I have to admit that I am infatuated by many beauty products, sometimes from love at first sight. But only those that stand the test of time—literally surviving what is known as a wear test but also keeping my interest over time—achieve holy grail status and make their way onto my top shelf. So when Kosas launched 36 shades of the Revealer Skin-Improving Foundation SPF 25 to follow the marked success of their Revealer Concealer, I had to know whether it truly lived up to the hype. The verdict? It was a resounding “yes” after I tested it in the wrong shade (shade 140 rather than 160). But, this foundation is my new favorite. Here’s why.
The Rise of Skincare First Cosmetics
For years, my favorite makeup artists have considered themselves “skincare-first,” with the ultimate goal of creating a healthy base that requires minimal makeup for the desired look. The new Kosas foundation joined the rising tide of cosmetics with skincare benefits. These cosmetics have a cosmetic effect, but are also good for your skin. “Makeup with skincare benefits is one of the biggest trends in beauty,” said clean cosmetic chemist Krupa Koestline, founder of KKT Consultants. “Consumers are smart and they want to spend money on products that are multitasking and do more than just sit on their skin.” When it comes to foundation, which covers the skin to achieve a more even-looking base, the opportunity to relay some active ingredients becomes even more relevant.
The Benefits
“Since foundation is on the skin for hours at a time, it should have some beneficial properties,” Koestline continued. “Depending on the concentration of the actives and the overall formulation of the foundation, some skin types may not need to apply moisturizer [or primer] beforehand.” She pointed out that this speaks to the trend of “skinimalism,” wherein less, more efficient products are preferred. This is absolutely the case with the new Kosas foundation, which does not require the use of a primer beforehand—but more on that to come. So what’s in it?
The brand included a range of skincare ingredients in the foundation to enhance its effectiveness and correct the skin’s imperfections. Peptides and Hyaluronic Acid, which attract water molecules, provide a plumping and hydrating effect that can also improve fine lines. Barrier-enhancing niacinamide and circulation-stimulating caffeine impart smoothing and brightening. Olive-derived Squalane, provitamin A5, and arnica all soothe and aid in hydration. As the cherry on top, the inclusion of mineral sun blockers as well as artemisia flower provides sun protection and blue-light protection.
How to Apply
I have tried many different foundations and have mastered my preferred method of applying it. It doesn’t require a primer and, in fact, Katrina Klein, a celebrity makeup artist, pointed out that it must not be used with any silicone-based primer as its water base will cause pimples. However, I do prepare my skin with a complete regimen that includes a moisturizer, or even a sheet mask such as 111SkinY Theorem Bio Cellulose Face Mask ($32), if I have the time. Chanel CC Cream SuperActive Complete Correction Sunscreen 50 ($55) is my favorite way to prepare my skin for application. It leaves my skin looking almost flawless. I then use a damp beauty blender and apply one pump of the foundation (I am wearing shade Light+Neutral Olive 160). I continue to press the sponge into my skin and blend it in more than I might think (this is a trick I learned by a celebrity makeup artist in Paris).
Next comes my concealer—sometimes I use Ilia, sometimes I use Shiseido—settling it into my undereyes and any uneven spots with the Anisa Concealer Brush, blush, and setting powder courtesy of the new Saie Airset Radiant Loose Setting Powder.
Review
The foundation’s ability to stay put without feeling too cakey or heavy is what really stands out. With a natural finish—not too matte but not shiny—it imparts coverage that leaves the skin looking even, without separating, for hours. I love that it leaves me looking fresh without creasing or requiring touch-ups throughout the day; I’m shocked every time. Even though it has mineral sunscreen, you still need to apply sunscreen every two hours. This is why I love the dual setting function in Seriously Fab Zinc It Over SPF Mist, which Kasey Boone, founder and CEO of Glow Skincare LA, loves.
The Final Verdict
This brand is also very careful about what ingredients are left out. Known for being a “clean” and vegan beauty brand, they exclude silicone, mineral oil, talc, fragrance, parabens, sulfates, and phthalates. This is important because it addresses both safety and sensitivities. “Mineral oil and silicones are well-known environmental hazards,” Koestline pointed out, referencing the connection to the petroleum industry and the failure of silicones to biodegrade. “Fragrance, talc, and phthalates [have been]They can pose a health risk and are not required in a formula for efficacy, long wear, or other purposes. I am all for leaving those out.”
Reminder: Everyone is free to choose what they apply to their faces (or not). We are not here to judge. You’ve probably noticed that I prefer this formula to be applied before a CC Cream that isn’t clean and contains a chemical sunscreen et all. But if you are partial to the clean and vegan niches, Kosas’ foundation represents a class of product that lives up to its counterpart while delivering fantastic results. This foundation is worth a try, regardless of your position on the ingredient debate.
Source: The Every Girl