Liquid Foundations
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October 1, 2022
By Lisa Petrison
This page lists liquid and soft cream foundations that do not contain silicones or sunscreens.
(Note that a few foundations on this page do include silicone-like substances such as amodimethicone on their ingredient lists, but that it is my feeling that the amounts are small enough that it is appropriate to list them here.)
While at one time in my life I wore liquid foundation on a daily basis, more recently I have usually been relying just on stick foundations or stick concealers to give me some spot coverage even when going out.
This especially has been the case since I started working on this project, since my focus on good skincare and careful avoidance of irritating ingredients has improved my skin to the point that I no longer have too much to cover up.
When I do use liquid foundation, I usually choose one without sunscreen or silicone because I have found that those ingredients have negative effects on my skin.
While products that do not use silicone do seem to be better for my skin, I also have found that many of them have performance issues, including making my wrinkles look worse and not holding up very well on my face.
Fortunately, over the past year or two, many additional foundations with cleaner ingredients have been introduced to the marketplace, and some of these have performed better for me.
Some also have skincare ingredients that feel good on my face and that provide a healthy-looking glow, in addition to covering imperfections.
TOP PICKS
♣ Living Clean Superstars:
Exa High Fidelity Foundation ($38)
+Honest Honestly Bright Eyes Tinted Eye Cream ($24)
Jane Iredale Liquid Minerals A Foundation ($58)
+Kosas Tinted Face Oil ($42)
Nars Light Reflecting Foundation ($49)
+Rituel de Fille Luminous Elixir Three Drop Foundation ($56)
RMS ReEvolve Natural Finish Liquid Foundation ($48)
+RMS “Un” Cover Up Cream Foundation ($52)
Rose Inc. Skin Enhance Luminous Tinted Serum ($49)
Typology Tinted Serum ($38)
Vapour Soft Focus Foundation ($48)
♦ Additional Possibilities:
+100% Pure Fruit Pigmented Cream Foundation ($48)
Jones Road What The Foundation ($44)
Lys Beauty Triple Fix Serum Foundation ($22)
Maybelline Green Edition Superdrop Tinted Oil ($14)
Westman Atelier Vital Skincare Dewy Foundation Drops ($68)
♦ Not Yet Tried:
Saint Flawless Radiance Foundation ($54)
♠ Trash Can:
Chanel No. 1 de Chanel Revitalizing Foundation ($70)
♥ Lisa’s Choice:
√ Honest Honestly Bright Eyes Tinted Eye Cream ($24)
Jane Iredale Liquid Minerals A Foundation ($58)
Jones Road What The Foundation ($44)
Rituel de Fille Luminous Elixir Three Drop Foundation ($56)
Rose Inc. Skin Enhance Luminous Tinted Serum ($49)
Typology Tinted Serum ($38)
Vapour Soft Focus Foundation ($48)
Notes:
1) Living Clean Superstars – Products with high scores on both Performance Rating (5) as well as Ingredients Rating (4/5). + Clean Pick (Ingredients Rating = 5).
2) Lisa’s Choice – Products that I would purchase for my own personal use. √ Lisa’s Favorite
100% Pure Fruit Pigmented Cream Foundation – $48
Overall Rating: 
(4 / 5)
Performance Rating: 
(3 / 5)
Ingredients Rating: 
(5 / 5)
Lisa Irritation Level: None
Processed Fragrance: None
Coverage Level: Medium/Full
The description of this product reads, “Creamy fruit pigmented foundation with rich avocado butter, silky pomegranate oil, and calming botanicals. Offers medium-full coverage and a satin finish.”
This is an expensive foundation that I hoped would work well on my skin because it is cream-based.
I applied it according to the instructions, by dabbing a little bit of the cream on my face and then using a damp beauty sponge to blend it in.
Unfortunately, this product seemed to be worse in terms of emphasizing or even creating skin imperfections than pretty much any other product that I have tried.
Wrinkles that I had never noticed before suddenly appeared. It also looked like my pores were an issue for me (even though I have never noticed a problem with them at all when not wearing any makeup).
I don’t quite understand why that would be, especially since many of the reviews on the 100% Pure site were positive. Maybe the product works better for younger women.
It’s very unfortunate the the product did not work well for me since it contains a variety of oils that are nice for my skin.
It also seems to be a really clean product, based both on the ingredient list and how it felt to me.
The product currently available in seven shades.
I tried Creme (“fair with warm undertone”) and felt that the color was fine for me.
Size: 0.32 oz.
100% Pure Rating: 4.3 Stars (595 reviews)
Credo Clean: Meets Criteria
Clean at Sephora: Meets Criteria
Drunk Elephant Clean: Meets Criteria
EU Compliant: Meets Criteria
Think Dirty Rating: 0 (green)
EWG Product Rating: 1 (green)
EWG Ingredient Rating: 3 (yellow)
EWG Problem Ingredients: Aloe (3), Chamomile (4)
Fragrance Ingredients: Pomegranate seed oil, Chamomile/Calendula/White Tea/Grape Extract, Eucalyptus leaf powder
All Ingredients: Avocado Butter, Pomegranate Seed Oil, Aloe*, Rice Germ Powder, Candelilla Wax, Pigmented Fruit Extracts (Peach, Apricot, Cocoa Bean, Papaya, Pomegranate, Cranberry, Strawberry, Raspberry, Wild Cherry, Cabernet Grape), Botanical Extracts (Chamomile, Calendula, White Tea*, Grape), Eucalyptus Leaf Powder. *Organic Ingredient
Chanel Les Beiges Water-Fresh Complexion Touch – $65
♣ Living Clean Superstar
Overall Rating: (5 / 5)
Performance Rating: (5 / 5)
Ingredients Rating: (4 / 5)
Lisa Irritation Level: None
Processed Fragrance: None
Coverage Level: Light/Medium
The description of this product reads, “A first-of-its-kind versatile makeup product infused with ultra-concentrated micro-droplet pigments. The medium-coverage formula offers customizable application: Conceal specific areas or apply all over. For a flawless, incredibly natural-looking finish. Composed of 60% water, Les Beiges Water-Fresh Complexion Touch features a lightweight gel texture that delivers a unique cooling sensation. Antioxidant-rich ingredients, including jasmine extract, help shield skin from pollution and other environmental aggressors. Emollients such as tamarind extract, which is known for its hydrating properties, leave the complexion looking plump, fresh and well-rested.”
This new foundation (released in Summer 2022) from Chanel does not include any fragrance, and I have been able to tolerate it without experiencing any irritation.
All the other Chanel foundations contain synthetic fragrance, with the one that I tried making my skin itch.
This new foundation is similar to the Rose Inc. and Jane Iredale Liquid Minerals foundations, in that it includes “micro-droplets” of pigment suspended in a clear base.
However, this one has more pigment than the others and is supposed to provide medium coverage.
Chanel instructs users to mix the foundation on the back of the hand to break up the micro-droplets before applying it to the face.
A small brush of pretty nice quality is included to make application easier.
While I usually opt for products with lighter coverage, I enjoyed using this foundation quite a bit.
I felt that it worked well for me when used lightly on my face and that it looked natural on me even when I put on enough to give me more coverage.
Especially compared to other higher-coverage foundations without much silicone that I have tried, this one seems to be especially good at not emphasizing my wrinkles and giving me a more youthful look.
I’ve found that it is pretty easy to apply and holds up well on my face.
Considering that the bottle contains only 2/3 of an ounce of product, this is a rather expensive foundation (as would be expected from Chanel).
I was shade matched for the No. 1 de Chanel foundation in an Ulta store and so purchased the same shade – BD21 – in this foundation.
That shade is slightly darker than my skin tone, but Chanel does not make a lighter foundation that leans warm and so this one seemed the best choice.
I think that the color looks nice on me.
I would consider buying this product again if I ever needed a foundation offering higher coverage.
Size: 0.66 oz.
Chanel Rating: 4.1 Stars (61 reviews)
Credo Clean: Meets Criteria
Clean at Sephora: Meets Criteria
Drunk Elephant Clean: Meets Criteria
EU Compliant: Meets Criteria
EWG Ingredient Rating: 3 (yellow)
EWG Problem Ingredients: Chlorphenesin (3), Sodium hydroxide (4), Ultramarines (3), Titanium dioxide (3). (Also contains Amodimethicone.)
