September 21, 2017

Physicians Formula Le Velvet Foundation Review & Swatches

I purchased this item and I receive a small commission if you shop using the links in this post.

Physicians Formula Le Velvet Foundation is a re-promoted cream foundation compact that the brand has re-introduced for it’s 80th Anniversary this year.

I can’t say I remember Le Velvet Foundation and I’ve been using Physicians Formula for many years now but if it’s a fond favorite of yours you’ll be happy to see its return I’m sure. This SPF 15 cream formula promises full coverage with a long wear and is available in four shade selections.

Let’s take a look!

Physicians Formula Le Velvet Foundation first appeared on the brand’s newly launched website earlier this Summer but it is slowly trickling into drugstores at the moment as well. I was both delighted and disappointed with this packaging. The foundation comes housed in a lace trimmed silver compact that has a nice weighty feel. It’s a shabby chic design that will look very pretty on a vanity. I was delighted with how pretty it was but disappointed it contained no sponge for application. It’s unusual for the brand to not have a stealthy secondary compartment to hold a brush or a sponge. This contains neither which one would expect at the $12.95 price tag. So, you’d think I’d have a rubber sponge hanging around to use with it but I did not so I can had to swipe one from another cream foundation I had to apply. I dunno if anyone finds this a big deal or not but I have to admit I was slightly irritated it didn’t come with one.

I’m not typically a cream compact foundation lover. I love cream foundations, BB Creams, fluids, but I’m not a big lover of cream compacts because they tend to be very heavy and mask-like. I experienced absolutely no issues with this formula. It’s thin, lightly creamy, and it applies and blends flawlessly. The seamless finish has a velvety almost powder-like set that did not adhere to drier areas but did have a very smooth, even appearance. Like many of the brand’s foundation it brightened up my duller skin beautifully and provided sheerer to medium coverage depending how much I used. There’s plenty of pigment here to conceal most imperfections such as redness, darkness, acne, acne scarring, etc…..And no matter how much you applied it never gave the appearance of a cake face. It was very natural coverage that was breathable and lightweight. I got a solid six hours of wear from it but it was surprisingly easy to touch up should I want to throughout the day. However, I did have to pack a sponge in my makeup bag to do said touch ups (sorry, I can’t rant enough about the lack of sponge).

Physicians Formula Le Velvet Foundation Swatches (Creamy Ivory)

Sadly, it only comes in four shade selections which limits many of those who wish to use it. I found a good fit in Creamy Ivory which had a nice light beige undertone that complimented my light medium skin tone.

All in all, Physicians Formula Le Velvet Foundation was quite a delightful formula that wore well, applied flawlessly, and eased my dullness by brightening my entire complexion.

Physicians Formula Le Velvet Foundation is available now at drugstores, amazon.com, and should be coming soon to Ulta.com.

I purchased this item and I receive a small commission if you shop using the links in this post.

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

  • Julie

    I am greatly intrigued by this. Do you think it will hold up to an oily T-zone? I’m also perplexed by the lack of sponge. Would one fit on top if you did want to take it for touch-ups?

    • Isabella Muse

      It should do fine on an oily t-zone (i’m a bit oily at the moment! Chin/forehead)! It has a satiny, powdery dry down so no dewiness. 🙂 No, sadly the compact won’t close if you put a sponge in with it! I don’t get why they didn’t put a sponge in. I was literally fiddling with it a few minutes because I thought I somehow missed the compartment that contained the sponge. But nope, there def isn’t a sponge in here!

  • Jane

    I’m so hoping this lands near me soon! I tried ordering it when it launched, but it never went through. Thanks for the review, Muse!

  • Eraser

    Years ago, they sold it in a nice plastic compact with a mirror and applicator, and they also sold refills. If they’d go back to that format, I’d go for it.

    • Isabella Muse

      I don’t remember it at all! How long ago? Also, they have refills available on amazon 😀

  • Sammie

    I’m looking forward to trying this one, especially since I looked on Amazon and saw that it contains sunscreen, SPF 15. Did you use a beauty blender type of sponge or a flat circle like the ones that usually come in other compacts? Did you dampen the sponge or use it dry? Did you top it with setting or finishing powder? If so, which one did you use with it? Thanks!

    • Isabella Muse

      I used a regular flat circle one, it was dry, I didn’t top with setting powder. Hope this helps! 🙂

  • susan

    I love this foundation and it really covers well with a nice fine natural finish. I wish there were more than the four colors. I am more ivory than the ones they offer. Perhaps a porcelain choice would be great for the very fair skinned girls

  • Ellen Gruber

    Purchase physicians formula Le velvet foundation in sand beige. I would like to buy 6 (six) .