This Foundation Balm Is All Over TikTok, So Naturally I Had to See What the Hype Is About

Author image: about face matte fluid eye paint review chelsea candelario

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Published Apr 8, 2021

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kvd beauty good apple skin perfecting foundation balm cat

@kvdbeauty/instagram

Value: 18/20
Functionality: 19/20
Quality: 19/20
Aesthetics: 19/20
Coverage: 19/20
TOTAL: 94/100

What do the Aerie leggings, Ronxs candle lighter and Revlon one-step hair dryer have in common? They’ve become some of TikTok’s trendiest products. You can’t scroll through the platform without seeing the #TikTokMadeMeBuyIt hashtag and I’ve been influenced many times to add every buzzy thing I see into my shopping cart.

During a normal day of scrolling through (as one does), I noticed that my FYP only had eyes for the KVD Beauty Good Apple Skin-Perfecting Foundation Balm. My first thought was, “Is it really that great of a foundation?” But with every infamous swipe of the product across a cheek—and the reaction that followed—I was more and more convinced that I had to try it for myself.

Upon first look, the packaging reminded me of a bronzer or a highlighter. It seemed like there was so little product (versus the full bottles I’m used to), but if the amount of coverage you could get from just one swipe was actually true, it could all make sense.

kvd beauty good apple skin perfecting foundation balm

Chelsea Candelario

The consistency appears creamy at first, but don’t let that fool you. The second I applied the foundation, it left my skin with a soft, matte finish. And truly, like the videos suggest, a little really goes a long way. I only had to glide my brush across the product about three times to completely cover my face, and even then, I probably could have used less if I wanted to. So no, the videos weren’t joking. The application process is *chef’s kiss*. I couldn’t believe how easy it was to apply it all over, as if I was applying a skin tint or moisturizer.

Now, the collection comes in 40 shades (yes, 40!) and I chose Tan 060. My skin tone has a mind of its own, so sometimes I have difficulty finding an exact match. But I found this shade to be nearly identical to my skin tone. I didn’t have to mix it with any other foundations and it definitely didn’t leave my skin looking too yellow or too orange. A major plus.

The brand also raves that the foundation makes “skin that looks like skin,” and they were not kidding. Although I’ve been more into dewy products lately, I quite enjoyed how lightweight this matte foundation was on my face. It was like I wasn’t wearing foundation at all, and I have its two key ingredients to thank (apple extract and sodium hylautonate) for how nourished and hydrated it left my skin.

But while the product promises that it’ll minimize the appearance of pores, I didn’t see much of that effect. My skin felt smooth and it did cover most of my blemishes or acne scars, but as for my pores, they were still very much visible. Again, the balm provides full coverage, but I wouldn’t say I looked like a photoshopped version of myself (even after applying setting powder). For reference, I have dry to combo skin.

Another small con is that it could potentially leave a transfer. If you’re not careful when touching your face or taking off clothing, beware that a small amount might rub off (even if you apply a setting powder or spray).

That said, I still do think the hype is warranted. The foundation match was spot on and the buildability is a big reason why I would consider this in my makeup routine. If you’re normally doubtful of TikTok, just take another look through at the results, because they are 100 percent legit.

Buy It ($38)

Chelsea Candelario

Associate Editor, Ultimate Fangirl, Aspiring Beauty Guru

Chelsea Candelario is an Associate Editor at PureWow. She has been covering beauty, culture, fashion and entertainment for over a decade. You'll find her searching the internet...

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