? Have you ever stood in a brightly lit drugstore aisle, craning my neck until a sales associate asked if I needed help, and then pretended I was only comparing shades when really I was hunting for a cheaper version of something expensive I can barely afford?
YSL All Hours Foundation Dupe
I buy foundations like people buy houseplants: with the best intentions, a vague idea of where they belong, and a complete inability to keep them alive for long. In this article I will tell you why the YSL All Hours Foundation has become a benchmark for longwear, full-coverage foundations and which more affordable bottles I found that come close — often for a fraction of the price. I’ll explain what to look for, how I tested them, and how to make a “dupe” act more like the real thing when necessary.
What I mean by “dupe”
When I say “dupe,” I don’t mean exact clone or secret twin separated at birth. I mean a product that closely matches or approximates the most important qualities: coverage, finish, longevity, and general behavior on my skin type. I will always be honest about where the cheaper options fall short, because I have spent enough nights touching up my face in bathroom mirrors to grow a thick honesty callus.
What is YSL All Hours Foundation?
I have tried to understand the mystique of the YSL All Hours Foundation by reading the product page, watching videos, and by the most scientific method available to me: wearing it. YSL All Hours is a full-coverage, longwearing foundation with a natural matte finish, designed to resist humidity, oil, and transfer. It promises up to 24 hours of wear, a large shade range, and a velvety texture that doesn’t cake up immediately after I raise my eyebrows.
The claims and how they feel in real life
YSL markets it as longwear, full coverage, and comfortable. In my experience, it genuinely lasts a long time and holds up on my oily T-zone better than many drugstore contenders. It also photographs well without making me look like a porcelain doll under fluorescent light — a key point for anyone who both swipes on foundation and attends photo-heavy brunches.
Why people look for a dupe
Price is the obvious reason. YSL is a high-end purchase that can feel like an indulgence, especially when the rest of my monthly budget is quietly screaming. But I also know people look for dupes because of sensitivity to specific ingredients, limited shade availability in their country, and the desire to test a similar finish before committing to a full-price bottle.
The emotional motive
I am not immune to buyer’s remorse. I once bought a foundation because it had a pretty bottle and an influencer in a silk scarf said it changed her life. Finding a dupe softens that regret and gives me something to feel proud about — like I’ve outsmarted my expensive impulses.
Key features of YSL All Hours Foundation
To know if a dupe is worthy, I break the YSL into its core features and compare each dupe head-on. I look at coverage, finish, longevity, shade matching, and how forgiving it is with application mistakes.
Coverage
YSL All Hours is definitely full coverage. A single layer covers redness, minor discoloration, and my ex’s persistent Instagram presence without needing 17 concealers.
Finish
It’s a natural matte — not chalky, but not dewy. It’s the sort of matte that says I care about shine but not enough to carry blotting papers in every bag I own.
Longevity
I have worn it for long days and felt confident that it wouldn’t flake off or transfer onto the nearest sweater. It performs especially well in humidity and on oily skin.
Shade range and undertones
YSL offers an expansive shade range with multiple undertones. That diversity makes it easier for people to find matches, which is partly why replications are so desired.
Texture and blendability
The texture is creamy enough to blend while still having enough structure to provide coverage without slipping. It layers well under powder and concealer.
How I tested dupes
I tested each dupe over multiple days and conditions, because a foundation that looks great for an hour in my living room is not the same as one that survives a commute, my lunchtime misadventures, and a brief but intense crying session over a canceled pastry order.
The conditions and variables
I used the same skincare routine, primer, and application tools to keep things fair. I evaluated shade match, oxidation over time, transfer resistance, flash photography, and how they reacted to sweat and humidity. I also recorded how comfortable each felt by the end of the day.
The control: how YSL performed
I wore YSL as the control product for comparison. That means I know exactly how many times I needed to blot, what the finish looked like after eating, and which concealer pairs best. That baseline made it easier to judge dupes honestly.
