Makeup comes in many forms, from powders to creams to liquids. Serum foundation is a newer type of liquid foundation that offers light coverage and a natural finish. It’s made with a high percentage of skincare ingredients, giving it a thin, fluid texture that’s easy to apply.
Serum foundations are great for people who want sheer coverage that evens out skin tone without looking heavy or cakey. They often contain ingredients like hyaluronic acid or vitamins that can benefit your skin. These foundations work well for dry or mature skin types that need extra hydration.
When choosing a serum foundation, pay attention to the shade range, finish, and ingredients. You’ll want to find a color that matches your skin tone closely. Consider whether you prefer a dewy or more matte finish. Look at the ingredient list to see if it contains anything that might irritate your skin or provide benefits you’re seeking. The right serum foundation can give you a fresh, glowing complexion while caring for your skin.
Best Serum Foundations
Serum foundations are lightweight and offer great coverage while nourishing your skin. You’ll find options for different skin types and concerns in our list below. These top picks blend easily and give a natural-looking finish.
L’Oreal Tinted Serum Foundation
This lightweight serum foundation gives you a natural, glowing look while keeping your skin hydrated.
Pros
- Hydrating formula with hyaluronic acid
- Lightweight coverage for a natural finish
- Available in 14 shades for various skin tones
Cons
- Limited coverage for those wanting full coverage
- May not last all day on oily skin
- Some users found shade matching challenging
The L’Oreal True Match Nude Hyaluronic Tinted Serum Foundation blends makeup and skincare in one easy-to-use product. Its formula includes 1% hyaluronic acid, which helps your skin feel hydrated and smooth. The serum texture feels light on your skin, perfect for daily wear.
You’ll find that this foundation gives a sheer to medium coverage, ideal for a “no-makeup” makeup look. It evens out your skin tone and adds a subtle glow without looking heavy or cakey. The product comes in 14 shades, so you have a good chance of finding one that matches your skin tone.
One thing to keep in mind is that this may not be the best choice if you’re looking for full coverage. It’s designed to enhance your natural skin rather than mask it completely. Also, if you have very oily skin, you might need to touch up during the day as it may not last as long as some other foundations.
Neutrogena Sensitive Skin Serum Foundation
You’ll like this foundation if you want light coverage and skincare benefits in one product.
Pros
- Good for sensitive skin
- Blurs imperfections
- Contains Pro-Vitamin B5
Cons
- Limited shade range
- Very sheer coverage
- May not control oil well
This Neutrogena foundation gives you a natural, healthy look. It’s great if you don’t want heavy makeup. The serum-like texture feels nice on your skin. It helps hide small flaws and redness.
You get skincare perks too. The Pro-Vitamin B5 keeps your skin moist. It’s free of harsh stuff like fragrances and dyes. This makes it a safe bet for touchy skin.
The coverage is light, so it won’t hide big marks. You can build it up a bit, but it stays pretty sheer. If you want full coverage, this isn’t for you. It works best for those who just need a bit of evening out. The glow it gives might not be ideal for oily skin types.
Maybelline Super Stay Skin Tint
You should try this product for its long-lasting, radiant coverage and skin-brightening benefits.
Pros
- Long-wearing formula (up to 24 hours)
- Infused with Vitamin C for skin brightening
- Suitable for all skin types, including sensitive
Cons
- Limited shade range (18 options)
- May provide more coverage than expected for a “skin tint”
- Liquid formula might be messy for some users
This Maybelline Super Stay Skin Tint offers more than just a tint. It gives you light-to-medium coverage that lasts all day. The formula includes Vitamin C to help brighten your skin over time. It’s great for those days when you want a natural, glowing look without the heavy feel of regular foundation.
You’ll find that this product resists sweat and humidity, making it perfect for busy days or warm weather. The vegan formula is kind to your skin and the environment. Many users say their skin looks healthier after using it for a few weeks. If you have sensitive skin, you’ll be happy to know it’s been tested by skin doctors.
When you’re picking a shade, keep in mind that colors might look a bit different on your skin than they do online. The liquid formula might take some getting used to, but it blends easily for a smooth finish. Remember, a little goes a long way with this product. Start with less and build up if you need more coverage. This approach will help you get the most natural look.
IT Cosmetics CC+ Cream
You’ll love this all-in-one foundation for its full coverage and skin-loving benefits.
Pros
- Hydrating formula with SPF 50+
- Natural-looking coverage
- Suitable for various skin types
Cons
- Higher price point
- Limited shade range
- May feel heavy for some users
This CC+ Cream from IT Cosmetics is more than just makeup. It’s a color-correcting cream that also works as a full-coverage foundation and hydrating serum. Plus, it has SPF 50+ to protect your skin from sun damage. The natural finish helps you look like yourself, but better.
The cream blends well and covers imperfections without looking cakey. It’s great for dry or combination skin types. Many users find that a little goes a long way, so the tube lasts longer than you might expect. This helps offset the higher price tag.
While the product has many fans, it’s not perfect for everyone. Some people with oily skin may find it too heavy. The shade range could be wider to match more skin tones. But if you find your match, you might just discover your new go-to foundation. Remember to use a moisturizer first if you have very dry skin for the best results.
