The Tamesis
The best serum foundations prove that flawless skin doesn’t require a heavy hand; these skincare-infused formulas blur, perfect, and moisturize while providing lightweight coverage that looks effortlessly natural. While the premise sounds simple, as a beauty writer I often expound on their benefits: Serum foundations can do the job of skin tone and tinted moisturizer, and more.
“A foundation is truly a serum only when the formula does more than just feel lightweight. It also has to be built like a skincare product,” details Carisa Janes, founder of Hourglass Cosmetics and Outside-In. “That means it should have a flowy, lightweight, serum-like texture, but it also needs to contain skincare ingredients on a functional level, not just ‘marketing sprinkles.’ If the skincare ingredients aren’t used in amounts that actually make a difference, it’s not really effective—it’s just a foundation with a good story.”
fashion magazine Favorite serum foundation
Chanel Sublimage Light Makeup Serum
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Outside-Inside Silk Essence Foundation
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L’Oréal Paris True Match Nude Hyaluronic Acid Tinted Essence Foundation
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This idea is the inspiration for one of Janes’ latest products—a lightweight complexion savior that suspends weightless spherical powder in a liquid serum base while sinking into skin almost instantly. Professional makeup artist Lauren D’Amelio Ventre adds that these two features are at the heart of the foundation equation. “It spreads like a serum and dries to a skin-like finish rather than sitting on top like a traditional foundation,” says D’Amelio Ventre.
Celebrity makeup artist and Chanel ambassador Tasha Reiko Brown notes that by delivering a lightweight finish and natural-looking glow, serum foundations fit perfectly into today’s skin-first beauty trends because they’re “an easy way to achieve ultra-real skin, while the serum portion of foundation helps support long-term skin care benefits.” When used correctly, these formulas can reveal incredibly true-to-life skin tones. “When you achieve a flawless base, other aspects of your makeup take center stage and are free to draw focus,” she explains.
With that in mind, here are ten of our favorite serum foundations—from legacy brands like Chanel to clean-beauty fanatic favorites to indie newcomers like Outside-In—to help your skin look better, with the support of pros and experts. Fashion Beauty Editor.
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Best for mature skin: Chanel Sublimage Light Makeup Essence
- why we like it: Those who love the Chanel Sublimage skin care line, take note: the same ingredient is also found in their foundation. The star product is vanilla fruit extract, which board-certified nurse practitioner Natia Rufolo previously explained supports cell regeneration, provides antioxidant protection, and helps maintain a healthier skin barrier. Plus, Reiko Brown thinks it’s perfect for mature skin types. “Mature skin tends to be drier, and a serum has the added benefit of adding moisture and making fine lines less likely to form,” she says.
- Main ingredients: Dimethicone, glycerin, vanilla fruit water, vanilla fruit extract, magnesium sulfate
- tone: twenty one
- Finish: radiant
- Coverage: Light to moderate, buildable
- No fragrance: No
- size: 1.35 fl oz.
