Product: Maybelline New York Fit Me Matte + Poreless Liquid Foundation, Pouch Format, 112 Natural Ivory, 1.3 Ounce
In the ever-evolving world of beauty products, finding the perfect foundation that delivers on its promises without breaking the bank can feel like searching for a needle in a haystack. Enter Maybelline New York’s innovative approach to one of their bestselling products: the Fit Me Matte + Poreless Liquid Foundation in a new, eco-friendly pouch format. This review explores every aspect of this product—from its unique packaging to its performance on different skin types—to help you determine if it deserves a spot in your makeup collection.
As someone who has tested countless foundations across price points, I’m particularly interested in how this budget-friendly option performs against more expensive competitors, especially with its new packaging format that promises zero waste. Let’s dive into this thorough examination of the Maybelline Fit Me foundation in shade 112 Natural Ivory.
Packaging Innovation: The Pouch Format
First Impressions
The most noticeable departure from traditional foundation packaging is the flexible pouch format that Maybelline has adopted for this product. Reminiscent of a “Capri Sun” style pouch, this packaging immediately stands out on store shelves. It features a twist-off cap similar to a travel-sized toiletry and a small nozzle that dispenses the product with a gentle squeeze.
Environmental Impact
Maybelline’s shift to this pouch format appears to be a conscious effort to reduce packaging waste. Compared to traditional glass bottles or rigid plastic containers, this pouch:
- Uses significantly less material
- Takes up less space in shipping and storage
- Is lighter, potentially reducing carbon emissions during transportation
- Allows users to extract virtually every drop of product, minimizing waste
Practicality and User Experience
The pouch format offers several practical advantages:
- Lightweight and travel-friendly
- Less bulky in makeup bags and drawers
- No risk of glass breakage
- Easier to control product dispensing with a gentle squeeze
- Ability to extract every last bit of foundation
However, several users noted that the design has some drawbacks:
- The pouch doesn’t always stand upright on its own
- The opening can collect product that’s difficult to clean
- The neck of the pouch sometimes twists with the cap, making it awkward to close
- Some users reported leakage issues
For those accustomed to the premium feel of glass bottles or the convenience of pump dispensers, this packaging might take some getting used to. That said, many reviewers who initially had reservations came to appreciate the practicality of the design, particularly the ability to use every drop of product.
Formula and Consistency
Texture and Application
The Fit Me Matte + Poreless foundation has a distinctly fluid, lightweight consistency that surprised many users. It’s significantly more liquid than many comparable foundations, which contributes to its easy spreadability and blendability. The thin texture allows it to:
- Glide smoothly across the skin
- Blend easily with fingers, brushes, or sponges
- Build gradually from sheer to medium coverage
- Sink into the skin rather than sitting heavily on top
This lightweight consistency seems particularly well-suited to the pouch format, as it’s easy to dispense without clogging the small opening.
Coverage Level
Despite its thin texture, this foundation provides respectable coverage that most users describe as:
- Light to medium
- Buildable without becoming cakey
- Effective at evening skin tone
- Capable of reducing the appearance of minor blemishes and redness
- Natural-looking rather than mask-like
Those seeking full coverage might need to layer this product or pair it with a concealer for problem areas. However, its buildable nature makes it versatile for different coverage needs.
Performance on Different Skin Types
For Oily Skin
True to its “Matte + Poreless” name, this foundation appears to perform exceptionally well for those with oily skin:
- Controls shine throughout the day
- Minimizes the appearance of pores
- Doesn’t slip or break down in oily areas
- Maintains its matte finish for hours
- Resists transferring, even in warm conditions
Many reviewers with self-described “very oily T-zones” were impressed by how long this foundation lasted without making them look shiny.
For Combination Skin
Users with combination skin generally had positive experiences:
- Balanced the oily areas without exacerbating dry patches
- Created an even canvas across different skin zones
- Maintained a natural-looking finish throughout the day
- Did not oxidize significantly on most users
For Dry Skin
Despite being marketed for normal to oily skin types, many users with dry skin found ways to make this foundation work well:
- Applying moisturizer or hydrating primer beforehand was essential
- The foundation did not cling excessively to dry patches when properly prepped
- The matte finish was not as flat or chalky as some matte foundations
- Mixing with a drop of facial oil or liquid illuminator created a more dewy finish
However, several reviewers with very dry skin noted that the foundation could accentuate flaky areas if skin wasn’t properly exfoliated and moisturized beforehand.
Shade Range and Undertones
Shade 112 Natural Ivory
This review focuses specifically on shade 112 Natural Ivory, which appears to be:
- Suitable for fair to light skin tones
- Slightly darker than the lightest shade (110 Porcelain)
- Contains subtle pink undertones
- Works well for those with cool to neutral undertones
Several reviewers noted that this shade appears darker in person than in online photos, and some found it slightly darker or more pink-toned than expected. Others mentioned that the shade oxidizes slightly after application, becoming a touch deeper or warmer.
Overall Shade Range
It’s worth noting that the Fit Me line offers an impressive range of shades:
- Extends from very fair to deep
- Includes options for cool, neutral, and warm undertones
- Allows for fairly precise matching for most skin tones
This inclusive range is particularly noteworthy at this price point, where limited shade selections are common.
