MAKE UP FOREVER Ultra HD Invisible Cover Stick Foundation…an Overview with Swatches of Every Shade!

make up forever ultra hd foundation stick swatches
Above: True to its name, the MAKE UP FOR EVER Ultra HD Invisible Cover Stick Foundation is beautifully imperceptible on the skin.
As aforementioned, this summer has been rife with foundation releases.  Last week, I shared a swatch-heavy overview of all 40 shades of the MAKE UP FOR EVER Ultra HD Foundation and today, I am excited to present the latest base release from the line: *MAKE UP FOR EVER Ultra HD Invisible Cover Stick Foundation.  This ultra smooth formula offers buildable coverage and an invisible finish, making it one of the most natural looking foundation sticks I’ve encountered to date!
Kindly scroll on for more details, swatches of all 15 shades and images of the foundation in action as well as the Bottom Line…
make up forever ultra hd foundation stick
Above: All 15 shades in direct sunlight.
The first time I applied the Ultra HD Invisible Cover Stick Foundation (my perfect match is #123/Y365 Desert, just like in the liquid), I was blown away by how adeptly it provided coverage while looking like nothing on the skin.  Only a few swipes, strategically placed along the perimeter of the face and down the center of the nose and inner cheeks, are necessary to banish flaws on contact.  I prefer buffing the formula into the skin with a slightly dampened Beauty Blender for the most seamless effect.  
After having worked with this foundation for over a week, here are my observations:
  • It provides buildable coverage (light, all the way to full) and layers beautifully without looking the slightest bit obvious.  
  • It has a buttery smooth texture that melts into the skin without feeling heavy.  It is more hydrating than the Tom Ford Foundation Stick and more pigmented than the Bobbi Brown Foundation Stick.
  • The finish is a satin matte…there is no obvious shimmer but I love how the skin has a healthy glow following application.  
  • The lasting power is absolutely stupendous, especially for a cream formula; I’ve been getting 6-7 touch up free hours of wear, even in warm and humid weather. 
  • It is definitely an HD foundation…it doesn’t pool in pores, migrate into fine lines or slide around the face.  Once I apply it, it truly is difficult for me to see the formula but I know it is there due to my even-toned canvas.  
  • This formula contains no fragrance and has been kind to my very sensitive skin.
  • Due to the smooth and blendable texture, darker shades can easily transition into creamy bronzer and contour options, lending to the overall utility of the formula.
  • In sum, I haven’t been this excited about a foundation stick in ages…such a brilliant release! 

make up forever ultra hd foundation stick
Above: Another angle.
Official details, courtesy of Sephora
What it is:

A long-lasting, multitasking cover stick with invisible coverage for foundation touch-ups and contouring. 


What it does:
Ultra HD Invisible Cover Stick Foundation creates a flawless complexion on camera, and to the naked eye. Developed specifically for the film and TV industry’s most advanced technology, it is completely invisible under the latest, super-focused 4k lens. The revolutionary foundation contains amino acid coated pigments that provide medium-to-full coverage with a lightweight, second-skin texture that looks just like skin. It leaves a natural-looking, radiant finish, and it’s formulated with hyaluronic spheres for time-released hydration that is perfect for normal to dry skin. Ideal for foundation touch-ups and contouring, it can be applied at home or on-the-go for a flawless complexion. 


What else you need to know:
MAKE UP FOR EVER is once again leading the beauty industry into the next era of makeup innovation and technology. As the original pioneer of the HD makeup category, it continues to redefine and elevate beauty standards with the launch of its ULTRA HD FOUNDATION, the first and only foundation designed for 4K technology. With 4K technology, the next generation of digital devices will display images with unbelievable detail, stunning clarity, and heightened color. Completely invisible under the latest, ultra-magnified resolution, these innovative foundation formulas look completely natural on camera. 


“My goal was to cope with the new 4k technology while keeping the main benefits of HD Foundation.Ultra HD Foundation had to meet the perfection needs of Pros as well as the everyday needs of all women.”—Dany Sanz, Founder & Creative Director


Onto the swatches…

I shot all 15 shades in outdoor light (e.g., direct sun, shade and shade with a flash) to provide the best possible context for shade depiction.  The shades with a “Y” in their name have a warm/golden/yellow undertone and the shades with a “R” lean rosy to pink in undertone.  Those shades with two sets of numbers show the direct correlation between a shade in the original formula and the new formula (e.g., 110/R220).  Don’t forget to click on images to further enlarge them! 
make up forever ultra hd foundation stick
Above: The first set of shades work well for N/NC/NW 15-30 skin tones.
make up forever ultra hd foundation stick
make up forever ultra hd foundation stick
Above: The first set of shades work well for N/NC/NW 30-50 skin tones.
make up forever ultra hd foundation stick
make up forever ultra hd foundation stick
Above: This last pair of shades illustrate the lightest and darkest shades in the spectrum (both have neutral to rosy undertones).  #115/R230 Ivory is great for N/NW/NC 10 skin and #180/R530 Brown is apropos for N/NW/NC 55+ skin.
make up forever ultra hd foundation stick
make up forever ultra hd foundation stick
Above: The MAKE UP FOR EVER Ultra HD Invisible Cover Stick Foundation comes both with a clear plastic cover to and a sturdy cap to doubly protect the formula while in transit.
For the look that follows, I employed the use of these products:
make up forever ultra hd foundation stick
Above: Swatches of all products used, in direct sunlight.
The following images reflect all products in action in various lighting situations…

make up forever ultra hd foundation stick
Above: Last look.
–Shop the Post–


Bottom Line: I hope you enjoyed this swatch-heavy review of the marvelously capable MAKE UP FOR EVER Ultra HD Invisible Cover Stick Foundation.  I implore foundation lovers to consider giving this new release a try, especially if you love cream foundation in the portable convenience of a stick.  Sephora is currently in the midst of Beauty Insider Appreciation Week (through 8/9), making it the perfect time to snap up your shade.  
What foundation formulas are YOU loving as of late?
Good things ahead, including some fresh powder releases, a skincare update and a host of new product procurements…I am also in the midst of working my way responding to your lovely comments and emails.  Thanks, as always, for your patience!
xx,
–The Beauty Professor

** PR samples provided for review denoted by an asterisk (the rest purchased by me),  however, as always, all of my opinions are expressly and unequivocally my own. 
© 2012-15 Beautyprofessor® All Rights Reserved. Do not copy, reprint or republish content and/or photos without author’s written permission.

