Almay has a line of liquid foundation available in several shades, exlusively at Wal-mart. I know because there was a sticker telling me to call a number if I saw the product at any other retailer but I hadn’t so I didn’t call. The make up is intended to fight acne with its active ingredient, Salicylic Acid (0.6%) on top on being foundation. It is marketed toward oily skin and I while I have more of a normal/combination skin, I thought I’d give it a try.

I was a bit surprised that Almay Clear complexion Makeup is in an old fashioned bottle because the thick/layered cap made me think it might be pump style. I was initially reminded why I loathe this style of liquid makeup: it’s nearly impossible to pour out the desire amount without making a mess. I am constantly pouring too much or having to wipe make up from the side of the bottle because I prefer to apply this makeup with my hands rather than a sponge or brush. I will definitely be more careful next time. As you can guess, the make up is fairly thin, at least thinner the last foundation I used: Maybelline’s Dream Liquid Mousse. This means that pouring too much quickly results in a puddle.

Almay Clear Complexion foundation isn’t quite as creamy. It feels sort of dry and as though I am pushing it around atop my skin without it “sticking” like it should. Perhaps this dry feeling is what results in a much dryer look than Dream Liquid Mousse and, while I wanted a bit dryer look, Almay’s foundation has a tendency to make my skin look dry and pasty instead of naturally shineless. Perhaps it is simply because I have a light complexion and lighter makeup more easily looks dry or the addition of salicylic acid? I’m not sure but my skin isn’t dry nor has it been for years. The look of this makeup just isn’t what I want and I don’t wear it without powder on top.

I find Almay Clear Complexion Makeup to be a bit thin when it comes to coverage. It evens out my skin a bit but the coverage could definitely be heavier. Because it feels like it is just moving around my skin, it doesn’t work well for layering. I like a foundation which I can just apply a bit thicker for heavier coverage if need be and this is not it. Still, it doesn’t feel overly heavy.

However, it does seem to last longer than Dream Liquid Mousse foundation but that may only be because the cooler temperatures make me sweat less.

As for the acne prevention properties? I’m not really sold, either. Salicylic acid is the active ingredient in many acne treatments but the addition of it to this liquid makeup is minimal, if at all. I suppose it just works better in different types of products.

Almay Clear Complexion Makeup really seems to only be mediocre to decent in all ways. My search for the perfect foundation for me continues.