With TikTok, it seems like there is a new ‘viral’ makeup launch every single week, but are they all really as ‘amazing’ as they’re made out to be?
Take the latest new batch of base launches, which range from Maybelline’s full coverage powder to IT Cosmetics’ lightweight, glowing CC cream.
Determined to see if they really are worth your hard-earned money, I put all three to the ultimate high definition, 4k back camera test, as well as monitoring how long they last throughout the day.
Don’t make any purchases without reading this first…
Viral foundation one: IT Cosmetics CC+ Nude Glow, £33 (fair light is my shade)
Among my beauty journalist pals, the original IT Cosmetics CC Cream is a very common denominator. Personally – as a lover of a luminous base – I have always preferred the Illumination version, which has now been discontinued in place of this.
Nude Glow is described as a medium coverage tint with a glowy, skin-like finish and for me, it really was love at first swipe.
It’s a lighter coverage than the other CC creams (which I prefer) and the dewiness it gives really does cheat a good skin day. As someone on the drier side, I could get away with not powdering this, although it did feel a little tacky on my face without.
I know this will be a staple for me going forward, however if you are on the oily side I think you’d be better sticking to your original CC formula. This wore really well on me and as it’s so natural you couldn’t really tell, but again, if you’re prone to shine, I’m not so sure.
In terms of application, I find the IT Cosmetics Heavenly Luxe Complexion Perfection Brush, £36, Look Fantastic, is perfect for buffing into the skin and while you could skip a base as it’s quite moisturising, the new MAC Hyper Real SkinCanvas Balm, £52, Look Fantastic, has me in a chokehold.
Viral foundation two: Maybelline SuperStay 24H Hybrid Powder Foundation, £11.99 (my shade is 10)
When I saw the viral TikTok video of Mikayla Nogueira wearing this like a visor on the top half of her face, I was actually really put off. While the contrast between her skin and the powder did show how much it can cover, as someone who prefers a more natural finish, I assumed it wasn’t for me.
However, I am so, so glad I gave this a chance. I have makeup artist Adeoyla Gboyega to thank for converting me, who showed me that when applied with the Maybelline Perfector 4-in-1 Glow Makeup, £12.99, Look Fantastic, as a base, my skin looked flawless and smooth, yet natural.
The powder comes with a sponge and really handy mirror, so definitely is one to throw in your bag, but for a lighter application, I prefer to put this on with a powder brush. The Sculpt Number 9, £26, Spectrum, is perfect.
Like the IT base, I found this wore really well on me, but if you do happen to rub your nose or chin, there is more of a visible difference due to the high coverage. I also like to go in first with the MAC Balm again to ensure the powder doesn’t settle in any of my fine lines. Those with oily skin types or people in their ‘20s can skip this step.
Viral foundation three: KVD Beauty Good Apple Full Coverage Serum Foundation, £34 (my shade light 010)
KVD is going for the double after its original Good Apple base successfully completed Internet domination. It seems like a paradox – a full-coverage foundation that feels lightweight – however I can confirm that the brand has managed to achieve this.
One pump is all you need to cover your whole face and it really does feel like a very thin film on the skin; not suffocating in the slightest. On the front camera, my skin did look flawless, but on the slightly more unforgiving back camera, you could see where it had gathered on my nose and around my brows.
If you are combo/dry, you are going to need to make sure you’ve been keeping up with your exfoliating and are prepping your skin with a good moisturiser, i.e. my beloved MAC.
Surprisingly this foundation wore the worst; by the end of the day it was quite visibly patchy in areas that could easily be seen without the help of the back camera. Ultimately, I think for my skin type this just requires too much work and I’ll be leaving it to the oily babes in the future.
Application wise, any flat-top, dense foundation brush will do the trick. For speed, I love Makeup by Mario’s FB 1 Brush, £49, Makeup By Mario. An investment, but worth it IMO.
;
