Can it be? Have I finally discovered a new foundation to replace my beloved “complexion perfector,” the Giorgio Armani Maestro Fusion Foundation?

The Kevyn Aucoin Sensual Skin Fluid Foundation was released late last year to rave reviews. It is the latest in the liquid-to-powder foundation trend that began with the launch of GA Maestro two years ago. (You can read my thoughts on some of the other liquid-to-powder foundations here.)

So what made me want to try the Sensual Skin Fluid Foundation? It was an article in Refinery29, “Foundation Just Got Way More Amazing” — which talks about the liquid-to-powder foundation trend and reviews 6 of the most popular ones — that first sparked my interest. And the more I researched the Sensual Skin Fluid Foundation, the more I realized it may provide the additional coverage and longevity I had been seeking with the YSL Fusion Ink.

Even the sleek product design appealed to me, and the fact that it uses the silver “button” at the top of the bottle to operate the hygenic dispenser — it works just like an eyedropper, except you press instead of squeeze — made it even more enticing. (The GA Maestro can be difficult to travel with because of the eyedropper top.)

So when my foundation began to run low, I decided to use the money I would have spent on a new bottle of GA Maestro to buy the Kevyn Aucoin Sensual Skin Fluid Foundation instead.

And I am so glad that I did. 😀

How does the Sensual Skin Fluid Foundation stack up against the other liquid-to-powder foundations I’ve tried? It provides the most coverage of all of them (in other words, more bang for the buck since I don’t have to use as much) and lasts the longest too!

For the purpose of this post, I used a heavier hand than usual in applying the foundation in the pictures below so that you can see the beautifully medium coverage it is meant to deliver. (I usually only use a few drops right after moisturizing, for a sheerer finish.) Additionally, I purposely didn’t wear my contact lenses because my glasses leave my face oilier at the end of the day and I wanted to show you the Sensual Skin Fluid Foundation’s lasting powder!

Right after applying (I should’ve taken a picture before using setting powder…sorry!):

And here I am, a full 8 hours after taking that initial picture:

I did NOTHING to my face between the two pictures — not even blotting paper! And as you can see, the only difference seems to be a teeny bit of shine along the t-zone.

And if you can recall, my biggest complaint about the YSL Fusion Ink was its strong flowery scent. I’m sorry to say that the Kevyn Aucoin Sensual Skin Fluid Foundation is also scented. 🙁  However, it is a subtly sweet, nutty aroma that reminds me of roasted almonds (I’m not too familiar with Kevyn Aucoin’s other products — do they smell like this too?) and it doesn’t bother me nearly as much as most other perfumed makeup.

Now, for the price. At $65, it is slightly more expensive than the Giorgio Armani Maestro’s $64 (GA raised the price of the Maestro by $2 since I first wrote about it). But since the difference is only a dollar, and because I’m using less per application than I did with the Maestro, it is certainly worth the extra buck, IMHO!

Interested in seeing the shades offered? My go-to queen of swatches, Beauty Professor, has once again come through in this extensive post. (I use SF05, if you’re wondering.)

You can purchase the Kevin Aucoin Sensual Skin Fluid Foundation at many major department stores and online beauty boutiques such as: Barneys, Beauty.com, Beautylish, Neiman Marcus, Nordstrom, and Space NK.

Want to try a sample before you buy but can not get to a department store? Camera Ready Cosmetics sells samples for $5!

Questions? Comments? Please leave them below!