Even Better Makeup vs Stay Matte Liquid Foundation: which is safer?
Rimmel Stay Matte Liquid Foundation is our pick: better on PFAS and on the overall hazard picture.
Clinique
Even Better Makeup
PFAS grade
Overall grade
Verdict
Hazard flags
Material
Confidence
PossibleFormaldehyde-releaser preservatives
ReportedFragrance allergens (undisclosed components)
LikelyApplicator sponge bacterial growth
Our pick
Rimmel
Stay Matte Liquid Foundation
PFAS grade
Overall grade
Verdict
Hazard flags
Material
Confidence
PossibleFormaldehyde or formaldehyde-releasing preservatives
PossibleFragrance allergens or undisclosed fragrance components
PossibleMicrobial contamination from inadequate preservation or contamination during use
Where these two actually differ
- We flag Formaldehyde-releaser preservatives, Fragrance allergens (undisclosed components) and Applicator sponge bacterial growth on the Clinique and not on the Rimmel.
- We flag Formaldehyde or formaldehyde-releasing preservatives, Fragrance allergens or undisclosed fragrance components and Microbial contamination from inadequate preservation or contamination during use on the Rimmel and not on the Clinique.
- The Clinique is Pigments, oils, waxes, polymers (typical liquid foundation/makeup base) where the Rimmel is water-based liquid foundation, pigments and polymers, which is most of the difference in these two grades.
- These two are level, close enough that price and fit should decide it rather than our grade.
Both products run through the same public rubric: materials, coatings, brand disclosure, lab findings, and recalls, plus a beyond-PFAS hazard analysis. Grades are model-based estimates, not lab tests. How grades work →
More makeup: see the full ranking