Fragrance Ingredients: Jasmine Stem Extract
All Ingredients: Water, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Hexyl Laurate, Glycerin, Butylene Glycol, Diglycerin, Jasmine Stem Extract, Castor Oil/IPDI Copolymer, Amodimethicone, Pentylene Glycol, Chlorphenesin, Caprylyl Glycol, Carbomer, Aluminum Hydroxide, Polyglycerin-3, Sodium Lauroyl Glutamate, Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate, Sodium Hyaluronate, Propanediol, Tamarindus Indica Seed Gum, Sodium Hydroxide, Lysine, Magnesium Chloride, Alcaligenes Polysaccharides, Glucose, Citric Acid, Ultramarines, Iron Oxides, Titanium Dioxide, Mica.
Exa High Fidelity Foundation – $38
♣ Living Clean Superstar
Overall Rating: (5 / 5)
Performance Rating: (5 / 5)
Ingredients Rating: (4 / 5)
Lisa Irritation Level: None
Processed Fragrance: Grapefruit Peel Oil
Coverage Level: Light/Medium/Full
This foundation was developed by Credo a few years ago.
The Credo website states: “Exa Beauty High Fidelity Foundation is a weightless vegan foundation that can be worn sheer to full coverage for a luminous glow that looks just like your skin on a really good skin day. Makeup meets skincare with a lightweight base of comforting aloe vera juice and plumping peach fruit extract to protect the skin’s barrier against environmental stressors. Protective microalgae actives, soothing maqui berry and hydrating hyaluronic acid team up with advanced pigment technology so that this foundation feels light and lasts long. This cruelty-free foundation is made with gluten-free ingredients, is safe for sensitive skin and approved by dermatologists.”
I think that this foundation looks pretty nice on my skin, even when I put on a couple of layers of it.
Especially considering that it does not contain any silicone, it does not seem to make my wrinkles look much worse.
The finish is pretty and the coverage level seems good.
Since the product contains coffee seed extract, it may have some de-puffing and antioxidant benefits.
It has not seemed to irritate my skin at all.
The foundation is available in 43 shades.
Based on a professional color outdoor photo of me, an online Credo representative recommended the color Whit 500 (described on the website as “fair with neutral undertones”).
The color has been okay for me, especially during the winter months.
Size: 1 oz.
Awards: In Style Best Clean/Natural Foundation 2022
Credo Rating: 4.6 Stars (320 reviews)
Credo Clean: Yes
Clean at Sephora: Unclear
Drunk Elephant Clean: No
EU Compliant: Meets Criteria
Think Dirty Rating: 4 (yellow)
EWG Product Rating: 3 (yellow)
EWG Ingredient Rating: 3 (yellow)
EWG Problem Ingredients: Sodium hydroxide (4), Phenoxyethanol (4). (Also contains Triethoxycaprylylsilane, Coconut Alkanes, Grapefruit Peel Oil.)
Fragrance Ingredients: Peach Fruit extract, Pomegranate Fruit Extract, Grapefruit Peel Oil
All Ingredients: Water, aloe barbadensis leaf juice, coco-caprylate/caprate, coconut alkanes, glycerin, caprylic/capric triglyceride, propanediol, jojoba esters, sorbitan olivate, trioctyldodecyl citrate, polyhydroxystearic acid, candelilla wax, apricot kernel oil, sunflower seed oil, euterpe oleracea fruit oil, rice bran starch, tocopherol, sodium ascorbyl phosphate, sodium hyaluronate, cocoa fruit powder, pavlova lutheri extract, grapefruit peel oil, aristotelia chilensis fruit extract, camellia sinensis leaf extract, coffee seed extract, lycium barbarum fruit extract, acerola fruit extract, peach fruit extract, sambucus nigra fruit extract, grape seed extract, pomegranate fruit extract, lecithin, microcrystalline cellulose, silica, triethoxycaprylylsilane, silica silylate, polyglyceryl-6 polyricinoleate, xanthan gum, cellulose gum, citric acid, sodium hydroxide, glyceryl caprylate, glyceryl undecylenate, phenoxyethanol, iron oxides, titanium dioxide, mica
Honest Honestly Bright Eyes Tinted Eye Cream – $24
♣ Living Clean Superstar
Overall Rating: (5 / 5)
Performance Rating: (5 / 5)
Ingredients Rating: (5 / 5)
Lisa Irritation Level: None
Processed Fragrance: None
Coverage Level: Very Light
The description of this product on the Honest website states, “A Hyaluronic Acid + Squalane infused subtly-tinted eye cream that instantly diffuses dark circles, brightens and hydrates. Made with Hyaluronic Acid, Squalane, Illuminating Pearl. Works for all skin types. This lightweight cream blends seamlessly into the skin to help diffuse dark circles with a subtle tint, and instantly brightens up the eye area (thanks to illuminating Pearl). Formula infued with Squalane and Hyaluronic Acid deliver 24 hours of hydration and major moisture for healthy, well-rested vibes.”
This product is positioned as a tinted eye cream, and I have found it to be pleasant to use under my eyes.
However, I have not felt that it has done anything in particular that targeted eye creams have the potential of doing, such as decreasing the appearance of wrinkles or dark circles.
In addition, the tint of the product has not been effective at all in terms of covering up my dark circles.
I’ve had much more luck using it on my whole face, as a very lightly tinted moisturizer providing just a tiny bit of glow.
I feel that when I use it this way, it makes my skin look a little bit better, but without it seeming that I am wearing any kind of makeup at all.
It also provides some nice non-irritating hydration that feels nourishing to my face.
I think that for many people, this could be a good product to use on days when no other cosmetics are being used or before going to bed.
I’ve recently been wearing it most days and likely will be rebuying it fairly soon.
The product is available in two shades – Sandstone (for lighter skin) and Terracotta (for darker skin).
I have the Sandstone and it has been fine for me.
Size: 0.5 oz.
Contains Silicone: No
Ulta Rating: 4.1 Stars (38 reviews)
Credo Clean: Meets Criteria
Clean at Sephora: Meets Criteria
Drunk Elephant Clean: Meets Criteria
EU Compliant: Meets Criteria
EWG Product Rating: EWG Verified
EWG Ingredient Rating: 2 (green)
EWG Problem Ingredients: Titanium Dioxide (3)
Fragrance Ingredients: None
All Ingredients: Water, Propanediol, Squalane, Glycerin, Polyglyceryl-4 Isostearate, Apple Fruit Extract, Coco-Caprylate/Caprate, Disteardimonium Hectorite, Jojoba Esters, Sodium PCA, Tocopherol, Sodium Acetylated Hyaluronate, Hydrolyzed Sodium Hyaluronate, Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate, 1,2-Hexanediol, Caprylhydroxamic Acid, Tin Oxide, Mica, Titianium Dioxide, Iron Oxides.
Jane Iredale Liquid Minerals A Foundation – $58
♥ Lisa’s Choice
♣ Living Clean Superstar
Overall Rating: (5 / 5)
Performance Rating: (5 / 5)
Ingredients Rating: (4 / 5)
Lisa Irritation Level: None
Processed Fragrance: Calendula Officinalis Flower Oil
Coverage Level: Light
The description of this product reads, “A serum with pigment that provides sheer to medium coverage. Provides hydration, diminishes the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, minimizes the appearance of pores, evens out skin tone and adheres so well, there is minimal transference. The beads or spheres visible in the airless pump are actually liposomes encapsulating liposomes. State-of-the-art technology prevents active ingredients from degrading and allows actives to time release into the skin.”
This foundation was introduced about a decade ago and is often cited as being especially appropriate for sensitive skin.
It seems to me to be similar to a moisturizing silicone-free primer with a little bit of tint added to it.
Although I have liked this foundation a lot, I usually try to avoid putting too much of it in the area next to my eyes since it does seem to make my wrinkles look a little worse there.
Apart from that, it seems to improve the texture and appearance of my skin substantially, without causing any irritation or looking like I am wearing any makeup at all.
I think that the ingredient list is quite clean and feel fine about the idea of wearing this as often as I choose, even every day.
I also enjoy having the bottle sitting in my bathroom because I think that it looks interesting.
A downside of this product is that only 13 shades are offered, with none of them appropriate for darker skintones.
Jane Iredale does sell other foundations with broader shade ranges, and so perhaps they will widen it for this product soon too.
I have the shade Amber (“light to medium with gold undertones”), and it has worked out fine for me.
This product is sheer enough that some of the other shades probably would be fine too.
Size: 1 oz.
