When I first saw the commercials for the new L’Oreal True Match Roller foundation, I thought it was a joke. Who wants to paint their face like you paint a wall? Even with this unorthodox method, I was convinced that this makeup could provide an even coverage as it advertised.

There’s a reason the video commercials don’t actually show the makeup being applied on a person. They apply a photo-shopped version of the makeup on a white background and use the applicator with no makeup on airbrushed models. They do this because the makeup is a total sham and does not work as it promises.

According to the L’Oreal Paris USA website, “The revolutionary roll on applicator creates the ultimate airbrushed finish.” No it doesn’t.

The first thing I noticed is the roller applicator creates lines on your face. All the makeup gets put on the ends of the roller and the result is thick stripes that won’t go away, even after you roll on many layers.

The cosmetic does not apply evenly all the way across and doesn’t work for the contours of a person’s face. The roller brush design is great for walls because walls are flat. Faces are not flat, and therefore can’t be expected to work by the same rules.

When painting a wall, you have to cut in with a paintbrush instead of using a roller in the corners, because the roller is too big to get paint into those corners properly. Similarly, in the creases around your nostrils and the corners of your eyes, you can’t use the roller brush effectively.

The paste-like makeup is lighter than other foundations I’ve worn before, yet it still feels like you’ve shoved icing into your pores. It clogs them and causes more breakouts that need to be covered up with even more foundation. Also, the feeling is so heavy and pasty that even after you’ve spent several minutes scrubbing it off your face, you don’t feel as though you’ve gotten it completely out of your pores.?

I’ve also tested both the makeup and the applicator by separating them and applying the makeup with simple makeup sponges and using my regular liquid foundation with the roller brush.

When applying the cakey makeup with the sponges, I was able to get a much thinner, and therefore more natural-looking layer on the skin. It immediately felt less pasty and covered the blemishes just as well.?

When I first used the applicator with liquid foundation, I overestimated the amount and put way too much liquid on the roller. It was as if I was literally painting my face. When I tried for a second time using less, I found?that the brush works a little better when paired with a minimal amount of liquid foundation instead of the cream. It was still hard to evenly cover all the contours of my face with the roller brush, but it felt lighter and more natural.

After days of testing and comparing this cosmetic, I have concluded that neither the applicator nor the foundation work well on their own and they don’t work at all together.

No matter what foundation one uses, it always looks better to take the time to manually apply a thin coating, and keep in mind that less is more. You want people to compliment you because you have a beautiful face and naturally appealing skin, not compliment you on the fact that you’re able to paint your face all the same color.

The L’Oreal True Match Roller foundation is definitely not worth the $12.75 I paid for it, and now it’s going where it belongs: in the trash.

For those who want “the ultimate airbrush finish,” try an airbrush artist, because this makeup isn’t going to give it to you.