The Ordinary Serum and Coverage Foundations | Makeup Review

Everyone and their mothers has gone mad for The Ordinary. This brand was created by Deciem to give affordable versions of "high-tech" skincare and describe themselves as "Clinical formulations with integrity". Any time I read someones skincare routine, 99% of the time will includes The Ordinary. Now I've only used one of their acids (Glycolic Acid 7%)  so I can't talk about the skincare but the foundations? I have a lot to say on both them. So let's get to it.

There's two foundations in the range, the Serum and the Coverage. The Serum is a light coverage foundation with a very water-like consistency. I will say I hate the pump with this. It's such a watery foundation that when you use the pump, it squirts everywhere. They sell a dropper that you can switch it out with. Honestly that fact alone is a whole post in it's self. You're lucky you look so lovely on Serum Foundation. Anyways, when I say light coverage, I mean very light. Like adds a tint to the skin, tones back the redness, that's it. And I don't say that as a bad thing, it's stunning.

 The Coverage claims to be a full coverage foundation but I disagree. I get medium coverage with this but you can layer it up quite nicely. Three layers gets a good amount of coverage but I still wouldn't call it a full coverage, blanked out look. It has a more traditional texture, reminds me of a BB cream. The pump is fine with this one, if you were wondering.

I like to apply them both with a dense kabuki brush but I do go over the Serum with a Beauty Blender as I find it can get a bit streaky. I never go in straight away with the sponge because the Serum is so watery and soaks in almost immediately. The Coverage is grand with sponge, I just personally like the brush more.

The Serum Foundation in a complete look

Both contain SPF 15, always a plus.The Serum has a dewy finish to it, nothing crazy shiny. A nice "Look how healthy and radiant my skin is" kinda look. The Coverage is more of a demi-matte but if you prep you're skin with a lot of rich, hydrating products it'll really show through and you'll look all kinds of glowy and cute. Staying power is plus for both of these products. Stays looking pretty for about eight hours before they starts to break down, can't complain about that. Also lasts through a shift of waitressing and coffee making. Very impressed that they both last as well as the other.

The Coverage in a complete look

The two foundations come in 21 shades and this is where I have my issues. I got both shades in 1.0N, the lightest shade. If you're new here, I'm quite pale. I wear 00A in Milani's Conceal And Perfect Foundation for reference. The Serum is great, suits me brilliantly. Now the Coverage, there's a snag. It's so dark, like I need a good fake tan to wear it. Not ideal for the lightest shade. Also these foundations contain Titanium Dioxide which can make darker foundations pull grey. I haven't seen them so I can't say for sure these do or don't but it's something to keep in mind.

And here is a before and after of the Serum:

And here is the Coverage:

Overall, I do think both of these foundations are great. The shade issue in the Coverage does bother me but the formula is so lovely that I keep it for my rare tanned days. The Serum is amazing and it's worked it's way into my regular rotation. With all this in mind, I would recommend both of these foundations. Have you tried either of these foundations? What are your thoughts on them? Let me know.

The Ordinary Serum Foundation is available here for €6.95
The Ordinary Coverage Foundation is available here for €6.95