Although we’re not above adopting elaborate skincare routines in pursuit of that seemingly elusive glow, there’s no denying the rise of minimalism in the beauty and skincare realms. From the new concept of skin fasting to the enduring appeal of pared-back, natural makeup, people are looking to simplify things, coining a new skincare trend; skinmalism. Naturally, the trend has resulted in the emergence of a new hybrid of beauty products that combine skincare and makeup in one. Serum foundations offer the best of both worlds, blending even coverage, colour correction, and skincare benefits into a lightweight formula that effortlessly sinks into the skin.
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Akin to a serum in texture and consistency, serum foundations provide a welcome no-makeup makeup alternative to tinted moisturisers. Best applied with your fingertips, here are our 7 favourite serum foundations for that second skin look.
1. Clinique Even Better Clinical Serum Foundation
Designed to be the last step in your skincare routine, the Clinique Even Better Clinical Serum Foundation contains three serum technologies (including vitamin C, salicylic acid, and a hydration complex with caffeine, a hyaluronic acid derivative, and vitamin E) to hydrate, brighten, and correct your skin while providing buildable medium to full dewy coverage. The epitome of the skincare-makeup hybrid.
2. Morphe 2 Hint Hint Skin Tint
A standout formula with a budget price tag, the Morphe 2 Hint Hint Skin Tint provides medium to full buildable coverage with a truly second-skin finish. One for those who enjoy a dewy look, the Morphe 2 Hint Hint Skin Tint boosts your skin’s hydration levels, gently blurring imperfections and evening out skin tone for a naturally flawless look.
3. The Ordinary Serum Foundation
A highly pigmented, yet lightweight formula, The Ordinary Serum Foundation offers medium coverage with a serum-like feel. Innovative technology prevents pigments from settling into wrinkles and fine lines, making for a naturally flawless, semi-matte finish.
4. Bobbi Brown Intensive Skin Serum Foundation
For a sheer, natural finish with skin-loving benefits, this Bobbi Brown iteration is the way to go. Formulated with a botanical complex containing bamboo grass, lychee, and cordyceps mushroom, the Bobbi Brown Intensive Skin Serum Foundation works to smoothen out and firm skin over time.
5. Dior Diorskin Nude Air Serum
A formula for those who desire the sheer fluidity of serum foundations, the Dior Diorskin Nude Air Serum is like your skin but better. Providing sheer coverage that blurs pores and blemishes while looking like you’re wearing nothing at all, this is the perfect option to nail the no-makeup makeup look.
6. Clarins Skin Illusion Serum Foundation
Providing super-light coverage with skincare benefits, the Clarins Skin Illusion Serum Foundation blends pigment with nourishing oils for a barely-there look. Ideal for those looking for a little colour correction, with dry to normal skin types.
7. Dr Perricone MD No Foundation Foundation Serum
One of the OG serum foundations, the Dr Perricone MD No Foundation Foundation Serum combines lightweight, matte coverage with anti-ageing and complexion-enhancing ingredients like neuropeptides, bisabolol, and daisy flower extract.
8. Flower Beauty Get Real Serum Foundation
A weightless formula that provides light-to-medium buildable coverage, the Flower Beauty Get Real Serum Foundation is infused with skincare benefits thanks to moisturising olive oil as well as ashwagandha and tremella mushroom. It features a sheer, silky, and slightly dewy finish without being lovely shiny, making for the ideal serum foundation for everyday use. Plus, it comes with an unbeatable price tag; at well under $15AUD a bottle.
Words by Arabella Johnson