It Cosmetics is known for skin care-infused formulations made in extensive shade ranges, so we weren't exactly shocked when the brand launched its latest foundation, which comes in 40 shades and boasts hyaluronic acid for bounce, aloe vera (which helps usher oxygen to the tissues), skin-smoothing vitamins B5 and E, and a proprietary ingredient that exfoliates.
But what we weren't expecting was the ultra-natural finish it provides and its incomparable ease of use: While traditional foundations typically use a white base, this one is clear, which means it doesn't leave a white cast on skin. In our tests, the lightweight formula obliterated redness around our nose and easily covered a few acne scars, but felt and looked like we were makeup-free (and blessed with great skin). Even when we haphazardly rubbed the liquid formula on with fingers with no primer underneath, it seamlessly blended and left a not-too-dewy, not-at-all matte finish that mimics bare skin in the very best way.
This skin care-makeup hybrid is the real deal: With anti-inflammatory niacinamide, moisturizing bisabolol, aloe leaf juice powder, and two types of skin-plumping sodium hyaluronate, it doubles as a soothing serum for those with sensitive skin. (Since sodium hyaluronate can exasperate dry skin, this formula may be best suited for oily or balanced skin types.)
As a skin perfector, the tint (made in 18 shades) easily covered redness and dark spots, leaving a gorgeously dewy finish. The formula is more viscous than those from The Ordinary and Kosas (mentioned ahead), and it feels sheer enough to forget you're wearing makeup at all once blended into the skin.
When Natura Bisse discontinued its widely-loved The Cure Sheer Cream, it was a blow felt around the world. Where else would we find a moisturizer that quenched dry skin, blotted out redness and dark spots and delivered the perfect dose of tint and warmth that adapted to a range of light and medium skin tones? Where?
Thankfully, we weren't left in the lurch for long. With the launch of this moisturizer, we score the same healthy glow as we did with the old formula (courtesy of light-reflecting pigments), as well as the same major hit of hydration. A thicker texture means a little goes a long way for a no-makeup makeup look, but it can also be applied more generously for buildable coverage.
This tinted moisturizer is basically an entire skin care routine in an adorable little pot: With collagen-supporting ingredients like Bulgarian rose extract, moisturizers like Bulgarian rose and moringa oils and skin soothers like rose flower water, green tea and coconut water (along with 18.9 percent non-nano zinc oxide) this multitasker is made to take the place of your AM serum, moisturizer, mineral SPF, and light-coverage makeup. The bouncy, pudding-like texture is made to be applied with fingers and leaves our skin with a healthy finish that reads like an all-natural glow.
For those who hate the feel of a face oil, finding a serum-foundation that doesn't feel greasy can be a challenge. The antioxidant-packed cranberry seed oil found in this foundation instantly evaporates, morphing into a powder-like texture when smoothed onto the face, something that finishes in a demi-matte glow — no setting powder required.
