On my last trip to Seoul, I set out to find my new HG foundation. My favorite for many years has been Moonshot's Micro Correctfit foundation, which was discontinued a few years ago in their rebrand. As my supply dwindled down to my final bottle and I found myself in Seoul, I decided my goal was to buy multiple foundations while I was able to sample and swatch in store to make sure I got a decent shade match.
Yes, I know this is a LOT of foundations but I was taking advantage of the opportunity to try a bunch and hopefully being able to share reviews and swatches here will help someone.
About my skin/tone: Normal-to-dry, light skin with warm undertones. I am almost always a 21 in Asian foundations, or the closest available warm shade. Late 30s so there are some fine lines brewing foundation can settle in. My season is a soft autumn.
What I look for in a foundation: Medium coverage that looks natural. Foundations that are too matte tend to break along my nose or chin. Should wear well in hot, humid weather in the Southern US and I'm recently trying to not powder my face and use only setting spray. I typically apply foundation with a sponge, even cushion foundations I will finish with my sponge over the included one.
I have had most of these since November, so I have worn them all many times to form an opinion. But as I have not had them in the summer yet I haven't yet been able to test against summer weather.
All of these foundations were purchased in while in Seoul or via retailers that ship from Korea, so they are all the official Korean formulation and not modified for US FDA SPF regulations. Every foundation should be currently available, with the exception being my previous HG Moonshot foundation that I am only including since it is what I was comparing everything to.
REVIEW TIME
Moonshot Micro Correctfit — My skin just loves this foundation. It is the perfect combination of hydrating without being super glowy, lasts all day, and doesn't break. I always thought this was a perfect match, but I am noticing how much darker it is next to the other swatches. I'm sure it has oxidized over time. Shade 201, SPF50+ PA+++.
tfit Icy Fit Cushion — Do you want to glow enough that your face can be seen from space? This cushion is for you! People comment on how good my skin looks when I wear this, but despite that it isn't at the top of my rankings. I do think it might go higher in the summer when I can properly test its claims of cooling down the surface of the skin. It has one of the highest SPF/PA ratings. Shade W01 Vanilla, SPF50+ PA++++.
About Tone Skin Layer Fit — This foundation is super thick coming out of the pump, I don't think I've ever used a foundation with such a thick consistency. But it blends out easily and the smallest pump goes really far, so I think this bottle will last me a very long time. Despite the consistency, it doesn't feel heavy on the skin and has a very pretty, natural finish. It's a near-perfect shade match for me too, the undertone is perfect for my subtle yellow undertones so it just disappears into my skin. It does seems to break around my nose after a few hours so it isn't my highest ranking foundation but it is a great foundation I will happily use up. Shade 21.5W Light Beige, SPF 30 PA++
Hince Second Skin Foundation — I really wanted to like this one more because I love Hince's products, and the bottle is so cool (although I resent it a bit for not fitting in my vanity drawer). It has a noticeable fragrance which is so unnecessary in a foundation IMO. The color looks nice coming out of the bottle but it oxidize so much after a few minutes and pulls very orange. It does live up to the second skin name, because it feels like nothing on and looks very natural. But because of the oxidizing color and scent it isn't one I will reach for. They do have some very light shades (13 and 15) so if you're really pale it could be one to consider, even with the oxidizing color. Shade 21 Ivory, SPF 30 PA++
Wakemake Seamless Wear Foundation — This one was a shade fail on my part. They don't have a warm shade in 21 so I opted for the neutral 21 shade which in store looked somewhat warm. I should have gotten shade 19, which is warm but thought it would be too light. Shade match aside, I really like this foundation. It has great coverage without using a lot of product and looks great at the end of the day. It does not play well with setting powder, and really shows the powder sitting on top of it. Shade 21N, SPF 30 PA+++
Espoir Be Velvet Foundation — This is a beautiful shade match for me despite being considered neutral, but the velvet finish is just not what my skin wants so it looks a bit dry on my skin. The finish is a true velvet, blurring effect and not a straight up matte. I don't have very large pores but it does a great job at hiding them. I think it is a solid product, just might not be for me. I hope to keep trying it into the warmer months when my skin is less dry. Espoir always has fabulous packaging, and this is a great example of that. The bottle feels so luxe and like a high-end designer foundation. Shade 21N, SPF 22 PA++
