Sell-out skincare range The Ordinary is known for its affordable serums, no frills approach to beauty, and the fact that it’s new releases always fly off the shelves. When the foundations first launched in 2017, they were faced with waitlists 25,000 people deep… Why? Who wouldn’t want a base that’s light, buildable, long-lasting, and looks like your skin, but better?
Here’s everything you need to know about The Ordinary foundations.
The first thing you should know is that there are two formulas – one with a light-medium finish and the other with a medium-full coverage finish. They’re both available in 21 shades (ranging from pale to deep) and the shades are also helpfully broken down into undertones (pink, red, yellow, and neutral). Both formulas are vegan, cruelty-free, oil-free, and are boosted with SPF15 physical sun protection from titanium dioxide.
Can’t decide which one to buy? Scroll down for our helpful guide to choosing your foundation.
Coverage Foundation
Texture: Light, lotion-like consistency
Coverage: Medium but buildable to full
Best for: Combination and oily skin types
Finish: Velvet matte
Apply with: Sponge or a round buffing brush
Beauty Editor’s notes: “I was so surprised by how concentrated this formula is, considering that the texture is so light and silky. It blends and layers really well so I can get a good coverage that conceals any blemishes or redness that I have. Overall it does a really good job of brightening and evening out my skintone, and it doesn’t look at all cakey (but does need a bit of extra powder if you’re prone to shine and oily patches).”
Serum Foundation
Texture: Thin, watery consistency
Coverage: Light but buildable to medium
Best for: Dry and sensitive skin types
Finish: Sheer, fresh, and semi-matte, looks like natural skin
Apply with: Fingers, stippling brush, or sponge
Beauty Editor’s notes: “This is my favourite everyday foundation, I’ve been through about five bottles since I first purchased it. The level of coverage it gives is similar to a BB cream, but without the thick texture – so it doesn’t cling to and emphasise dry patches. My favourite thing about this foundation is that despite the fact it’s surprisingly pigmented (I was initially expecting it to be a lot more sheer), it feels like I have nothing on my skin. Plus, unlike other foundations it doesn’t break me out – in fact, it feels more like skincare than makeup.”
