11 Best Serum Foundations Of 2023 With A Complete Guide
A perfect amalgamation of makeup and skin care screaming, "pick me before others do."
Shiboli Chakraborti Certified Skin Care Coach
Expertise: Skin Care & Hair Care
Experience: 3 years
Shiboli has a master’s degree in English literature from The English and Foreign Languages University, Hyderabad, and is a certified skincare coach with three years of experience. As an editor, she ... more
Image: StyleCraze Design Team
Why hide your skin flaws with layers of cosmetics when you can address them naturally! You got it right! The best serum foundations can help treat various skin issues like pigmentation and pores while giving good coverage for an instant glow-up.
A serum foundation is what it says on the tin: a serum combined with a foundation. It means you can use a single product to glam up your skin while correcting its faults. Oil-based serum foundations are usually light and airy. They address dryness, aging, pigmentation, acne, and uneven skin tone, among other issues. Scroll down to see our top picks!
In This Article
11 Best Serum Foundations
1. Best For All Skin Types: bareMineralsBareskin Pure Brightening Serum Foundation
The bareMineralsBareskin Pure Brightening Serum Foundation is lightweight and imparts a natural, flawless look. It is infused with minerals and skin brightening ingredients that moisturize your skin while glamming up.
This serum foundation is loaded with vitamin C that has antioxidant properties. It also contains lilac plant stem cells that help protect your skin against environmental stress and aggressors. The serum foundation contains SPF 20, provides light to medium coverage, and is available in18 shades. It is hypoallergenic and free of parabens, silicone, mineral oil, and synthetic fragrance. Check out this video for a detailed review of the product.
Pros
- Dermatologist tested
- Hypoallergenic
- Contains SPF 20
- Paraben-free
- Silicone-free
- Mineral oil-free
- No synthetic fragrance
- Lightweight
- Long-lasting
- Buildable
- Suitable for all skin types
- Provides light to medium coverage
Cons
- Might cause breakouts
Pro Tip2. Best Vegan: Josie Maran Argan Matchmaker Serum Foundation
The Josie Maran Argan Matchmaker Serum Foundation feels weightless even when worn for a long time. It enhances your natural skin tone to provide age-defying undetectable coverage. The chameleon pigments look exactly like your skin as if you have not applied any makeup. The breakthrough color-match technology smoothens the skin and correct visible signs of aging.
This serum foundation boosts skin elasticity and balances the skin tone, diminishing fine lines, and wrinkles. It keeps oily areas shine-free and also hydrates the dry patches. This vegan product provides a velvety HD finish and is available in three shades. It is cruelty-free and does not contain gluten, sulfates, parabens, phthalates, formaldehyde, mineral oil, and synthetic fragrance. Take a look at this video to learn more about the product.
Pros
- Velvety HD finish
- Reduces fine lines and wrinkles
- Lightweight
- Vegan
- Gluten-free
- Cruelty- free
- Sulfate-free
- Paraben-free
- Phthalate-free
- Formaldehyde-free
- Mineral oil-free
- No synthetic fragrance
Cons
- Expensive
3. Best For Enlarged Pores: No7 Lift & Luminate Triple Action Serum Foundation
The No7 Lift & Luminate Triple Action Serum Foundation is loaded with anti-aging and skin care ingredients that address uneven skin tone and skin discoloration. It improves your skin texture and reduces the visibility of open and enlarged pores. This serum foundation is infused with a potent blend of optical blurring agents and light-reflecting particles that diminish the signs of aging by reflecting light and shifting away the focus from fine lines and wrinkles.
It does not crack or melt, no matter how many times you change your expression. The product conceals the fine lines and masks sagging skin all day long. It hydrates and plumps your skin, protecting it from the sun with its SPF 15 formula. It is suitable for daily use and available in 14 shades. Watch this YouTuber’s honest review to get a better idea about the product and its features.
Pros
- Lightweight
- Covers fine lines and wrinkles
- Long-lasting
- Contains SPF 15
- Provides medium coverage
Cons
- Watery consistency
4. Best For Sensitive Skin: L’Oreal Paris Age Perfect Radiant Serum Foundation
The L’Oreal Paris Age Perfect Radiant Serum Foundation provides ultimate moisture and radiance to mature skin. It contains vitamin B3 that evens out the skin tone with natural coverage to mask the fine lines. This serum foundation protects your skin from sun damage with broad-spectrum SPF 50. It is non-comedogenic and does not settle between the fine lines and makes your skin look sagging or cakey.
Pros
- Contains SPF 50
- Provides medium to full coverage
- Lightweight
- Masks fine lines and wrinkles
- Ideal for sensitive and mature skin
- Buildable
- Dermatologically-tested
- Non-comedogenic
Cons
- Might sting the eyes
5. Best Anti-Aging: juice BEAUTY Phyto-Pigments Flawless Serum Foundation
The juice BEAUTY Phyto-pigments Flawless Serum Foundation works as an age-defying serum. It is formulated with fruit stem cells and resveratrol-rich grape seed. This serum foundation consists of plant-derived phyto-pigments that blend easily into the skin to give you a seamlessly natural finish and a youthful appearance.
