Beauty

Let's Try Some TikTok-Viral Foundation Balms, Shall We?

I finally gave in to a TikTok trend.

by Tamim Alnuweiri
These foundation balms are going viral on TikTok, so I put them to the test.
Getty Images/ Inga Marchuk / 500px

Getty Images/PeopleImages

Chances are you’ve seen countless people on TikTok raving about foundation balms.

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The proof? A couple of months ago, KVD's foundation balm went viral with over 9 million hits on TikTok. Fast forward to today, and #kvdgoodapple has racked up over 79 million views. So I couldn’t resist trying the product (and other foundation balms) for myself.

TikTok beauty gurus and users alike have shared their trials of KVD Beauty’s vegan, full-coverage foundation — like user @yeahimcaroline, who went from a bare face to full glam in a matter of a few swipes.

TikTok/@yeahimcaroline

Following the initial burst of viral fame, users began really putting the foundation balm to the test to see just how much the product could cover. This TikTok user’s take? It’s worth the hype. Now it’s my turn.

TikTok/@ashleyquiroz_

KVD’s Good Apple Balm

Of the three products I tried, KVD’s had the most shade options, so I was able to color match seamlessly. It's very full-coverage and mattifying but somehow didn’t irritate my sensitive skin. It did, however, remove all dimension from my face.

If you truly want a product that won’t budge or melt off throughout the day, TikTok is right — this is it. Regardless of the amount you sweep onto your face, the coverage remains extremely opaque.
$38
See On Sephora

Giorgio Armani’s Power Fabric Foundation Balm

I wasn't able to find my perfect match with this one because there are only 11 shades. To blend, I had to top my face off with a subtle bronzer. That said, this is the most lightweight and nourishing of the balms I tried.

The compact comes with an application sponge which was perfect for spreading the balm around my face. Just note the more limited shade range can mean mix-and-matching for the right finish.
$68
See On Violet Grey

Kevyn Aucoin’s Foundation Balm

Make sure your skin is heavily moisturized before you try this one — once I applied it, I became painfully aware of every flake of dryness. Like the other balms, the finish was full coverage and matte, but it gives an especially blurring effect.

Foundation Balm
Kevyn Aucoin
This comes with a brush that’s perfect for applying the balm, which is a win for the convenience factor. The shades seem to air on the light side, so I would go a shade darker than you think. Otherwise, this balm felt like it hid my pores and fine lines like magic.
$52
See On Kevyn Aucoin