Test Lab: Airbrush Foundation

The Claims

The Perfection Mist Airbrush Foundation from the Sephora Collection retails for $28 for 2.5 oz, which isn’t bad considering drugstore foundations run from $8 to $10 for one fluid ounce. Sephora.com describes it as an “ultrafine mist” meant to “blur imperfections seamlessly and control shine for up to 10 hours.” Being a quick spritz away from flawless sounds infinitely faster than splotching on liquid foundation and waiting for it to set. It’s also oil-free and noncomedogenic, so besides the serious convenience factor, it would be easy on the skin. So is it a canned miracle or a mess in the making?

The Experiment

After shaking for five seconds, hold the bottle eight to 10 inches away from the face and spray in circular motions. Then blend it into the skin with a beauty sponge or foundation brush. (You could also spray the product directly onto a brush and blend, but this only works for lighter coverage and robs you of all your fun.) Apply the rest of your makeup as usual, and go stun onlookers with your perfectly smooth mannequin face.

The Results

Cover your clothes and mind your hairline—the overspray is real with this product. Oh, and hold your breath during application. Learn from my mistakes.

Those warnings aside, this little can of wonders may be my new best friend. The foundation allows you to build up coverage from light to nearly full, and although most foundations claim to feel weightless, this one actually is. My skin feels like… skin, I guess. That shouldn’t be weird, but it’s a rare thing indeed. My skin looks smooth and glowy without appearing overdone, and I was even able to forego concealer on my dark spots and under eye circles. (It does cling to flakes, so be sure to moisturize if you’re on the dry side.) It even held up to its 10-hour wear claim; I only had to blot my oily zones once during the day.

My only complaint? I found my match in the shade “fair,” but the range is limited, with four of 10 total colors being variations for fair skin. But if you can find your perfect match, I’d give this the old college try. Perfection Mist Airbrush Foundation: Test Lab approved.