No7 Lift & Luminate Serum Foundation
You’ll love this foundation for its skin-loving ingredients and natural-looking coverage.
Pros
- Brightens skin with vitamins A, C, and E
- Helps reduce fine lines and age spots
- Provides SPF 15 protection
Cons
- Limited shade range
- May not work for oily skin types
- Takes practice to apply correctly
This No7 serum foundation gives your skin a boost while providing medium to full coverage. It’s packed with good stuff like vitamins and hibiscus to help your skin look brighter and feel more hydrated. The formula also includes special technology to blur fine lines and wrinkles, giving you a more youthful look.
One of the best things about this foundation is how it makes your skin look firmer and more radiant. Many users say it feels light on their skin and doesn’t settle into fine lines. The SPF 15 is a nice bonus, giving you some sun protection as you wear it.
To use this foundation, you’ll want to start with small dots on your face and blend outwards. You can use a sponge or brush to get an even finish. It might take a few tries to get the hang of applying it, but once you do, you’ll likely enjoy how it makes your skin look and feel.
L’Oreal Age Perfect Serum Foundation
This foundation is a great choice for mature skin, offering lightweight coverage and SPF protection.
Pros
- Provides hydration and SPF 50
- Suitable for sensitive skin
- Doesn’t settle into fine lines
Cons
- Limited shade range
- May not suit oily skin types
- Slightly pricey for drugstore makeup
The L’Oreal Age Perfect Serum Foundation is made with mature skin in mind. It contains Vitamin B3 and hydrating serum, which work together to give your skin a boost of moisture. This can help your makeup look fresh all day long.
One of the best things about this foundation is its SPF 50. You get sun protection without needing to add another product to your routine. The formula is also good for sensitive skin, so you don’t have to worry about it causing irritation.
The coverage is light and natural-looking. It won’t hide every mark, but it will even out your skin tone and give you a healthy glow. The foundation doesn’t settle into fine lines or wrinkles, which is a common problem with other products. This means your skin will look smooth and youthful throughout the day.
ILIA Super Serum Skin Tint
You’ll love this all-in-one foundation for its light coverage, skincare benefits, and SPF protection.
Pros
- Lightweight and dewy finish
- Contains skincare ingredients
- Offers SPF 40 protection
Cons
- Gritty texture before shaking
- Strong scent for some users
- May oxidize on skin
ILIA’s Super Serum Skin Tint blends makeup, skincare, and sun protection into one easy step. It’s packed with good-for-your-skin ingredients like niacinamide, hyaluronic acid, and plant-based squalane. These work together to smooth your skin, even out your tone, and keep you hydrated all day.
The formula is designed for all skin types and comes in a range of shades to match different skin tones. It’s vegan, cruelty-free, and free from silicones, fragrances, and oils. This makes it a great pick if you have sensitive skin or prefer clean beauty products.
One thing to note is that you need to shake the bottle well before use. Some users find the texture a bit gritty at first, but this usually goes away after mixing. The coverage is light to medium, giving you a natural, glowy look. It’s perfect for days when you want your skin to look fresh and healthy without feeling heavy or cakey.
IT Cosmetics Glow Foundation
You’ll love this lightweight foundation that gives you a natural glow and sun protection.
Pros
- Lightweight and breathable
- SPF 40 for sun protection
- Contains nourishing ingredients
Cons
- Limited shade range
- May not suit very oily skin
- Pricier than some drugstore options
This IT Cosmetics foundation is a game-changer for your makeup routine. It’s not just makeup – it’s skincare too! The formula includes good-for-you ingredients like niacinamide, hyaluronic acid, and green tea extract. These help keep your skin happy and healthy while you wear it.
The best part? It feels super light on your skin. You won’t get that heavy, cakey feeling some foundations give you. Instead, it leaves your face looking fresh and glowy. Plus, with SPF 40, you’re getting great sun protection without having to add another product to your routine.
One thing to keep in mind is the shade range. While IT Cosmetics has improved their color selection, you might still have trouble finding your perfect match. It’s also worth noting that if you have very oily skin, this might not be the best pick for you. The dewy finish could make you look a bit too shiny by the end of the day.
Buying Guide
When you’re looking to buy serum foundation, there are a few key things to keep in mind. Here’s what to consider:
Skin Type
Choose a formula that matches your skin type:
- Dry skin: Look for hydrating ingredients
- Oily skin: Opt for oil-free or mattifying formulas
- Sensitive skin: Seek fragrance-free options
Coverage Level
Think about how much coverage you want:
- Sheer: For a natural, barely-there look
- Medium: To even out skin tone
- Full: To cover blemishes and discoloration
Shade Range
Pick a brand with a wide shade range. Test the product on your jawline in natural light to find your perfect match.
Finish
Decide on the finish you prefer:
- Dewy: For a glowy look
- Matte: To reduce shine
- Natural: For a skin-like appearance
Added Benefits
Some foundations offer extra perks:
- SPF protection
- Anti-aging ingredients
- Skin-nourishing vitamins
Packaging
Think about how you’ll use the product:
- Pump bottles: Hygienic and easy to control
- Droppers: Precise application
- Tubes: Great for travel
Remember to read reviews and maybe get a sample before committing to a full-size product. Your perfect serum foundation is out there!