Amazon Rating: 4.4 Stars (154 reviews)
Credo Clean: Meets Criteria
Clean at Sephora: Meets Criteria
Drunk Elephant Clean: No
EU Compliant: Meets Criteria
Think Dirty Rating: 3 (green)
EWG Ingredient Rating: 3 (yellow)
EWG Problem Ingredients: Titanium dioxide (3), Aloe vera (3), Chromium oxide greens (5). (Also contains Algae, Oat Kernel Extract, Calendula Officinalis Flower Oil.)
Fragrance Ingredients: Willow bark extract, Calendula officinalis flower oil
All Ingredients: Water, Titanium Dioxide, Glycerin, Algae, Sodium Hyaluronate, Oat Kernel Extract, Glyceryl Polymethacrylate, Willow Bark Extract, Calendula Officinalis Flower Oil, White Tea Leaf Extract, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Radish Root Extract, Carrageenan Extract, Hyaluronic Acid, Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate, Squalane, Ubiquinone, Boron Nitride, Stearic Acid. May Contain: Mica, Iron Oxides, Chromium Oxide Greens.
Jones Road What The Foundation – $44
Overall Rating: (4 / 5)
Performance Rating: (4 / 5)
Ingredients Rating: (4 / 5)
Lisa Irritation Level: Mild
Processed Fragrance: Rose Geranium Oil, Ginger Root Oil
Coverage Level: Light
The description of this product reads, “What The…Foundation? WTF is a tinted moisture balm meets traditional foundation. Blends seamlessly into the skin—leaving you with an even, fresh complexion that looks like your skin on its best day. WTF includes skin-nourishing ingredients like Jojoba Oil and Sodium Hyaluronate; works flawlessly with the Face Pencil; and offers buildable, light-medium coverage. Choose from one of 12 shades, created to blend across all skin tones. WTF is a first of its kind innovation in the clean beauty space.”
This product generated a great deal of attention and controversy on TikTok and other social media platforms during its introduction in Spring 2022.
While some of the buzz seems to have been purposely manufactured, I do think that this is a rather original product with especially salient pros and cons.
The main pro is basically that this is a very dewy foundation that has the potential of creating a very pretty glow when used in the right way.
I actually think that this product has often made me look several years younger than I do wearing no makeup or any other makeup product that I have tried. So this may be a very appealing feature, especially for more mature women.
On the other hand, the product has a whole slew of drawbacks that can make it rather challenging and frustrating to use.
For instance, it’s my experience that this product works well for me in cooler weather but that it turns into a big mess whenever the temperature goes up to about 75 degrees or higher.
Even in cooler weather, I would not want to wear this foundation if I expected to be sweating at all since even gently wiping off the perspiration causes all the foundation to disappear along with it.
Humidity does not seem to be much of a friend to this foundation either. My skin seems to do best with it when the air is cool and dry.
Although it is okay to use things like non-oily serums or sunscreen under this foundation, products such as moisturizers or facial oils likely should be omitted entirely since the product is already on the very oily side.
While primers without silicone may very useful under the WTF, primers with silicones should be avoided with it since those may cause oil-based foundations (including this one) to just slide right off the face.
In addition, the foundation does not seem to me to work very well with Jones Road’s other best-known product, their tinted Miracle Balm. (The company’s lip/cheek stick may be used instead.)
Temperature changes during transit or after receipt have the tendency to cause the foundation inside the glass jar to separate or to develop little grains of solid oil. While the product can be stirred back together and while supposedly these issues do not interfere with the performance of the product, many users report them to be frustrating nonetheless.
This foundation seems to only like being applied with fingers (rather than with a brush or beauty sponge), and some people don’t like having to put on their makeup in that way.
In addition, some people see having to scoop the foundation out of the jar with their fingers as unhygienic. (Jones Road does sell a wonderful little metal scoop that can be used with the WTF or other cream beauty products, but it does not come with the foundation and most people apparently are not purchasing it.)
The glass jar is heavy and has the potential to leak, and thus may not be very appropriate for travel purposes.
Like some other cream foundation products, this one seems to have the tendency to look best a few hours after application rather than right out of the jar.
Because the Jones Road WTF is oil-based, it may be inappropriate for those with oilier skin.
Even on those like me who have dry skin, the product never dries down completely and instead feels at best semi-tacky on the skin. Some women with longer hair even report that it gets stuck to their face when they use this product.
While setting powder can decrease the stickiness of the foundation, it also reduces the glowiness a bit.
WTF is available in only 12 shades, meaning that there is no ability to choose a shade with an appropriate undertone.
When I have swatched this product on my hand next to other foundations that I own, I feel like the WTF seems to have a little more gray in it. While this seems to be an excellent thing for my own complexion, some people may find that the product does not look good on their skin for that reason.
While I think the product looks really nice on me when applied to achieve light coverage, I don’t consider it to be very buildable since adding additional layers results in my face having more moisturizer on it than I ever would want.
The goal with the product seems less to cover things up and more to improve the finish of the skin. (The Jones Road Face Pencils or another concealer can be used along with the WTF for spot coverage.)
Another problem for some people is that the product has a pretty strong smell from essential oils (including rose geranium oil and ginger oil).
While I do not personally mind the smell, I do find that (apparently because of the essential oils used) the product has a tendency to irritate my skin, causing it to feel itchy in a way that increases the longer that it remains on my face.
(The Jones Road Miracle Balms and Shimmer Oils also use substantial amounts of essential oils – apparently as preservatives – and annoy my skin in the same way.)
Eventually I realized that if I use a non-silicone primer (such as the ones sold by Vapour or Beautycounter) under the WTF foundation, the skin itching issues do not occur and the foundation works for me.
In addition, I have found that mixing some non-silicone primer into the foundation before applying it helps to make it behave a bit better but does not entirely eliminate all of the issues with it.
Despite the many challenges associated with this product, I still have quite a bit of real fondness for it since I believe that I never look better than when I am wearing it if all the conditions are right.
However, I have given up entirely on trying to wear it during the summer and (in the interest of simplifying my life) usually opt for something less finicky even when the weather is cooler.
I have the second-lightest shade, Fair, in this product. It seems fine for my skin, and I suspect a few of the other shades would be fine as well.
Size: 1.14 oz.
Jones Road Rating: 4.5 Stars (1820 reviews)
Credo Clean: Yes
Clean at Sephora: Meets Criteria
Drunk Elephant Clean: No
EU Compliant: Meets Criteria
EWG Ingredient Rating: 5 (yellow)
EWG Problem Ingredients: Tocopheryl acetate (3), Rose geranium oil (4), Phenoxyethanol (4), Titanium dioxide (3). (Also contains Ginger Root Oil.)
Fragrance Ingredients: Rose geranium oil, Ginger root oil
All Ingredients: Water, Propanediol, Polyglyceryl-3 Caprate, Coco-Caprylate/Caprate, Jojoba Seed Oil, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Olea Europaea Fruit Oil, Caprylic/Capric/Succinic Triglyceride, Candelilla Wax, Glycerin, Glyceryl Stearate, Carnauba Wax, Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Castor Seed Oil, Stearalkonium Hectorite, Sunflower Seed Wax, Sodium Hyaluronate, Tocopheryl Acetate, Polyglyceryl-3 Diisostearate, Polyglyceryl-3 Polyricinoleate, Dibutyl Lauroyl Glutamide, Polyglyceryl-6 Polyricinoleate, Polyhydroxystearic Acid, Polyglyceryl-2 Stearate, Disodium Stearoyl Glutamate, Rose Geranium Oil, Ginger Root Oil, Xanthan Gum, Biosaccharide Gum-1, Lecithin, Stearyl Alcohol, Dilinoleic Acid/Butanediol Copolymer, Sodium Stearoyl Glutamate, Castor Oil/Ipdi Copolymer, Dilinoleic Acid/Glycol Copolymer Silica Silylate, Magnesium Aluminum Silicate, Phenoxyethanol. May Contain: Iron Oxides, Titanium Dioxide, Mica.
Kosas Tinted Face Oil – $42
♣ Living Clean Superstar
Overall Rating: (5 / 5)
Lisa Rating: (5 / 5)
Living Clean Rating: (5 / 5)
Lisa Irritation Level: None
Processed Fragrance: None
Coverage Level: Light
The description of this product reads, “Comfy makeup, active skincare. A clean, light-coverage skin tint and nourishing skin elixir with a velvety finish that still looks like your skin — just way more even, healthy and balanced.”
