Hourglass Veil Fluid Makeup Oil Free SPF 15 — Silky Smooth Coverage

Though I’ve tried every type of foundation imaginable — pressed powder, cream-to-powder, loose powder, cream, roll-on stick, airbrush, and so on — I still tend to gravitate towards liquid foundations since, in my opinion, they’re easier to apply than most cream foundations (and, in turn, less prone to streaking and to overall unevenness) plus they generally offer greater coverage than powder variations. But, of course, not all liquid foundations are created equal. Anyone who played with foundation in the early ’80s and ’90s can attest the many advances made by the makeup industry — from a greater variety of shade offerings that address both gradations in skin depth and warm, cool, or neutral undertones to more lightweight consistencies, moisturizing and anti-aging ingredients, and increased longevity. And, while today’s foundations are a vast improvement from those of decades past — I still cringe when I look at photos of my mom from the ’80s when her foundation was typically about three shades too light for her skin tone—there’s still a hierarchy in terms of overall performance. My personal favorites include Tarte’s Amazonian Clay 12-Hour Full Coverage Foundation, MAC’s Matchmaster SPF 15 Foundation, Make Up For Ever’s HD Foundation, Laura Mercier’s Oil Free Supreme Foundation, and Lancôme’s Teint Miracle Foundation. And now — after two months testing the Hourglass Veil Fluid Makeup Oil Free SPF 15 ($60 at Sephora.com), I’m officially adding it to the list of apex-worthy foundations.

Unlike other foundations, which can feel rather dense and viscous, the Hourglass Veil Fluid Makeup truly deserves to be classified as a “liquid” product — it’s so fluid as to be almost watery (and I mean that in the best possible way since it manages to have this consistency while still being saturated with pigment) and lightweight enough that you can forget you’re wearing makeup in the first place, keeping you comfortable throughout the day. You can apply the foundation with a brush, sponge, or even your fingers, and it sets relatively quickly — even without the use of powders, highlighters, and blushes. Because the pigment pay-off is substantial, small amount does go a long way in terms of achieving full coverage but, of course, you can layer the product and keep compounding the coverage level should you be having a bad skin phase (we all have them!). Since the formula is oil-free, lightweight, and breathable, it won’t leave you looking greasy or sweaty nor will it make your skin feel stifled. I loathe when foundations leave me feeling like my pores were clogged by a Crisco-like substance, like a breakout will ensue as soon as I wipe the day away, so I really appreciated the breathability of this product.

Similarly, every time I’ve worn the Hourglass Veil Fluid Makeup, I’ve noticed my skin feels moisturized all day long (and this is coming from someone with dry skin) and it appears smoother and more luminous. This can be attributed to the 3%  concentration of Matrixyl Synthe’6, a peptide complex that boosts the skin’s collagen and hyaluronic acid production, thereby making skin appear firmer, minimizes the appearance of wrinkles, and keeping skin hydration at its optimal level. Another essential anti-aging component in the foundation’s formula is Sederma’s the Skin Tightener ST PH complex, a marine- and plant-derived, film-forming agent that improves skin’s texture, yielding a smoother surface area.

 Thanks to the moisture-retention and anti-aging properties of the foundation, then, you won’t have to worry about the makeup becoming cake-y or flaky or about it sinking into wrinkles and fine lines (in fact, the latter will be markedly less noticeable thanks to the aforementioned ingredients). The radiant finish, meanwhile, will give you a lit-from-within glow without being overly shiny or shimmery.

I wore the Hourglass Veil Fluid Makeup Oil Free SPF 15 all throughout New York Fashion Week, when I was often running from one show to the next for a full 6 to 8 hours, and I was shocked by how my makeup managed to stand up to the task. I never once sweat the foundation off (which is a great thing since no one needs that type of beauty faux pas during Fashion Week), nor did I notice any streaking, clumping, or flaking. In fact, it almost looked like I was wearing no makeup — which is, of course, what makes a foundation truly great.

Check out some photos below in which I’m wearing the foundation and see for yourself!