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I know many a blogger out there started their blog to justify a spending habit that is borderline hoarding. And I am no exception! „I want to write about it!“ is a common excuse when yet another red lipstick makes its way into my basket. (But then again, who blogs about a single lipstick anymore? I´ll buy the whole line!)
Mr. Loca has long learned not to question the sheer amount of parcels appearing on our doorstep.
And while I am very good at actually finishing stuff (proof are my empties videos) and my shopping is much more mindful, I am not immune to buying stuff I actually did know in the first place I wouldn´t really use.
Latest one? The Ordinary Serum Foundation. I prefer my base to be matte, long lasting and at least medium coverage, none of which it claims to be.
But of course I put it to the test anyway!
To really see how it is performing on my oily and mature skin, do watch the video below and then come back and pin the blog post for further reference.
The Claims
Serum Foundations are lightweight medium-coverage formulations available in a comprehensive shade range across 21 shades. These foundations offer moderate coverage that looks natural with a very lightweight serum feel. They are very low in viscosity and are dispensed with the supplied pump or with the optional glass dropper available for purchase separately if preferred.
The pigments used in this format are treated for a rich, highly-saturated effect. These pigments are suspended in our proprietary spreadability system that allows pigments to look natural on the skin, resist collecting within fine lines and stay on for longer. The foundations offer a semi-matte finish and are compatible with most primers and are designed to work exceptionally well with the primers offering from The Ordinary.
The Facts
With 21 shades to choose from, each based on different undertones, there should be a match for everyone. I picked 1.2 Light Neutral, given that I have a slight tan at the moment, and it is a little too dark.
One bottle of The Ordinary Serum Foundation, equipped with a pump, contains 30 ml and retails for 6,70 € on the website here.
The EU version comes with SPF 15, exclusively based on Titanium Dioxide. While SPF 15 isn´t enough protection for my taste anyway, I don´t like to solely rely on Titanium Dioxide. It does not cover the whole spectrum of UVA rays, so I´d recommend pairing it with a dedicated SPF. (On a side note: I did not notice any white cast, which is usually a giveaway that companies uses nano particles of Titanium Dioxide. The Ordinary state that they don´t use nano particles though.)
The Application
While all three methods (Beautyblender, brushes, fingers) work, I tend to prefer my fingers with this one. The coverage I can achieve with the Beautyblender is way too light (and dewy) and I feel like a brush moves the foundation around too much.
With my regular skincare routine there was no issue with piling, despite me using a silicone based SPF underneath.
The Finish
When first applied, the finish was the perfect definition of natural. My skin just looked more even. Within 15 minutes it got more dewy and reached the max amount of dewiness I can tolerate. Over the next two hours it reached an amount of shine that made me look like a grease ball and required serious powdering.
While I think it would look lovely on dry and mature skin, it is definitely NOT a semi-matte finish foundation.
The Coverage
Very light coverage. One layer evens out my skin a bit, but every imperfection and redness still shines through. Two layers are enough to cover redness, but still have my hyper pigmentation and scars very visible. Adding more will only make the foundation slide around.
While claiming to be medium coverage, I´d say it is light, buildable to a light medium at best.
The Feeling
As to be expected for a serum foundation, it is weightless on the skin, if anything it feels hydrating. That stays the same throughout the day and no matter how much layers you apply.
The Weartime
Without preparing my skin I can see fading after two hours and the foundation is gone after four, if I prep my skin using primer, powder and setting spray I get four hours until fading and six until the foundation is completely gone. Not enough for me on a work day.
I read that some people had issues with the foundation separating at the three hour mark, but I did not notice this when wearing it.
The Skintypes
Based on my experiences, I´d recommend this foundation for dry or for mature skin, as it does not settle into lines or accentuate dry patches. Normal skin will probably like it if they are into a dewy finish, but combination/oily people like me need a heavy hand with powder to make it work and should probably look elsewhere.
The Final Verdict
A very nice and affordable foundation for people preferring a dewy finish and light coverage. Best suited for dry or mature skin.
More The Ordinary? Check the search box for a ton of their skincare reviewed!