This product basically contains just mineral pigments mixed with a variety of higher-quality face oils (including avocado, meadowfoam, red raspberry, jojoba, camellia seed and rosehip seed).
My face seems to really like this product and it has not caused me any irritation at all.
I think that it gives me a dewy look and softens my wrinkles a bit.
I usually wear it only in winter, when I need the moisturizing benefits and when I am less likely to be sweating (since wiping sweat off my face tends to remove this foundation as well).
Because this is an oil-based foundation, there are certain other products – especially silicone-based primers – that are very poor companions for it.
Most of those who like this product seem to be using it right over their daytime moisturizer, in combination with concealer and a little face powder.
For those who do not have very dry skin, a moisturizer may not even be needed under this product.
Although the company suggests the Kosas Revealer Concealer as a good companion, I have found that it has worked fine with my Jones Road face pencils or with foundation sticks that do not contain silicone.
The product is available in 16 shades, which is a pretty good range for a tinted moisturizer.
I have Tone 04 (“light medium with golden undertones”) and feel that it is a good match for my skin.
Size: 1 oz.
Sephora Rating: 3.7 Stars (1683 reviews)
Credo Clean: Yes
Clean at Sephora: Yes
Drunk Elephant Clean: Meets Criteria
EU Compliant: Meets Criteria
Think Dirty Rating: 3 (green)
EWG Ingredient Rating: 2 (green)
EWG Problem Ingredients: Rosa canina fruit oil (3), Titanium dioxide (3)
Fragrance Ingredients: Camellia Oleifera Seed Oil, Rosa Canina Fruit Oil, Rosemary Leaf Extract, Raspberry Seed Oil
All Ingredients: Coco-Caprylate/Caprate, Octyldodecanol, Jojoba Seed Oil, Avocado Oil, Silica, Kaolin, Mica, Rice Bran Extract, Camellia Oleifera Seed Oil, Meadowfoam Seed Oil, Rosa Canina Fruit Oil; Sunflower Extract, Rosemary Leaf Extract, Raspberry Seed Oil, Tocopherol. May contain: Iron Oxide, Titanium Dioxide
Lys Beauty Triple Fix Serum Foundation – $22
Overall Rating: (4 / 5)
Lisa Rating: (4 / 5)
Living Clean Rating: (4 / 5)
Lisa Irritation Level: Very Mild
Processed Fragrance: None
Coverage Level: Light/Medium
The description of this product reads, “Satisfy your skincare and foundation fix at the same time with this must-have complexion hero that’s sure to become your skin’s best friend with customizable coverage and skincare benefits that promote visibly healthier-looking skin. Loaded with nourishing ingredients, like Ashwagandha, Hyaluronic Acid, Turmeric and Avocado Oil, this liquid serum foundation leaves behind an undetectable veil that enhances your skin’s natural beauty, making it suitable for everyday use.”
This foundation (introduced in 2021) offers a variety of shades at a reasonable price point.
I found it to provide a little more coverage than many of the other cleaner foundation products that I have tried.
Unfortunately, my skin does not seem to like this product very much. After a short period of time (such as within an hour or two), my skin has become itchy and uncomfortable enough that I have been eager to get this off my face.
This product also seems to be worse than most of the other foundations that I have tried in terms of emphasizing the wrinkles and texture irregularities of my skin.
In addition, despite the fact that I think I had a good shade match, I think that the look of this foundation makes it very obvious to others that I am wearing makeup. This is opposite from my goal of having any makeup that I am wearing disappear into my skin to the point that it does not look like I wearing any makeup at all.
All in all, I just don’t think that this foundation is a very good match for my own needs and wants.
It seems more intended for women who are younger than I am, and who are more concerned about coverage than the emphasis of wrinkles and other texture issues, and who have a limited amount of money to spend on makeup products.
The product is available in 35 shades, most of them designed for those with darker skin.
I found that the shade MN5 (“almond medium skin with neutral undertones”) was a good match for my summertime facial skin.
Size: 1 oz.
Sephora Rating: 4.3 Stars (449 reviews)
Credo Clean: Meets Criteria
Clean at Sephora: Yes
Drunk Elephant Clean: Meets Criteria
EU Compliant: Meets Criteria
EWG Ingredient Rating: 3 (yellow)
EWG Problem Ingredients: Phenoxyethanol (4), Titanium dioxide (3)
Fragrance Ingredients: Turmeric root extract, Ginseng root extract, Ashwagandha root extract, Evodia rutaecarpa fruit extract
All Ingredients: Water, Coco-Caprylate, Glycerin, Avocado Oil, Polyglyceryl-2 Dipolyhydroxystearate, Capryloyl Glycerin/Sebacic Acid Copolymer, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Hydrogenated Rapeseed Oil, Polyglyceryl-3 Diisostearate, Sodium Chloride, Silica, Jojoba Seed Oil, Ethylhexyl Palmitate, Tocopherol, Turmeric Root Extract, Ginseng Root Extract, Grape Seed Extract, Ashwagandha Root Extract, Sodium Hyaluronate, Evodia Rutaecarpa Fruit Extract, Stearalkonium Hectorite, Propylene Carbonate, Triethoxycaprylylsilane, Propanediol, Phenoxyethanol, Sodium Dehydroacetate, Ethylhexylglycerin. May Contain: Titanium Dioxide, Iron Oxides.
Maybelline Green Edition Superdrop Tinted Oil – $14
Overall Rating: (3 / 5)
Lisa Rating: (3 / 5)
Ingredients Rating: (3 / 5)
Lisa Irritation Level: Very Mild
Processed Fragrance: None
Coverage Level: Light
The Maybelline website describes this product as follows, “Maybelline New York Green Edition Superdrop Tinted Oil delivers an amazing fresh look and natural coverage — in 1 super drop. Formulated with jojoba and marula oil. Green Edition is a product line with a holistic perspective on consumer choices. Maybelline understands that consumers are looking for high performing products that are designed with all the world’s inhabitants in mind, but most importantly: you. That’s why Green Edition is built on 4 pillars: (1) formulas that contain a minimum of 70% natural-origin ingredients, (2) formulas that are vegan, meaning they have no animal-derived ingredients, (3) formulas that are clean, meaning they don’t contain certain ingredients some consumers are trying to avoid, and (4) packaging that includes a mix of new and recycled materials. That’s high performing makeup, committed to a better world. (We consider an ingredient to be natural-origin if it‘s unchanged from its natural state or has undergone processing yet still retains greater than 50% of its molecular structure from the original natural source. The remaining ingredients ensure its sensoriality and color cosmetic performance. Clean formula means that we choose to formulate this product without parabens and mineral oil, ingredients that are included on a list of many that some consumers are seeking to avoid.)”
Although this product appears similar on the surface to the Kosas Tinted Face Oil and the Rituel de Fille Luminous Foundation, it seems to me less oily than either of those and goes on with more of a dry finish that actually is kind of nice.
Talc is included in the ingredient list, and I do not see any indication that the talc is being tested for asbestos. This is less concerning to me than it would be if this were a powder rather than a liquid product, though.
I found this product to be slightly irritating to my skin and therefore would not choose to use it again.
I’m still glad that Maybelline is experimenting with entering the cleaner beauty space and hope that they continue to try out new options, though.
The product is available in eight shades. I have Shade 40 and think it is okay in terms of the color for me.
Size: 0.67 oz.
Ulta Rating: 4.0 Stars (182 reviews)
Credo Clean: No
Clean at Sephora: No
Drunk Elephant Clean: Meets Criteria
EU Compliant: Unclear
EWG Ingredient Rating: 5 (yellow)
EWG Problem Ingredients: Talc (5), Chromium oxide greens (5), Titanium dioxide (3). (Also contains Soybean Oil.)
Fragrance Ingredients: None
All Ingredients: Jojoba Seed Oil, Dicaprylyl Ether, Silica, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Talc, Undecane, C10-18 Triglycerides, Kaolin, Tridecane, Marula Seed Oil, Soybean Oil, Sunflower Seed Oil, Trihydroxystearin, Lecithin, Tocopherol. May Contain: Ultramarines, Chromium Oxide Greens, Iron Oxides, Titanium Dioxide, Mica.
