BareMinerals' Original Pure Serum Liquid Foundation Gives My Skin a Natural Glow

We put the bareMinerals Original Pure Serum Radiant Natural Liquid Foundation to the test after receiving a complimentary sample from the brand. Keep reading for our full product review.

Everyone has unique preferences when it comes to foundation. Some of us love full-coverage formulas, while others prefer barely-there, light-coverage foundations. For a long time, I was a fan of the former, but recently, I've leaned into light-to-medium foundations on the days I decide to wear makeup. BareMinerals Original Pure Serum Radiant Natural Liquid Foundation Mineral SPF 20 aligns with my current foundation ethos, so I was excited to try it. Ahead, read my full review of the classic brand's skincare-infused foundation. 

About My Skin: Moderately dry and neutral-toned

I have sensitive skin that is also prone to dryness. Because of this, I am cautious about trying new complexion and skincare products. However, bareMinerals' Original Pure Serum Radiant Natural Liquid Foundation Mineral SPF 20 is fragrance-free, non-comedogenic, and formulated to soothe stressed skin. Needless to say, I was comfortable testing this formula out.

The Ingredients: A skincare-forward formula

One of the most significant selling points is that this foundation is 93% skincare-infused and made with just 23 ingredients. The hero ingredients include soothing water lily extract, moisture-boosting hyaluronic acid, naturally derived coconut alkanes to give the foundation a weightless feel, antioxidant-rich vitamins C and E, and moisture-retaining glycerin. Another plus? This formula also contains SPF 20 to protect against UVA/UVB rays.

How to Apply: Easy-to-apply formula

The brand recommends shaking the bottle well before use to ensure even application. Afterward, you can apply a pump directly to your fingertips and dab it across your face to achieve natural, medium coverage. If you prefer to use a makeup sponge or brush (like me), just apply a few pumps directly onto your desired tool and blend away.

The Results: Glowing, hydrated skin

My complexion's undertones fall somewhere between the neutral and warm categories. Because of this, it often takes extra time to find the perfect foundation shade. BareMinerals' Original Pure Serum only offers 20 shades, so I was nervous that I wouldn't find my ideal match easily. However, the shade I selected matched exceptionally well.

I tested the bareMinerals Original Serum Liquid Foundation for over a week, and the results were impressive. The first time I dispensed the formula, I immediately noticed how smooth and lightweight it was. This foundation is so weightless that it's easy to forget you have a foundation on your skin. It holds up well throughout the day, but by the end of each one, my skin was a bit oily. So, if you want to maintain a shine-free complexion, it's best to use setting powder after applying it and keep some handy for touch-ups.

Since this is a skin-focused foundation, it's unsurprising that the formula also promises to enhance your skin over time. As mentioned on the brand's website, the clinical tests showed that the foundation helped improve skin smoothness in seven days, and I can confirm this is true. After using it a couple of times, I noticed my skin looked smoother underneath the foundation, and I expect it to yield even more prominent results with continued use.

The Value: Appropriately priced

BareMinerals' Original Serum Liquid Foundation has a $44 price tag, which is on par with other liquid foundations from prestige brands. This particular foundation is a worthwhile purchase considering its high-performance, skincare-infused formula and the results it delivers. I'd gladly add it to my cart over and over.

Similar Products: You have options

It Cosmetics Your Skin But Better Foundation + Serum: It Cosmetics created this weightless foundation to be suitable for all skin types. The Your Skin But Better Foundation + Serum ($46) is enriched with soothing ingredients like hyaluronic acid and aloe vera extract, as well as micro-fine pearl powder to provide a radiant finish.

Danessa Myricks Beauty Yummy Skin Serum Foundation: There's a reason why this formula landed on Byrdie's "best foundation" list. The medium-coverage foundation is loaded with nourishing ingredients (like jojoba oil, hyaluronic acid, and olive-derived squalane), giving your skin a beyond-radiant glow. We also love that the Yummy Skin Serum Foundation ($34) is available in 26 flexible shades.