I've Tried Hundreds of Foundations and This Is the Single Most Forgiving One of All

The very first beauty product I ever used was foundation. It was this thick, cakey powder that covered every last pore and spot on my skin. I was 14 and new to the world of makeup. I also felt self-conscious about the red bumps that were all over my cheeks and forehead. I didn’t know what I was using or how to use it. I just liked how it made my face all one color. 

I suppose it’s only fitting, then, that one of my first discoveries as a baby beauty editor was a foundation. OK, technically it’s a "tinted hydrating gel," from Bare Minerals, but for all intents and purposes, let’s call it a foundation—albeit a very lightweight one with skin-care benefits (like SPF 30 and squalane for added moisture).

I still remember the first time I tried it. I patted some over my cheeks and nose and suddenly the blotchy patches were evened out and smooth. I marveled at the whipped, mousse-like texture that melted beautifully into my skin at the lightest touch. No brushes or sponges or careful blending required.

I wore it in the muggy heat of summer (it didn’t drip down my face). I wore it in the dry cold of winter (it didn’t highlight my dry spots). I used it until the very last drop and promptly picked up another tube (and another and, well, you know where this is going).

This was around 2014, and I’ve since tried countless other foundations, bb creams, cc creams, serum foundations, coverage drops...honestly, what will they come up with next? And though I’ve fallen in favor of a few others along the way, this tinted gel is the only one that I keep coming back to over and over again.

Bottom line: If foundation has always flummoxed you, give this a try. You don’t need to use a lot—nor does it require much blending or skill. In fact, I’d err on the side of less is more with this stuff. In all aspects. Smooth on a pea-sized amount and add a little more wherever you need extra coverage. It’s pretty much as easy as foundation gets.