7 Best Serum Foundations for Hydrated, Skin-Like Coverage

Frequently Asked Questions

How are serum foundations different from skin tints?

Serum foundations sit a step above skin tints in terms of coverage and precision, offering light coverage with a more intentional finish. “Serum foundations offer more pigment than skin tints, so they should still be approached almost like a traditional foundation,” says Riner. Though they’re more sheer than foundations, matching still matters, along with how much you use and how you apply it. In terms of finish, they tend to deliver a natural-looking, glowy result, with the added appeal of skin-care benefits folded into the formula. Riner suggests starting with a small amount at the center of the face, then using a brush to stretch the product outward in a thin, even layer. In areas that need more coverage, lightly stipple on an additional layer rather than piling on too much at once. Think of them as the sweet spot: lightweight and skin-like, but a touch more polished than a skin tint.

How do you apply serum foundations?

You might tweak your approach slightly with serum foundations than you would a traditional foundation, mostly because they blur the line between skin care and makeup—and ultimately shape your overall makeup look. “Because these formulas sit at the intersection of skin care and makeup, your skin prep plays an important role,” says Riner—so layering on too much moisture underneath can affect how it wears. When it comes to application, you have options: A brush will give you a bit more coverage and polish, but fingers are great for a sheerer look and really pressing the formula into skin. Riner suggests starting with a small amount at the center of the face, then using a brush to stretch the product outward in a thin, even layer. In areas that need more coverage, lightly stipple on an additional layer rather than piling on too much at once.

Once applied, keep the finish in mind. Riner suggests setting strategically, focusing powder on the T-zone to control shine while letting the rest of the face maintain that radiant finish.

Meet the experts

How we test and review products

When Allure tests a product, our editors look at it from every angle in an effort to best serve you. We review ingredients, scrutinize brand claims, and, when necessary, examine peer-reviewed scientific and medical studies. In addition to testing each and every product that’s included in each and every review, we rely on experts who shape their fields, including dermatology, cosmetic chemistry, and medicine, to help us vet the ingredients and formulas.

For our list of the best serum foundations, we considered each product’s performance across five primary categories: product ingredients and efficacy, packaging, fragrance, texture, and product wear. Every product was determined to have excelled in each category by our editorial team, which is composed of in-house writers and editors as well as contributors—along with special consideration from board-certified dermatologists. To learn more information on our reporting and testing processes, read our complete reviews process and methodology page.

Our staff and testers

A beauty product is a personal purchase. You might be searching for a face cream to address persistent dryness or a new nail product to add to your Sunday self-care routine; you may simply be browsing around for the latest launches to hit the hair market. No matter what you seek or your individual needs and concerns, Allure wants to ensure that you love anything we recommend in our stories. We believe that having a diverse team of writers and editors—in addition to the wide range of outside testers and industry experts we regularly call upon—is essential to reaching that goal.

After all, can we really say a skin-care product is the “best” for people over 50 if the only testers we’ve solicited opinions from folks who have yet to hit 30? Can we honestly deem a high-end diffuser worthy of your hard-earned cash if it’s never been tested on curls? We’re proud that our staff spans a wide range of ages, skin tones, hair textures, genders, and backgrounds, which means that we are able to fairly assess any beauty product that comes into the beauty closet.