Espoir Be Glow Stick Foundation — Picked this up because I liked the shade, but not the finish of the other Espoir foundation. I have not used a stick foundation in over 25 years and unfairly associate them as being heavy and cakey, since the last one I used was a super high coverage theater makeup product. This is not the same thing! It is light coverage and a "your skin but better" product. The light coverage does mean it isn't what I reach for when I want a full face, but it is perfect for putting on a 5 minute face to get out the door. I always find myself looking at my skin when I wear it. I did not think I would like a stick foundation so much, but I love how quick it can be applied and that is is travel friendly when I want to keep my liquids under control. Great SPF coverage too! This will be one I always have in my drawer. Shade W01 Vanilla, SPF 50+ PA++++
Etude Double Lasting Vegan Cover Foundation — When I saw this at Olive Young, I thought it had replaced the original Double Lasting foundation. Since I always liked that product I decided to try this one. This foundation feels like Etude has grown up with me, because it feels like it was made for adults and not the youthful market I associate them with. This has a much more natural finish and feels like nothing is on my skin. Wears beautiful all day and doesn't budge. I wish they had more shades like the other Etude foundations. The packaging is chic and minimalist, but unfortunately the pump is terrible and leaks foundation after I'm done with it. Then it gets all smooshed in the clear cap and looks a mess. Shade 19N Light Beige, SPF 32 PA++
Etude Double Lasting OG Foundation — After I bought the Vegan version, I looked into whether this had been discontinued and found it had not but Olive Young didn't carry it. This was one of the first Korean foundations I ever used and I recall liking it. I didn't see it anywhere in Seoul (fwiw, I did not go to the Etude store) so this is one I ordered online after the fact. The shade range has changed since I last purchased it (previously I was Y03 Ivory) and it seems the formula may have changed as well. The weird thing about this foundation is I find it can look a bit heavy when I'm looking at my skin in the mirror (it has great coverage) but it photographs absolutely beautifully. I tend to use this one when I'm working from home and want to look polished in an on-camera meeting, and recently wore it for my passport photo. Because it is pretty high coverage, it is the closest to a lot of Western foundations and something people new to K-beauty would like. Shade 21W1, SPF 35 PA++
tfit Radiance Serum Fit Foundation — Oooh, this foundation is pretty! It is the only foundation on this list that does not have any sun protection in it, which is interesting for a Korean brand. But it does mean it can be purchased on global sites and will be identical to what is sold in Korea. This is a true serum foundation that falls somewhere inbetween a BB cream and a foundation. More coverage than a BB cream, but still looks natural and like I'm not wearing makeup. Gives a nice, radiant glow but doesn't look artificial. It's a great shade match for me, and my skin looks healthy when I wear it. Shade name and appearance is consistent with the tfit cushion, even though they are different lines. Shade W01 Vanilla, no SPF
Hince Second Skin Glow Cushion — So much better than the liquid foundation. No scent, and the color does not oxidize. One of my favorite cushion packages as well, where the foundation doesn't ooze out if pushed on a bit too hard. The product gets on the sponge and not my fingers. The product feel is very similar to the liquid foundation with the weightless, skin-like finish but the added glow element improves upon the finish on my skin type. Cushions aren't usually my favorite, but this is one of the best I've used. Shade 21 Ivory, SPF 50+ PA++++
Jung Saem Mool Essential Skin Nuder Cushion — Despite my love of K-beauty, this was my first Jung Saem Mool product. The shade runs a bit darker than I'd expect out of a 21, and apparently that is a trend with JSM products and I wasn't aware. I can get away with it if I blend well, but I would get a lighter shade next time. I do knock it over the shade, because typically Korean foundations are pretty consistent shades between brands with the standard numbering, and JSM appears to differ from that. It is very hydrating with a beautiful finish. It's won so many awards I will try it again with a better shade. Shade 21 Medium, no SPF.
Phew, OK that is a lot to read! In short, I don't dislike any of these foundations as most Korean foundations are excellent, so even my least favorite are still objectively very good.
If you want a tldr; — here's a tier list!
by atllauren