Emelie 24HR Matte Foundation Review: Does It Deliver Full Coverage & SPF 20?

Introduction

I wore Emelie’s ‘24HR’ Foundation During a Heatwave, a Wedding, and a Gym Session- Here’ The Result

Let’s be real: most “long-wear” foundations crack under pressure. By 8 hours, they’re sliding off your face, settling into pores or oxidizing to a questionable orange hue. So when Emelie’s 24HR Matte Pure Foundation flooded my Instagram feed with bold claims of “full coverage”, “SPF 20” and “sweat-proof wear”, I was skeptical.

As a beauty editor with oily, acne-prone skin, I’ve tested over 50 foundations-from drugstore steals to luxury splurges. But full coverage, SPF 20 Emelie’s viral hype (and its $35 price tag) made me wonder: Is this the holy grail for oily skin, or just another Instagram filter in a bottle?

Product Overview

Emelie’s 24HR Matte Pure Foundation: What’s in the Bottle?

The Emelie 24HR Matte Pure Foundation and Concealer is your all-in-one solution for a picture-perfect base. 

Formulated with SPF 20, Argan Oil, and Vitamin E, it not only perfects but also protects and smooths your skin. This long-lasting, waterproof formula delivers full coverage with matte finish.

Who Should Try this Foundation?

If you’re a student, freelancer, or anyone battling hectic schedules (and humidity) Emelie’s formula offers a lightweight option for daily wear. In my testing, it survived Zoom marathons and subway commutes without caking though oily skin types will still need touch-ups after 5-6 hours. For dry skin? Skip it: the matte finish emphasized my flaky patches.

Price: $35

Shades: 30 (fair to deep)

Key Claims: 24HR wear, SPF20, oil-free

Texture: Liquid-to-matte

First Impression:

• Packaging: Sleek glass bottle with a dropper (messy for beginners).
• Scent: Fragrance-free (great for sensitive skin).
• Shade Match: Vanilla 02 oxidized slightly on my neutral undertone.

Pros & Cons

The Good, The Bad and The Not so Glam

Here’s what worked

Survived Summer Heat: No melting during a 6-hour outdoor concert (blotting required, though)

SPF 20 Bonus: Paired with sunscreen, prevented redness during beach days.

Lightweight Feel: Didn’t clog pores or trigger breakouts (tested on acne-prone skin).

Here’s what didn’t worked:

24HR Myth: Faded unevenly after 10 hours, especially around my nose.

Limited Shades: Only 3 deep shades (tested on a friend with rich melanin-poor match).

Dry Skin Warning: Emphasized flaky patches on my T-zone.

Who Should Buy It?

✅ Buy If: 

• You have oily/combo skin.
• Need lightweight SPF for daily errands.
• Prefer a natural matte finish (not flat).

❌ Avoid If:

• You have dry/mature skin
• Need true 24HR wear
• Have deep skin tones

If this not suits you, you can try these instead

“3 Better Foundations for Different Needs”

1. For Dry Skin: llia Super Serum Skin Tint ($48) – Dewy, skincare-infused. Available on Amazon
2. True 24HR Wear: Estee Lauder Double Wear ($45) – Budge-Proof for weddings.
3. Bigger Shade Range: Fenty Pro Filt’r ($38) – 50 shades, no SPF Available on Amazon

Also read our article on, Honest Review of e.l.f. Foundation

Final Thought

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐ (3.5/5) 

Emelie’s foundation is a decent drugstore-price option for oily skin days, but don’t trust the 24HR claim. The SPF 20 and lightweight feel are wins, but the shade range and oxidation issues hold it back.

Call To Action

Buy on  Emelie Cosmetics Emelie 24HR matte Foundation and Concealer

FAQs

Does it work on acne-prone skin?

Yes – it’s non-comedogenic, but avoid it if you have active breakouts (it clings to flakes).

Can I Build it to full coverage?

Two layers max-more than that looks cakey.