Pick your fighter: letting your skin breathe or a flawless complexion. Just joking. It’s 2023, and as we’ve seen with face tan waters, it’s now possible for us to have our cake (healthy, nourished skin) and eat it too (seamless coverage). How? By prioritising the use of skin care-makeup hybrids in your routine. Namely: serum foundations.
As the love child of a hydrating serum and a blemish-diffusing tint, serum foundations will hydrate, protect and repair, all while evening out our complexion and concealing breakouts.
What are serum foundations?
Not dissimilar to a regular full coverage foundation, serum foundations are used as a base product to conceal redness, pigmentation and blemishes. The only difference? They are infused with skin care heavy-hitters such as hyaluronic acid, niacinamide and peptides to heal our skin long-term as they deliver immediate coverage.
What are the best serum foundations?
Yves Saint Laurent Youth Liberator Serum Foundation
We say: Formulated to boost the radiance of lacklustre skin, Yves Saint Laurent’s anti-wrinkle serum foundation has been enriched with vitamin E to protect the skin from photo-induced ageing and deliver 24-hours of uninterrupted hydration.
You say: “If you are looking for a medium coverage foundation, with semi dewy finish, with extra skincare benefit, this is the one for you. I think this is the best in the category and I have tried many.” – Labisdream
Want to know more? Read Yves Saint Laurent Youth Liberator Serum Foundation reviews here…
$98 at Amuse Beauty
Max Factor Ageless Elixir Miracle 2 in 1 Foundation and Serum
We say: For a blemish-blurring foundation with a side of anti-ageing, Max Factor’s 4.5 star-rated formulation has been carefully infused with wrinkle-fighting ingredients like niacinamide, glycerin and vitamin E.
You say: “I have quite bad acne scars. After eight years of looking I came across this product. Easy to use fast to apply and you I only have to apply one layer instead of three sometimes. It’s changed my life.” – Faithx201
Want to know more? Read Max Factor Ageless Elixir Miracle 2 in 1 Foundation and Serum reviews here…
$11 at Cosmetic Online
COVERGIRL & Olay Simply Ageless Wrinkle Defying Foundation
We say: COVERGIRL has infused their creamy foundation formula with Olay’s fine line-banishing Regenerist Serum. The true meaning of multi-use, the pigmented formulation works to protect, nourish and airbrush your skin all at once. And with over 50 4-star reviews, we think this is a well-suited match.
You say: “This foundation on the other hand is very different. I have had excellent results with this specific coverage and am very happy to say I have not broken out in any spots or have had any allergic reactions to it.” – TheKatsMeows
Want to know more? Read COVERGIRL & Olay Simply Ageless Wrinkle Defying Foundation reviews here…
$24.30 at Amazon
Clinique Even Better Clinical Serum Foundation SPF20
We say: If dark spots or pigmentation are the bane of your existence, treat your skin to the natural coverage of Clinique’s Even Better Clinical Serum Foundation. From salicylic acid to vitamin C to Clinique’s own dark spot-fighting molecule UP302, this really is more than just another pretty-looking bottle.
You say: “The serum foundation makes my skin look plump, hydrated and dewy. It creates a more even looking complexion. I love the satin finish as it is not too shiny or too matte, it is just the perfect glowy in between” – Beautybabe140194
Want to know more? Read Clinique Even Better Clinical Serum Foundation SPF20 reviews here…
$66 at Clinique
Bobbi Brown Intensive Skin Serum Foundation SPF 25
We say: Blending skin tone-correcting pigments with supercharged ingredients (including those used in Chinese medicine), it may be expensive, however, Bobbi Brown’s serum foundation is one of the best in the game.
You say: “Perfect for everyday dewy complexions. This didn’t cause me to breakout and stayed on pretty well. Looks fresh all day and doesn’t crease into lines or indented acne scars.” Ageha sans
Want to know more? Read Bobbi Brown Intensive Skin Serum Foundation SPF 25 reviews here…
$103 at Adore Beauty
Rimmel London Lasting Finish 25 HR Foundation
We say: Rated 4 out of 5 stars by over 150 of our members, this transfer-proof and skin-friendly formula provides instant hydration and a full coverage finish that lasts up to 25 hours (yes that’s right, it lasts an entire day and then some).
