Hey there! So I’ve been using the Maybelline New York Dream Matte Mousse Foundation in Natural Beige (0.64 oz) for a while now, and I thought I’d share my real experience with this popular drugstore foundation. If you’re debating whether to grab this little jar of mousse, this review might help you decide!
First Impressions: Size & Packaging
When I first got this, I was honestly a bit shocked by how SMALL the container is! For the price, you’re only getting 0.64 oz of product, which made me wonder if it was worth it. The glass jar is pretty sturdy though, and I like that it comes sealed – definitely a plus when ordering online.
Texture & Application
The texture is definitely unique – it’s a whipped mousse that feels super lightweight and almost silky to the touch. When you open it, you might notice it looks a bit chunky, but don’t worry! It smooths out beautifully when applied.
I’ve found that applying with my fingers works WAY better than using brushes or sponges (which can make it ball up and flake off). It glides onto the skin like silk and blends pretty effortlessly. Some users mentioned watching YouTube tutorials before applying, which can be helpful if you’re new to mousse foundations.
Coverage & Finish
Let’s talk coverage – this is definitely a medium coverage foundation, not full. It does a great job evening out skin tone, but if you have blemishes or dark spots, you’ll likely need a concealer too. The matte finish is PERFECT for those of us with oily skin! It doesn’t look flat or cakey if applied lightly.
What’s cool is that it still looks natural and even lets freckles show through while providing enough coverage to make your skin look more uniform. Several reviewers mentioned that it gives an “airbrush” effect when applied correctly.
Shade Issues: Natural Beige Drama!
OK, here’s where things get tricky… The Natural Beige shade seems to be WILDLY inconsistent! So many reviewers mentioned that the Natural Beige in this mousse is significantly darker than the same shade name in other Maybelline products.
One reviewer who compared “Dream Smooth Mousse” in Natural Beige (shade 240) with this “Dream Matte Mousse” in Natural Beige (now shade 2.5) found they were completely different colors – the Matte version being much darker and more yellow-toned. Several people mentioned the shade appearing much darker than expected once opened, even though it looked lighter through the glass container.
If you’re ordering online rather than testing in-store, this is definitely something to be aware of! Many users recommend getting a shade lighter than what you normally use.
Longevity & Wear
The staying power is decent but not amazing. I get about 4-6 hours of wear before needing touch-ups, which is pretty standard for drugstore foundations. It works great for quick errands or shorter outings, but might not hold up for a full workday without some help.
For those with oily skin, it does a good job controlling shine for a few hours. Several reviewers mentioned only needing to blot 2-3 times throughout the day, which is an improvement over many other foundations.
One downside – it can transfer onto clothing pretty easily, especially when hugging someone (as one reviewer mentioned).
Long-Term Use Issues
Several long-time users noted that the product tends to dry out after a few months of opening. The texture changes from that nice whipped consistency to something drier and harder to blend. Some people mentioned adding a tiny drop of moisturizer to the jar to revive it, which seems to help.
Skin Type Compatibility
This foundation definitely works best for normal to OILY skin types! If you have dry skin, BEWARE – multiple reviewers mentioned it highlighting dry patches and flaking. Some people with dry skin found success by applying an extra rich moisturizer beforehand, but several still found it too drying.
For those with oily skin, this foundation is a total winner. It keeps shine at bay without looking flat and lifeless.
Comparisons & Value
Several reviewers mentioned using this after their high-end foundations, with one specifically comparing it favorably to Boots No. 7 Mousse foundation (which has been discontinued). While it may not quite match premium brands, many felt it was an excellent alternative at a fraction of the price.
Long-time users mentioned they’ve tried many other foundations over the years but keep coming back to this one, which says a lot about its reliability.
Potential Issues
Here are some common complaints:
- Inconsistent color matching (especially with the Natural Beige shade)
- Product drying out after a few months
- Texture can be difficult to blend for some users
- Some received products that seemed old or “off” (curdled texture, strange smell)
- Transfers onto clothing
- Can look patchy on dry skin
Online Ordering Concerns
A few reviewers mentioned concerns about potentially receiving counterfeit products when ordering online. One person noticed an oilier consistency than store-bought versions, while others received products that seemed dried out or had texture issues.
The shade matching issue seems particularly problematic when ordering online vs. selecting in store. Several people mentioned the color being dramatically different than expected based on the product images or prior experience with the same shade name.
The Bottom Line
This foundation has been around for YEARS for good reason – it provides a nice matte finish, feels lightweight, and gives a natural-looking medium coverage that works well for everyday wear. It’s particularly excellent for those with oily skin looking for shine control without heaviness.
However, the shade matching issues make online ordering a bit of a gamble, especially with the Natural Beige shade that seems to run quite dark and yellow. The small size and tendency to dry out after a few months also impact the overall value.
Pro Tips from Reviewers:
- Apply with fingers for the best blend
- Moisturize well before application, especially if you have dry skin
- For sheerer coverage, mix with a bit of moisturizer
- Order a shade lighter than you think you need
- Add a tiny bit of facial moisturizer to the jar if it starts drying out
- Some users mix it with BB cream for a more natural finish
- Use a setting powder to increase longevity
Would I Recommend It?
If you have oily skin and can test the shade in-store first, 100% YES! It’s a reliable drugstore foundation that delivers on its matte promise without looking heavy or cakey.
If you’re ordering online or have dry skin, I’d be more cautious. The shade discrepancies and texture issues might make it a disappointing purchase.
Overall, I’d give it 3.5/5 stars – it’s a good product with some notable flaws, but at its price point, it remains one of the better drugstore options for those with oily skin seeking a natural matte finish.
Have you tried this foundation? I’d love to hear about your experience with it! 😊
Buy on Amazon: Here