Nars Light Reflecting Foundation – $49
♣ Living Clean Superstar
Overall Rating: (5 / 5)
Performance Rating: (5 / 5)
Ingredients Rating: (4 / 5)
Lisa Irritation Level: None
Processed Fragrance: None
Coverage Level: Medium
The description of this product on the Nars website reads, “Nars’ exclusive complex helps to reflect light like a prism by addressing luminosity at the surface of the skin, while boosting the look of skin’s clarity and immersing skin in moisture and minerals.This innovative blend of makeup and skincare instantly blurs imperfections, smooths the look of textured skin, and helps conceal blemishes, dark spots, and redness. Visibly improves skin’s clarity after six weeks of daily use, even after makeup is removed. Powered by advanced skincare ingredients that help defend against environmental aggressors and blue light, it immediately strengthens skin’s barrier to help maintain its moisture. Suitable for most skin types, including sensitive skin. Medium, buildable coverage with a natural finish. Breathable, all-day wear. 36 shades.”
This foundation was introduced in 2021.
Especially considering that it does not contain any silicone, I think that it works well on my skin and that it looks very nice.
The appearance of the foundation is glowy but not too shiny, without drawing attention to my wrinkles or other skin textue issues.
I’ve not found it to be irritating to my skin at all and think the smell is fine.
It’s a real surprise that this foundation works so well on me, actually.
This would be an excellent product for me if I were looking for a higher-coverage foundation, and it also has worked well for me mixed with a little moisturizer to make it more sheer.
Size: 1 oz.
Awards: Allure Best of Beauty 2022
Sephora Rating: 4.2 Stars (992 reviews)
Credo Clean: Meets Criteria
Clean at Sephora: No (Meets Criteria)
Drunk Elephant Clean: Meets Criteria
EU Compliant: Meets Criteria
EWG Ingredient Rating: 4 (yellow)
EWG Problem Ingredients: Chlorphenesin (3), Phenoxyethanol (4), Titanium dioxide (3). (Also contains Citric Acid.)
Fragrance Ingredients: Turmeric root extract
All Ingredients: Water, C9-12 Alkane, Butylene Glycol, Undecane, Tridecane, Isodecyl Neopentanoate, Hydrogenated Polyisobutene, Polyglyceryl-6 Polyricinoleate, Polyglyceryl-2 Diisostearate, Disteardimonium Hectorite, Diisostearyl Malate, Glycerin, Synthetic Wax, Sodium Chloride, Ophiopogon Japonicus Root Extract, Ascophyllum Nodosum Extract, Cocoa Seed Extract, Turmeric Root Extract, Silybum Marianum Fruit Extract, Aluminum Hydroxide, Magnesium Chloride, Sodium Dilauramidoglutamide Lysine, Tocopherol, Coco-Caprylate/Caprate, Ethylhexylglycerin, Pentylene Glycol, Hydroxyphenyl Propamidobenzoic Acid, Ascorbyl Palmitate, Citric Acid, Sea Water, Trisodium EDTA, Barium Sulfate, Alumina, Chlorphenesin, Phenoxyethanol, Potassium Sorbate. May Contain: Iron Oxides, Mica, Titanium Dioxide.
Rituel de Fille Luminous Foundation – $56
♥ Lisa’s Choice
♣ Living Clean Superstar
Overall Rating: (5 / 5)
Performance Rating: (5 / 5)
Ingredients Rating: (5 / 5)
Lisa Irritation Level: None
Processed Fragrance: Frankincense Oil
Coverage Level: Light
The description of this product reads, “Gentle organic skincare ingredients artfully blended with mineral pigments to create an unparalleled complexion-supporting foundation. Luminous Elixir Three Drop Foundation merges beautifully with your skin for weightless coverage that looks and feels like a part of you. Created for all skin types, each chameleon shade adapts to your undertones as it imparts a naturally luminous silk finish.”
This product was released in early 2022 as a lab sample. It is currently listed on the Rituel de Fille site as being out-of-stock in all shades but is expected to be re-released at some point in the future.
I found the product to be fairly similar to the Kosas Tinted Face Oil, but with a little more pigment and ingredients that seem to me to be of slightly better quality.
As with many of the other oil-based foundations that I have tried, this one has worked better for me during the cooler months of the year when my skin is more in need of extra moisture.
In warm weather, the sweat from my face mixes with the foundation and turns into a big mess, on the other hand.
I do like this product enough that I would consider buying it again just for use during the wintertime months.
It does feel like it has been very good for my skin in terms of the moisturizing benefits, and it has not caused me any irritation at all.
Although the ingredient list is very clean, the product does contain frankincense oil. I have not found that to be a problem for me in terms of either the scent or how my skin has reacted to the product, though.
I have the shade Metis (“light/medium with sandy undertones”) and feel that it has worked well for me.
Size: 1 oz.
Credo Rating: Not Yet Rated
Credo Clean: Yes
Clean at Sephora: Meets Criteria
Drunk Elephant Clean: No
EU Compliant: Meets Criteria
EWG Ingredient Rating: 1 (green)
EWG Problem Ingredients: None. (Contains Frankincense oil.)
Fragrance Ingredients: Rosemary leaf extract, Frankincense oil
All Ingredients: Jojoba Seed Oil*, Caprylic/Capric Triglycerides, Marula Seed Oil*, Babassu Seed Oil*, Jojoba Esters, Diheptyl Succinate, Capryloyl Glycerin/Sebacic Acid Copolymer, Rosemary Leaf Extract*, Sunflower Seed Oil*, Frankincense Oil, Tocopherol. May Contain: Titanium Dioxide, Iron Oxides. *Certified Organic
RMS Beauty ReEvolve Natural Finish Liquid Foundation – $48
♣ Living Clean Superstar
Overall Rating: (5 / 5)
Performance Rating: (5 / 5)
Ingredients Rating: (4 / 5)
Lisa Irritation Level: None
Processed Fragrance: None
Coverage Level: Medium
The description of this product reads, “Fresh feeling and easy to blend, this power-packed formula delivers smooth, long-lasting medium coverage with a satin, natural finish, while it hydrates, firms and softens this skin. Formulated with ingredients like advanced Tightenyl, moisture-rich vegetable squalane, soothing organic aloe and our signature RMS adaptogenic herbal blend bottled up in an innovative, refillable package.”
This product (introduced by RMS in Summer 2022) includes a variety of cleaner synthetic ingredients, in addition to some natural ingredients.
It thus is different than most of the classic RMS formulas, which consist mostly of natural ingredients.
Interestingly, when I have done a comparison to the RMS cream foundation, I have found that the products look almost exactly the same on my skin, even though the ingredient lists are quite different.
I personally like the cream foundation more, because it is more moisturizing and seems to diffuse the lines on my face a bit more.
But the liquid foundation also looks nice on me and has worked well for me, without exacerbating my wrinkles or irritating my skin.
The liquid foundation seems that it would be much better for younger women who have oilier skin and who do not want to have to make the effort to put on their makeup with a wet sponge (which seems to be the only way to make the cream foundation work).
I have found that the liquid foundation goes on quite easily and performs similarly to many of the silicone-containing foundations that I have used.
I have been using the Shade 11 (“ivory with a slight golden base”) in all RMS complexion products. It has been a good match for me in this product as well.
Size: 0.98 oz.
Sephora Rating: 4.6 Stars (167 reviews)
Credo Clean: Yes
Clean at Sephora: Yes
Drunk Elephant Clean: Meets Criteria
EU Compliant: Meets Criteria
EWG Ingredient Rating: 4 (yellow)
EWG Problem Ingredients: Disodium acetyl glucosamine phosphate (4), Licorice root extract (4), Aloe vera (3), Titanium dioxide (3)
Fragrance Ingredients: Marigold Flower Extract, St. John’s Wort Flower Extract, Horsetail Leaf Extract, Country Sarsaparilla Root Powder, Turmeric Root Extract, Ashwagandha Root Extract, Licorice Root Extract
All Ingredients: Water, Isoamyl Laurate, C9-12 Alkane, Propanediol, Polyglyceryl-3 Polyricinoleate, Silica, Hydrogenated Olive Oil Unsaponifiables, Hydrogenated Polydecene, Disteardimonium Hectorite, Sorbitan Isostearate, Sodium Chloride, Squalane (vegetable), Sodium Dehydroacetate, Aluminum Hydroxide, Glycerin, Coco-Caprylate/Caprate, Caprylyl Glycol, 1,2-Hexanediol, *Jojoba Seed Oil, Sodium Phytate, Sodium Lauroyl Glutamate, Sunflower Seed Oil, Lysine, Tocopherol (non-GMO), Magnesium Chloride, Disodium Acetyl Glucosamine Phosphate, Sodium Glucuronate, Beta-Sitosterol, *Marigold Flower Extract, Squalene (vegetable), *St. John’s Wort Flower Extract, *Horsetail Leaf Extract, *Country Sarsaparilla Root Powder, *Turmeric Root Extract, *Ashwagandha Root Extract, *Licorice Root Extract, *Olive Leaf Extract, Magnesium Sulfate, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract, Titanium Dioxide, Iron Oxides. *Organic
RMS Beauty “Un” Cover Up Cream Foundation – $52
♣ Living Clean Superstar
Overall Rating: (5 / 5)
Performance Rating: (5 / 5)
Ingredients Rating: (5 / 5)
Lisa Irritation Level: None
Processed Fragrance: None
Coverage Level: Medium/Full
The description of this product reads, “Formulated with wild-crafted buriti oil, organic coconut oil, and the RMS signature adaptogenic herbal blend, this power-packed cream foundation evens skin tone with seamless, super-hydrating high impact coverage, while it nourishes and calms skin. This concentrated formula contains Beauty Oil for rich hydration that helps smooth the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Silica boosts coverage of dark spots and redness.”