My top dupes (summary table)
Below is a snapshot table of the products I tested against YSL All Hours, including price at the time of testing, general coverage, and recommended skin type. Prices vary by region and store; I list broad ranges I observed.
| Product | Approx. Price (USD) | Coverage | Finish | Best for Skin Type | Notable Difference |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Maybelline SuperStay Full Coverage | 12–18 | Full | Matte | Oily/Combination | Slightly thicker; great longevity |
| NYX Can’t Stop Won’t Stop | 9–15 | Full | Matte | Oily/Combination | Very matte; dries quickly |
| L’Oréal Infallible Pro-Matte 24HR | 10–16 | Medium–Full | Natural Matte | Combo/Oily | Lighter feeling; less pore-clogging |
| Revlon ColorStay (Combo/Oily) | 9–15 | Medium–Full | Matte | Combo/Oily | Classic longwear; slightly heavier |
| Wet n Wild Photo Focus | 5–8 | Medium | Semi-matte | Normal/Combo | Lightweight; less longwear than YSL |
| Milani Conceal + Perfect | 12–16 | Full | Satin-Matte | Normal/Combo | Creamier texture; minifies pores |
| Catrice HD Liquid Coverage | 8–12 | Full | Matte | Oily/Combo | Lightweight but very pigmented |
| Makeup Revolution Conceal & Define | 6–10 | Full | Matte | All, but dries fast | Extremely full coverage; can be drying |
Why these products work as dupes
I chose these because they replicate at least two of YSL’s main attributes: full coverage, matte or natural matte finish, and decent longevity. None are perfect, but several come remarkably close and save a considerable sum. If I am being sentimental, I sometimes tell myself the bottle shape makes the lesser-known options feel more glamorous.
Price-to-performance ratios
A few of these foundations cost less than a meal at the restaurant where my friend insists on ordering three types of bread. The savings can be significant, and for many people, they outweigh minor trade-offs like slightly different finish or less sophisticated packaging.
Deep dive: Top 3 dupes and how they compare
I will break down the three best matches I found for YSL All Hours: Maybelline SuperStay Full Coverage, NYX Can’t Stop Won’t Stop, and L’Oréal Infallible Pro-Matte 24HR. These hit the closest balance of coverage, wear, and finish.
Maybelline SuperStay Full Coverage Foundation
I found that this Maybelline is as tenacious as an argument about where to put a spice rack. It offers very full coverage and a matte finish, and it wears like a champion through humid commutes. The texture is thicker than YSL, so it can get cakey if you over-apply, but a thin layer blotted with a damp sponge gives a close finish.
- Pros: Excellent longevity, high coverage, good shade range for a drugstore brand.
- Cons: Thicker feel; can look heavy if layered incorrectly.
NYX Can’t Stop Won’t Stop Foundation
NYX’s offering is very matte and long-lasting, with a slightly dryer formula than YSL. It’s a good dupe for people who want the oil-control power of All Hours without paying the luxury price. It dries down faster, so I had to work in sections or use a drop of facial oil to boost blendability.
- Pros: Very matte, inexpensive, wide shade range.
- Cons: Fast-drying; can emphasize dry patches.
L’Oréal Infallible Pro-Matte 24HR
L’Oréal’s Pro-Matte is lighter in feel but delivers a soft-matte finish and strong staying power. It’s not as immediately full-coverage as YSL, but it layers well and can be built to a similar level without appearing thick. It’s the most comfortable of the three for extended wear.
- Pros: Lightweight feel, buildable coverage, comfortable all day.
- Cons: Slightly less cover per pump; may need primer for ultimate longevity.
