The Vincent Longo Water Canvas Foundation had been on my wish list for a while now. I was really excited to learn that Hudson’s Bay started carrying this brand in their stores, and I purchased it during Hauluary:
I purchased the Water Canvas Foundation ($63 for 11.5g) in #4 Soft Amber and the corresponding Water Canvas Travel Compact ($18). The Water Canvas Foundation is definitely the most well-known item from the Vincent Longo (VL) line and I wanted to see what the hype was all about.
I had mentioned that I didn’t have the most stellar experience when I visited the VL counter. When the MUA was demonstrating it to me, I asked her several questions about this product that she wasn’t able to answer me definitively (she was well meaning but a bit clueless). I asked: do I need to dampen the sponge before applying? She didn’t know if it was imperative but she guessed that I could dampen the sponge. I asked: do I get a heavier coverage with a dampened or applying it dry? She wasn’t sure. All she said was: it depends how much product I pick up on the sponge. (Answers: no, you do not need to dampen the sponge. I’ve tried it with and without it dampened and it didn’t make a significant difference – a dampened sponge is a slightly more sheer coverage). I also asked: how long will a compact last me? Again, she said it depends how much product I use at a time. Really helpful huh? 🙄
This little refill pan costs $63 😮
During the in-store counter application, the foundation was applied dry to my freshly rubbed skin (to remove my existing foundation with a makeup wipe – ick), which had not been prepped with any moisturizer (she did apply a bit of the VL primer). The result was that the foundation looked patchy and did cling to some dry areas. The MUA applied the foundation to my cheeks and forehead and was about to declare her job done… until I looked in the mirror and noticed my nose was completely bare. I asked her to touch up the rest of my face if she could. 😛 Regardless, I did end up buying the foundation because I had seen how lovely this looked in YouTube videos.
This foundation is described as:
Unique oil-free and creme-to-powder formula provides a real skin look, feel and finish. Created with a patented process and 75% microwater to hydrate and nourish skin for a healthy complexion. So light it feels like a second skin. Coverage is from light to medium.
Now, having worn this and applied it myself with proper skin prep and application, I can say that this foundation is one of the most skin-like foundations I’ve ever used. It looks like I have nothing on my face when I wear this, but it cancels out redness and smooths out the skin tone amazingly well. It was honestly love at first wear!
It’s a bit of a puzzling product though. While it looks like a powder product in the pan, the texture feels like a semi-solid gel, and when applied onto the skin, it behaves like a gel-cream foundation. Application with the sponge is a breeze – I mostly use an up and down patting motion onto the skin, then I run the sponge lightly over the skin to blend. It looks seamless! Besides the included sponge, I’ve tried this foundation using a buffing brush and a Beauty Blender type makeup sponge, and my preference is still with the VL sponge. It lasts very well on my skin – it doesn’t rub off easily, break down, or oxidize. I would recommend this foundation for those who want light coverage and have normal to dry or combination skin – I think those with oily skin will find this won’t control oil to their liking.
Initially I wasn’t convinced that I needed the corresponding compact but I felt the refill packaging alone was quite flimsy – I didn’t want the foundation to dry out in the pan. So I shelled out $18 for the travel compact:
The compact has a nifty locking mechanism to ensure the product remains airtight. It’s made of a heavy plastic and quite slim.
The case comes with the VL Water Canvas Sponge, which feels a lot like the sponges included with the MAC Studio Fix Powder compacts. The VL Water Canvas Sponge is sold separately as well, for $9 each.
The only issue I have with the case is that the sponge side doesn’t have air vents – it would be better if the sponge was allowed to air out. I typically wash the sponge after each use and let it air dry before putting it back in the case.
The shade I was matched to, #4 Soft Amber is described as “fair to light, golden undertones” on the VL site. The MUA initially tried #3 Soft Beige but it was too peachy looking on my skin. I’d say Soft Amber is a decent match – not 100%, it’s slightly too ochre on me – but since the formula of this foundation is sheer, it’s quite forgiving. In terms of other natural looking foundations, I would say the VL is the most skin-like in appearance, ahead of MAC’s or MUFE’s Face and Body foundations.
This is what the pan looks like after wearing this for a few weeks:
The semi-solid gel has cracked a little – not from drying out, I think it was just the way I dug into the product with the sponge.
This foundation is expensive – more than I’d typically like to pay but I will definitely repurchase this once I’ve finished it. I do like that this product is refillable. VL also sells a Water Canvas Blush, and after my positive experience with the foundation, I’ll be putting that on my wish list!
