The $8 Foundation That Blew My Mind: e.l.f. Soft Glam Satin Foundation Review

A full day wear test, gym session, and scorching heat couldn't stop this budget-friendly beauty from shining.

SvetlanaSvetlanaJan 2025
The $8 Foundation That Blew My Mind: e.l.f. Soft Glam Satin Foundation Review

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Hey everyone! I'm so excited to share my experience with a foundation that has completely blown me away – the e.l.f. Soft Glam Satin Foundation. This was my first time trying this product, and I was so intrigued that I actually picked it up in two shades: 31 Medium Neutral and 25 Light Neutral. I tend to gravitate towards cool or neutral undertones, as I find they work best with my combination skin. My T-zone can get quite oily, especially during the summer months, while the rest of my face remains relatively balanced.

This foundation boasts medium, buildable coverage, a long-lasting formula, and even includes a 1% hydrating hibiscus complex. All of this in a generous one-fluid-ounce (30 milliliter) bottle for just eight dollars! The packaging promises "buildable, just-right coverage" and a "long-wearing, satin finish with a hydrating foundation that’s anything but basic." Those are some bold claims, so I put them to the test with a full day wear test, including a trip to the gym and enduring the sweltering summer heat.

25 Light Neutral Soft Glam Satin Foundation - e.l.f. Cosmetics | Ulta Beauty
25 Light Neutral Soft Glam Satin Foundation - e.l.f. Cosmetics | Ulta Beauty

Medium Coverage, Long-Lasting & Buildable Foundation For A Smooth, Satin Finish, Vegan & Cruelty-Free

tl;dr

Affordable foundation with medium coverage and a satin finish.

Pros
  • Budget-friendly, long-lasting, lightweight, suitable for summer, doesn't accentuate fine lines.
Cons
  • May require shade mixing for a perfect match, slight creasing under eyes after long wear.

Initial Impressions and Shade Matching

To give you the most comprehensive review, I captured footage in various lighting conditions, including direct sunlight, to accurately showcase the shades and coverage. I find this incredibly helpful when choosing foundation online, and I wanted to provide the same level of detail for you.

e.l.f. Soft Glam Satin Foundation in 31 Medium Neutral

First up, let's take a look at shade 31 Medium Neutral. Swatched on my hand, it appears quite a bit darker than my current skin tone. Summer has just begun, and I know I'll be tanning, but for now, this shade is a bit too deep.

e.l.f. Soft Glam Satin Foundation in 25 Light Neutral

Next, we have shade 25 Light Neutral. This one seems to be a much better match for my current complexion. The 31 Medium Neutral will likely be perfect once I've achieved my summer tan, but for the time being, the 25 Light Neutral is the clear winner. A great trick if you find yourself between shades is to mix them together for a customized match!

Application and First Impressions

For this trial run, I opted for the 25 Light Neutral. I prefer using a brush for foundation application, as I find it provides the perfect balance of coverage and control. I like to even out my skin tone and cover any imperfections or dark spots, but I avoid heavy coverage, especially during the summer. With temperatures soaring to 105 degrees, the last thing I want is a cakey, pore-clogging foundation that settles into my fine lines and wrinkles.

I applied the foundation to one side of my face, and immediately, I was impressed. The application was smooth and effortless, with no streaking whatsoever. It provided light coverage, as advertised, but I could definitely see the potential for building it up to medium. The finish was beautifully satin, and the foundation felt incredibly lightweight and comfortable on my skin. Even with my aging skin and its accompanying fine lines and wrinkles, the foundation didn't accentuate any imperfections. In fact, it seemed to blur them, creating a smooth, flawless canvas. I was already falling in love!

To truly put the foundation to the test, I decided to head to the gym after application. With the temperature hovering around 95 degrees, I knew this would be the ultimate test of its long-wearing claims. My skin has also been breaking out lately, so I was curious to see how the foundation would perform on less-than-perfect skin.

Mid-Day Check-In (3.5 Hours)

After a sweaty gym session and three and a half hours of wear, the foundation was still holding up beautifully. The satin finish remained intact, and while there was a tiny bit of creasing in my fine lines, it was barely noticeable. Considering the heat and my workout, I was incredibly impressed with its performance.

Final Verdict (8+ Hours)

Eight hours later, after a full day of wear, including the gym, time outdoors in the scorching heat, and absolutely no touch-ups, the e.l.f. Soft Glam Satin Foundation still looked remarkably good. There was a slight amount of creasing under my eyes, but a quick wipe with my finger easily smoothed it out. I was particularly pleased that the foundation didn't make me look oily, which is a common issue I experience with hydrating foundations. This one managed to stay put and look fresh, even in extreme heat.

Conclusion

For a mere eight dollars, the e.l.f. Soft Glam Satin Foundation delivers exceptional performance. It truly lives up to its "anything but basic" claim. The satin finish, lightweight feel, and long-wearing formula make it a perfect choice for summer. I'm officially obsessed and convinced that this is my new favorite drugstore foundation.

I highly recommend giving this foundation a try. I'm confident you'll be just as impressed as I am. Let me know in the comments what you think! Would you purchase it? What are your thoughts on its performance? I'd love to hear your experiences.

Thanks for reading, and I'll see you in my next post!