It’s been years (no exaggeration) since my last foundation review. So, the first of hopefully many more to come is this Squad Cosmetics Foundation review.
First, here’s what Squad Cosmetics is about.
The quarantine made me return to the good ol’ days of watching beauty YouTubers and reading beauty blogs. This purchase was definitely informed by this returning habit.
I’ve learned that Squad Cosmetics is Detail Makeover‘s younger sister; and their products are geared towards Gen-z folks.
I am admittedly not their target market branding-wise, but for the price of their products which ranges from P75(!) to P299 — in this economy, especially! — I am now part of their demographic. Since they’re really quite affordable, I was able to purchase enough products to create a full-face makeup look. But let’s start with the foundation first.
Packaging, texture, scent
The Squad Cosmetics You Can Face It Foundation comes in a thick plastic pump bottle that reminds me of a mini perfume atomizer. The range has four shades, and I got the one in Light Beige. The foundation has a thick liquid consistency and a sweet but not cloying powder-like scent (which I actually enjoy).
Color and coverage
While it seemed like the best shade for me, Light Beige is actually a bit dark for my NC30-35 skin tone. I try to match my foundation color to my decolletage’s for an even look, but this one is a hairline darker. On camera, though, it looks like the perfect match.
I assumed that it would have heavy coverage because it has a quite thick consistency — something I appreciate but don’t really prioritize. (Aside: I’ve come to like more skin-like foundations a.k.a. the Glossier look has finally rubbed off on me.) The coverage is quite similar to the It Cosmetics Oil-Free Matte CC Cream, but unlike it, this doesn’t just sit on top of your skin. It’s good enough to cover hyperpigmentation but not too thick to make you look casket-ready. It also has a demi-matte finish.
Application and wear
One thing to take note of if, like me, you have dry-combination skin: the Squad Cosmetics Foundation clings to any and every fine line you have if you use it without proper prep.
I’ve tried it with moisturizer and sunscreen on two different occasions, and both times the foundation applied and looked great. I’ve put this on using a synthetic brush and my fingers and found that one pump is enough for the coverage and finish I want. If you want fuller coverage, though, you can definitely achieve it by layering this on. I’ve tried using two pumps for my entire face and it doesn’t look caked-up.
It works well with other products you put on top of it too. I’ve put both cream and powder products and this stays put and doesn’t look blotchy. It doesn’t feel heavy on the skin, but you will still definitely feel like you have something on.
If you want to use this for long, you need to prime well and put on a setting spray. This doesn’t do well with sweat. I noticed that the product rubs off where you sweat the most (in my case, above my lip and near the temples). I’ve used it under a protective mask but inside an air-conditioned vehicle and the transfer was minimal.
Final thoughts
For its price — this retails for P188 for 11ml but sometimes go on sale for only P99! — and the decent performance, it’s not hard to see why it’s raved about by bloggers. I think the positioning is perfect; it’s great for those who are just starting out with makeup and want inexpensive options. I just wish there were more shades — their offering is very limited.
I will continue using it for the odd Zoom meetings and sporadic filming days, but I might not repurchase once I’ve used it up — only because I might try the BB Cream next to see if it’s more up my alley.
If you’re in a pinch but need a decent foundation, grab this one — just make sure you get the right shade and moisturize well.
Check out my reviews of other Squad Cosmetics products below.