I Reach For This $14 Skin Tint More Than Any High-End Foundations

Between impressive packaging and viral-worthy formulas, it’s impossible these days to walk the drugstore makeup aisles and not feel compelled to swatch, play with or slather on a product that catches your eye. When it comes to complexion products, the drugstore has certainly made its mark, with luxe-like formulas that rival some of the higher-end heavy-hitters. One product that checks every box for me is the Maybelline Super Stay 240-Hour Skin Tint with Vitamin C, a staple in my routine that has, quite literally, taken the place of my $69 luxury foundation that’s been seen on the red carpet for years now (if you know, you know).

I deal with uneven texture, redness and crocodilian-dry skin to top it all off. Needless to say, I value complexion products that are able to deliver a smooth, even finish — especially when it has a drugstore cost attached to it like this one from Maybelline.

Available in 18 shades, the skin tint formula delivers medium-to-buildable coverage and has a radiant finish that never feels too dewy, making it great for all skin types (oily and combination included). The formula’s Vitamin C works to brighten the skin, and the dropper applicator makes it easy to control the coverage — for instance, on light makeup days I use one full drop and on heavier makeup days I opt for two to three.

While it’s still necessary for me to prep my skin with a hydrating moisturizer before I wear this formula (as is the case with every complexion product I wear), my dry skin always look healthy and smooth when I wear this. I appreciate the fact that it never clings onto dry patches, which typically appear around the sides of my nose and chin. Application-wise, this skin tint goes on beautifully with both a sponge and brush (I alternate between the two but if I’m feeling lazy, I opt for my fingers). In any case, it never looks streaky when blending.

This skin tint promises to have a 24-hour staying power, so it’s ideal for those who need their makeup to last. While I haven’t tested it for a full day, I’ve been able to get eight hours of wear before it starts to separate on those aforementioned problem areas.

Don’t just take my word for it — the formula has earned hundreds of 5-star reviews on Amazon alone. Reviewers note that it “goes on super smooth” and that it’s the “best affordable foundation” they’ve tried.

It’s also great for mature skin, as one reviewer noted. Another pointed out that for those with fine lines, the skin tint does a good job of glossing over them. “This truly is like skin but better. I’ve recently developed some smile lines & have been searching for a foundation that doesn’t settle into those lines by the end of the day. This has done a great job, it’s light breathable, & is way more coverage than I expected,” they wrote.

Several shoppers also pointed out how the Maybelline skin tint is comparable to high-end formulas, with one even admitting that it’s “far better” than the higher-end department store foundations they’d used for years before.

Do yourself a favor for less than $15 and try out this beloved product that has garnered rave reviews at Amazon, Target and Walmart. Like other reviewers, you may find your new “holy grail” and be able to save some serious money on foundation.

“I am a 70 y/o woman with combo skin (dry in winter). I have very few and slight wrinkles – my friends say I look 10 years younger than I am – Still, like most women of my age I have trouble finding a foundation that meets my needs. One’s too dewy (i.e. greasy), the other’s too matte, or has no coverage, or shows texture. And on and on and on.

I received this foundation today and I immediately put it to the test. I wored it on clean dry skin because I wanted to see how it worked on its own. It worked beautifully. The blurb says its has light to medium coverage. On its own I’d say it’s a very good, solid medium. This foundation looks lovely on me. It makes my skin look smooth, almost flawless (it isn’t). It doesn’t look cakey, or dry, but satiny. In the bottle the foundation looks pearly (pearly, not glittery). I didn’t see any pearliness on my skin, more’s the pity. Anyway, my first impression is excellent. The shade 118 is perfect for my light complexion. I’m considering buying a second bottle to have a backup because I’m sure it will sell out pretty soon. If this foundation continues to perform like it did today, I might have found my holy grail. And if Maybelline ever discontinues or reformulates it, I’ll sue them.” — Atty Tude

“By far the BEST affordable foundation I have used. It’s perfect for mature skin. Great “gripping” to skin as a foundation. VERY natural finish with excellent coverage. The longevity of wear is amazing.” — ShadyLady

“Wow! This is the best foundation I’ve ever used. Seriously. It’s not drying. Has nice coverage. Gives me a great glow. I’m getting compliments. Where have you been all my life?” — Newyorkbuyer

“I am obsessed with this skin tint! I’ve been using regular makeup for years and decided to transition to a skin tint instead. I’ve always loved Maybelline so decided to give this a try and I’ve been loving it! I buy a new shade for each new season and it looks natural, goes on smooth and stays on for hours! I love the effectiveness of it because I’m not applying heavy makeup yet my face looks natural and clean. The fact that it’s an affordable drugstore product makes it so much better too. Definitely recommend A+++” — Aida Ribanovic

“This skin tint is the best! I don’t know how they did it…it’s lightweight yet has superb coverage for my hyperpigmentation and redness, and lasts all day long! Oh, and it’s talc-free! It’s seriously the best I’ve tried, and that includes a lot of the high end brands. I also tried the L’Oréal skin tint but this one is so much better. I have truly found my holy grail foundation thanks to Maybelline, and I highly recommend it.” — shoppergal