Side-by-side comparison table: YSL vs top dupes
This table directly compares YSL with the three top dupes across key performance metrics I tested.
| Feature | YSL All Hours | Maybelline SuperStay | NYX Can’t Stop | L’Oréal Pro-Matte |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Price (USD) | 40–60 | 12–18 | 9–15 | 10–16 |
| Coverage | Full | Full | Full | Medium–Full |
| Finish | Natural matte | Matte | Matte | Natural matte |
| Wear time | Up to 24h | 16–24h | 16–20h | 12–18h |
| Transfer resistance | High | High | High | Moderate–High |
| Shade range | Extensive | Good | Extensive | Good |
| Comfort | High | Moderate | Moderate | High |
How to match shades between YSL and dupes
Shade-matching is the practical part where I remind myself I have the finesse of a sleep-deprived raccoon. To match shades, I recommend swatching on the jawline in natural light whenever possible and letting products oxidize for 10–15 minutes. If you’re buying online, compare the product’s undertone chart (warm, neutral, cool) and read user swatches from people with similar undertones.
Undertone matching tips
I use wrist and neck comparisons, but I know that neck often betrays me — it’s paler because I spend a lot of time under lamplight reading labels. Look for pink/red veins (cool), blue/neutral veins (neutral), or greenish veins (warm). When in doubt, pick a neutral or slightly warm shade; most foundations can be adjusted with a drop of pigment or bronzer.
Application techniques to mimic YSL All Hours with a dupe
Sometimes a dupe behaves more like YSL if I trick it with technique. My favorite trick is to use a light silicone-based primer for extra longevity and a damp sponge for blending to avoid buffing away coverage.
Primer, tools, and setting
Use a long-wear primer if you have oily skin, or a hydrating primer if you are dry and want the finish to look less flat. Apply foundation in thin layers and build coverage only where necessary. Finish with a light dusting of finely milled translucent powder in the T-zone and a setting spray for extra adherence.
How to make a dupe perform more like YSL (tips from my experiments)
I have mixed, matched, and mishmashed products until my sink looked like a cosmetics factory, and here are the most reliable techniques I found.
For a more natural matte finish
Mix a drop of facial oil or a hydrating serum into the foundation to soften an overly flat matte finish. This prevents the mask-like appearance and keeps my expression lines from shouting at me.
For greater longevity
Pair the foundation with a mattifying primer and set with a powder containing silica or dimethicone. If the dupe is transfer-prone, a setting spray that promises “longwear” can make an unexpected but welcome difference.
For more coverage
Apply the foundation with a dense brush in stippling motions, then tap with a damp sponge to melt the product in. For spot coverage, use a small concealer brush and product concentrated on blemishes rather than layering the entire face.
Ingredients and skin-sensitivity considerations
If your skin protests new products like I protest spicy food, always check ingredient lists. Dupe formulas may contain different preservatives, fragrances, or pore-clogging ingredients that can trigger breakouts or irritation. I once had a foundation that smelled like a citrus orchard and then turned my cheeks into a protest rally.
Common problematic ingredients
Alcohol denat, certain silicones, and fragrances are common culprits for irritation. If you have reactive skin, look for formulations labeled non-comedogenic or fragrance-free, and always patch-test a small area for 24–48 hours before wearing a new foundation all day.
Photos and flashback: what to watch for
Foundations with high silica or certain SPF ingredients can cause flashback. I always take a quick selfie with flash before a full day to see how a product reads on camera — because the truth is, social media lighting will show me what daylight may generously ignore.
Flash photography test
The simplest test is to take a flash photo after your foundation has dried for 10–15 minutes. If your face looks unnaturally pale or ghostly compared to your neck, the product may have flashback potential.
Where to buy and how to avoid counterfeits
If you decide to try YSL or a mid-range dupe, I recommend buying from reputable retailers or official brand stores. Counterfeits exist and I once received a foundation that smelled like the inside of a paint store; it was a hard lesson that packaging can be convincing and smell does not lie.
Buying tips
For drugstore dupes, shop the chain stores, official brand websites, or trusted online retailers. For YSL, stick to Sephora, Nordstrom, or official YSL counters. If a luxury bottle is listed at an absurdly low price, it probably is.
Which dupe is best for my skin type?
I have flirted with each skin type’s specialty and here are clearer recommendations based on what I learned.
Oily skin
I most often reached for NYX Can’t Stop Won’t Stop or Maybelline SuperStay. They have the control and matte finish that keep shine under management without demanding hourly blotting rendezvous.
