Kat Von D Lock It Foundation: Pale Girl Foundation Review

The Kat Von D "Lock It" foundation has been a cult classic within the beauty community. A vegan, full-coverage foundation that has a strong shade range, with many shades great for the paler person. I've had my struggled with colour matching my pale skin for years but, the Kat Vo D foundation has become a staple for a full-coverage, night out look Read on for my full Kat Von D Lock It Foundation Review

Lock It Foundation Ingredients

Water, Dimethicone, Phenyl Trimethicone, Trimethylsiloxysilicate, Aluminum Starch Octenylsuccinate, Polysilicone-11, Butylene Glycol, Isononyl Isononanoate, Silica Dimethicone Silylate, Dimer Dilinoleyl Dimer Dilinoleate, Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Glycerin, Isododecane, Sodium Chloride, Methicone, Glyceryl Caprylate, Calcium Carbonate, Sorbitan Sesquioleate, Trihydroxystearin, Potassium Sorbate, Methylpropanediol, Caprylhydroxamic Acid, Disodium Edta, Peg/Ppg-18/18 Dimethicone. May Contain (+/-):CI 77891 (Titanium Dioxide), CI 77492 (Iron Oxide), CI 77491 (Iron Oxide), CI 77499 (Iron Oxide).

There is nothing that really screams "bad" and the ingredients suggest that it would be suitable for those with sensitive skin but, do take the time to look through the ingredients in case any of these may irritate your skin personally. It is also clean of any animal-derived products and therefore a vegan formula. Kat Von D is also a certified cruelty-free brand as well. There are some key ingredients I think are worth looking at specifically:

Glycerin

The Kat Von D Lock It foundation contains Glycerin. Glycerin is an ingredient that, when used in skincare and makeup can help your skin feel healthier, smoother and more supple. While it doesn't list the amount or percentage of Glycerin used, it is the first indicator to me that suggested it's a suitable foundation for dry skin and may cause less flaking and drying than other foundations.

Silicones

Some silicones are used within this foundation formula and be something you are personally sensitive to. Some have believed that silicones have to lead to breakouts but actually, the silicone molecules are too large to cause your pore to clog and can form a barrier over your skin to stop any hydration from escaping. This is another sign to suggest it is suitable for those with dry skin but also oily skin who are worried about clogged pores and excess oil.

I think if you do experience breakouts from this foundation, I'd maybe look for the answer in your skincare routine and the way you choose to remove your foundation - this is potentially the source of your breakouts after wearing makeup.

My Review

The Lock-It foundation promises 24-hour transfer-resistant coverage and a smooth finish. With high pigment levels to boast full coverage to even out your skin's complexion. 

I have had this foundation for many years now. As a pale girl with dehydrated dry skin that also can be oily over time and have the odd breakouts, this hasn’t caused my skin any issues and has become a firm favourite of mine for the full coverage looks. 

I purchased the shade Light 44 Cool and it’s a perfect match to my skin, very similar to my previous L’oreal True Match in 1C Rose Ivory (before I went cruelty-free). It was described as having a matte finish which is something I usually stay away from. But, from trying it on in the store, to experimenting with coverage and layering at home, with a good moisturiser and primer, this wouldn’t be a problem for my skin. 

If my skin is overly dry one day, there is some visible clinging to dry areas but, as my skin produces more natural oils, it becomes more natural and less noticeable.

Is the foundation full coverage? 

It's an easily buildable foundation and, while the formulation is thicker than any other foundation I've used before, it doesn't feel heavy on the skin but instead feels surprisingly lightweight. 

I also believe this foundation stands the test of time. When on a night out with this one and, 8 hours or so later, the only thing to have budged was my eyeshadow; everything else was intact and not much shine was showing through. While I can’t vouch for the 24-hour claim, I can definitely say it will last your nights out or long days. The claim of “transfer-resistant” I think is hard to know. I would say there is transfer but nothing dramatic and with a high-quality powder to set it in place, it passes the test. 

With it being a full-coverage foundation, I definitely recommend removing this with an oil-based make-up remover. The Body Shop Camomile Butter has been a staple for me to remove full coverage foundations. I also think it’s necessary to make sure to double cleanse; follow up with a cream cleanser, toner and your favourite moisturiser to make sure all makeup has been removed and avoid breakouts the next day. 

Is Kat Von D Foundation good for oily skin?

My skin is combination and becomes oilier over time. I think this is a foundation that is good for both oily skin and drier skin types. For those with oily skin, using a oil balancing face wash and mattifying primer before applying this foundation will definitely give you the best wear and coverage out of the foundation.

Does Kat Von D Lock it foundation oxidize?

I have noticed on occasion a slight darken of the colour of the foundation but nothing so dramatic that you would need to go a shade down to reach your natural skin tone. There great range of paler shades means that you can easily match to both your skin shade and tone, with cool, neutral and warmer under tones. This foundation is definitely lacking on the other end of the colour range and could do more to expand the darker shades to make this an accessible foundation for all. 

Overall Conclusions

Value: 5/5 If you’re looking for your first higher-end foundation, Kat Von D is a great place to spend your money. The product lasts for ages and the packaging is of good quality. I think it’s definitely worth paying for. 

Quality: 4/5 It’s definitely a foundation that performs well and ticks all the right boxes for a full coverage foundation. With some oxidisation and not always working with your skin, there is definitely room for improvement. But, again, a solid foundation choice to try. 

Overall: 4.5/5

All in all, I feel this is a fabulous foundation that I will definitely be reaching for whenever I want a full coverage base and it was worth spending the extra money on a high-quality foundation.

Hope you're doing great,

Sarah x