When people find out I'm a beauty editor, they automatically assume I style my hair and wear a full face of makeup every day. In reality, that couldn't be further from the truth. I'm constantly surrounded by beauty products (I mean that quite literally—you should see my work setup!), and I have to test hundreds of them per year. I try to keep things simple where I can, so my personal beauty routine is quite straightforward. That means that I allow my natural wavy hair texture do its thing and rarely wear foundation most days.
Recently, however, I experienced the worst rosacea flare-up, and my skin was red, textured, and irritated. When this happens, I break my no-makeup streak and reach for one of my tried-and-true, rosacea-friendly foundations. This time, though, I decided to try a new formula that's been sitting on my desk for who knows how long. Spoiler alert: I was obsessed with how smooth, even, and blurred it made my skin look, so I wore it the next day and the next… You get it. Since then, I've earned quite a few "You have great skin" compliments. Really, it's this sneaky, natural-looking foundation making my skin look better than it actually does. Ahead, find out which foundation it is and see my before-and-after pictures.
Here it is—Makeup by Mario's SurrealSkin Foundation. It feels weightless on the skin, offers medium coverage, and sets to a natural-looking finish. When I say "natural," I mean it. This foundation has a second-skin effect. It doesn't look too matte or too dewy. It's the perfect in-between.
It's moisturizing and oil-controlling, so it keeps the skin smooth, even, and balanced all day. It's also sweat- and humidity-resistant, so you don't have to worry about it slipping, smudging, or sliding off your skin at any point. The best part, though, is its softening, blurring effect. Pores? I can't find them. Fine lines? Not here. It's all thanks to micro-powders, which are suspended in the formula and self-set on the skin.
It's one of those rare foundations that's perfectly balanced in coverage, finish, and formula. It's like the makeup equivalent of finding a unicorn. If you still need proof of its efficacy, keep scrolling.
Before
You can see how red my skin is from a rosacea flare-up. I also see texture, hyperpigmentation, and some serious dullness. I blame it on the cold winter air.
After
I took this picture after applying one thin coat of the foundation. As you can see, my redness is dramatically reduced, and my skin looks smooth, even, and blurred.
Here's another picture in different lighting. It's so natural looking, IMO!
Shop 5 More of My Fave Makeup Products
Part blush, part highlighter, this product gives my skin a much-needed glow.
I'm also obsessed with Rhode's Pocket Blush in Toasted Teddy.
While I'm not wearing any mascara in the pictures above, I've been loving this one lately. It's Kendall Jenner approved and gives my lashes extension-level length.
This powder makes my under-eyes look autocorrected.
This lip gloss is hydrating and nonsticky and comes in the prettiest shades.
