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I’ve always been a foundation girlie. What often starts as a little tinted moisturizer and concealer somehow always leads to a full face of foundation. Unlike teens just getting into makeup today, I grew up blessed by the MAC Cosmetics gods. The brand developed these exquisite, glowy, full-coverage formulas that made my face look filtered long before Instagram was even a thought. It totally set the bar for the quality, finish and coverage I expect in a foundation.
In 2024, however, I’ve been exposed to more foundations than I can count. This can be attributed to many things, including the rise of TikTok, the beauty boom amid the pandemic and my career as a beauty editor. What I appreciate is there really is something for everyone in today’s market, including formulas, shade ranges and skin-loving ingredients that just weren’t present in the past.
That said, some foundations stand out to me more than others. As a beauty editor, I feel it’s my duty not to gatekeep—so I’m sharing my love for the YENSA Super Serum Silk Foundation, which I discovered in 2022. One of the first beauty events I ever attended was the 2019 launch of the brand, which was the latest for its creator and CEO Jennifer Yen. Following the success of Yen’s Asian botanical beauty brand, Pūrlisse, the former actress launched her science-backed superfood cosmetics line.
Before discovering what’s gone on to become one of my all-star foundations, I hadn’t tried much from YENSA, except a Super Glow Radiance Polishing Mask that I loved. It was my first foray into pumpkin as a skincare ingredient. I used it regularly until it ran out, but it wasn’t until discovering the YENSA foundation through an interest-piquing press release that I found my holy grail product from the brand. Two years later, I’m shocked this $45 gem hasn’t become a viral sensation (yet!).
We like
- Sleek, thin packaging
- Easy-to-use pump
- Lightweight, yet full-coverage formula
- A little goes a long way
- Infused with skin-loving, superfood ingredients
- 16 shades
- Glowy, filter-like finish
- Great for drier skin
We don't like
- $6-$10 more expensive than leading competitors
- Unfitting for oily skin
- Doesn’t stay in place without setting powder
We like
We don't like
Realizing The YENSA Beauty Foundation Was The One
I own at least 15 foundations, and don’t get me wrong—there are plenty that I love. There are probably five I have in regular rotation, but often I’ll reach for whatever is right in front of me and won’t think much of it. With the right amount of skin prep, highlighter, brightening concealer and other accompanying makeup products, you can almost always achieve a glow.
What I found, however, is I kept making a mental note to reach for my YENSA Super Serum Silk Foundation. I have dry skin, so dewy is always much preferred over matte. My skin absolutely loves this foundation. In addition to vitamins C and E, ferulic acid and bakuchiol oil (to target firmness, fine lines and wrinkles), the formula also includes what Yen refers to as 8 SuperBlacks Essence. This is made up of black sesame oil, black seaweed, black tea, shiitake mushroom, black rice, Korean black raspberry, nettle and chia seed.
In addition to a thoughtful array of ingredients, the product isn’t cakey or heavy. I’ve loved that it provides full coverage but feels lightweight and literally looks like a filter and not a huge heaping of makeup. The glow is majorly glowing, and I definitely have to tap a bit of mattifying powder onto certain areas, but there are worse things, amirite?
“Growing up, I learned the importance of superfoods and holistic skincare,” Yen told me when I asked about inspiration behind the industry’s best kept secret. “This guided me in developing a foundation that addresses a gap in the market—where products either offered great coverage without skincare benefits or vice versa. I wanted to craft something that not only makes your skin look flawless, but also nourishes it with every use.”
It’s one thing to hear it from Yen, but refreshing to get ingredient approval from a double-board certified dermatologist.
“Ferulic acid is great for every skin type, even sensitive skin,” Dr. Gabriella Vasile told me, when asked to break down the formula. “And bakuchiol is now thought of as a ‘retinol alternative’ because head to head studies show it has similar anti-aging properties but is gentler. It’s also thought to be pregnancy safe, although no studies on pregnant women will be done due to moral reasons. And vitamin C is an antioxidant that works by reducing reactive oxygen species that are a result from UV damage on the skin. It’s necessary for collagen production in the body—and in serum form, it boosts skin brightness and collagen production, and can reduce dark spots and acne.”
The Filter Without FaceApp
As I mentioned above, if dewy, nourished skin is the goal, this foundation will take you to that place. As its name suggests, application leaves users with a silk-like finish. I use the Thrive Causemetics Diffusing Angled Bronzer Brush for the most seamless all-over foundation application. Yen personally recommends the YENSA Skin On Skin Foundation Brush. If you want to tone down the glow, I’ve noticed that patting product into the skin with a damp Beautyblender will help, but to really hone in on its dewy properties, let a brush take the reins.
For best results, Yen recommends always starting with well-prepped skin. She suggests cleansing, then moisturizing with the YENSA Pink Lotus Peptide Renewal Face Cream, because “it hydrates and renews the skin, creating the perfect base,” she says.
Next, she applies the brand’s Tone Up Primer Essential Glow to even out complexion and add radiance. Then to set, she suggests the liquid foundation’s accompanying Super Serum Silk Pressed Powder Foundation. With any powder application used to set what’s already on the base, I recommend taking a powder brush and lightly tapping product under the eyes, around the mouth, and other areas where you want to eliminate shine and also ensure the makeup stays put. Do not go too heavy or it will defeat the whole purpose of the light, silk-like finish.
“This foundation is for anyone who wants their makeup to do more than just cover—it’s for those who want their skin to look good and feel good,” Yen says, adding that similar results can be achieved at a slightly lower price point with her Pūrlisse Perfect Glow BB Cream SPF 30.
Regardless of your choice, Yen wants her Super Serum Silk Foundation to stand “for the modern woman who is always on the go and doesn’t want to compromise between makeup and skincare,” she says. “Whether you have mature skin, dry skin, or you’re simply seeking that natural, healthy glow, this foundation is designed to adapt to all skin types and tones. It’s all about giving you the confidence to face the world every day, knowing your skin is not only looking its best but is also being cared for.”
Kick the filters to the curb, and get your all-day glow on with YENSA.
