(Beauty Report Card)

I Finally Found A Foundation That Makes My Textured Skin Look Airbrushed

It’s a game-changer.

April 20, 2024

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Those with textured skin can likely relate when I say my relationship with foundation has been all over the place. Though I dabbled in it here and there, I didn’t actually start wearing it regularly until my mid 20s. Even then, I could never figure out the right coverage for my keratosis pilaris (KP) and rosacea-covered skin. I oscillated between heavy products that masked every little bump but failed to last the day, usually separating and poorly exposing textured patches and discoloration, and lightweight options that did little to smooth out my complexion. For many years, I abandoned foundation altogether, relying on concealer and tinted sunscreens to do the job adequately.

Over the years, I’ve tried out a few foundations that were passable, but I’ve been patiently awaiting that one holy grail product to be uncovered. So I test out new products as they hit the market, always hopeful that a magic formula is still out there. Well, after years of searching, I can finally say that day has come and I’ve discovered a foundation that makes even my textured skin look airbrushed: the Haus Labs Triclone Skin Tech Medium Coverage Foundation.

I had heard chatter about this product for a few weeks between TikToks and makeup-obsessed friends, so I was excited to get my hands on it to try it out for myself. I even treated myself to a new foundation brush for the occasion.

Admittedly, it took me a few days to muster the courage to crack open the bottle. I didn’t want to risk disappointment after building up such high expectations. But once I finally took the plunge and applied it, I was blown away. For the first time, I understood those mesmerizing makeup tutorial TikToks where skin seemed to undergo a complete transformation because now, that was me. My complexion appeared luminous, with just the right amount of coverage without looking cakey or overly dewy. The formula felt weightless yet nourishing, thanks to its infusion of 20-plus skin care ingredients like hyaluronic acid, squalane, and fermented arnica. It also lasted the entire day without budging, which is a huge feat, and kept my skin feeling like it could breathe.

What truly sets this foundation apart is its ability to seamlessly blend skin care benefits with makeup prowess. Plus, it's a clean and cruelty-free option. And for those who might doubt the legitimacy of celebrity-owned beauty brands, let me assure you: some of the best products out there hail from these very labels (cue Rare Beauty and Fenty). The Haus Labs foundation is a prime example, delivering airbrushed perfection even for those of us with textured skin.

So if you're on the hunt for a flawless complexion, look no further. Ahead, discover my new go-to foundation along with a curated selection of products that will help you achieve that coveted smooth appearance.

Smooth Skin Sailing

Haus Labs

Triclone Skin Tech Medium Coverage Foundation

$45

My new holy grail foundation that works for every skin type. I look forward to doing my makeup now just so I can apply this product onto my skin and see it transform.

Makeup by Mario

Surreal Foundation F4 Brush

$30

Everyone has their preferred method of applying foundation, whether it’s old school with your hands, a Beautyblender, or my personal favorite, a foundation brush. I love this Makeup By Mario double-sided brush as it’s multifunctional. The smaller, more compact end of the brush contains dense hairs shaped with a dome angle, allowing for controlled and precise foundation application, particularly around the hairline and contours of your face. It doesn’t eat up the product but actually helps it blend smoothly and naturally into the skin. The second, larger side of the brush is great for bronzer, blush, or highlighter — anything that needs a bit more buffing out.

Dermalogica

Micellar Prebiotic Precleanse

$49

Sensitive skin girlies need this product in their life STAT. I could not be more obsessed with it as a makeup remover and pre-cleanse — it literally saved my skin barrier. Made with cleansing micellar murumuru butter and oat milk, as well as emollient apricot kernel oil and amino acid-rich cotton seed protein, it will remove every trace of makeup while leaving your skin feeling soft and hydrated, creating a perfect canvas for makeup application.

Jurlique

Nourishing Cleansing Oil

$38

With dry, textured, skin, my biggest priority is softening my complexion while also keeping hydration locked in, so I am all about the oil cleaners. This gentle formula, enriched with exceptional plant-based oils, transforms into a luxurious cleansing milk that leaves my skin feeling soft, smooth, and bright. It’s not greasy, but rather a delicate formula that emulsifies on contact with water, and works incredibly for all skin types. It leaves my skin feeling clean and refreshed without stripping away moisture.

Matter of Fact

Barrier + Antioxidant Treatment

$68

You know by now I love an oil, but not all are made equal. This Matter of Fact Barrier + Antioxidant Treatment is truly one of the best I’ve ever tried. It’s lightweight yet has an impactful hydration, and has improved my skin barrier helping to smooth out my rough dry patches while minimizing redness. It’s very calming on the skin, helping to reduce inflammation overnight and give me a boost of radiance by morning.

Avène

XeraCalm Nutrition Moisturising Balm (13.5 oz.)

$42

During a recent rosacea flare, my dermatologist recommended to stop using all retinol products and resetting my skin’s barrier with the Avène XeraCalm Nutrition Moisturising Balm. After 10 days, my skin looked and felt SO much better. This moisturizer is simple and effective for actually hydrating your skin and repairing a damaged barrier. I now use it on my whole body after I shower, not just my face.

Rare Beauty

Liquid Touch Brightening Concealer

$22

Rare Beauty’s brightening concealer is my all-time favorite. It blends seamlessly into my skin for a smooth appearance and works great for lighter coverage on days I don’t want to wear a full face of makeup. It also blends great with the Haus Labs foundation, thankfully, as they are my two favorite complexion products for coverage.

Westman Atelier

Baby Cheeks In Dou Dou

$48

I’m new to the blush game, as I always thought that having rosacea made me a poor candidate for wearing it. But, I was very wrong. It’s all about finding the right formulas and coverage, and Westman Atelier’s products are It. This creamy stick blush is hydrating and natural-looking, also filled with wonderful skin care ingredient like jojoba seed oil. A little goes a long way.

Westman Atelier

Lit Up Highlight Stick

$48

Another Westman Atelier favorite, the Lit Up Highlight stick is the perfect duo with the Baby Cheeks blush. These products layer beautifully on top of the Haus Labs foundation, creating a luminous glow all while supporting your skin’s moisture barrier.

Jurlique

Lavender Hydrating Mist

$44

When out and about for hours at a time, a mid-day pick me up can help keep my skin looking dewy and smooth. I adore Jurlique’s lavender hydrating mist for a boost of radiance and of course a little self-care moment.