.

  • BabyBeans

    I’m very fair with neutral-cool undertones so I bought the lightest shade of this foundation. I was only able to see it applied in fluorescent lighting but it seemed to look nice and matched my skintone very well. It didn’t oxidize on me, either. It’s not full coverage but it covered my red-ness very well and still looked natural. I like it a lot so far.

  • Cassidy

    I don’t think this will be great for my oily skin, but for the price I’m super tempted to try it! I often find flashback is a problem for me with more matte liquid foundations, or formulas with any hint of sunscreen in them.

  • Sarah

    Hi! What shade would of this foundation would you recommend for someone that is fair with pink undertones? In mac I’m a NC 15. Thanks!

  • Paola

    I tried this on top of my urban decay optical illusion primer and it just did not look good at all! It made my skin look so dry and cakey! My smile lines were starting to crease! I’m going to try again with another primer because I really want this to work considering the price. I love wet n wild products so hopefully this ends up working for me with a more hydrating primer.

    • Isabella Muse

      aw sorry 🙁 Maybe try it without primer on freshly moisturized skin!

  • isabel

    I don’t have dry skin mine is combo and look so dry and cakey on me I don’t understand why . I use sponge, hands and brush and is the same. Dry and does not look better after …..going to return it ;(

    • Isabella Muse

      sorry to hear it. I have dry skin and it looked fabulous on me. Surprised! 🙁

  • Shannon McHenry

    I have been waiting on your review of this as my skin type is the same as yours!! I am not running- but this will be mine TODAY!! Thanks so much!!

  • Cynthia

    I really want to try this after hearing from what other are saying that it has a good coverage and that it’s effective. I have no luck in finding it at Walgreen of finding this product. Hope I’ll come across it soon.

    • Isabella Muse

      They carry it on their website if you’re desperate 🙂

  • aarushi

    Hi there! Great review!
    Would you recommend this over the maybelline fit me?
    Currently using that one and considering switching to this.

    • Isabella Muse

      I’ve never used maybelline fit me so can’t really recommend it over this!

    • amy

      I personally like both equally… If you can find a good color match, and catch it on sale, it’s definitely worth a try!

      Also, I find the WnW to be a tad more pigmented, and more “buildable”, but that can also make it more matte.

      Everyone’s skin reacts differently, so it’s something you want to try yourself, but if you like Fit Me, I think you’ll like this one, if scents don’t bother you (it smells a lot like Revlon ColorStay).

  • Adrienne Deck

    Have any ideas on how to get rid of the strong paint smell it has? LOVE the foundation and want to add it to my freelance kit, but I’m worried about the scent.

  • Dianira Tejada

    I got the same shade in the foundation , i was wondering what shade in the pressed powder do you use on top of it? would it warm light?

    • Isabella Muse

      I don’t use pressed powder as I’m dry, and I don’t use the WnW pressed powder, I did have one of their coverall powders I think it was a light/medium shade at the time!

    • Isabella Muse

      I’m not sure, I don’t use their pressed powder. I’m a light/medium shade in most foundations!

  • Hannah

    I can’t *believe* this one, too! I’m NC42-ish and this matched me down to the undertone. So sad that I started having more tiny bumps (nothing twice daily AHA and BHA can’t fix), but this is what I’m willing to do since I’m struggling to find a cushion compact (lightest feeling formula) that matches my skin!

    Everything else gives me dreaded Floating Head Syndrome. When I saw you approved, I took it as confirmation to try it, and I’m still glad I did! Thank you, Muse!

  • Anonymous

    Which shade of wnw photofocus foundation u suggest for nc25? What shade are u in mac?

    • Isabella Muse

      I don’t wear MAC foundation, don’t have a good match in their range of colors sadly!

  • Ms Via

    Just discovered your blog. I love the name. 🙂 Nice post. Even I love this foundation. My shade is Desert Beige.

  • Connie L Havens

    Thank you for giving honest reviews on expensive & inexpensive makeup. I too enjoy trying different makeup & spending money at Sephora & Ulta.
    I look forward to learning from you & you helping me save money!
    Connie