Self-setting, buildable matte that resists sweat and humidity up to 24 hours, plus 3% niacinamide for a smoother-looking finish.
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Sweat, humidity, and long days can turn most foundations into a patchy mess—Urban Decay Face Bond promises a self-setting, waterproof matte base that won’t budge for up to 24 hours. Here’s how it actually wears, how buildable the coverage feels, and whether the 3% niacinamide delivers a smoother-looking finish over time.
Quick verdict
Urban Decay Face Bond is a medium, buildable, self-setting foundation designed to streamline your routine—think base plus long-wear hold, with less need for extra powder. It has a natural matte finish, claims up to 24 hours of waterproof, transfer-resistant wear, and includes 3% niacinamide to support a smoother-looking texture over time. The shade range is broad, with a notable option for olive undertones. Oily and combination skin types are likely to get the best results, while very dry skin will want extra prep. If you want dependable, heat-friendly makeup that stays put without looking heavy, it’s worth considering.
What it is
Face Bond is a self-setting waterproof foundation formulated with oil-controlling powders. Urban Decay positions it as an all-in-one base that delivers medium, buildable coverage, a natural matte finish, and skincare-inspired benefits.
Key claims
- Up to 24-hour wear with waterproof, humidity-resistant, and sweat-resistant performance.
- Smudge- and transfer-resistant once fully set.
- 3% niacinamide to help skin feel smoother after four weeks (per brand claims).
- Less need for setting powder for many skin types, especially through the T-zone.
Shade range and undertones
- 40 shades from fair to deep.
- Includes select shades marketed for olive undertones, which can be harder to find in many mainstream ranges.
- Brand offers an AI Shade Finder and virtual try-on. AI Shade Finder
Tip: If you’re between shades, match your undertone to your neck first, then adjust depth. For olive skin, start with the olive-labeled options before jumping to warm shades.
Finish, coverage and feel
- Coverage: Medium, buildable to medium-full with a second thin layer.
- Finish: Natural matte—more “skin-like” than flat.
- Feel: Lightweight and flexible, with built-in powders to help reduce shine without a heavy, chalky look.
Real-world wear notes
These notes are based on brand information and third-party editor testing rather than in-house lab testing, so you get a practical view without overpromising.
- Heat and humidity: Editor reviews often mention strong wear in warm conditions, with minimal transfer after it sets.
- Oil control: The powder-forward formula tends to hold up well on combo and oily skin. If you get shiny later in the day, blotting can still help.
- Dry patches: On very dry areas, self-setting foundations can cling. Use a richer moisturizer and give skincare time to absorb before applying.
Skin type guide
- Best for: Normal, combo, and oily skin that wants long wear with fewer steps.
- Can work with prep for: Dry or dehydrated skin—pair with a rich moisturizer and/or hydrating primer.
- Sensitive or acne-prone: Retailer listings often describe a low-fragrance profile and it includes niacinamide, but patch testing is still the safest move.
How to apply
- Prep with moisturizer. If you’re dry, add a hydrating primer.
- Use less than you think. Start with a small amount and build only where needed.
- Pick your tool: Use a brush for quicker coverage, or a damp sponge for the softest blend.
- Let it set for about a minute. Add powder only in areas that get very oily.
Oxidation and transfer
- The brand describes it as transfer-resistant once set. Give it a brief set time before changing clothes or putting on a mask.
- Oxidation feedback varies by skin type and skincare underneath. If your foundations tend to run warmer over time, consider testing a shade that’s slightly lighter or more neutral.
Ingredients highlights
- 3% niacinamide to support a smoother texture feel over time.
- Vegan positioning appears on some retailer pages. If you avoid specific ingredients (like certain silicones), check the full INCI list before buying.
Comparisons: which one suits you
Mobile-friendly essentials only.
| Foundation | Finish | Wear claim | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Urban Decay Face Bond | Natural matte | Up to 24 hours; waterproof and transfer-resistant | Combo to oily skin that wants a self-setting finish |
| Estée Lauder Double Wear | Matte | Up to 24 hours | Those who want a full-coverage classic with strong longevity |
| Fenty Pro Filt’r Soft Matte | Soft matte | Long wear | Combo to oily skin; broad undertone variety |
| NARS Light Reflecting | Natural | Long wear | Normal to dry skin that prefers a more radiant, skin-like finish |
| L’Oréal Infallible Fresh Wear | Natural | Long wear | A more budget-friendly long-wear option with a lighter feel |
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(Brand claims vary by product and retailer. When possible, test shades in person or order from a retailer with an easy return policy.)
Who it is for
- You want a reliable, heat-friendly foundation that looks polished without feeling heavy.
- You prefer fewer steps and don’t want to rely on lots of setting powder.
- You’ve had a hard time finding olive-friendly shades.
Who should skip
- Very dry skin that wants a dewy finish with minimal prep.
- Anyone who strongly prefers luminous or glossy finishes.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Self-setting natural matte finish with good transfer resistance once it sets
- Strong long-wear claims (up to 24 hours) with waterproof/sweat- and humidity-resistant positioning
- Wide 40-shade range, including olive-leaning options
Cons
- Can cling to dry patches without solid skincare prep
- Not the best match if you want a dewy, glass-skin look
- Shade matching can be tricky online, so sampling helps
Frequently Asked Questions ▾
Is Urban Decay Face Bond good for oily skin?
Yes. The self-setting, oil-controlling powders are designed to help reduce shine and resist transfer, which tends to work especially well for oily and combo skin.
Do I need setting powder with Face Bond?
Often, no. It’s marketed as self-setting, so many people only add powder where they get shiny (usually the T-zone).
Will it survive sweat and masks at the gym or commute?
It’s marketed as waterproof, sweat-resistant, and transfer-resistant once set. For best results, apply in thin layers and give it about a minute to set before putting on a mask, scarf, or hat.
How many shades are there and does it include olive?
There are 40 shades, and the range includes options marketed for olive undertones.
Does the niacinamide actually do anything?
Urban Decay highlights 3% niacinamide and cites a four-week improvement in how skin texture feels (per the brand). It’s a nice bonus, but it shouldn’t replace a consistent skincare routine.
See also
For more on long-wear matte finishes, see our Fenty Pro Filt’r soft matte foundation review, another solid option for staying power.
- Explore top picks in durable formulas with the best waterproof makeup that comes off at night.
- Learn about a versatile option with our Maybelline Fit Me Matte + Poreless foundation review for everyday wear.
- See how high-definition formulas perform in our Make Up For Ever HD Skin foundation review.
- Complete your routine with setting products by reading the Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush flawless setting spray review.