This is a contender as my base product when I travel to Japan. And funny enough, this product is made in Japan! (even the travel case)
Pros:
• Easy to apply
• Travel friendly packaging
• Wide range of colours (16) to choose from
• Looks very natural but offers good coverage
• Oil-free formula
• Fragrance-free
• Refillable
Cons:
• Expensive
• Not high oil control
Stash worthiness: 9/10
Have you tried any Vincent Longo products? What’s your favourite foundation to take with you on a trip?
great review babe
never tried any VINCENT at all
xxxxxxx
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’m so impressed with the foundation! Wearing it today. 😀
LikeLiked by 1 person
i have to do a mail out so i will investigate him LATAH XO love xxx
LikeLiked by 1 person
Wow the shade matches your skin perfectly! It seems like the perfect foundation for the warmer months when all you want is light coverage.
I have yet to try VL yet but it’s up there on my neverending list 😜
LikeLiked by 1 person
I know, my list is never ending too. I actually keep track of my wish list and strike out items as I buy them or decide against them, but I keep adding to the list! 😆
Yes, this foundation is perfect for lighter coverage days – I’m wearing it today, on a Spring-like day!
LikeLike
That’s a great idea haha
Such a beautiful day, enjoy it!
LikeLike
Thanks for the insightful review. I found it very helpful and in-depth, as it’s my first time reading a review on a VL product.
The gel-cream formulation sounds really interesting. Also great to hear that the sponge the case came with works the best with the product…as it should, for $9 on its own!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I was a bit long-winded in this review but ah well, I didn’t feel like cutting out the whole story about the encounter with the MUA, since I felt it adds to the review. 😛
I’m wearing this foundation today and used one of the sponges from Quo and it works quite well too. Those are only $6 for a pair. I should add that information to my review. 😛
LikeLiked by 1 person
Not long-winded at all, just the right amount of info 😀 The MUA experience definitely adds to the review 😛
LikeLike
I don’t think that I’ve tried a gel cream formulation. The shade looks pretty great with your skin tone. Great review! ❤️
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’m so glad this one lived up to the hype, often they do not. Now I’m a bit mad that I’ve fallen in love with a $63 foundation! 😛
LikeLiked by 1 person
Voila! What a bang on product and the last picture with your previous dig in section explains how much you love about this product and the foundation looks like it has an inbuilt illuminant banana toned powder.Awesome!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes, it clearly shows how well loved this product is! I can’t wait to use it completely up – it will be a proud moment! 😀
LikeLiked by 1 person
That’s true
LikeLiked by 1 person
Oh damn that is one pricey foundation! And you still gotta buy the compact separately .. waaaaat!! Youd expect paying that much that the case it came in was decent and not flimsy like lol, I guess they just want you to buy the compact! I’ve never heard of that brand before. I’m usually not one to go for sheer skin looking foundations but I’m thinking of purchasing one for summer this year. I’m getting tired wearing full coverage foundations in this heat!-.- when I travel I usually just bring with me my Lancome Teint Idole Ultra 24H liquid foundation lol. I know it’s a glass bottle and all but it’s my fave ! I’m extra extra careful when packing so it never gets damaged, I’m usually more worried about my eyeshadows !!🙈
LikeLike
Have you tried either MAC or MUFE Face & Body foundation? Those are good options for skin-like foundations if you’re wanting to try them.
I like to pack SUPER light. Just you wait when I post my travel makeup bag for my trip. I literally will pack just ONE eye shadow lol. I figured if I really need more than that, I can buy something there (well, I’m gonna go absolutely NUTS shopping in Japan anyway).
LikeLiked by 1 person
LMAOOO! I never thought about it that way! 😛 That way I’ll have an excuse to buy makeup because … I totally forgot the rest of my eyeshadows and such :p lol!! NO! I’ve never tried it but I have been wanting to give it a try.. I still wouldn’t know which one to choose. Have you tried it!? I can’t wait to see that post ! I hate packing light because I feel like I’m forgetting everything lol, I’m such an over packer!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I love buying makeup on vacation – that’s MY version of a souvenir!
Yes, I’ve tried both MAC and MUFE Face & Body foundations, I did a comparison review of them:
https://stashmatters.com/2015/08/24/mac-face-body-vs-mufe-face-body/
I personally much prefer the MAC Face & Body!
