How about we review another new to me foundation? I bought this at the end of 2020 to try out for a full face of H&M Beauty. I had never tried the brands’ foundation before and so I wasn’t so sure. I posted my top 10 drugstore foundations and I feel this could have made the cut, but I put that video together before I really gave this a good try in the last week or so. That’s why I am reviewing it for you today. Because this is a good more affordable foundation that I think needs more attention. The entire H&M beauty line does, but this foundation in particular is an unsung hero of the beauty world.
Review: H&M Beauty Perfect Hydrating Foundation 2N Light Sand Skin Conditioning Sheer Coverage SPF 15
Let’s start with pointing out the price point: this retails for €12.99 which is great for any foundation. It also comes in a bunch of shades: 27 in total to be precise. Online many seem out of stock, but if you find yourself a big enough H&M store, the beauty line will be sold in store and you can see all the shades. It comes in a bunch of different undertones as well, which I appreciated. There are also quite a few dark shades, but I cannot tell if those are dark enough for people with deeper skin tones. There do seem to be more shades in the light and medium range though so in the deeper end of the spectrum your choices may be limited.
What does this foundation have to offer?
The reason I wanted to try this foundation is because it pretty much reads like a foundation I’d love. Sheer coverage, with skincare properties and hydrating: that’s exactly what I am looking for. It comes in a squeezy tube which makes the product super easy to use and control and let me tell you: this is everything I wanted an more. The shade is spot on, it works well on dry skin and it wears well throughout the day. It just does everything I need it to do and it has a great wear time throughout the day and it doesn’t look makeuppy at all.
How does this foundation swatch?
As you can see here the foundation indeed is sheer, has a dewy finish and looks rich but a little also goes a long way. I do feel you need very little of this to make it work. Use too much and you’ll end up with a product that slides around and that can look like very much there. I wouldn’t call this a buildable coverage. It’s sheer to light and it should stay that way. I think it may be the hyaluronic acid in this that just makes this doesn’t work well if you try to build up more coverage. So keep it light and you’ll have a great natural, everyday foundation.
How is the shade match?
On the back of my hand this foundation looks a bit too yellow. However, when I applied this to my face, I felt this looked like a pretty perfect match. It looks a bit splotchy in this super close up, but I felt that with a sponge it applies well. I do like to spread the foundation on with my fingers first though. That way I feel I can get a much more seamless blend and I can really get the best possible effect. I love the way this feels on the skin: it is lightweight and doesn’t feel like makeup at all.
What does this look like on the face?
Don’t believe me? This is the effect this foundation has on my skin. On the left is my skin without foundation and you can see I have quite a bit of redness in my skin. On the right is my skin after applying this foundation. Yes there are still bits of redness coming through but that’s nothing a concealer can’t take care of. Overall, this foundation works: it covers what needs covering, the finish is very natural. It’s not overly dewy nor overly mattifying and it just looks like skin. And that’s exactly what I need.
My final thoughts
The H&M Beauty Perfect Hydrating foundation is one that slipped in as an unexpected favorite. I can see myself getting more use out of this for sure. The shade match is spot on, the coverage is what I like, it has the finish I like going for and this looks natural even after hours of wear. I like how this sits on the skin and with a bit of powder I can truly make it last. On my dry skin it never looks too thick and cakey and I just love the way this applies. It is quick and easy to use and I think so many more people should be talking about this.
Would I recommend the H&M Beauty Hydrating foundation?
Yes this is great for people with dry skin. If you have oily skin this will not be your cup of tea. It will be too slippy and it will just slide off your skin. Luckily the brand also has a mattifying foundation which you could try. What’s more the shade selection is pretty inclusive and at this price point that doesn’t happen that often. If you love a natural, slightly dewy but not wet looking finish than this is definitely worth a shot.