Combination skin
L’Oréal Pro-Matte and Revlon ColorStay work well for me here because they balance T-zone control with a softer feel on cheeks. Layering techniques help keep cheek areas from drying out.
Dry skin
Milani Conceal + Perfect and Wet n Wild Photo Focus were kinder to my flaky patches when mixed with a drop of facial oil or applied over a hydrating primer. I would avoid very matte, alcohol-heavy formulas without customization.
Sensitive skin
I gravitate toward products labeled non-comedogenic and fragrance-free. Patch testing is my safety ritual.
Cost comparison and value considerations
I did the math more times than I care to share, because comfort often comes from spreadsheeting. Buying a dupe can save 60–80% per bottle, which I prefer to spend on nicer brushes, a good skincare product, or simply to feel less guilty about buying a pastry.
Long-term cost vs performance
If a dupe lasts half as long on your skin, you may need to buy two bottles in the same timeframe — still usually cheaper than the luxury option. But if you value convenience or a particular finish that only the YSL provides for your unique skin chemistry, the higher cost might be justified.
Pros and cons: YSL vs dupes
I keep a small list taped to my mirror (metaphorically), which sums up the emotional and practical trade-offs between YSL and the dupes I tested.
Pros of YSL
- Consistent luxe formulation and comfortable wear.
- Strong shade range and smooth finish that works well in photos.
Cons of YSL
- High price point for regular use.
- Sometimes harder to find discounts compared with drugstore sales.
Pros of Dupes
- Large savings and surprising performance.
- Easy to experiment with multiple formulas without guilt.
Cons of Dupes
- Can require technique adjustments to match YSL’s finish.
- Ingredient differences may affect sensitive skin.
Frequently asked questions
I answer the kinds of questions I ask myself in the mirror.
Can a drugstore foundation truly match YSL All Hours?
Yes and no. A drugstore foundation can match many of YSL’s key attributes — coverage, matte finish, and longevity — but rarely matches the exact texture, microfinish, or sensation on the skin. I found several near-matches that performed impressively after a little technique.
Will a dupe clog my pores more?
It depends on your skin and the specific product. Look for non-comedogenic labels if pore-clogging is a concern, and patch-test first.
How do I prevent oxidation?
Use a primer, allow the product to settle for 10–15 minutes, and check in natural light. If a foundation oxidizes, you can compensate by choosing a shade one shade lighter than your initial pick.
Can I mix my dupe with YSL to stretch it?
Yes, you can. I’ve mixed half a pump of YSL with a pump of a dupe to stretch the bottle and still keep a similar finish. It’s the thrift store version of a cocktail party.
Do dupes photograph worse?
Not necessarily. Some dupes photograph excellently; others may flash back or look flat. Test with a quick selfie and keep a photo-ready powder handy.
How often should I reapply if using a dupe?
Most longwear dupes hold up through a busy day, but if you perspire heavily or are oily, expect to blot or powder once. Reapplication needs vary per product and per person.
Final thoughts
I like to believe my foundation choices say something about me, like whether I’m practical, extravagant, or currently bargaining with myself about whether to buy facial mist that promises eternal freshness. YSL All Hours is a real gem: longwearing, high-coverage, and comfortable. The dupes I tested offer compelling alternatives that will satisfy many people on tight budgets or those who like to switch formulas like seasons.
My personal pick
If I had to keep one dupe in my kit, I would choose Maybelline SuperStay for heavy-duty days and L’Oréal Pro-Matte for everyday comfort. NYX is my go-to for cold mornings when I want to stave off shine like a warrior.
A small confession
I still own a bottle of YSL All Hours. I use it for photos, very important meetings, and any occasion where I want to feel like I am wearing something that has its own personality. For the rest of my life — the grocery runs, the accidental naps on the couch, the caffeinated afternoons — I reach for my dupes and do not regret one single blot.
If you want, I can map your exact skin type and undertone to the best dupe from my list, including links to where I found the best prices during my tests. I tested them enough: my bathroom sink still remembers each one.