Blog
5 Best Serum Foundations I’ve Tested For Dewy Glow
“It has a silky, serum-like formula which glides effortlessly onto the skin, blending seamlessly to create a natural, radiant finish – mainly thanks to an impressive range of skin-loving ingredients, including hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, peptides, squalane, and brightening caffeine. It helps to hydrate, smooth, and brighten the skin while providing broad-spectrum SPF 25 protection.
“The Kosas Revealer also has an extensive range of 36 shades and a variety of undertones, including neutral, warm, cool, olive, and peach to accommodate a broad spectrum of skin tones.”
5. Best Affordable Serum Foundation: L’Oréal Paris True Match Nude Tinted Serum
Why I loved it: “My skin was definitely on the dry side when I was testing the L’Oréal Paris True Match Nude Tinted Serum, but it still left me with a nourished, radiant finish that didn’t cake or seep into flaky patches. Though it markets itself as a tinted serum, the hybrid formula incorporates the skincare benefits of a serum with the coverage of a foundation, offering more coverage than a standard tinted serum, I’d argue.
“Its 1% pure hyaluronic acid helps to plump the skin in just one hour, leaving it feeling hydrated and looking healthy. My skin texture looked more even, my dark circles looked brighter, and any dull or dry areas looked plumper and more luminous.
“I’d also say this serum foundation is excellent for its price point – much more affordable than others on this list, but in no way inferior in quality or finish. It’s worth noting that while I found my shade easily using Look Fantastic’s shade matching tool, the L’Oreal Tinted Serum is only available in 10 shades, so may not be suitable for every skin tone.”
What is a serum foundation?
Just like the name suggests, a serum foundation usually provides buildable light-to-medium coverage while also delivering a seemingly endless range of skincare benefits that you can tailor to specifically address any skin concerns you might have.
“It’s really that perfect middle ground between skincare and makeup,” says Aimee Connolly, makeup artist and founder of Sculpted by Aimee. “It has the lightweight feel and nourishing benefits of a serum, but with the tint and coverage of a foundation. I love it because it gives the skin a more natural, fresh finish rather than sitting heavily on top, so it’s ideal if you want something that looks like skin.”
Dr Nihal Affan, dermatologist and founder of Doctor Style Clinics, advises that serum foundations are particularly beneficial during the summer. “When it’s warmer, many people prefer lighter, more breathable makeup that feels comfortable on the skin,” she says. “Serum foundations typically provide sheer to medium coverage with a more natural, skin-like finish, making them ideal for summer. They also tend to layer well over SPF without feeling heavy, and many contain hydrating ingredients that help counteract the dehydration caused by sun exposure, air conditioning and heat. The result is skin that looks fresh and radiant, rather than overly matte or cakey.”
What’s the difference between a serum foundation and a standard foundation?
First of all, both serum foundations and typical ol’ foundations offer different amounts of coverage. Serum foundations have less concentrated amounts of colour pigments, meaning that while you shouldn’t expect full coverage from a serum foundation, it’s definitely the best option for the fans of the ‘no-makeup makeup’ look. “These skincare foundations deliver ingredients like hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, or even peptides to treat the skin while delivering makeup benefits,” adds Dr Joshua Zeichner, Associate Professor of Dermatology at Mount Sinai Hospital.
Are serum foundations suitable for all skin types?
“In general, yes,” says Aimee. “Serum foundations can be suitable for most skin types, particularly if they’re well formulated and balance hydration with wear. They can be especially lovely on dry, or mature skin because they tend to give more glow and comfort, but the key is finding the right formula for your skin’s needs. If you’re oilier, you might prefer to set it lightly in certain areas, but the beauty of a serum foundation is that it usually feels breathable and flexible on the skin.”
Dr Affan adds: “Serum foundations also work particularly well for normal, dry and mature skin because they’re usually more hydrating and less likely to settle into fine lines. Those with oily or acne-prone skin can also use them, but it’s worth looking for lightweight, non-comedogenic formulas that won’t feel overly rich or contribute to congestion.”
How do you apply serum foundation?
“I’d always say the best approach is to start small and build up – serum foundations are usually more fluid and lightweight so you want to apply them in thin layers and blend quickly,” explains Aimee. “I love using fingertips for the most skin-like finish, or a brush if you want a little more polish and coverage. The key is not to over-apply, serum foundation is all about enhancing the skin rather than masking it, so a little really does go a long way.”
Which serum foundation should I use?
“When choosing a serum foundation, you want to select a product that of course matches your skin is natural shade, but also will give your skin the benefits it needs,” says Dr Zeichner. “With added skincare benefits, your choice of serum foundation will differ, depending on your skin type or need, be it sensitive, oily, aging or dry.”
For example, if you have dry skin, you might want to get ahold of the MAC Studio Radiance Serum Powered Foundation, which contains a range of hydrating ingredients such as jojoba oil, hyaluronic acid and vitamin E. Similarly, the L’Oréal Paris True Match Nude Plumping Tinted Skin Serum delivers a healthy dose of 1% pure hyaluronic acid which thirsty skin will drink up.
If you have sensitive skin, you’ll likely have better luck with the Kosas Revealer Skin-Improving Foundation Broad Spectrum SPF 25, or the ILIA Super Serum Skin Tint SPF 30, both of which have non-comedogenic and fragrance-free formulas that don’t feel heavy or cake-y.
But the foundation that’s cemented its place in my makeup bag is the Sculpted by Aimee Hydra Tint, which you’ll see below melted perfectly into my skin and delivered a healthy, seamless glow.