MAKEUP BY MARIO’s SurrealSkin Foundation Lands in Add-Ons—We Put It to the Test
When it comes to foundation, I’ll be the first to admit that I’m very picky. My skin is tricky to work with: I have loads of hyperpigmentation and acne scars (thank you, teenage hormonal breakouts), as well as combo skin and rosacea. I guess you could say I’m a foundation’s worst nightmare—my standards are high and my expectations are low.
Being a makeup aficionado for more than 10 years, I’ve had my fair share of horror stories with multi-claim, marketing-ploy products that always fell short, leaving my skin concerns visible and my confidence low. So when I was asked to review the MAKEUP BY MARIO SurrealSkin™ Luminous Hydrating Foundation (8 shades will be available for all subscribers in March’s Add-Ons!), my trauma around under-delivering foundations was slightly triggered. Not to mention, the viral foundation has a hefty list of claims per the MAKEUP BY MARIO site: “A breathable, luminous foundation that effortlessly builds and blends to illuminate the complexion with customizable, long-wearing coverage.” Another notable: It comes in 30 shades, ranging from .05N to 30W. After doing my research, it definitely sounded like a promising foundation—would this be the one to turn my fears around? Maybe. Was I willing to give it a try for the love of the makeup game and to find out? Absolutely. Plus, a couple of my friends on the IPSY team offered to join me in testing it out for a day, so I didn’t feel alone. Read on to find out if the viral MAKEUP BY MARIO SurrealSkin™ Luminous Hydrating Foundation lived up to the hype.
A Review of the MAKEUP BY MARIO SurrealSkin™ Luminous Hydrating Foundation by the IPSY Team
MAKEUP BY MARIO SurrealSkin™ Luminous Hydrating Foundation in 21W
Meredith Marseille, a Brand Partner Solutions Specialist for our merchandising team, tested out shade 21W using a stippling foundation brush. Her favorite thing about the foundation? The “dewy finish, providing my skin with a natural glow even before applying a highlighter, which allowed me to use less of those products.” Yes, multi-use foundation! Meredith found that the product applied smoothly (we love a smooth application!) and was easily buildable—she “needed about two to three layers to achieve the level of coverage” she wanted to cover her hyperpigmentation around her mouth. There were some drawbacks, though: For one, the shade was slightly more yellow than she prefers. Secondly, she noticed she started to get “oily as the day went on and had to apply some powder later.” Overall though, she enjoyed the foundation and would reach for it on days she wants to rock a “dewy look” especially “for a special event that lasts just a few hours.”
MAKEUP BY MARIO SurrealSkin™ Luminous Hydrating Foundation in 16C
Crystal Le, our Social Media Coordinator, tested out shade 16C using a “dense stippled foundation brush and then went over it with a beauty blender to smooth out any lines and to create a flawless base.” As a dry skin girly, Crystal felt it was best to apply super hydrating skincare first as her prep step, but noticed that the foundation started to pill as she was blending it out, so we’d recommend starting with a lighter skincare prep regime or waiting about 10-15 minutes for your skincare to settle before applying the foundation. Her wear-test verdict? “It made my face look like I had the beauty filter on, but I didn't!” One thing to note was that she felt she started to look cakey throughout the day, but attributed that to "applying a lot of powder products on top to set it.” Despite that, Crystal says she would “absolutely!” use it again.
MAKEUP BY MARIO SurrealSkin™ Luminous Hydrating Foundation in 13W
April Terrell, IPSY’s Service Escalations Specialist, tested out shade 13W using a kabuki brush (she recommends this method because denser bristles make for “an even application without absorbing too much product”). Her first impression of the product proves that it lives up to some of the foundation’s key promises: “Its light to medium coverage evened out my complexion while still letting my natural skin peek through. The formula is very buildable, and I layered it without it looking cakey or heavy.” Her only drawbacks? The foundation’s runny consistency (compared to her go-to cream foundations) and the way it made her T-zone look oily as the day went on. Despite those minor issues, she would use the foundation again, specifically on “light coverage days, like going to the gym, running errands, or when I just want to slightly enhance my complexion without doing a full glam look.”
MAKEUP BY MARIO SurrealSkin™ Luminous Hydrating Foundation in 2N
My name is Alex and I’m one of the Senior Brand Copywriters at IPSY. I tested out shade 2N by applying and rubbing it in with my fingers, then going over it with a damp beauty blender. To prep my skin, I wanted to use my holy grails to really see just how well this foundation would fit into my tried-and-true routine. At first application, I noticed this foundation was thick and serum-like in texture. (Take it from me—make sure to shake the bottle well before applying! Miss this step and you’ll get a runny texture and a separating formula.) It blended into my skin nicely with a natural, dewy finish. I couldn’t believe that I actually liked the way that it looked on my skin! Though the coverage was medium (I tend to be a full-coverage girly), my main concern is always how it looks on my textured skin—but to my surprise, it was blurring and filter-like. Could it be that I actually love this foundation?! Yes, yes, it could. My only drawback: It started to look oily along my T-zone the longer I wore it, making it a little more high-maintenance for my taste (once I apply my makeup, I like to set it and forget it!). Would I reach for it again, though, despite that? Absolutely. I could definitely see myself adding this foundation to my routine for casual days running errands.
Final Thoughts
The MAKEUP BY MARIO SurrealSkin™ Luminous Hydrating Foundation definitely lives up to the hype—the finish is beautifully radiant and it blends into the skin seamlessly, leaving you with a filter-like look. The common drawback? It gets oily throughout its wear, making it a perfect match for our drier skin girlies or anyone who isn’t afraid of a little powder. Our pro-tip to extend the longevity of the foundation if you’re looking to wear it all day (or night!) long: Don’t skimp on primer, powder, or setting spray. If you love a radiant, medium-coverage foundation that gives you that flawless filtered look, this foundation is definitely worth adding to your stash. (Don’t forget to head snag it in March’s Add-Ons!) If you love products like this, sign up to IPSY for access to the best in beauty.