Made from a powerful blend of hydrating hyaluronic acid, acetyl tetrapeptide-2, and squalane, we simply can’t get enough of this Skin Enhance Luminous Skin Tint Serum Foundation from Rose Inc (which is available in 14 shades). And neither can makeup artist Jason Hoffman, who calls this his number one pro kit product because it “evens the tone and improves the skin’s texture without the look of makeup. The cherry-on-top testament? “I’ve personally used three bottles and counting,” Hoffman reveals.
Despite its drugstore price tag, L’Oréal Paris’s Age Perfect Radiant Serum Foundation with SPF 50 is just as impressive as its more expensive counterparts. The lightweight, fragrance-free formula comes in 30 shades (one of the more impressive ranges in this list) and is infused with vitamin B3 (also known as niacinamide) and glycerin for all-day hydration and a blurred, never-cakey finish.
Founder Gucci Westman wanted a base product that was light, rich, and had just the right amount of radiance when formulating Westman Atelier’s Vital Skincare Dewy Foundation Drops, and it’s safe to say she delivered. One Allure editor says that the formula sinks into the skin with minimal blending, and the luminosity lasts all day — thanks to ingredients such as hydrating tsubaki oil, brightening ginseng, and healing pomegranate extract. An added bonus: 20 shades are available across light, medium, tan, and deep tones.
Ilia is one of our favorite brands because all of its products (including the fan-favorite Super Serum Skin Tint) give you that highly-coveted “no-makeup makeup” look. The True Skin Serum Foundation is no exception, with its lightweight formula that includes allantoin, aloe, and niacinamide to help smooth and calm the skin, resulting in visible improvement over time.
Barry describes Ilia True Skin (which has a solid range of 30 shades to choose from) as his favorite serum foundation across a wide range of skin types, including mature skin. “I’ve used this foundation on clients aged 16 to 65 and I love the life-like, glowy finish [it lends each person],” he attests, adding that it’s very blendable by nature and pairs well with cream blush, contour, and highlight.
When you think of KVD Beauty you may think of heavy, extremely long-wearing beauty products that can withstand anything including the “take them swimming on the first date” test. However, the brand’s latest launch, The Good Apple Serum Foundation, takes a different approach by providing maximum coverage in a lightweight formula that feels barely noticeable on the skin — and across 40 shades, to boot. The foundation is enriched with apple extract, a rich source of antioxidants that nourish the skin, and quince leaf extract, which minimizes shine and keeps skin looking fresh throughout the day.
Drugstores aren’t the only place you can get a bang for your buck nowadays. The Ordinary has earned itself a reputation for developing high-quality products that won’t break the bank. The skin-care-like Serum Foundation not only comes at an affordable price point and in a whopping 36 shades but it also provides moderate, semi-matte coverage that seamlessly blends with the skin for a natural look.