I Tried Kosas’ Viral Revealer Skin-Improving Foundation

Our writer was given a complimentary sample of Kosas Skin-Improving Foundation Broad Spectrum SPF 25 to put to the test. Keep reading for our full product review.

Kosas Skin-Improving Foundation Broad Spectrum SPF 25 makes many claims. It’s positioned as a medium-coverage, gentle formula that doesn’t require a primer. Plus, according to the brand, it is “clinically proven to hydrate, brighten, soothe, plump, and protect” with continued use. As someone who’s relatively no-fuss and prefers a quick makeup routine with as few steps and products as possible, this product instantly appeals to me. I tested the formula to see if it delivered on its promises and if it could be incorporated into my minimal makeup routine. Read on for my review.

About My Skin: Mostly combination

I have combination skin. My t-zone tends to get oily, while my cheeks and chin are balanced. No matter the season, my skin type remains consistent. While my breakouts are few, I do have some unevenness that I’ve just accepted instead of putting in the effort to “fix” with color correctors. If you divide my face in horizontal fourths from my hairline to my chin, the bottom section (my bottom lip to chin) is darker than the others.

If the day calls for makeup, I usually keep it simple with a light coverage foundation or tint, liner, mascara, brows, blush, and lip gloss. Kosas Revealer Skin-Improving Foundation Broad Spectrum SPF 25 is supposed to blend like a second skin, so I tried it for a few days to see if it would give me a natural-looking, refined look. My complexion is at the start of the deep spectrum, and my neck is lighter than my face. I went to Sephora to shade-match, and shade Deep Warm 370, described as “deep with golden undertones,” blended the best on my neck and face.

Ingredient Quality / Concentration: A plumping and protecting formula

The key ingredients tackle common skin concerns. Niacinamide and caffeine boost your complexion’s radiance, while squalane, arnica, and provitamin B5 soothe irritation. Peptides and hyaluronic acid plump your skin, and mineral reef-safe SPF and artemisia flower extract protect you from the sun and environmental stressors. Hypoallergenic and non-acnegenic, it’s also an option for sensitive skin types.

How to Apply: Use your fingers, brush, or sponge

Kosas recommends shaking the bottle before using your fingers, a makeup brush, or a sponge to apply the product to your face. After giving it a few vigorous shakes, I squirted one full dollop onto my hand and used my finger to apply dots on my forehead, cheeks, and chin. Then, I smoothed it into my face with my fingers like a moisturizer. As a final step, I did firm and quick presses of the foundation into my skin with a makeup sponge for an even finish.

The Results: Blurred, dewy skin

I wanted to see how the Kosas Skin-Improving Foundation Broad Spectrum SPF 25 performed independently, so I didn’t apply any primer, concealer, powder, contour, or setting spray. It is a true medium-coverage formula, and I was very impressed by its results. It conceals just enough without looking thick or cakey, leaving you with a dewy finish as advertised. The foundation also wears incredibly well throughout the day. I spent a lot of time inside and outdoors, and it never felt like it was getting sticky, heavy, or uncomfortable as the day went on.

I think the foundation sets beautifully without primer, setting powder, or finishing spray, but after a full day of wear (about eight hours), it can look slightly oily even if you have balanced skin. Carrying a translucent powder or blotting papers to absorb excess oil on those super long days won’t hurt. Also worth noting, you shouldn’t rely on this foundation as your sole sun protection. This formula is only SPF 25, so you may want to apply a stronger sunscreen before layering on the foundation. 

The Value: Totally worth it

Conscious beauty brands don’t always hit the mark with their complexion products. Kosas got it right, though, with its Skin-Improving Foundation Broad Spectrum SPF 25. Retailing at $42, the product is comparable to other mid-price skin-enhancing foundations with medium coverage. The bottle contains one fluid ounce of product, so it has the potential to last a while because you don’t need to use a lot of product to achieve your desired coverage.

Similar Products: You have options

Ami Colé Skin Enhancing Tinted Moisturizer: After my first swatch, I was in awe of this product, and it remains a staple in my makeup kit. Ami Colé’s Skin Enhancing Tint is a breathable formula that melts into my skin and blurs texture. Ingredients like baobab seed extract, hibiscus extract, and pumpkin seed extract work to hydrate and nourish your skin. The formula comes in six shades but is sheer enough to be flexible across a wide range of skin tones.

Fenty Skin Hydra Vizor Huez SPF 30 Tinted Moisturizer: The Fenty Skin Hydra Vizor Tinted Moisturizer delivers coverage that rivals many light-to-medium coverage foundations. It comes in 10 shades compatible with fair, medium, and deep skin tones. Like the Kosas foundation, this hybrid formula is formulated for all skin types and improves the look and texture of your skin over time (thanks to ingredients like niacinamide ). It retails for $48, making it $6 more than Kosas Revealer Skin-Improving Foundation SPF 25.

Our Verdict: A skin-like formula that delivers

Kosas Skin-Improving Foundation SPF 25 checks all the boxes. The medium-coverage formula features skin-nourishing ingredients, comes in a comprehensive shade range (36, to be exact), and blends like a second skin. It is the perfect foundation if you want your complexion to have a dewy, skin-like finish.