Longevity and Wear
Everyday Wear
For typical day-to-day wear, most users reported that the foundation:
- Lasted 6-8 hours without significant deterioration
- Maintained its matte finish on oily areas for most of the day
- Did not transfer excessively to masks or clothing
- Faded gracefully rather than breaking apart
Under Challenging Conditions
Under more demanding conditions, performance varied:
- Some users reported it holding up well in humidity and heat
- Others found it needed touching up after several hours in warm conditions
- It performed reasonably well under masks, though transfer was inevitable
- Setting with powder significantly improved longevity for most users
Skin Compatibility and Sensitivities
Non-Comedogenic Properties
Several reviewers specifically mentioned that this foundation is non-comedogenic (doesn’t clog pores), making it suitable for acne-prone skin. Multiple users with sensitive or acne-prone skin reported using it without experiencing breakouts.
Sensitive Skin Considerations
The foundation appears to be well-tolerated by most skin types:
- No strong fragrance was noted
- Few reports of irritation or allergic reactions
- Generally suitable for sensitive skin
However, as with any cosmetic product, individual sensitivities vary, and patch testing is always recommended for those with reactive skin.
Value Proposition
Price Point
At under $10 USD for 1.3 ounces of product, this foundation offers exceptional value, especially considering:
- The quality of the formula compares favorably with higher-end options
- The pouch format ensures you can use every drop
- A little product goes a long way due to the thin, spreadable consistency
Cost Per Use
The combination of affordable price, efficient packaging, and the fact that only a small amount is needed for coverage makes this foundation extremely economical on a cost-per-use basis.
Comparison to Other Formulations
Vs. Traditional Fit Me Bottle
Several reviewers who had used both the bottle and pouch versions noted:
- The formula felt slightly thinner in the pouch version to some
- Others found no difference in consistency or performance
- The shade matching was consistent between formats for most users
Vs. Fit Me Dewy + Smooth
For those familiar with both Fit Me formulations:
- The Matte + Poreless provides a more shine-controlling finish
- The Dewy + Smooth offers more hydration for dry skin
- Shade numbering is consistent across lines, but undertones may vary slightly
Vs. Higher-End Foundations
Multiple reviewers compared this to more expensive foundations:
- Many found it performed comparably to foundations 3-4 times the price
- The main differences noted were in packaging luxury and fragrance
- Some found the staying power slightly less than premium brands, but not dramatically so
Application Techniques and Tips
Best Application Methods
Based on user experiences, this foundation works well with various application tools:
- Fingers: Creates a natural finish and warms the product, helping it blend
- Makeup sponge: Provides buildable coverage with an airbrushed effect
- Foundation brush: Offers the most coverage and precise application
Pairing Products
For optimal results, many users recommended:
- Using a mattifying primer in oily areas
- Setting with the coordinating Fit Me powder for longer wear
- Applying a hydrating primer or moisturizer if skin is dry
- Pairing with Fit Me concealer for a cohesive look
Pros and Cons Summary
Pros
- Affordable price point
- Eco-friendly, waste-reducing packaging
- Lightweight, natural-looking finish
- Effective pore-minimizing properties
- Good oil control for oily/combination skin
- Extensive shade range
- Non-comedogenic formula
- Buildable coverage
- Blends easily
- No strong fragrance
Cons
- Pouch packaging can be awkward to handle
- May highlight dry patches without proper skin prep
- Some shades oxidize slightly
- Coverage may be insufficient for those wanting full coverage
- Not ideal for very dry skin without modification
- Some users reported leakage issues with packaging
Who Should Consider This Foundation
This foundation would be an excellent choice for:
- Those with oily to combination skin seeking shine control
- Anyone on a budget who doesn’t want to compromise on quality
- People concerned about packaging waste
- Those who prefer a natural, medium-coverage finish
- Travelers looking for lightweight, non-breakable makeup options
- Makeup beginners due to its forgiving application and affordable price
Who Might Want to Look Elsewhere
This might not be the best option for:
- Those with very dry skin (unless willing to modify with hydrating products)
- People who prefer the aesthetic of luxury packaging
- Anyone seeking full, opaque coverage without layering
- Those who strongly prefer pump dispensers for hygienic reasons
Final Thoughts and Recommendation
Maybelline’s Fit Me Matte + Poreless Liquid Foundation in the pouch format represents an innovative approach to budget-friendly makeup. The combination of effective formula, eco-conscious packaging, and exceptional value makes it a standout in the drugstore category.
While the pouch packaging may not appeal to everyone aesthetically, its practical benefits—particularly the ability to use every drop of product—make it worth consideration. The foundation itself delivers impressive performance for its price point, effectively controlling oil, minimizing pores, and providing natural-looking coverage.
Shade 112 Natural Ivory serves fair-skinned individuals with cool to neutral undertones well, though the slightly pink base should be considered when matching. With proper application techniques and skin preparation, even those with drier skin can achieve beautiful results.
For anyone seeking an affordable, effective foundation that doesn’t compromise on performance or environmental consciousness, the Maybelline Fit Me Matte + Poreless in its new pouch format deserves a place in your makeup collection. Its versatility, extensive shade range, and budget-friendly price point make it a worthy addition to any beauty routine, whether you’re a makeup novice or a seasoned enthusiast.
The foundation earns 4.5 out of 5 stars—a near-perfect score with minor deductions for packaging quirks and the need for careful skin preparation for those with drier skin types. At under $10, it’s a beauty bargain that performs like a much more expensive product.
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