Hello everyone, and welcome back to The Selfish Column. This week, I thought I would add my insight into the makeup world. It seems that since 2026 started, we have been seeing release after release across all departments of makeup. But the category that has the public in a frenzy has to be the new foundation launches.
Between NARS, Dior Beauty, Estée Lauder, and Armani Beauty, the beauty space has been busy. However, the launch that has had the internet talking nonstop since early 2026 has been the Estée Lauder Double Wear Foundation.
I’m not even going to lie I was one of those people expressing my unhappiness about the reformulation. As someone with oily skin who lives in one of the most humid parts of Canada, and on top of that being a Black woman with deep skin tone, finding a foundation that works for your skin concerns and has the right shade and undertone can feel like a miracle at times. Double Wear was that girl.
And when something is so loved, you want to protect it, save it, and keep it exactly as it is. One could say the anger came from a place of love shared by many Double Wear loyalists. Also humans are not good with change.
It wasn’t until I spoke with one of my best friends about my dislike that she gently asked me why. She kindly told me I was being dramatic and honestly, so was the internet. There are millions of foundations on the market, and I shouldn’t let one reformulation consume me. That conversation checked me real quick, lol.
It also made me realize two things: she was right, and there must be a reason why so many beauty brands are making similar changes. Decisions like this usually aren’t made without market research or consideration of a loyal customer base. It made me curious about why skincare ingredients are now being added into foundations.
My First Impression
I filmed a YouTube video testing the newly formulated foundation and initially concluded that it was not the same, and to be honest it is not, the old formula and the new formula have different expectation for the skin. My skin became extremely oily.
But after uploading the video, I decided to look deeper into the ingredient list. To be fair, many foundations on the market today include skincare friendly ingredients. Since then, I filmed another video short video for my Instagram and Tik-Tok with a different perspective and had a much better outcome during my wear test.
Below, I break down the why and the how, so you can see that there are actually some great benefits even if you’re worried about oily skin. Now, if you’re sensitive to niacinamide… I can’t help you there.
Why the Change?
The simple answer, laws and regulations.
The European Union has restricted the use of cyclopentasiloxane (D5) and cyclohexasiloxane (D6) in cosmetic products, including foundation. This affects all brands not just Estée Lauder.
Cyclopentasiloxane was a the silicone responsible for that seamless matte finish many oily-skin girlies depended on for long wear. The restriction is largely due to environmental concerns. So if you’re looking for someone to blame… blame the European Union regulation, not Estée Lauder and the other brands.
Skincare Ingredients in Double Wear
Niacinamide: helps control oil production
Brown Algae Extract: supports hydration and mature skin concerns
Sodium Hyaluronate: works alongside algae extract to add moisture and give skin a plumper appearance
Glycerin: helps create a smoother skin texture
With many foundations now including skincare ingredients, I did a little research, it’s clear the beauty community is looking for more from their makeup. People want products that improve the look of their skin while wearing them. And yes I’m part of the online scrolling community too. I see all your videos!
How to Apply It for Oily Skin
The first time I applied this foundation, I followed my usual routine: full skincare prep, moisturizer, then primer. My skin felt heavy, sticky, hot, and oily something the original formula never did.
The second time, I simplified my prep and used less skincare underneath. The results were better. The foundation lasted about nine hours with minimal touch-ups.
I know more influencer and partnership videos are now showing how to use this foundation for oily skin, but I wish we had more education at launch. More Sephora specialists or Estée Lauder representatives demonstrating proper layering would have been helpful.
Feedback
After my second wear test, I went around the city and received multiple compliments:
“Your skin looks amazing.”
“You look like you’re wearing nothing.”
Even my sister told me this foundation looked perfect on me. After more than ten hours of wear, she said it still looked like my skin. If you have sisters you know getting a compliment from sister outside of not breaking down is rare.
When I shared it on Instagram, Stories, and TikTok, many people commented on the dewy finish. That surprised me because I realized there are still oily-skin girls who actually love a dewy look. Here I was thinking we all ran away from glow.
It definitely made me want to experiment with softer, more radiant makeup looks moving forward.
Would I Purchase?
After further consideration, and honestly, all the compliments I would say yes.
The foundation feels breathable, lightweight, skin like, and healthy. With the right prep products, like a blurring balm and a good setting spray from Danessa Myricks, I can see this becoming a staple in my routine.
As a mom, sometimes I don’t have time for a full makeup beat. Being able to rely on the skincare ingredients already inside the foundation feels practical and efficient while still giving a beautiful finish.
I hope this article was informative and maybe brought a little hope back into your love for Double Wear. Moving forward, I’ll likely simplify my skincare prep.
Until next time, Selfish Readers. 💛
The Selfish Column 