You say: “This foundation is hands down my favourite drugstore foundation! I will never stop recommending this amazing bottle of goodness. It’s packaging, it’s longevity, its dewy finish, its coverage and of course it’s price! Everyone needs this in their foundation collection.” – Shanhads
Want to know more? Read Rimmel London Lasting Finish 25 HR Foundation reviews here…
$12.99 at Chemist Warehouse
Estee Lauder Perfectionist Youth Infusing Makeup SPF 25
We say: Infused with the brand’s youth-enhancing, powerful Perfectionist [CP +R] Serum, you’ll enjoy a glowing, satin finish, plus an additional SPF 25 to prevent sun damage.
You say: “Love the look this moisture binding foundation fluid provides.Glides over skin effortlessly and it seems to sort of adapt to your skin tone without masking it. Just looks like skin.” – Gemini Jen
Want to know more? Read Estee Lauder Perfectionist Youth Infusing Makeup SPF 25 reviews here…
$75 at Myer
Have you ever tried a serum foundation? What did you think?
Main image credit: @patrickta
So many of these are on my foundation wish list. I am obsessed with foundation ATM ( and mascara). Ok I seem to be obsessed with makeup in general.
These all sound lovely!
Do love the sound of serum foundations. Looks like more and more brands will be introducing them to the market in the future
I've tried some and would love to give the Covergirl + Olay a shot.
Will try Bobbi Brown one. Looks fab. Still on using up my current foundation, so patiently waiting till it is empty.
So do I. Using a Clinique one at the moment.
I like the sound of the Clinique foundation!
These all sound lovely, and a better alternative to other foundations for my skin I think.
Such a great idea.
Some good recommendations here at different price ranges which is always nice to see
They sound great , especially the max factor and the Clinique ones
they dont make paulas choice makeup anymore
I'm also intrigued by how that would feel on my skin too! I have a bit of weakness with loving foundations!
That youth infusing EL makeup is one I want to try, sounds so good and with SPF25 too.
I need a new foundation so this is timely.
I haven't, but given my skin tone & undertone, I don't think there'd be one out there pale & cool-toned enough for me sadly.
I havent but they sound very interesting.
Rimmel is my favourite foundation.
I love the Bobbi Brown one
Never heard of Serum Foundations so glad that some of them are very affordable especially the Covergirl and Rimmel London.
I love the look of the Bobby Brown packet.
I like the Rimmel one. It has a medium coverage and feels really nice on.
I would absolutely love to try the Clinique one but they all sound amazing.
A serum foundation sounds amazing!
Oh these all look amazing, desperate to try the Bobbi Brown to see how it settles on my skin.
I’ve never tried a serum foundation and only just recently heard about them would love to try one.
I've got samples of the Clinique one to try, but I haven't used them yet. I'm still wearing a mask every time I go out, so it's a waste of time to wear foundation.
I got 2 free samples from the Clinique counter at DJs. I got 2 because the SA was unsure of which shade would be best.
Seems like a good idea, there's a few there I wouldn't mind checking out
They sound great, will use once I finish my current foundation
I rarely use liquid foundation. Only if I’m going out and the occasion calls for it. I usually use a quick light dusting of my MAC powder, or a tinted moisturiser.
A serum foundation sounds great. I haven't tried one yet
I got a sample pot of the Clinique foundation. I've only used it a couple of times but the colour might be a bit pale for me. I've heard good things about the Bourjois Healthy Mix Serum Foundation
I've tried the Rimmel one and quite liked it
I would like to try one of these.
Sounds good. I am looking for a good foundation so will give these a go. Be nice to try a sample first though.
I saw a few YouTubers test the Clinique Even Better Clinical Serum Foundation, and based on their reviews, I don't think that it is suitable for my dry and older skin.
Interesting concept. I didn't know Nutrimetics were still going
I like the Rimmel which works so well on my skin. I've tried the Clinique and think it's a little too drying for me. I'll give it another few goes before I give up. I'd love to try the Bobbi Brown.
I'd like to try the Clinique one, but a few people here are saying it isn't suitable for older, dry skin? That's disappointing, I may have to try something else.
Me either Rose, can’t stand the feel on my face.
‘Skincare and makeup have had a baby’ – how could I resist following a link with that teaser line?
😀
Max Factor have another product I am keen on, but i can't seem to find it instore, just ads in magazines
Love my foundation so thank you for these tips.
The right formula and the right shade, its a skincare dream come true
Keen to try the Clinique one.
Interesting concept… Sounds quick and easy…
I wear so little foundation these days.
Not tried any of them. It sounds interesting and multitasking products.
Have only tried the Rimmel one