Let’s talk about a makeup product that’s been around FOREVER but somehow keeps flying under the radar – Maybelline’s Dream Matte Mousse Foundation in Porcelain Ivory. You’ve probably seen this little jar at the drugstore a million times. Maybe you’ve tried it, maybe you haven’t, but either way – I’m going to break down EVERYTHING about this foundation based on personal experience and tons of feedback from other users.
First Impressions: Packaging and Texture
This foundation comes in a small glass jar (0.64 oz) which honestly doesn’t look like much at first, but trust me when I say a little goes a LONG way with this product! When you open it up, you’ll find this unique whipped, mousse-like texture that’s unlike most foundations on the market.
Some people mentioned the texture can seem a bit weird or crumbly when you first open it. One user noted, “The texture seems really funky when you first open it and it’s kind of crumbly.” This is normal! It’s just how the mousse formula sets up. Don’t let that initial texture fool you.
The lightweight, airy consistency is actually one of its biggest selling points. Several users described it as feeling “like mousse” and “so light and soft” on the skin. One reviewer perfectly captured this feeling: “It’s refreshing to be wearing makeup and not even feel like you’re wearing it.”
Application: Tips and Tricks
How you apply this foundation REALLY matters. Based on multiple reviews, there are three main ways to apply:
- Fingers: Many users find this works best! “I used my fingers to apply it and it was so velvety smooth,” one person said. Another mentioned, “It’s very easy to use even with your fingers.” The warmth from your fingers seems to help the product melt into the skin.
- Makeup Brush: Some prefer using a foundation brush. One reviewer shared, “I apply it with a large brush (like for blush or similar) and that works the best. I dab it on, then blend it.” Several specifically recommended the Real Techniques foundation brush.
- Sponge: While this works for some, a few reviews suggested brushes are better: “I STRONGLY recommend that you apply with a brush vs. a sponge. I’ve tried it both ways multiple times and the brush allows for a much more even application.”
The key with this foundation? LESS IS MORE! “Don’t get confused because it feels so weightless one can think they need more,” warned one user. Start with a tiny amount and build up if needed.
Coverage and Finish
This is where opinions varied a bit, but the majority of users were SUPER impressed with the coverage. It’s described as buildable, ranging from light to full coverage depending on how you apply it.
Many users with skin issues were pleasantly surprised: “It covers all my redness and made my skin beautifully smooth and even.” Another said, “It makes my face look almost blemish-free. Redness is reduced and my skintone looks more even.”
The matte finish is this product’s signature feature. It’s not a flat, cakey matte but more of an airbrushed look. One user raved: “It gives an incredible airbrushed look that no other type of foundation can hold a candle to.” Another said it makes their makeup look “flawless.”
If you have visible pores, this foundation might be your new best friend! “I have large pores and this makes my skin look flawless,” one reviewer shared.
Staying Power
The longevity seems to vary based on skin type, but many users reported impressive staying power:
- “It lasts all day and did not oxidize, I didn’t turn orange.”
- “It wore all day and didn’t oxidize.”
- “I don’t have to reapply or touch up.”
Some users did mention needing to touch up midday: “I do have to apply again after lunch, but hey.. so what?” This seems especially true for those with oilier skin types.
One interesting note – several users mentioned that using a good primer underneath and setting powder on top dramatically improves staying power.
Skin Type Compatibility
This foundation seems to work well across MANY skin types, but there are some important considerations:
Mature Skin: Multiple reviewers in their 50s and 60s absolutely LOVED this foundation, finding it doesn’t settle into fine lines or wrinkles. One 59-year-old user wrote, “I worried about it amplifying my wrinkles and setting in there. That did not happen.” Another said, “I’m over 60 yrs. old and find this foundation to have nice coverage without caking or settling in to my fine lines.”
Dry Skin: Several users with dry skin had good experiences: “I have very dry skin. This works amazing for me. It doesn’t cake up in creases or dry skin.” However, proper prep is crucial – make sure to moisturize well before applying! As one reviewer noted, “You will want to make sure your skin is clean and moisturized, though, since if your skin is flaking at all it will show since it’s powder-based.”