This cream foundation is a sort of line extension of the RMS popular cream concealer and may be one of the most controversial beauty products that I have tried, in that many people insist that it has been almost life-changing for them and many others say that they have been totally unable to make it work for them.
I was on the fence about the product myself until I tried “Rose Marie’s favorite method” of dotting the product onto my skin and then using a damp beauty sponge to blend it in.
The result when I do that is a perfectly natural looking finish that does not accentuate my wrinkles at all but that also seems to have the potential of being “buildable” to the point of covering any issues that I might have.
In addition, the skincare components of the formula (including jojoba oil, buriti oil and coconut oil) seem to be really good for my skin and I have experienced no irritation at all as a result of using it.
It also contains an “adaptogenic herbal blend” that gives it a bit of a scent that I find to be fine (but that not everyone may like).
Even without a primer, this product seems to hold up really well on my skin. (RMS does make a primer that is supposed to help the foundation last even longer though.)
I’ve read comments from several people saying that it has worked well for them as stage makeup (with a friend of mine reporting a very good experience using it for a series of ballet performances).
Based on my experiences with the product, I think that a lot of the problems that people have with it are due to the fact that when it is first applied to the skin it tends to sit on the surface and thus to look sort of like a kabuki mask.
While eventually it will sink down into the pores and start looking better, it seems essential to kick-start the process either by using the damp beauty sponge or by assertively buffing it into the skin with a dense brush.
While RMS sells a brush – called the Skin2Skin Foundation Brush ($38) – that seems designed to massage the product into the skin, I also have been successful using either a kabuki brush or the Jones Road Everything brush.
RMS also sells a specially designed Skin2Skin Beauty Sponge ($20) to blend the foundation into the skin using a bit of water, but my Beauty Blender sponge seems to have worked fine for that as well.
Although my skin is good enough that I don’t feel it’s necessary for me to use any kind of overall foundation, I’m thinking that likely this is the one that I would choose if I needed more coverage.
The fact that my skin feels moisturized and protected while I am wearing it is an additional bonus.
Although the product is said to be appropriate for “all skin types,” I tend to think that it is going to be much more appreciated by those with dry, sensitive skin like mine than it is by most other people.
I have used Shade 11 (“ivory with a slight golden base”) in all my RMS complexion products, and it seems to have worked well for me in this one.
Size: 1 oz.
Credo Rating: 4.3 Stars (132 reviews)
Credo Clean: Yes
Clean at Sephora: Yes
Drunk Elephant Clean: Meets Criteria
EU Compliant: Meets Criteria
Think Dirty Rating: 3 (green)
EWG Ingredient Rating: 4 (Yellow)
EWG Problem Ingredients: Licorice (4), Titanium dioxide (3). (Also contains Coconut Oil.)
Fragrance Ingredients: St. John’s Wort, Horsetail, Marigold, Country Sarsparilla, Turmeric, Ashwagandha, Licorice.
All Ingredients: *Jojoba Seed Oil, *Castor Seed Oil, Meadowfoam Seed Oil, *Beeswax, Oleic/Linoleic/Linolenic Polyglycerides, *Coconut Oil, Lauroyl Lysine, Silica, Propanediol, Pentylene Glycol, Tocopherol (non-GMO), **Buriti Fruit Oil, Herbs Infused in *Jojoba Seed Oil: *St. John’s Wort, *Horsetail, *Marigold, *Country Sarsaparilla, *Turmeric, *Ashwagandha, *Licorice, *Olive Leaf. May Contain: Titanium Dioxide, Iron Oxides. * Certified organic ** Wildcrafted
Rose Inc. Skin Enhance Luminous Tinted Serum – $49
♣ Living Clean Superstar
Overall Rating: (5 / 5)
Performance Rating: (5 / 5)
Ingredients Rating: (4 / 5)
Lisa Irritation Level: None
Processed Fragrance: None
Coverage Level: Light/Medium
The description of this product reads, “A hydrating skin tint that bridges the gap between powerful skincare and luminous makeup to instantly deliver sheer, radiant coverage. Pigment spheres are suspended within a skincare base infused with hyaluronic acid to visibly plump and smooth the appearance of fine lines, squalane to weightlessly hydrate the skin, and peptides to help protect against environmental damage. Upon application with Number 3 Foundation Brush, the microencapsulated pigment bursts on contact and effortlessly blends across the face, blurring the complexion for a luminous finish.”
This foundation (introduced in 2021) seems to me very similar to the Jane Iredale Liquid Minerals foundation, but this one is available in 14 shades (with about half of these appropriate for darker skin tones).
It also is said to be similar to the Chanel Les Beiges Water-Fresh Tint, which I have not tried because it unfortunately contains synthetic fragrance.
(The Chanel Les Beiges Water-Fresh Complexion Touch listed above does not contain fragrance but provides more coverage.)
I really like this product and feel that it has performed well for me.
It feels good on my skin and provides a little coverage while looking pretty natural.
It may be a little better than the Jane Iredale formula (which I also really like) in terms of not exaceerbating my wrinkles, though I still tend to avoid putting any of it in my crows’-feet area.
I think that the texture feels like I am wearing nothing other than basic skincare, rather than having (say) the overly oily feeling that some of the other foundations on this page have given me.
I also feel that the foundation goes on pretty easily and smoothly even when I just use my fingers rather than the brush to apply it.
I have the Shade 030 (“light skin tone, warm golden undertone”) and feel that it has worked well for me.
I have used quite a bit of this foundation and would consider buying it again.
Size: 1 oz.
Sephora Rating: 4.3 Stars (490 reviews)
Credo Clean: Meets Criteria
Clean at Sephora: Yes
Drunk Elephant Clean: Meets Criteria
EU Compliant: Meets Criteria
EWG Ingredient Rating: 5 (yellow)
EWG Problem Ingredients: Benzyl alcohol (6), Sodium hydroxide (4), Titanium dioxide (3). (Also contains Amodimethicone.)
Fragrance Ingredients: Jasminium sambac leaf cell extract
All Ingredients: Water, Hexyl Laurate, Glycerin, Pentylene Glycol, Octyldodecanol, Squalane, Tamarindus Indica Seed Gum, Jasminum Sambac Leaf Cell Extract, Mangostin, Acetyl Tetrapeptide-2, Sodium Hyaluronate, Tocopherol, Alcaligenes Polysaccharides, Disteardimonium Hectorite, Amodimethicone, Carbomer, Magnesium Chloride, Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate, Sodium Lauroyl Glutamate, Sunflower Seed Oil, Propylene Carbonate, Aluminum Hydroxide, Glucose, Lysine, Caprylyl Glycol, Benzyl Alcohol, Sodium Hydroxide, Citric Acid. May Contain: Mica, Titanium Dioxide, Iron Oxides.
Saint Flawless Radiance Foundation – $54
Performance Rating: Not Yet Rated
Ingredients Rating: (4 / 5)
Processed Fragrance: None
Coverage Level: Full
The description of this product reads, “This multi-purpose gem will cover all your imperfections thanks to its innovative full-coverage formula and feel light as air on your skin while infusing your pores with powerful nutrients. Skincare active Vitamin C extract is essential for glowing skin and provides antioxidant protection from harmful environmental damage. Jojoba oil tones down inflammation while sunflower seed oil promotes the look of even skin tone. Lightweight, buildable; all day wear. Skincare makeup ingredients improve complexion.”
