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This $8 e.l.f. Foundation Is Going Viral on BeautyTok—Here's Why I Immediately Added-to-Cart

It's a must for your makeup collection

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Fall is just around the corner, and if you’re anything like me, then you’re already planning your vampy Taylor Swift-inspired beauty looks. Aside from stocking up on red lipsticks and brown eyeshadow palettes, I’m also in need of a new foundation, as having chronically dry skin means changing my skincare and makeup routine with the season. Fortunately for myself (and other dry skin sufferers), the e.l.f. Soft Glam Satin foundation ($8) is here to save the day. Beloved by the beauty gurus of TikTok for its buildable coverage and satin finish, this $8 foundation is also formulated to deliver plenty of hydration, so even the driest winter air can't compete with my beat.

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I must admit, I’m typically wary of drugstore-brand foundation as many of them have only exacerbated my dry skin issues, but this TikTok review from The Lipstick Lesbians has totally convinced me to give this product a shot—especially since it calls out isododecane as one of the foundation's primary ingredients. ICYDK, isododecane is an emollient that's known to help with skin hydration by locking in moisture while simultaneously providing cake-free coverage with a weightless feel—which all sounds pretty great in my book.

Per the brand, the formula is also infused with a Hydrating Hibiscus Complex, plus pomegranate, blueberry and goji berry extracts, which also aid in its ability to hydrate skin to achieve a long-lasting satin finish. Oh, and it’s purportedly non-comedogenic as well, so there shouldn't be any pore-clogging over here!

Another selling point is the sheer range of skin shades that the product is available in. As you know, finding the perfect foundation match can be a difficult task, but e.l.f is easing that hassle by offering it in 36 hues that complement a diverse range of complexions. What’s more, there is also a virtual try-on tool on the official e.l.f website that assists in finding your ideal hue.

e.l.f.

The best part, however, is just how natural this stuff looks on the skin. Just take it from this happy buyer, who writes, "I bought this on a whim—something about 'satin' in the name felt so effortlessly luxe, and let me tell you, this foundation delivers. It’s truly a buildable medium coverage—one layer doesn’t do much to cover my blemishes but tones down my redness and looks like I have nothing on my face. Two layers is just the [right] amount for a day-to-day look, in my opinion...It sits so naturally on the skin that I legitimately cannot feel it if I run my fingers over my cheeks. And the color match is STUNNING. Try it!"

Well, between its $8 price tag and raved-about results, the e.l.f. Soft Glam Satin foundation certainly has me sold. If you're in the market for a new winter- (and wallet-) friendly base layer, I highly recommend following suit and making this your next beauty buy.  


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Associate Commerce Strategist

  • Covers all things commerce and entertainment
  • Has over a decade of editorial experience in both fashion and entertainment, and was previously with ONE37pm before joining the PureWow team in March 2024
  • Studied journalism and marketing at Columbus State University in Georgia

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