Reviewers Say This ‘Healthy Glow’ $8 Foundation Performs Just Like Several Luxury Formulas
It’s true that some of our most respected foundation formulas are on the pricier side, like the It Cosmetics’ CC+ Cream and the Armani Luminous Silk foundation, just to name a few. But, recently, we heard from one makeup testing professional that this $8 option by drugstore-famed brand E.l.f. rivals some of the most popular luxury options out there.
The Soft Glam foundation is a long-lasting, satin finish face product that’s been gaining a promising reputation for making skin look completely flawless, with very little product required and no cakey texture that settles into fine lines. It’s also available in 36 shade options!
Several reviewers even claimed that using it made their complexion look like they were wearing one of those skin-perfecting photo filters.
BuzzFeed deputy shopping editor Elizabeth Lilly specializes in hunting down affordable alternatives to expensive beauty products. It was on one of these bargain quests that she decided to try the Soft Glam, which she had heard performed similarly to her favorite Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless foundation.
Lilly explained that she has rosacea, a common skin condition that, in her case, results in non-raised yet very red patches on her face that look like a sunburn. To manage this, she’s currently using topical prescription creams plus Accutane, a medication that’s notorious for causing extreme skin dryness.
“I still need a buildable, medium-coverage foundation to cover the redness and my enlarged pores,” Lilly said.
“When I pair this formula with the just-tacky-enough E.l.f. Power Grip primer, it goes on and stays on like a dream, creating that not-too-glowy finish that just makes it look like you’re taking great care of your skin!”
Lilly isn’t the only e.l.f. foundation user who has rosacea and approves of the breathable and non-irritating formula that actually contains a 1% infusion of a hydrating hibiscus complex, plus fruit extracts, to keep skin soft.
“I have aging, dry/flaky, red/blotchy skin with broken capillaries, and HUGE, oily pores in my T-zone,” one reviewer wrote, “After trying many spendy ‘holy grail’ foundations that immediately cracked or broke upon my application, no matter what method or prep I chose (fingers/beauty blender/brush), I went outside of the hype and the result was finally finding something that truly makes my skin look better.”
The same reviewer went on to describe Soft Glam as having a light texture that goes on easily, doesn’t feel like a caked-on mask and doesn’t settle into pores.
Also according to reviewers, the breathable formula has also been likened to several more expensive foundations such as Fenty’s Blurring skin tint, Tarte’s Face Tape foundation, and my personal favorite, the It Cosmetics CC+ cream.
This $8 foundation can be found at any of the retailers listed above, or if you need more convincing, let the promising reviews below provide you a vote of confidence.
Promising Amazon reviews:
“Like a filter in real life! Influenced by an influencer to give this a try. I love elf makeup usually, and this is my favorite purchase by far. This is the prettiest foundation I own. The color is great, the coverage is really good and buildable. It isnt super full coverage, but a light second layer in my cheeks covers all my redness. It looks like a filter and it wears well all day. And a little goes a long way! It will last for a reasonable amount of time. I also feel like it’s very forgiving. I can slap it on with my fingers in a hurry, or I can carefully apply with my brush or sponges. Seriously love this and I hope they never get rid of it!” — Erin
“I absolutely love this foundation! It provides the perfect medium coverage, evening out my skin tone while still feeling lightweight and breathable. The finish is soft and natural, giving my skin a healthy glow without looking cakey. It blends effortlessly and lasts all day, even in humid weather. Plus, it’s super affordable for the quality! If you’re looking for a reliable everyday foundation, this is a must-have. Highly recommend!” — Genesis
“I was surprised at how well I love this foundation!!!! It really hides flaws with a thin layer of product, it was easy to find a great match for my skin tone, usually I have a lot of oiliness with other foundations but with this one I don’t. It’s good coverage without having to cake it on. I have rosacea but even when I don’t use primer you can’t see any redness…. My face looks like when I have a filter on pictures Doesn’t make my skin break out at all, easy to wash off. No complaints!! Awesome price. Way to go ELF. I’ll continue buying this product” — Christina
“OK! So I was in a rush and needed a foundation that would do good coverage but not be heavy, thick, or greasy and I stumbled upon this product. I am a HUGE advocate for Fenty anything and I knew my skin tone based on their range and was so happy to see that this product had a similarity variety of ranges. When I [tried] it out on my skin and blended it out, it was perfect. Medium coverage, very light and it reminded me very much of Fenty’s Skin Tint. I love this product, I will be buying more in the future! I’ve had this since June and I’m not even halfway done with it!” — Alex hicks
“This is a dupe for the tart lightweight foundation. I’m late 50’s and it’s a perfect coverage and didn’t settle in any lines.” — Shawny B
