Il Makiage, Laura Mercier … you’ve seen the videos — but do they really work?
These days, TikTok is flooded with videos of people trying foundations said to give a “flawless” appearance to skin. There are millions and millions of views on clips of testers applying foundation makeup from Il Makiage, Laura Mercier, Charlotte Tilbury, IT Cosmetics and more — and most of the reactions are complete shock and awe (in a good way).
But how well do these products really deliver a flawless finish? We put some of the top products in the category to the test and these are our honest opinions.
Shop this article: Laura Mercier Real Flawless Weightless Perfecting Waterproof Foundation, Il Makiage Woke Up Like This Flawless Base Foundation and Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless Longwear Foundation
What is a ‘flawless foundation’?
A “flawless foundation” is a foundation makeup product that’s said to give a flawless appearance to skin after it’s applied, almost like a photo filter on Instagram. It’s important to note that no makeup product can actually achieve filter-level smoothness on skin — skin is skin and it’ll always have bumps and creases and other textured characteristics, which foundation can help conceal, but can’t completely eradicate.
Still, certain beauty products can get closer to that effect than others, and, according to TikTok testimonies, there are a few brands that rise above the rest when it comes to delivering a “flawless” finish.
How to apply a ‘flawless foundation’
Like any foundation, a “flawless foundation” works best when it’s properly applied to prepped skin. It also lasts longer if it’s sealed in with products that make makeup last longer.
First, apply a makeup primer to clean, moisturized skin. This will provide a smoother base for the foundation to sit on, and it’ll help increase its longevity on your skin.
Next, apply the foundation. We recommend applying a “flawless foundation” with a foundation brush. Once the makeup is all over your face, you may choose to remove any excess product and blend it in by lightly dabbing a makeup sponge over your face.
After applying any other makeup of your choosing, seal in the finished look by applying a few spritzes of a makeup setting spray. Along with the primer, this will increase the makeup’s longevity and give you the maximum wear out of your products.
Best foundations and face makeup with a ‘flawless’ finish
Laura Mercier Real Flawless Weightless Perfecting Waterproof Foundation
We can confirm: This waterproof foundation lives up to the hype. The product, available in 29 shades, applies smoothly and evenly, leaving a natural finish that’s super long-wearing. The medium-coverage formula includes special priming powders, which help give that “flawless” finish. Meanwhile, camelia seed, vitamin E and cacao extract are antioxidant-rich ingredients, which help defend against damage by external stressors.