The product contains hydrating antioxidants and vitamins C and E that make your skin supple and bouncy while boosting its natural radiance. This vegan product covers the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles without settling between them to form cracks. You can wear this lightweight serum foundation all day long.
Pros
- Long-lasting
- Silicone-free
- Buildable
- Provides medium to full coverage
- Cruelty-free
- Vegan
- Paraben-free
- Petroleum-free
- Propylene-free
- Butylene glycol-free
- Phthalate-free
- Sulfate-free
- Gluten-free
- No artificial dyes
- No added synthetic fragrances
- PEG-free
- TEA-free
- DEA-free
- GMO-free
Cons
- Unpleasant fragrance
6. Best Nourishing Formula: ILIA True Skin Serum Foundation
The ILIA True Skin Serum Foundation is weightless and provides an aluminous finish. It is buildable with flawless coverage and makes your skin appear vibrant. This serum foundation is formulated with a potent blend of botanical actives that refresh your skin.
It contains aloe leaf, jojoba, mastic, and marula oils that nourish and even out the skin tone. This serum foundation also melts into your skin to soothe irritation, minimize enlarged pores, and blur imperfections. It is vegan, cruelty-free, and does not contain sulfates, parabens, formaldehyde, phthalates, and mineral oil.
Pros
- Lightweight
- Sulfate-free
- Paraben-free
- Formaldehyde-free
- Phthalate-free
- Mineral oil-free
- Vegan
- Cruelty-free
- Gluten-free
- Dermatologist-tested
- Non-comedogenic
Cons
None
Pro Tip7. Best Semi-Matte Finish: Perricone MD No Makeup Foundation Serum
Image: Perricone This serum works wonders on your skin by providing a semi-matte finish with SPF 20. To use it, take some serum on your fingertips or synthetic fiber brush and apply it on the skin in circular motions to create uniform coverage. The serum is available in buff, ivory, rich, porcelain, and tan colors. This wonder product will fuse with your skin to give it a luminous and natural glow.
Pros
- Suitable for all skin tones and types
- Prevents sunburn
- Smoothens the skin
- Gives a semi-matte finish
Cons
- May not be suitable for damaged skin
- May have a strong smell
8. Best Long-Lasting: Bobbi Brown Intensive Skin Serum Foundation
The Bobbi Brown Intensive Skin Serum Foundation is loaded with a potent formula that recharges your skin. The Active Skin Energizing complex is a powerful combination of cordyceps and artemia, which help replenish your skin by boosting its natural radiance.
This serum foundation with SPF 40 protects your skin from the sun, UVA, and UVB rays, and environmental aggressors. It also prevents collagen damage and combats any visible signs of aging. This lightweight serum foundation evens out the skin tone and diminishes pigmentation through a cold-fusion process to give you a radiant and flawless look. It stays on throughout the day without cracking and sustains hot, humid weather.
Pros
- Provides medium to full coverage
- Lightweight
- Blends easily
- Buildable
- Contains SPF 40
- Long-lasting
- Available in 23 shades
Cons
None
9. Best Hydrating: PÜR Hydrafluid Water Serum Foundation
The PÜR Hydrafluid Water Serum Foundation is formulated with the encapsulated water complex from the Swiss Alps. It is ultra-hydrating and imparts long-lasting radiance. The pure mineral water with antioxidant benefits refreshes, nourishes, and firms your skin. This serum foundation feels skin-like and is buildable, lightweight, breathable, and provides a dewy, silky finish. This cruelty-free product does not contain parabens, gluten, BPA, dermatitis herpetiformis, toxins, or preservatives.
Pros
- Long-lasting
- Cruelty-free
- Lightweight
- Breathable
- Paraben-free
- FDA approved
- No toxins or preservatives
- No Bisphenol A (BPA)
- Gluten-free
Cons
- Might feel greasy
10. Best Lightweight: Gressa Skin Minimalist Corrective Serum Foundation
The Gressa Skin Minimalist Corrective Serum Foundation is light weight and covers up blemishes and scars. It is formulated with the Gressa Healing Complex, an exclusive potent blend of carefully selected botanical extracts. This serum foundation balances your skin, reduces uneven skin tone, and boosts natural radiance. The minerals help correct the skin imperfections with a natural finish and impart a flawless look. This cruelty-free product does not contain parabens and sulfates.
