Hyaluronic Hydra-Foundation

This foundation is my dream come true. It's a perfect color match for my very fair, neutral skin: I didn't need to blend it with a white base or primer and it did not oxidize at all. It is a very liquidy formula and the dropper applicator is great. I use 5 or 6 drops to cover my face for the perfect light coverage. It melts into my skin and leaves a natural, skin-life finish. It wears beautifully and naturally over time. I am surprised that the foundation is called "hydra" because it is not moisturizing or dewy at all on my dry skin. It dries down to a satin matte finish and sets completely so I don't need to powder. I do have to use a very hydrating primer underneath to avoid the foundation clinging to dry patches, but this is an easy trade off for such a perfect foundation match. I like the By Terry Hydra Primer.

After watching raving reviews from Ali Andreea on Youtube, Michele Wang and others I decided to give this foundation a try. One of my Sundays was filled with investigating on my proper skin tone, undertone and which shade I have to chose when no trial is possible. Apparently I am a light to medium with a warm undertone. A larger part of my skin is covered with Melasma, especially in summer time. I have a very classic T-zone situation - apart from that I consider my skin to be very normal. Not specially dry or in the need of tons of hydration. I am 45 and yes, there are wrinkles here and there. However, I like to have a glow to my skin, without appearing too shiny or god forbid: oily.

My first experience with the foundation: its formula is very runny. First I applied with my Sonia G. Face One brush - the next couple of times I used a beauty sponge. The result of the latter was more refined, almost airbrushed. It goes on smoothly and leaves a beautiful texture. For my liking not too matte, not too dewy. It really depends on your preference, what products you use before. I took a picture today, after wearing my make up 7 hours straight. After skincare I used the Armani Prima Primer for the T-zone only. I also tested the ByTerry CC Serum in Apricot Glow below the foundation. This was amazing but I had to re-apply powder after a couple of hours.

The scent is quite strong; I am surprised it is not mentioned anywhere. It fades after applying but first it was almost a killer. Now I am so happy I tried it despite the perfume.

The shade 300W Medium Fair perfectly matches my skin tone.

Clear buying recommendation!

I was on the fence between 200 and 300 level shades as I've recently purchased some foundations that trend light. I'm really glad that I decided to go with the 200N because it is a great match for my light but not pale/fair skin. The formula is liquidy and I'm still mastering how best to get it from the pipette to my face in even dollops on each side, but I'm getting there. I will say it is forgiving and blends out nicely all over my face if I have a little too much here and not quite enough there. I love how smooth and lasting it is and how velvety my skin looks after it is applied. One surprise is that it is quite a bit more matte than I was expecting. A spritz of hydrating spray and a little extra highlighter adds a bit more glow. Personally, I find that I need a good moisturizer under it. Even though I have mature skin I don't always need or want too much oiliness under my makeup. With this foundation I think it applies and looks much better if I use a little Embryolisse Lait under it. I may end up wanting to give it 5 stars once I've worn it longer and under more conditions, but for now I'm going with a 4.

This is hands down the best foundation I have tried this year. My normal go-to is CT Light Wonder, this surpasses that formula in terms of coverage and longevity. As others have said, the finish is not nearly as dewy as one would think, it’s incredibly flattering even on large pores and imperfections. I can build this to medium-full. One douse of setting spray, (I use CT) and this foundation locks all day even under a mask, and never makes my skin feel dry or look cakey. Huge win here.