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Comments (18)

  • wefadetogray Reply

    Why are swatches so exciting!
    It seems 120 is a bit darker on this range than the fluid one. Is that the case?
    That Gucci quad looks so good on you, always.
    Have a great weekend my dearest,
    xxxxxx

    August 7, 2015 at 3:40 pm
    • The Beauty Professor Reply

      I don't know but I feel quite the same way, Wefadetogray! It could be a touch darker, but I think they had to do a bit of adjusting since there are so many less shades in this formula than the liquid one. My #123/Y365 was the same in both, however!

      Thanks for the sweet words about the Gucci quad…I love it more and more.

      Have a fantastic week…XO,

      –The Beauty Professor

      August 10, 2015 at 8:34 pm
  • Unknown Reply

    Thank you so much for always bringing us the latest and honest reviews! You truly are the best. I purchased this from Sephora and I prefer this over the liquid. But do you think I should still splurge on Tom Ford's foundation stick? I was thinking of using MUFE's daily and TF's on special occasions. Thanks again Rachel!

    August 7, 2015 at 5:00 pm
    • The Beauty Professor Reply

      Hi Ruth!

      My pleasure…thanks for the thanks ; )

      I am glad to hear that you are loving the stick (even over the liquid) and, in response to your question, I find this stick to have a slightly prettier finish on the skin than the TF (which is a bit more matte overall). If you want matte, however, the TF is a worthy investment!

      I hope that helps…xx,

      –The Beauty Professor

      August 10, 2015 at 8:35 pm
  • Unknown Reply

    What shade are you in Mac? I'm NC25 and can't figure out which shade to get x x

    August 17, 2015 at 3:28 pm
    • The Beauty Professor Reply

      Hi Zara,

      Currently, I am NC 30 but I would say that #120 or #118 would be close to NC 25!

      xx,

      –The Beauty Professor

      August 24, 2015 at 8:34 pm
  • Unknown Reply

    Can you tell me which foundation stick you like better. The Tom Ford or Makeup Forever? Regardless of the price and what do you think about Tom Fords new face powder?

    August 23, 2015 at 4:46 am
    • The Beauty Professor Reply

      I currently have a better color match in the MUFE Stick and feel like it looks more invisible on the skin. The TF Face powder is gorgeous, but I find myself reaching for the Koh Gen Do Silky Moist Powder more often!

      xx,

      –The Beauty Professor

      August 24, 2015 at 9:04 pm
  • Cristina Reply

    Hello, I was wondering if you could help me find my shade.
    I'm a mac nc20.

    please and thank you

    October 1, 2015 at 4:09 am
    • The Beauty Professor Reply

      I would suggest 125/Y315 Sand!

      xx,

      –The Beauty Professor

      October 24, 2015 at 9:00 pm
  • Unknown Reply

    Hi there! I'm a good match for NC15 and wondering if marble would be a good shade for me to try? and if so, which other shade would you suggest for contouring with? x

    December 14, 2015 at 5:46 am
    • The Beauty Professor Reply

      Hello…Marble should be a befitting match for NC 15 and I would suggest Y177 Amber as a contour shade!

      xx,

      –The Beauty Professor

      December 27, 2015 at 8:02 pm
  • Unknown Reply

    Hi! I've never purchased a foundation because I've never needed it, but now I'm thinking about getting this one. I have absolutely no clue about my shade; I used MAC StudioFix powder plus foundation in C4 and MAC Pro Longwear Concealer in NC30. What shade would you suggest me?
    Thank you in advance!

    December 16, 2015 at 6:15 am
  • The Beauty Professor Reply

    Hello,

    Thanks for the question…I think you could be Y123/356 Desert (very close to MAC NC30/C4) and the beauty of this foundation is that the coverage is buildable so you can get the opacity you need, just where you need it!

    Hope that helps…xx,

    –The Beauty Professor

    December 27, 2015 at 8:11 pm
  • Anonymous Reply

    Hello!! So I bought 127/y335 and I cannot for the life of me figure out how these colours go! The shade I got was a little too light on me but I cannot figure out which shade goes after that one. What is a similar shade to NC35 and NC40? Thanks so much for your help!!

    December 30, 2015 at 7:28 am
    • The Beauty Professor Reply

      Hello!

      I suggest focusing on the Y and number title…the "Y" indicates a yellow undertone and the higher the number, the deeper the shade is. I am guessing that Y405 is similar to NC 35 and Y445 is similar to NC 40.

      Hope that helps!

      xx

      –The Beauty Professor

      December 31, 2015 at 8:44 pm
  • Unknown Reply

    hello
    im between nc42 and nc40 what do you suggest shade for me im confused between Y405,Y415 and Y445.
    i hope you can help me
    thank you xoxo

    March 3, 2016 at 12:49 pm
    • The Beauty Professor Reply

      Hi Amo,

      I would suggest Y405!

      I hope that helps…xx,

      –The Beauty Professor

      March 31, 2016 at 7:23 am

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