How To Use L’Oréal Serum Foundation for Healthy-Looking Skin

Though they’re nothing new, skincare-makeup hybrids are among the biggest trends in beauty right now. More than ever, people want makeup that not only makes their skin look good, but feel good, too. And serum foundations fit the bill. These two-in-one formulas provide the benefits of a facial serum with the coverage of a lightweight foundation or skin tint, and they’re perfect for use on days when you’d prefer to keep your makeup light.

Whether you’re new to the idea of a serum foundation or are on the hunt for the perfect formula to add to your routine, keep reading. Ahead, we’ll explain what serum foundation is and introduce you to the L’Oreal serum foundations that deserve a spot in your routine. Then, we’ll give you a quick run-down on how to apply it properly for fresh, healthy-looking skin.

What Is a Serum Foundation?

A serum foundation is a tinted makeup product with the consistency (and often, benefits) of a facial serum. Although the benefits can vary depending on the exact formula, most serum foundations are designed to help hydrate the skin while providing sheer, barely there coverage for a natural, radiant look. They’re well-suited for no-makeup makeup days, since the light coverage they provide appears fresh and natural. However, you can use a serum foundation whenever you see fit—these multitasking formulas can slot well into nearly any beauty routine.

Meet Our Serum Foundations

At L’Oreal Paris, we’re all about options—which is why we have three serum foundations in our face makeup lineup. Keep reading to learn a little bit about each.

L’Oréal Paris True Match Hyaluronic Tinted Serum

The True Match tinted serum is the first tinted serum with 1% hyaluronic acid—and it happens to be one of our favorite products for a fresh-faced look, too. The ultra-lightweight formula instantly leaves the skin feeling hydrated, while luminous mineral pigments provide sheer coverage for a radiant, healthy-looking complexion. The gentle serum is suitable for all skin types (even sensitive) and can be used daily for smoother-looking skin over time. Plus, it’s available in 14 shades that blend to match a range of skin tones, making finding your perfect match a breeze. Still, if you’re not sure which shade to choose, you can use our virtual foundation shade finder to help narrow down your options.

L’Oréal Paris Age Perfect Makeup Radiant Serum Foundation with SPF 50

If you’re looking for a L’Oréal tinted serum specifically designed with mature skin in mind, this is your match. The radiant-finish formula with a hydrating serum and vitamin B3 provides all-day hydration with natural-looking coverage that won’t settle into fine lines. It’s also formulated with broad-spectrum SPF 50 sunscreen to help shield your skin from damaging UV rays. Find your closest match from the 30 shades and apply it with your fingers or a makeup sponge for light, natural-looking coverage.

L’Oréal Paris Lumi Le Glow Skin Tint

While technically a skin tint, this ultra-light formula contains an 82% hydrating serum base, so we’d argue it counts as a serum foundation. The water-based tint melts into the skin, delivering light, breathable coverage with a glowy finish. You can apply one to two pumps for a radiant, no-makeup makeup look, or add more product to build up the coverage for an all-over, healthy-looking glow.

How To Use Serum Foundation

If you’re ready to add a L’Oréal serum foundation to your routine, keep reading. Ahead, we’re breaking down exactly how to use one to achieve gorgeous, radiant-looking coverage.

1. Select your formula

First, decide which serum foundation suits your needs best. If you’re looking for hydration and barely-there coverage, we suggest opting for the classic L’Oréal Paris True Match Hyaluronic Tinted Serum. For mature skin, the L’Oréal Paris Age Perfect Makeup Radiant Serum Foundation with SPF 50 is best. And if you’re looking for buildable coverage that leaves your skin looking dewy and fresh, the serum-infused L’Oréal Paris Lumi Le Glow Skin Tint is an excellent option.

2. Prep your skin

Once you’ve settled upon a formula, go ahead and prep your skin as you usually would before your makeup routine. Typically, this means cleansing and moisturizing your face. If it’s daytime, you’ll also want to apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen to help shield your skin from UV rays. Let your skincare products absorb completely, then prep your skin with a makeup primer to help your serum foundation and other makeup products adhere.

3. Dot the serum onto your skin

After priming your skin, begin dotting your serum foundation onto your face. If you’re using the L’Oréal True Match tinted serum, we suggest shaking the bottle well first to activate the formula. Start with one dot on each cheek and one dot on your forehead—you can always go back and add more product later, if needed.

4. Blend with a damp makeup sponge

Next, use a damp (but not soaking wet) makeup sponge to gently pat the tinted serum into your skin, blending from the center of your face outward. Once your serum foundation is blended, you can assess whether or not you’d like additional coverage. If so, go ahead and apply another dot or two of product, blending again to ensure a seamless-looking finish.

5. Add concealer if needed

Serum foundations are relatively sheer, so if you find you’d like a little more coverage in certain areas—like to cover up dark under-eye circles—we suggest adding a luminous concealer to the mix. The L’Oréal Paris True Match Radiant Serum Concealer is an excellent pick (and, bonus, the 24 shades coordinate with those in the L’Oréal True Match serum foundation lineup). Dot the hyaluronic acid and caffeine-infused formula onto any imperfections you’d like to conceal, then blend it out with a damp makeup sponge for a natural-looking finish.

6. Set your look

Finish the rest of your makeup, then lightly set your face to help prolong wear and keep your makeup in place. If you’re unsure whether to use a setting spray or a powder, our article What’s the Difference Between Setting Powder and Setting Spray? can help you determine which is best for your needs.

Next Up: What Is a Foundation-Concealer Hybrid and How Do You Use It?

Photo courtesy of L’Oréal Paris