This foundation is stated as providing full coverage and thus is different from most of the other cleaner foundations mentioned on this page.
I have yet to try this product but am hoping to do so soon.
Size: 1 oz.
Credo Rating: 4.3 Stars (22 reviews)
Credo Clean: Yes
Clean at Sephora: Meets Criteria
Drunk Elephant Clean: Meets Criteria
EU Compliant: Meets Criteria
Think Dirty Rating: 3 (green)
EWG Ingredient Rating: 5 (yellow)
EWG Problem Ingredients: Talc (5), Rosa canina oil (3), Sodium benzoate (3), Titanium dioxide (3), Ultramarines (3)
Fragrance Ingredients: Rosa Canina Fruit Oil, Kakadu Plum Fruit Extract, Rosemary Leaf Extract
All Ingredients: Water, Coconut Alkanes, Coco-Caprylate/Caprate, Sorbitan Olivate, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Glycerin (Vegetal) , Polyglyceryl-3 Diisostearate, Eco-Cert Talc, Olive Fruit Oil, Hydrogenated Olive Oil, Olive Oil Unsaponifiables, Silica, Jojoba Esters, Shea Butter, Beeswax, Candelilla Wax, Sunflower Seed Oil, Rosa Canina Fruit Oil, Rosa Rubiginosa Seed Oil, Kakadu Plum Fruit Extract, Sodium Benzoate, Glyceryl Caprylate, Magnesium Aluminum Silicate, Rosemary Leaf Extract, Hydroxyethylcellulose, Phospholipids, Potassium Sorbate. May Contain: Ecocert Iron Oxides, Ecocert Mica, Ecocert Titanium Dioxide, Ecocert Ultramarines.
Typology Tinted Serum – $38
♥ Lisa’s Choice
♣ Living Clean Superstar
Overall Rating: (5 / 5)
Performance Rating: (5 / 5)
Ingredients Rating: (5 / 5)
Lisa Irritation Level: None
Processed Fragrance: None
Coverage Level: Light/Medium
The description of this product reads, “A silicon-free, non-clogging tinted serum for light coverage and a natural no-makeup finish. Formulated with Vitamin C for radiance and squalane & aloe vera for deep, long-lasting hydration. 99% naturally derived formula.”
This product is made by Typology, a French company focusing mostly on skincare products.
They started selling this foundation in the U.S. in early 2022 (with the product that I ordered being sent to me directly from France).
I found this product to work very well for me, offering very nice skincare benefits without looking too greasy or shiny.
Unlike some skin tints, this one builds up easily to offer a fair amount of coverage if needed.
Especially important to me is that it does not seem to cause the wrinkles or other textural issues on my face to look worse.
It more looks like I am not wearing any makeup at all, while still providing some evening-out of my skin tone.
I do feel like this product is good for my skin, without causing any irritation or other problems.
The only issue that I have had with it is that it’s been a little hard for me to get very much product out of the bottle with the dropper provided. Sometimes I have to stick the dropper into the bottle multiple times in order to get the few drops that I need onto my palm.
In reading other user reviews, though, I don’t think that this is a consistent problem for everyone. So probably this is just a defect in the dropper that I received, in which case I should ask for a replacement.
All in all, especially considering the reasonable price, this is one of my favorite foundations.
I anticipate buying another bottle at some point.
Size: 1 oz.
Typology Rating: 4.3 Stars (1932 reviews)
Credo Clean: Meets Criteria
Clean at Sephora: Meets Criteria
Drunk Elephant Clean: Meets Criteria
EU Compliant: Meets Criteria
EWG Ingredient Rating: 3 (yellow)
EWG Problem Ingredients: Sodium benzoate (3), Aloe vera (3), Titanium dioxide (3)
Fragrance Ingredients: None
All Ingredients: Water, Isoamyl Laurate, C9-12 Alkane, Squalane, Polyglyceryl-3 Diisostearate, Propanediol, Silica, Polyglyceryl-6 Polyricinoleate, Glycerin, Magnesium Sulfate, Ascorbyl Tetraisopalmitate, Polyglyceryl-2 Isostearate, Coco-Caprylate/Caprate, Disteardimonium Hectorite, Hydroxyethylcellulose, Sodium Benzoate, Disodium Stearoyl Glutamate, Potassium Sorbate, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Aluminum Hydroxide, Sodium Nitrate. May Contain: Titanium Dioxide, Iron Oxides
Vapour Soft Focus Foundation – $48
♥ Lisa’s Choice
♣ Living Clean Superstar
Overall Rating: (5 / 5)
Performance Rating: (5 / 5)
Ingredients Rating: (5 / 5)
Lisa Irritation Level: None
Processed Fragrance: Myrrh Oil, Bergamot Oil
Coverage Level: Light/Medium
The description of this product reads, “Skin-honoring foundation with a radiant glow. Adjustable light-to-medium coverage. Get endless compliments on your skin (not your makeup). Flawless skin with a truly super-natural finish. Soothes and calms with Frankincense, Myrrh + Lotus. Foundation that acts like skincare.”
Unlike many of the foundations that I have tried, this product does feel really good on my skin and seems to make it more calm after it has been irritated by other products.
The product has been easy to apply and seems to dry down more quickly than some of the other oil-based foundations that I have tried.
However, I feel like the wax in the formula has a tendency to make it look a bit patchy (especially in areas like around my nose) and that this issue tends to get worse as the day goes on.
In addition, the mica in the formula gives it a bit of a sheen that does not look entirely natural to me.
I have found that this product seems to work better when finished off with setting powder. The powder tones down the shine from the oils and the mica considerably, leaving a soft matte finish that looks much more natural and rather pretty.
Even with the powder, this foundation should not be expected to provide the sort of bulletproof polished look that those who are used to using silicone-based foundations may be wanting.
Nonetheless, it has been one of my own most frequently used “go-to” foundations due to the fact that it seems especially beneficial for my skin and looks pretty nice on me.
I have tried the shades 112S (“very light, yellow undertones”), 115S (“light, neutral undertones”) and 117S (“light, yellow undertones”). I thought that all three shades worked okay for me but that the ones with the yellow undertones seemed a bit better.
Size: 1 oz.
Credo Rating: 4.4 Stars (62 reviews)
Credo Clean: Yes
Clean at Sephora: Meets Criteria
Drunk Elephant Clean: No
EU Compliant: Meets Criteria
Think Dirty Rating: 3 (green)
EWG Product Rating: 1 (green)
EWG Ingredient Rating: 3 (yellow)
EWG Problem Ingredients: Titanium dioxide (3). (Also contains Myrrha Oil, Frankincense Gum, Tulsi Leaf Extract)
Fragrance Ingredients: Myrrh oil, Bergamot oil, Frankincense gum, Tulsi leaf extract
All Ingredients: Camellia Seed Oil*, Sunflower Seed Oil*, Silica‡, Castor Seed Oil†, Beeswax*, Isocetyl Stearoyl Stearate†, Tocopherol†, Myrrh Oil†, Bergamot Oil†, Frankincense Gum†, Tulsi Leaf Extract*, Lotus Leaf Extract*, Propanediol†, Pentylene Glycol†, Phenethyl Alcohol†, Polyglyceryl-2-Caprate†, Glyceryl Caprylate†; May Contain: Mica‡, Titanium Dioxide, Iron Oxides. *Organic
Westman Atelier Vital Skincare Dewy Foundation Drops – $68
Overall Rating: (4 / 5)
Performance Rating: (4 / 5)
Ingredients Rating: (4 / 5)
Lisa Irritation Level: None
Processed Fragrance: None
Coverage Level: Light/Medium
The description of this product reads, “Makeup that works with your skin, not over it. Complexion-boosting drops give breathable coverage and radiance while improving bare skin quality. Loaded with skincare actives at efficacy levels, this deeply nourishing formula instantly hydrates, evens tone and soothes. Drop by drop, our Skin Vitality Complex improves texture, firmness and radiance with Tsubaki Oil, Ginseng and Pomegranate Extract. Skin is smoother, feels healthier and acts younger. Each drop glides on like a lightweight oil and transforms into a cushiony serum for dewy, facial-fresh skin—long after it’s washed off.”
This new foundation was introduced by Westman Atelier in Summer 2022 and is promoted as being especially good for the skin.
Although the company stresses the inclusion of tsubaki oil (aka Japanese camellia seed oil and also used in the Chanel No. 1 de Chanel foundation), I suspect that a lot of the moisturizing benefits actually are provided by the squalane that is listed as the first ingredient.
