The best serum foundations prove that flawless skin doesn’t require a heavy hand; these skincare-infused formulas blur, perfect, and hydrate while delivering lightweight coverage that looks effortlessly natural. While the premise sounds simple enough, as a beauty writer, I’m frequently expounding their benefits: A serum foundation can do what a skin tint and tinted moisturizer can—and more.
“A formula is only truly a serum foundation if it is doing more than just feeling lightweight. It has to be built like skincare too,” Hourglass Cosmetics and Outside—In founder Carisa Janes details. “That means it should have that fluid, weightless, serum-like texture, but it also needs to include skincare ingredients at functional levels, not just a ‘marketing sprinkle.’ If the skin-care ingredients are not used in amounts that actually make a difference, it’s not truly efficacious—it’s just a foundation with a nice story.”
Vogue’s Favorite Serum Foundations
This thinking was the inspiration behind one of Janes’s latest debuts—a featherweight complexion savior that suspends weightless spherical powders within a liquid serum base, while sinking almost instantly into skin. These two characteristics, pro makeup artist Lauren D’Amelio Ventre adds, are central tot he serum foundation equation. “It spreads like a serum and dries down for a skin-like finish rather than sitting on top like traditional foundation,” D’Amelio Ventre says.
By delivering a lightweight finish and natural radiance, celebrity makeup artist and Chanel ambassador Tasha Reiko Brown notes that serum-based foundations align perfectly with today’s skin-first beauty trend because they are “an easy way to achieve hyper-real skin while the serum part of the foundation helps support long-term skin-care benefits.” When applied correctly, these formulas deliver an exceptionally realistic complexion. “When you achieve a flawless base, the other aspects of your makeup take center stage and are free to draw focus,” she explains.
With that in mind, our ten favorite serum foundations—from heritage labels like Chanel to clean beauty cult-favorites and indie newcomers like Outside—In—for that your skin-but-better look, backed by the pros and Vogue beauty editors.
In This Story
Best for Mature Skin: Chanel Sublimage L’essence de Teint
- Why We Love It: Those who love Chanel’s Sublimage skin-care range take note: the same ingredients are infused in its serum foundation. The star is vanilla planifolia fruit extract, which board-certified nurse practitioner Natia Rufolo previously explained supports cell regeneration, provides antioxidant protection, and helps maintain a healthier skin barrier. In addition, Reiko Brown considers it great for mature skin types. “Mature skin tends to be drier, and the added benefit of a serum adds a lovely boost of moisture and is less likely to settle in fine lines,” she says.
- Key Ingredients: Dimethicone, glycerin, vanilla planifolia fruit water, vanilla planifolia fruit extract, magnesium sulfate
- Shades: 21
- Finish: Radiant
- Coverage: Light to medium, buildable
- Fragrance Free: No
- Size: 1.35 fl oz.