KVD Beauty Good Apple Skin-Perfecting Foundation Balm Review & Swatches

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Priced at

^£32

+ Buy From

• Sephora UK*
• Boots*

I have had so many request for a review on the latest launch from Kat Von D, the KVD Beauty Good Apple Skin-Perfecting Foundation Balm. This made me super excited to try it because it has been extremely hyped and everyone is keen to know whether it lives up to the hype or not. The good news is that it is back in stock in all shades, but selling fast!

I have tested it over a number of days because I found it can be used in quite a few ways. Here are my thoughts along with photos and swatches.

The first thing that struck me about this foundation is how sleek the packaging is. It’s a slim mirrorless compact that promises to be fully recyclable.

What is KVD Beauty Good Apple?

• Skin-Perfecting Foundation Balm
• Available in 40 shades
• Offers a full coverage, natural-looking fresh matte finish (much more on this later)
• Designed for normal to dry skin
• Formulated to prevent flaky and dry patches
• Lightweight, yet buildable coverage
• Uses hydrating ingredients like with apple extract & Sodium hyaluronate
• Compact is 100% recyclable – no mirror, no magnets and no metal
• Coverage can be tailored depending on how it’s applied

KVD Beauty Good Apple Shades & Swatches

I have four shades to show you here. Light 006, Light 008, Light 012 & Light 018:

My Shade

The shade that I have decided matches my skin tone best is Light 012. For reference, my other good matches right now are:

• La Mer Radiant Skin Tint in Light 22
• Marc Jacobs Extra Shot in Light 140
• Guerlain L’Essentiel High Perfection in 02N
• Givenchy Skincaring Foundation in 2-N150
• Tom Ford Traceless Soft Matte Foundation in Buff
• Dior Forever Natural Nude Foundation in 2N

Before & After Photos – Applied Full Coverage

If you’d like to see my video of sheerer application, check out my new IGTV.

My Review of KVD Beauty Good Apple

OK! This isn’t a straightforward review because I think that this is a foundation that can be used in quite a few different ways and it’s all about how you apply it.

The first time I tried it, I went in way too heavy and swiped on a very thick layer with the first stroke by accident. I ended up blending that one swipe all over my face which was harder work than it needed to be.

When it is applied too thickly, I find it doesn’t last as well and can become quite oily on the skin, especially as I am a combination skin type.

Since then, I have used the lightest dip in the pan with a buffing brush (I like the It Cosmetics Heavenly Luxe Complexion Perfection No 7* for this), and then blended it very lightly into the skin. You can get beautiful skin-perfecting coverage from the smallest amount of product.

In terms of the finish, again I think this is very flexible. If I use a richer moisturiser I get a glowy finish, and if I stick to a light serum underneath, it is more on the soft, radiant matte side. But I prefer it to glow (of course!).

Your Instagram Questions Answered

I gathered lots of your questions via my Instagram stories. These are the main types of questions that came through. Please feel free to ask any more.

How does KVD Beauty Good Apple Wear?

This question has a few answers for me. If I apply a lot of product, then I find that it can go a little oily as the day goes on. So thick application can end up in a bit of a mess for me. This isn’t to say that you can’t get full coverage out of it, but I think it’s best to build it up in fine layers.

What is the coverage like?

This is designed to be a full coverage foundation with a natural finish.

Does it have to be full coverage? Can. it be thinned out?

This is one of the things I really like about the Good Apple foundation. It is super versatile and you can use a lot for thick, full coverage (definitely suited to drier skin types like this) or use a lighter hand and less product for a sheerer finish.

The brand suggest using a damp beauty sponge for sheerer application, a denser foundation brush for full to medium coverage, and fingers for spot concealing.

What finish does it have?

This is an interesting question because the formula has been designed to deliver a natural-looking fresh matte finish. I personally find it pleasingly glowy, especially if I use my regular skincare underneath. However, I also know that some of my followers on Instagram with drier skin do get more of a matte finish.

So I think this one depends on your natural skin type. It can also be adjusted with using less skincare underneath, and adding a setting powder on top.

Is it long lasting?

Again, for me, this is down to how I apply it. It does have a creamy texture and hydrating ingredients in there, so I have found the best results when I lightly powder the T-zone. If you are a real full coverage person with combination skin, and want to use a good helping of this, you may want to fully set.

If you have dry skin, it’s possible that you won’t need to set it at all, but again I think that would depend on what kind of moisturiser you use under it.

Again, if you’re oily, I’d stick to very light skincare, or even a mattifying primer, and then a layer of setting powder.  See more on this below.

Is KVD Beauty Good Apple good for oily skin?

If you are very oily, this may not be for you. The brand says that this foundation has been specifically formulated for normal and dry skin types, but suggest setting with powder if you are oily. I’d also suggest lightly setting the t-zone if you have combination skin.

Is it good for dry skin?

This product has been formulated to best suit dry skin and deliver a matte finish that doesn’t dry it out. My combination skin is also enjoying it and I tend to get a dewier finish.

Does it have an inclusive shade range?

There are 40 shades in the collection which a good spread from light to deep.

How many applications would you get from one compact?

This would entirely depend on how you use it. I need such a small amount to get the finish I like that my compact will most likely last quite a long time.

If you are using it for thicker, fuller coverage then it will be less.

How does it perform with a primer?

I haven’t tested this with a primer, as I am not a regular user. However I imagine that a primer would extend wear time, as I have seen enhanced performance by using lighter skincare underneath.

Does it go oily and separate? Is it greasy?

Applied and blended in fine layers, KVD Beauty Good Apple performs really well on my skin and stays fresh throughout the day. When I used a thicker layer, it went a bit oilier and didn’t last as well, but it didn’t separate.

What skin type is KVD Beauty Good Apple for?

This foundation is best suited to normal and dry skin types, although it can be adapted for normal and oily skins.

Does it need to be set?

KVD suggest setting with powder if you have oily skin. I like to lightly set the t-zone as I have combination skin.

Does Good Apple foundation go cakey?

This is entirely down to how it is applied I find. Because it is very full coverage, it would be fairly easy to get a cakey finish if you apply too much. However, using a light and a fluffier brush easily avoids this.

Does it transfer?

I have noticed any transfer when I have been wearing it.

Is it mask proof?

I haven’t had the opportunity to test this with a mask, however, this will depend on skin type, and what you use under and over it. See above.

How does KVD Beauty Good Apple Skin-Perfecting Foundation Balm blend?

I find this foundation really easy to blend. My best advice it to use a fluffy buffing brush and use a small amount of product to build your desired coverage in fine layers.

Does it cling to dry skin?

This is great for dry skin, and I find there is no clinging even on my drier areas, thanks to the Sodium Hyaluronate the formula contains. It is nice and hydrating.

Is it good on dehydrated skin or will it sink in too much?

I think Good Apple is perfectly suited to dehydrated skin.

Does KVD Beauty Good Apple foundation work on mature skin?

Yes definitely. I think this is a great one for older skin as it’s nice and moisturising. I am 46 and it works really well for me, and I can set the t-zone without it feeling dry or cakey.

How does it perform on wrinkles around the eyes? Does it crease?

I think this performs really nicely on the crepier skin around the eyes. I think it’s definitely a case of less is more for this area, and if you suffer with dehydration, make sure you apply a good quality eye cream. See my choices in Best Skincare for 2021.

Where to buy KVD Beauty Good Apple Skin-Perfecting Foundation Balm

The foundation is £29/€36 and is available in 40 shades at Boots.com* and Sephora UK*