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Il Makiage, Laura Mercier … you’ve seen the videos — but do they really work?

These days, TikTok is flooded with videos of people trying foundations said to give a “flawless” appearance to skin. There are millions and millions of views on clips of testers applying foundation makeup from Il Makiage, Laura Mercier, Charlotte Tilbury, IT Cosmetics and more — and most of the reactions are complete shock and awe (in a good way). 

But how well do these products really deliver a flawless finish? We put some of the top products in the category to the test and these are our honest opinions. 

Shop this article: Laura Mercier Real Flawless Weightless Perfecting Waterproof Foundation, Il Makiage Woke Up Like This Flawless Base Foundation and Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless Longwear Foundation

What is a ‘flawless foundation’?

A “flawless foundation” is a foundation makeup product that’s said to give a flawless appearance to skin after it’s applied, almost like a photo filter on Instagram. It’s important to note that no makeup product can actually achieve filter-level smoothness on skin — skin is skin and it’ll always have bumps and creases and other textured characteristics, which foundation can help conceal, but can’t completely eradicate. 

Still, certain beauty products can get closer to that effect than others, and, according to TikTok testimonies, there are a few brands that rise above the rest when it comes to delivering a “flawless” finish. 

How to apply a ‘flawless foundation’

Like any foundation, a “flawless foundation” works best when it’s properly applied to prepped skin. It also lasts longer if it’s sealed in with products that make makeup last longer. 

First, apply a makeup primer to clean, moisturized skin. This will provide a smoother base for the foundation to sit on, and it’ll help increase its longevity on your skin. 

Next, apply the foundation. We recommend applying a “flawless foundation” with a foundation brush. Once the makeup is all over your face, you may choose to remove any excess product and blend it in by lightly dabbing a makeup sponge over your face. 

After applying any other makeup of your choosing, seal in the finished look by applying a few spritzes of a makeup setting spray. Along with the primer, this will increase the makeup’s longevity and give you the maximum wear out of your products. 

Best foundations and face makeup with a ‘flawless’ finish 

Laura Mercier Real Flawless Weightless Perfecting Waterproof Foundation

We can confirm: This waterproof foundation lives up to the hype. The product, available in 29 shades, applies smoothly and evenly, leaving a natural finish that’s super long-wearing. The medium-coverage formula includes special priming powders, which help give that “flawless” finish. Meanwhile, camelia seed, vitamin E and cacao extract are antioxidant-rich ingredients, which help defend against damage by external stressors.

Il Makiage Woke Up Like This Flawless Base Foundation

With an impressive 50 shades, this brand uses artificial intelligence to match you with the perfect hue. We were shocked at how well the online color match worked, and the foundation really did provide amazing coverage without looking caked-on. The lightweight foundation provides buildable medium-to-full coverage and leaves a natural matte finish. 

Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless Longwear Foundation

This product, from one of our favorite beauty brands, is a skin care-foundation hybrid. It hydrates your skin while concealing blemishes and evening skin tone. We love the lightweight feel of this product and that it doesn’t feel drying on skin at all, even after wearing it for many hours. It offers full coverage and a matte finish, and it comes in 40 shades. 

IT Cosmetics CC+ Nude Glow Lightweight Foundation + Glow Serum with SPF 40 and Niacinamide

If time outdoors is on the agenda, we recommend this SPF 40 foundation formula, which helps prevent sunburns while covering blemishes and giving skin a radiant, glowing finish. The medium-coverage product feels light and comfortable on skin thanks to the inclusion of hydrating hyaluronic acid and brightening niacinamide. It also contains green tea extract to protect against environmental aggressors. 

Smashbox Halo Healthy Glow Tinted Moisturizer Broad Spectrum SPF 25

Another worthy product with SPF protection: this tinted moisturizer, which comes in 20 shades. It’s perfect for daytime use when you’d like a bit of a smoothing effect on your skin without the heaviness that can come from wearing full-coverage foundation. It’s infused with a primer to help provide a comfortable, all-day wear, and it’s sweat- and humidity-resistant.  

ILIA Super Serum Skin Tint SPF 40 Skincare Foundation

For a super-lightweight feel with a radiant finish, try this oil-free tinted serum, which offers SPF 40 protection. It’s infused with hydrating plant-based squalane, smoothing and refining niacinamide and moisture-replenishing hyaluronic acid to give you plenty of skin care benefits as you wear it. 

Laura Mercier Real Flawless Weightless Perfecting Serum Concealer

The perfect partner to Laura Mercier’s Real Flawless Weightless Perfecting Waterproof Foundation, this hydrating concealer offers medium coverage and has waterproof staying power. It brightens and smooths while delivering hydration through a hydro-lipid matrix. 

Smashbox Always On Skin-Balancing Foundation with Hyaluronic Acid + Adaptogens

This skin care-powered foundation is infused with hyaluronic acid to provide hydration as you wear it. Meanwhile, adaptogens from licorice root and sea asparagus control oil and improve skin’s balance over time. The formula, available in 30 shades, contains a primer, so it won’t cake, flake or streak for up to 16 hours of continuous wear. 

Prices listed reflect time and date of publication and are subject to change.

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