This Lancôme Serum Foundation Is a Skincare Lover’s Dream Come True

Foundation has come a long way from being a product that just temporarily evens out the skin tone. You can now find formulas that offer noticeable hydration, fade dark spots, help manage oil production and more. Infused with popular skincare ingredients like hyaluronic acid, Lancôme’s latest foundation launch — the Lancôme Teint Idole Ultra Wear Care and Glow Foundation — fits perfectly into this skincare-meets-makeup category. 

Described by the brand as a “serum foundation,” it promises instant benefits (medium coverage and a radiant glow) and has been reported to provide long-term bonuses (a more hydrated, smoother complexion), too. So does it live up to its claims? I’ve been using it for about a month now, and my answer is a resounding yes. Read on for my full and glowing review. 

The Lancôme Teint Idole Ultra Wear Care and Glow Foundation Formula

Infused with hyaluronic acid, this hybrid foundation formula has an 82% hydrating serum base — hence why it’s described by the brand as a “serum foundation.” The mandelic acid in the formula is included to help smooth the skin. Offered in 30 shades, it provides a medium, buildable coverage, protection in the form of SPF 27 and a radiant finish. In other words, it’ll give your skin a natural-looking glow, but won’t deliver that ultra-dewy, glazed donut look. This foundation is also non-comedogenic, sensitive skin-friendly and resistant to sweat

My Review of the Lancôme Teint Idole Ultra Wear Care and Glow Foundation 

Few things make me grab my trusty bottle of micellar water faster than a foundation that feels heavy or looks cakey on my skin. But when I’m wearing the Lancôme Teint Idole Ultra Wear Care and Glow Foundation, I forget I’m wearing makeup at all. It creates a natural-looking, slightly glowy finish that feels so lightweight and incredibly comfortable. 

Two pumps of the liquid masks my redness and dark spots but still allows my natural skin and freckles to shine through. If I’m going for a more involved makeup look or don’t want to see my freckles, three pumps usually does the trick. No matter how much I apply, it’s really easy to blend with a damp sponge. Because the foundation has a subtle radiant finish, it layers well with cream-based bronzer, blush and highlighter. I’ve also dusted setting powder over my T-zone and didn’t notice any caking or flaking. I wear 245C, which matches my pink undertones perfectly. 

I know I’m not supposed to touch my face throughout the day, but when I do and I’m wearing this foundation, my skin feels super smooth, bouncy and hydrated, to which I credit the formula’s hyaluronic and mandelic acids. I have yet to road-test the product’s 24-hour wear, but I have worn the foundation for up to 12 hours, and the coverage held up beautifully. No streaks, no fading and no caking. 

When I take off my makeup at the end of the day, my skin doesn't feel taut or dry either. It feels like I’ve had a layer of serum sitting on my skin, nourishing my skin all day. Since adding this foundation into my routine, I feel like my skin actually looks glowier and more hydrated when I’m not wearing makeup, too. 

Photo: Victoria Moorhouse, Design: Juliana Campisi