Pros
- 100% natural
- Provides full coverage
- Lightweight
- Blends easily
- Paraben-free
- Sulfate-free
- Cruelty-free
- Available in 9 shades
Cons
- Expensive
11. Diorskin Nude Air Ultra-Fluid Serum Foundation
The Diorskin Nude Air Ultra-Fluid Serum Foundation enhances your skin complexion with a sheer satin finish. It also lets your skin breathe through the foundation layer. This serum foundation is an innovative and potent blend of cranberry oil, hyper-oxygenated oil, vitamins, and minerals that evaporate into the skin instantly without leaving behind any makeup residue.
It can be worn all day long without feeling heavy or melting away due to environmental aggressors. This serum foundation keeps your skin naturally glowing and refreshed. The SPF 25 works as a skin protection barrier against sun damage or environmental stressors.
Pros
- Contains SPF25
- Provides medium to full coverage
- Buildable
- Talc-free
- Lightweight
- Available in 8 shades
Cons
None
Let’s now look at what a serum foundation actually is.
What Are Serum Foundations?
A serum foundation is a potent blend of foundation and serum that offers makeup and skin care benefits. From correcting skin tone, reducing fine lines and wrinkles, and combating sun damage to boosting natural radiance– a serum foundation acts as a multi-vitamin for your face. It hydrates your skin and helps combat signs of aging. A serum foundation contains minerals, antioxidants, vitamins, and skin-soothing agents. It is a healthy choice for your skin as it does not contains chemicals, toxins, and skin-damaging agents, unlike regular foundations.
The purpose of a serum foundation is to achieve that ‘no-makeup’ makeup look. Here is how you can nail the trick of applying a serum foundation perfectly.
How To Apply A Serum Foundation
- Apply Primer
Apply a base layer of primer to ensure that your serum foundation blends seamlessly and glides smoothly on the skin.
Tip: Pick a primer whose texture matches with your foundation texture. If your serum foundation has a silky, sheer finish, use a primer with a silky finish. A matte finish primer might ruin the look of the sheer and silky serum foundation by dulling it down.
- Dot And Blend
The dot and blend technique will help you blend the serum foundation easily for a skin-like finish. Use a beauty blender to dab and glide the product on your skin for even blending. If you want to build it up, repeat the process until you get the desired coverage.
- Seal It like A Pro
Always use a translucent powder, a setting loose powder, or a setting spray to seal your makeup. If you don’t, the foundation might form cracks or get cakey due to humidity, pollution, or environmental aggressors. This negates the whole point of using a serum foundation for a skin-like texture. Hence, sealing your makeup is a MUST!
There are certain rules of who should and not use a serum foundation. It all comes down to your skin type and texture. Check out the following section to know about it all.
Who Should And Who Should Not Use Them?
Who Should Use A Serum Foundation
- If you have mature skin, try the serum foundation. As you grow older, your skin tends to lose its natural oilsand gets dry. A serum foundation hydrates and nourishes your skin to look replenished while glamming up.
- If you have dry skin, a serum foundation will hydrate the skin and make it supple.
- A serum foundation is also suitable for sensitive skin. It is lightweight and loaded with rich antioxidants and minerals. It is also toxin-free and does not contain harsh ingredients.
Who Should Not Use A Serum Foundation
- If you have oily skin, a serum foundation is not the best choice. Serums are usually oil-based and might make your oily skin even more greasy.
- If you have acne-prone skin, avoid serum foundation as it might clog your open pores. And clogged pores can lead to breakouts.
Foundations are a great way to hide fine lines and wrinkles, providing a base for your makeup. Unlike generic foundations, the best serum foundation will be more hydrating to your skin. Therefore, these foundations are of great help to dry skin. In addition, they also offer a flawless finish and radiant glow. Moreover, a serum foundation provides great coverage, soothes the irritation, and minimizes the pores. Some serum foundations can also prevent sunburn.
Why Trust StyleCraze?
Shiboli Chakraborti is a certified skin care coach and has conducted in-depth research on many products to help you pick the best serum foundations for your skin type. She has gone through brand websites to study products in detail. Her knowledge of several skincare ingredients helps to compile the best serum foundation list. These products are lightweight and can address many skin problems like pigmentation and aging.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is serum foundation the ultimate summer skin hero?
Yes, serum foundations combine the benefits of a serum and a foundation. This way you get the goodness of serums like hydration, moisture, nourishment, etc., and the benefits of foundation which is to cover flaws on your face and gives you an even-toned look.
What is the difference between foundation and serum foundation?
A regular foundation works only as a cosmetic, whereas serum foundation not only helps gain a flawless look but also provides you with ample skin benefits.
How often do you use serum foundation?
You can use a serum foundation every day if you want to rejuvenate your skin as well as enhance your makeup regime.
How long does serum foundation last?
Serum foundations have a shelf life of 9 months from the date of opening.
Is tinted serum the same as serum foundation?
No. A tinted serum doesn’t have the same coverage strength as a serum foundation. A tinted serum also has a thinner consistency than a regular foundation, making it better in providing skin-care benefits.
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