If foundations had fan clubs, Estée Lauder's Double Wear would be at capacity. I'm talking a baton twirling squad (led by me, obvs) and a theme tune to match. That is, based on the OG formula we all know and love. However, the latest formulation – which hits shelves today – somehow takes the cult classic and turns it up to eleven without losing the very things that made beauty lovers hoard it in their makeup bags circa 2006. I guess this means I'll have to source some pompoms and streamers...
Interest piqued? Well, first things first: shade range. With 60 (!!) shades spanning 0N1 Alabaster to 9N1 Ebony, this new matte-focused formula genuinely tries to work for everyone – and we're talking all undertones, not just 'warm' and 'cool'. No greying out on rich skin tones, nor oxidisation (turning more orange once applied) here!
But what makes it different from the old formula, I hear you ask? Lemme spill the tea. Estée Lauder didn't just tweak a couple of ingredients; they rebuilt the formula to be more breathable, more buildable and more lifelike matte. Think: a filter for your face! Plus, 36-hour wear, better oil control, hydration that doesn't betray dry patches or cling to fine lines, and pigments that flatter rather than flatten. Glycerin, hyaluronic acid, niacinamide and brown algae extract, please accept a standing ovation.
And performance? A little goes a long way: sheer it out for a soft-focus, skin-like finish, or layer up for a veil-like coverage. Skip setting powder, and this still dries down matte (but not crusty) or set with your favourite translucent powder for a red carpet-ready night. No. Budging.
It's got glow, breathability and longevity in equal measures.
For every skin type – oily, combo, dry, breakout-prone – it lessens the looks of pores, smooths uneven texture and sits happily under concealer and bronzer. Longer wear? Check. Worth the hype? Absolutely!
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Lia Mappoura (she/her) is the Beauty Writer at Cosmopolitan UK, with over four years of experience reporting across the brand's print, social, video and digital platforms. Lia covers everything from emerging trend analysis to viral celebrity hair and makeup moments, making her an expert at spotting the season’s next big beauty look (before it takes over social media feeds).
In 2025, she was named The Rising Media Star at the Love Perfume Awards with The Perfume Shop, recognised for her outstanding digital fragrance content and for building genuine authority within the space. She is passionate about challenging outdated beauty stereotypes, championing inclusive representation in beauty, and educating readers on the trends, products and conversations shaping the industry today. Follow her on Instagram or find her on LinkedIn.