Oily/Combination Skin: This foundation is particularly well-suited for oily and combination skin types. “It’s the only one that holds up for hours,” shared someone with oily skin. Another said, “I have an oily T-zone, with some awful acne scars left over from my teenage years, but you can’t tell with this stuff.”
Acne-Prone Skin: Mixed results here. Some users found it didn’t trigger breakouts: “I have acne-prone skin and this does NOT break me out.” However, others had the opposite experience: “Dream Matte Mousse ruined my skin!!! Usually I have clear, glassy looking skin and now it’s covered in welts, redness and blemishes after use.”
Shade Range: The Porcelain Ivory Experience
The Porcelain Ivory shade is generally described as being good for very fair skin tones. Multiple users specifically mentioned it worked well for their pale complexions: “I am rather fair complexioned” and “This color matches my natural skintone (I’m pale).”
However, some felt it could be even lighter: “I just wish they would make a shade even LIGHTER than this one. I’m quite pale, and once this stuff sets on my face, it makes things a touch too orangey-pink for my preference.”
A couple reviewers mentioned slight oxidation throughout the day: “It does seem to oxidize a bit on my skin throughout the day.”
Value for Money
At around $8-10, many users felt this foundation offers EXCEPTIONAL value compared to high-end alternatives:
- “I’ve tried all manner of high-end foundations also and I return to this one. It hasn’t been beaten yet!”
- “And it’s $8 to boot! I’ve tried all manner of high-end foundations also and I return to this one.”
- “It is a great value and an excellent product at a very moderate price.”
The small jar size might seem concerning, but multiple reviewers mentioned how economical it is: “A little goes a long way! I will definitely buy again.” Several users reported a single jar lasting for months.
Common Complaints
To be totally honest, there are some recurring issues that popped up in reviews:
- Drying Out: Several users mentioned that the product can dry out over time: “It tends to dry out a bit and get less smooth in the jar, but still applies well.” Another noted, “As it is used the last of the product is drier at the bottom of the container (probably from air exposure) and does not apply as smoothly.”
- Pilling/Flaking: Some users experienced the product forming small balls or flakes during application: “It forms little pills as you’re putting it on. I actually have to pick them off, then smooth out with a sponge.” This seems to happen more when the product has dried out a bit.
- Limited Coverage for Serious Blemishes: While many found the coverage excellent for redness and overall tone, a few mentioned limitations: “Because it’s not as heavy…. It may not cover blemishes as great.”
- Messy Application: Be careful when applying! “When applying I have to be very careful because it can flake off in tiny little specks and land on my clothing, which then can smudge.”
The Bottom Line: Who Should Buy This?
Based on all the feedback, this foundation seems PERFECT for:
- Anyone wanting a lightweight foundation that doesn’t feel heavy
- People with normal to oily skin (though it works for many with dry skin too)
- Those seeking an airbrushed, matte finish without looking cakey
- Mature skin that needs coverage without settling into lines
- Anyone who wants good coverage without breaking the bank
You might want to skip it if:
- You have extremely sensitive or acne-prone skin (patch test first!)
- You prefer a dewy finish (this is definitely matte)
- You have very dry, flaky skin without proper prep
- You need extremely full coverage for significant scarring
Final Thoughts
The Maybelline Dream Matte Mousse Foundation in Porcelain Ivory has stayed on the market for YEARS for a reason. As one user perfectly summed it up: “You know when a product such as make up has been the same for decades then its good stuff.”
What makes this foundation special is how it manages to be both lightweight AND provide good coverage – something that’s pretty rare in the makeup world. It creates that coveted “your skin but better” effect when applied correctly.
Is it perfect? No. But at this price point, with so many loyal users returning to it after trying expensive alternatives, it’s definitely worth trying if you’re in the market for a new foundation!
Remember – proper application is key with this one. Start with a small amount, use clean fingers or a good brush, and build up as needed. And make sure your skin is well-moisturized before applying!
Have you tried the Dream Matte Mousse? What did YOU think? 😊
Buy on Amazon: Here
