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Lacome / lys / Ilia / Byrdie
Serums, anti-aging treatments, sunscreens, cleansers, toners, foundations—your skincare routine has more layers than a Pinterest-worthy wedding cake (but really). Of course, this might feel perfectly fine during the doldrums of wintertime when we have nothing better to do than apply coat after coat of our favorite skin elixirs, but when it's summer, not so much. (The enchanting sun and lush warm temperatures beckon us!) Plus, all that extra poundage feels miserable on top of our complexions—especially if you're one of the lucky ones with zero or horridly circulating AC. Alas, it's a conundrum: How does one choose which skincare and makeup products take priority? Especially when it comes to our favorite must-haves like serums and foundations. But wait—we don't have to. Enter serum foundation. Ever heard of it?
For a long time, neither had we, but if you strategically switch to a foundation serum, you can have a minimalist routine with maximal benefits. Depending on their formulas, serum foundations can hydrate, protect, and repair skin while providing flawless coverage. (Most of them are forgivingly buildable—a true godsend for summer.) So, if you love BB cream but simultaneously crave some multitasking, skin-perfecting oomph. Serum foundation might be exactly what the dermatologist ordered this season (or perhaps your favorite Byrdie editor). Keep scrolling for 15 of the best serum foundations we've vetted ourselves.
L’Oréal Paris Age Perfect Radiant Serum Foundation
This drugstore serum foundation lives up to the hype. The lightweight formula is specifically made for those with mature skin, providing natural coverage that won't settle into fine lines and wrinkles. Not to mention the foundation contains SPF 50, vitamin B3, and a hydrating serum all wrapped in one.
Lancôme Skin Feels Good Hydrating Skin Tint
If you haven't hopped on the hyaluronic acid bandwagon already, we highly suggest you do so ASAP. And what easier way to give it a try than by using a serum foundation formulated with the ingredient in question? This product pick feels like a moisturizer—it's that hydrating—while giving smooth, radiant coverage. Oh, and did we mention it also contains SPF 23?
Perricone MD No Makeup Foundation Serum
This serum-foundation formula is one of the best in the business when it comes to minimal coverage with maximum complexion perks. The foundation serum has a cream-to-tint formula that will glide onto your skin for a perfected, but not perfect, complexion.
No7 Lift & Luminate Triple Action Serum Foundation SPF 15
For all you anti-aging product lovers (and really, who isn't?), this one's for you. This serum foundation promises to help reduce the look of fine lines and wrinkles, blur imperfections, and improve firmness. The result? Radiant, healthy-looking skin.
Ilia True Skin Serum Foundation
As we learned from our rigorous testing of natural foundation formulas, this ingenious, featherlight, serum-infused potion from all-natural brand Ilia is a perennial favorite among Byrdie readers. And even though it's lightweight, it still provides medium coverage, making it perfect for those days you want to conceal a bit more than usual.
Neutrogena Sensitive Skin Serum Foundation
Like a cool drink of water for your skin, this silky serum foundation imparts a radiant, dewy glow while adjacently diffusing the look of imperfections. Formulated with Pro-Vitamin B5, this dermatologist-approved foundation is safe for sensitive skin and helps maintain a healthy skin barrier.
Juice Beauty Phyto-Pigments Flawless Serum Foundation
This natural alternative from Juice Beauty is not only plant-based in ideation, but it's also enriched with effective anti-aging technology (and so much more) to kill (at least) two birds with one stone while sitting atop your complexion. Need we say more?
Catrice Cosmetics Nude Drop Tinted Serum Foundation
With an affordable price tag that everyone can appreciate, this tinted serum foundation covers way more skin than you'd initially think in just one drop. Infused with hyaluronic acid and vitamin E, the dewy liquid glides on your face like a dream—perfect for a no-makeup look during warmer summer months or vacations at the beach.
Bobbi Brown Intensive Skin Serum Foundation SPF 40
Think skincare meets makeup with this tinted foundation serum infused with 25 active skincare ingredients. It's bound to leave your complexion better than before. Skin appears more hydrated, radiant, and plump after just one application; what's not to love?
LYS Beauty Triple Fix Serum Foundation
With an impressive shade range and price tag, this serum foundation provides medium coverage and is best for uneven skin texture. Formulated with hyaluronic acid, it boosts skin hydration and more. Want sheer coverage? Start with a small drop and blend all over the face. If you need something extra, you can build up to medium coverage from there.
Danessa Myricks Beauty
This skincare hybrid foundation touts medium coverage with a radiant finish that gives skin an effortless glow. For light coverage, squeeze a pea-sized amount and apply with your preferred tool, whether a brush, sponge, or fingers. Need more coverage? Squeeze two pea-sized amounts out and blend until you're content.
Estée Lauder Futurist Skin Tint Serum Foundation SPF 20
Touting light coverage, UV protection, and hydrating benefits, this serum foundation will go everywhere with you. The silky texture applies flawlessly to the skin and can be worn all year round for a glowing complexion that will turn heads.
Makeup Revolution Skin Silk Luminous Serum Foundation
Powered by skincare, this ultra-light serum foundation is the perfect makeup choice if you're looking for a light coverage foundation with hydrating benefits. The peptide complex aids in plumping tired and dehydrated skin, and for $14, your face and wallet will thank you.
Mac Cosmetics Studio Radiance Serum-Powered Foundation
Give your skin a radiant finish with this serum-powered foundation, which feels weightless and hydrates up to 24 hours after application. Smooth skin's texture, even out skin tone, and blur the look of pores instantly—this foundation will be a permanent fixture in your beauty routine.
Saie Beauty Glowy Super Skin Tint Foundation with Hyaluronic Acid
A lightweight skin tint foundation that gives the most natural finish and allows your skin to breathe while looking as dewy as ever. The coverage is buildable, so you can enjoy both the benefits of light and medium coverage, depending on your mood or event. Hyaluronic acid, rice Bran Peptides, and glycerin all increase skin's moisture level while helping to reduce the appearance of fine lines and smoothing pores.