Just over the past couple of years, companies such as Biossance have started offering squalane produced through biotechnology (e.g. through genetically engineered bacteria being used to convert inexpensive ingredients like sugarcane). Whether this will turn out to be problematic in some way, I don’t think anyone yet has enough information to say for sure.
I therefore wrote to Westman Atelier and asked them about the source of the squalane used in this foundation. The response that I received was, “The squalane in our products is derived from olives.”
To my understanding, this means that the squalane is not biotech-generated and that it is rather expensive, a fact that makes me feel somewhat better about the high price being charged for the product.
Another concern for me is the use of small amounts of soybean oil, wheat germ oil, cottonseed oil and corn germ oil in the formula, since all of these tend to be highly contaminated with glyphosate and other agricultural toxins unless they are organic (which Westman Atelier is not claiming here).
However, I bought a bottle of this foundation and think that it feels okay on my skin, without causing any irritation.
In addition, the product goes on easily as a sheer foundation but also builds up fairly well to medium coverage.
The big problem that I personally have with this foundation is that it makes my wrinkles look considerably worse (more so than most of the other foundations discussed on this page).
In addition, apparently as a result of the large amounts of both mica and squalane in the formula, the product makes my skin look much more shiny than I would prefer.
Although I have tried using powder (including the Westman Atelier powder) to cover the shine, this seems to require quite a lot of powder and still has not worked all that well for me.
Eventually I realized that the best way to use this foundation for me is to avoid putting any of it near my eyes, since this is where most of my wrinkles are and since the shininess of the formula seems especially problematic there.
Instead, I have been using my Jones Road Face Pencils to cover the discoloration under my eyes and then using the Westman Atelier foundation on the rest of my face.
Still, I doubt that I will buy it again since I think that I still look better when I wear several of the other foundations discussed on this page (or no foundation at all) and since I intuitively do not feel great about using it.
Size: 1 oz.
Sephora Rating: 4.2 Stars (163 reviews)
Credo Clean: Yes
Clean at Sephora: Yes
Drunk Elephant Clean: Meets Criteria
EU Compliant: Meets Criteria
EWG Ingredient Rating: 3 (yellow)
EWG Problem Ingredients: Glyceryl caprylate/caprate (3), Titanium dioxide (3). (Also contains Soybean oil, Cottonseed oil, Wheat germ oil, Corn germ oil.)
Fragrance Ingredients: Ginger root extract
All Ingredients: Squalane, Water, Avocado Oil, Pomegranate Seed Oil, Mica, Pentylene Glycol, Camellia Japonica Seed Oil, Polyglyceryl-3 Polyricinoleate, Sorbitan Isostearate, Propanediol, Sunflower Seed Oil, Disteardimonium Hectorite, Soybean Oil, Cotton Seed Oil, Sweet Almond Oil, Wheat Germ Oil, Corn Germ Oil, 4-T-Butylcyclohexanol, Glyceryl Caprylate/Caprate, Aluminum Hydroxide, Triethoxycaprylylsilane, Panax Ginseng Root Extract, Polyglyceryl-3 Diisostearate, Dimer Dilinoleyl Dimer Dilinoleate, Tin Oxide, Rice Extract, Rice Germ Extract, Bisabolol, Ginger Root Extract. May Contain: Iron Oxides, Titanium Dioxide.
Shopping List
This section lists products that seem that they may have potential and that I am hoping to try in the near future.
Readers are highly encouraged to bring other relevant products that they have tried to my attention so that I can add them to this list.
100% Pure Fruit Pigmented 2nd Skin Foundation – $48
100% Pure Fruit Pigmented Tinted Moisturizer – $48
100% Pure Fruit Pigmented Full Coverage Water Foundation – $48
100% Pure Fruit Pigmented Healthy Foundation – $48
Caliray Freedreaming Clean Blurring Skin Tint – $39
Crunchi Beautifully Flawless Foundation – $50
Ere Perez Oat Milk Foundation – $43
Evanhealy Tinted Oil Serum Foundation – $30
Juice Beauty Phyto-Pigments Flawless Serum Foundation – $44
Kjaer Weis Invisible Touch Liquid Foundation – $48
Lawless Conseal The Deal – $39
Milk Makeup Blur Liquid Matte Foundation – $40
Pacifica Alight Clean Foundation – $16
Range Beauty True Intentions Hydrating Foundation – $25
Summer Fridays Sheer Skin Tint – $42
Trash Can
Chanel No. 1 De Chanel Revitalizing Foundation ($70): This new foundation (introduced in 2022) from Chanel looked nice on me, but also caused my skin to become irritated. The product contains synthetic fragrance, which I found to be slightly objectionable in terms of the scent and which I suspect also caused the itching and redness. EWG gives the product a 6 (yellow), flagging as problematic the tocopheryl acetate (3), chlorphenesin (3), fragrance (8), and titanium dioxide (3).
About This Website
The Living Clean in a Dirty World shopping website is designed to provide guidance to those seeking out products that are relatively low in toxicity and that provide generally positive user experiences.
Although the skincare and makeup sections have a particular focus on products appropriate for women who are in their 40’s or beyond, the information provided may be useful for other people as well.
The products are curated by Lisa Petrison, who has been focused on helping people to improve their health by avoiding toxicity since 2008 and who heads the Paradigm Change organization.
Her Living Clean in a Dirty World blog site discusses a variety of topics of relevance to those who are working to pursue a more natural lifestyle with less exposure to harmful toxicity.
Lisa is the author of several books, including A Beginner’s Guide to Mold Avoidance (co-written with Erik Johnson).
She also runs the Paradigm Change website (focusing on issues related to toxic mold illness) and the Mold Avoiders Facebook group (designed for the discussion of all topics of interest to those pursuing the mold avoidance approach described in the “Beginner’s Guide” book).
Lisa was born in August 1964 and has yet to try cosmetic surgery, Botox or other cosmetic treatments requiring interactions with a physician, or beauty products containing retinoids.
In her former life, Lisa worked as a business school professor, as a marketing consultant to a variety of large companies, and as a reporter covering the advertising industry.
She holds a Ph.D. in marketing and social psychology from the Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University as well as B.S./M.S. degrees from the Medill School of Journalism at Northwestern.
Lisa would like to extend a special note of appreciation to Ellen Kleiman-Redden for her help in trying out products and discussing issues related to this project.
She also would like to thank the many members of the Mold Avoiders community who have shared suggestions of products to be included here.
A Note From Lisa
Products that I have tried or researched and that I have not found to be acceptable from a toxicity standpoint have been omitted entirely from the discussions on this website.
However, since a goal of this project is to introduce people to a range of options in terms of price and functionality, some products discussed on this site include ingredients that may not be appropriate for everyone.
It’s my hope that all individuals making their way to this site will find at least a few options from each product category that meet all of their own needs and wants from a variety of perspectives.
The vast majority of cosmetics marketers now offer affiliate programs in which Internet content creators may earn commissions if people who are referred to the companies’ sites by clicking on links end up making purchases.
I participate in quite a few individual affiliate programs as well as in the Sovrn/Viglinks program (which automatically converts regular links into revenue-generating links).
Links on this page that may result in affiliate income may include – but are not necessarily limited to – those from the following companies: 100% Pure, Amazon, Caliray, Chanel, Credo, Crunchi, Ere Perez, Fitglow, Jane Iredale, Jones Road, Juice Beauty, Kjaer Weis, Kosas, Lawless, Lys Beauty, Maybelline, Milk Makeup, Nars, Pacifica, Pharmaca, Range Beauty, Rituel de Fille, RMS Beauty, Rose Inc., Saint Cosmetics, Sephora, Typology, Ulta, Vapour, and Westman Atelier.
Reader comments about products discussed on this website are very welcome.
Thoughts may be shared either by posting them in the comments section at the bottom of this page or by sending them directly to me at the following email address:
info at paradigmchange dot me
Companies that would like to offer me complimentary products to try out may contact me at this address as well.
Individuals who are seeking out less-toxic products or who are interested in pursuing a cleaner and healthier lifestyle may want to sign up to receive occasional email newsletters from Living Clean in a Dirty World.
Those signing up will receive a free PDF copy of the book Back From The Edge (describing the extraordinary life of mold avoidance pioneer Erik Johnson) and also will be automatically entered in sweepstakes giving away a variety of cleaner products.
Thanks very much for visiting the Living Clean in a Dirty World shopping site!
Links on this page are in orange (no underlining).
