Whenever people hear that I’m a beauty editor, they usually picture me with styled hair and a full face of makeup every single day. The reality is very different. I’m constantly surrounded by beauty products—you should see my workspace—and I test hundreds of formulas each year. Because of that, I prefer to keep my own routine as simple as possible. Most days, I let my natural wavy hair do its thing and skip foundation altogether.
That changed recently after I experienced a severe rosacea flare-up. My skin became red, irritated, textured, and uncomfortable. When that happens, I pause my no-makeup routine and reach for a foundation I know is gentle on sensitive skin. This time, though, I decided to try a new formula that had been sitting on my desk for ages. Long story short, I was immediately hooked. My skin looked smoother, more even, and softly blurred, so I wore it again the next day—and the day after that. Since then, I’ve received multiple “You have great skin” compliments, all thanks to this incredibly natural-looking foundation.
The Foundation That Changed Everything
The product in question is Makeup by Mario’s SurrealSkin Foundation. It feels completely weightless, delivers medium coverage, and dries down to a beautifully natural finish. When I say natural, I truly mean it. It creates a second-skin effect that’s neither overly matte nor too dewy—just perfectly balanced.
The formula manages to be both hydrating and oil-controlling, keeping the skin smooth, even, and comfortable throughout the day. It’s also resistant to sweat and humidity, so it stays put without slipping, smudging, or breaking down. What really sets it apart, though, is its soft-focus blurring effect. Pores seem to disappear, fine lines are softened, and everything looks refined thanks to micro-powders that self-set seamlessly on the skin.
This is one of those rare foundations that gets coverage, finish, and formula exactly right. It’s a true standout—almost like discovering a unicorn in makeup form.
Before and After Results
Before applying the foundation, my skin showed obvious redness from a rosacea flare-up, along with visible texture, hyperpigmentation, and noticeable dullness. The cold winter air certainly didn’t help.
After applying just one thin layer of the foundation, the difference was striking. The redness was significantly reduced, and my complexion looked smoother, more even, and softly blurred.
In different lighting, the finish still looks incredibly natural and skin-like, which only reinforces how well the formula adapts.
Extra Products I’ve Been Loving
This product works as both a blush and highlighter, giving my skin a healthy, radiant glow that it desperately needed.
I’ve also been reaching for Rhode’s Pocket Blush in Toasted Teddy, which adds the perfect touch of warmth.
Although I’m not wearing mascara in the photos above, I’ve recently been loving one that’s Kendall Jenner–approved and delivers impressive, extension-like lash length.
Finally, this powder has become a staple—it makes my under-eyes look smooth, bright, and almost autocorrected.
