We tested seven new skincare foundations to determine their effectiveness in reducing daily makeup time. Celebrity make-up artists recommend prepping the skin properly before applying makeup. Beauty brands are trying to attract consumers with hybrid products claiming to offer the benefits of skincare and makeup in one bottle or tube. Products from brands like Belif, MyGlamm, and Kiro are popular with consumers. However, using hybrid products does not mean replacing serums or face creams with foundation since they contain silicones, PEGs, sulfates, and alcohols. If you are looking for less coverage and more protection, use tinted sunscreens. Choose a product based on your skin type.
Kiro Daily Dewy Serum is a foundation blend of three serums (HA, vitamin C, and niacinamide) infused with cherry extract, centella asiatica extract, coconut water extract, and willow bark. One application confirms all the promises as it glides easily over the skin, making pores and dark spots almost disappear. It gives a nice dewy finish that lasts all day in humid conditions, and the coverage is buildable without looking cake-y.
Swiss Beauty Airbrush Finish Full Coverage is infused with vitamin E, aloe vera, and coconut, offering excellent value for money. It feels light on the skin, provides great dewy coverage, minimizes the appearance of pores and fine lines, and does not crease. The longevity is a tad less than Kiro’s, but using more of it gives longer results.
The Body Shop Fresh Nude contains no PEGs and is available in ten shades. The packaging is 100% recyclable, and the product offers medium coverage, keeping the skin moisturized for a long time. It glides easily on the skin and is breathable.
Maybelline Fit Me Fresh Tint is light enough for daily use, with SPF 50 and vitamin C. You can build it up to medium dewy coverage or use it as a base for other foundations for more coverage, but they don’t have options for darker tones yet.
Plum Soft Blend Weightless is a vegan foundation that offers high coverage with just one layer. It’s infused with coconut water, willow bark, cucumber, and avocado extracts, making it easy to use. It has a soft matte finish and feels breathable, though less effective on the appearance of pores. It’s better for oily skin.
Earth Rhythm Matte Set Go Hydrating Face Fluid offers the most/highest coverage of the lot, with SPF30 and 14 shade options, and is a certified plastic-neutral product. Though smooth, this fluid is a bit difficult to use because of its high pigmentation, so you will need to work your tools a bit more. Despite having HA, jojoba oil, niacinamide, and lotus extract, it doesn’t give a dewy finish, instead giving a super matte finish that highlights pores and dry spots. It may work better for oily skin.
MyGlamm Super Serum Foundation includes skin-calming ingredients such as zinc, panthenol, and HA and offers SPF30. Its consistency is thicker than the other foundations, with better application using a sponge. It instantly brightens the face, and lines appear visibly blurred. It feels breathable despite two layers and offers great coverage.