LikeLiked by 1 person
lol!! that’s a great way of looking at it! 😛 It’s certainly much much much better than any tshirt or coffee mug am I right lol! You are the review queen! You have a review for everything!! 😀 woopwoop!!!!:)
LikeLike
The MUA…seriously
Once again you’ve found a brand I have never heard of before.
I take my MAC Face and Body mostly because it is very travel friendly as well.
When are you going to Japan?? It’s where all the cool kids go these days apparently.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I know, that MUA needs to be retrained!
I have the MAC Face & Body in the gigantic 120ml bottle so I don’t ever take that with me travelling. I always try to take non-liquid foundations with me – I have this fear of things exploding in the suitcase!
We’re planning on going to Japan in mid-May! Very excited! 😀
LikeLiked by 1 person
Super exciting! Heard great stuff about Japan from friends
…especially about the spas 😍
LikeLike
never heard of the brand! thanks for introducing me to the brand, lovely! xx, Annie | Annie’s Beauty
LikeLiked by 1 person
It’s an Italian company. I didn’t know much about it but I heard some beauty gurus talk about it and they were raving about it so I got curious!
LikeLiked by 1 person
as we all do! haha! enjoy them lovely! ;)xx
LikeLike
Very cool! Never heard of this either but it looks so interesting. You have more patience than I do, I would have left without buying anything after your experience with the MUA. “You have one job!” Haha!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Haha I was determined to buy this item no matter what! I guess I could return it if I’m not happy with the product (but I rarely ever return makeup unless I reacted to it)
LikeLiked by 1 person
Ooooh this sounds like something I would definitely love to try because I love foundation that makes skin look like skin. Sorry you had a bad experience at the make up counter. It does depend on the individual person, however, I think you should know at least the basic information. After all, if you don’t know the key selling points, how are you supposed to sell the product?
LikeLiked by 1 person
I know, she was just lucky I was educated about the product beforehand. If I was just some random customer who knew nothing about this foundation, I’d like not have bought it based on that experience alone. I’ve been enjoying this foundation a lot! 😀
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’ll have to look for it sometime. 🙂
LikeLike
Great review! I love the extra bonus of the story about your shopping experience! Japan sounds super exciting, it’s definitely on my travel bucket list. I hope you have a fantastic time! 🙂 I’m the total opposite packing makeup, I have a hard time leaving things behind. I don’t pack an excessive amount but I could definitely trim it down if I tried.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Just wait til you see what I’m planning to pack for my 2 week trip. BARE MINIMUM! I used to be terrible about packaging extras of everything but then I realized that I never used them while on vacation. I’ve learned that I can always buy something locally if I really need it! Plus, Japanese makeup shopping, here I come! 😀
LikeLiked by 1 person
This sounds like such an interesting foundation! I have only tried a couple VL products before (long time ago), a lipstick and an eyeliner…neither wowed me, though they were fine. Fantastic review – you’re really selling this stuff 😀
Too bad the SA was not very helpful! It reminds me of last Christmas when DH went to get me a nail polish as a surprise gift. He stopped at YSL and asked the SA, “So, what makes this nail polish special?” She was flustered by the question, apparently, and made some comment like, “Oh it lasts longer.” He wasn’t impressed with her sales pitch or the color selection, so he just went to pick up a Chanel instead. 😆
Ahh when is your Japan trip, again? So exciting!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’m not getting any commission to talk about this foundation haha! (I wish!) I wasn’t interested in any other VL items but I might look into other things now. I did receive a free blush and it’s quite nice too but not amazing.
Haha that’s hilarious your DH put the SA on the spot! I’m surprised she didn’t just answer, it’s special just because! 😛
Japan trip will be mid-May! 😀
LikeLiked by 1 person
Ahhh you must be so excited! Will you be doing a post on packing your beauty products for the trip?
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes I’ll do a post on what I’m packing. It will be very disappointing because I’m a very light packer! Especially this time around since I will be shopping like a mad woman!
LikeLiked by 1 person
YAY for mad shopping!!!! Yeah, I’m a light packer, too. Can always buy more stuff when you get there, amirite?
LikeLiked by 1 person
FOSHO! 😀
LikeLiked by 1 person
Boy the VL associate wasn’t that good !!!
Interesting foundation … I never tried anything from Vincent Longo! I like that it’s oil-free 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yeah that VL associate needs retraining! 😛 I hope you can try this foundation if a “La Baie D’Hudson” store carries it near you! 😀
LikeLike