Hey there! So I’ve been using this Maybelline Dream Matte Mousse Foundation for YEARS now, and I thought it was about time I shared my complete, no-holds-barred thoughts on this product. If you’re wondering whether this affordable drugstore foundation is worth your money, keep reading!
FIRST IMPRESSIONS AND PACKAGING
The Maybelline Dream Matte Mousse comes in a small glass jar (0.64 oz) that feels surprisingly substantial for its size. The first thing you’ll notice when you open it is the unique whipped, mousse-like texture – it’s definitely not your typical liquid foundation. The product should cling to the sides of the jar, so if you get one where the product is drawing up in the middle, it might be close to expiration (something to watch out for!).
A little goes a LONG way with this foundation. Don’t let the small jar fool you – this will last you months even with regular use!
APPLICATION AND TEXTURE
This foundation has a silky, airy mousse texture that feels incredibly lightweight when you touch it. It applies SO smoothly and blends out effortlessly. I’ve found the best results using a stippling brush (like the Real Techniques one), though many users get great results with beauty blenders or even their fingers.
The coverage is buildable – you can get light coverage for everyday wear or build it up for a more flawless finish. It dries down to a beautiful matte finish that doesn’t look flat or cakey. It genuinely feels like wearing nothing on your skin!
COLOR MATCH AND RANGE
The Caramel shade works wonderfully for medium to darker skin tones with warm undertones. For reference, many users with deeper skin tones mention that Caramel (or Caramel Dark 2) matches so well that it looks like they’re not wearing anything at all.
That said, the shade can run a tad lighter than expected. If you’re between shades or have recently gotten some sun, you might want to consider going a shade darker. Several reviewers mentioned being surprised that the color was lighter than anticipated.
For those using this for contouring, the Dark Caramel shade works particularly well for fair-skinned individuals with yellow undertones.
PERFORMANCE ON DIFFERENT SKIN TYPES
This foundation is marketed for oily skin types, and it DEFINITELY delivers on that promise. It creates a shine-free look that many users with oily skin absolutely love. The matte finish helps control oil production throughout the day, though some users mentioned needing to touch up with powder after several hours.
Surprisingly, it also works well for combination skin – it doesn’t cling to dry patches or cause dryness on less oily areas of the face. Several long-term users mentioned that even as their skin became less oily over the years, the foundation continued to work well without causing dryness or cracking.
However, if you live in a very hot or humid climate (like the Caribbean), you might need to pair it with a good primer to prevent it from running off your face.
STAYING POWER
For most users, this foundation lasts ALL DAY without melting off, even during sweaty situations. The staying power is impressive for a drugstore foundation. However, some users noted that after several hours, it can become a bit shiny and may require touchups with powder.
Set it with a good setting powder, and you’ll get even better longevity from this product.
COVERAGE AND FINISH
The Dream Matte Mousse provides medium to full coverage that looks surprisingly natural. It covers blemishes, dark spots, and uneven skin tone effectively without looking heavy or cakey.
So many reviewers mentioned receiving compliments on their skin when wearing this foundation – people often can’t tell they’re wearing makeup at all! It creates that enviable “your skin but better” look that we’re all after.
The finish is a beautiful matte that doesn’t look flat or lifeless. It gives the skin a smooth, shine-free appearance that many users describe as “airbrushed” or “flawless.”
POTENTIAL CONCERNS
While most users love this foundation, there are some important considerations:
- Breakouts: Some users reported experiencing breakouts after prolonged use, particularly cystic acne along the jawline and chin. If you have acne-prone skin, you might want to patch test this foundation first or use it sparingly.
- Shade Matching: The foundation can sometimes look ashy on deeper skin tones if not correctly matched. Several dark-skinned users mentioned that even the darker shades weren’t quite dark enough.
- Expiration: A few customers reported receiving products that seemed old or close to expiration. The texture should be whipped and cling to the sides of the jar – if it’s separating or drawing up in the middle, it might be old stock.
- Formula Consistency: There were some reports of inconsistent formulas between different purchases, with some jars applying perfectly while others seemed more oily or didn’t last as long.
VALUE FOR MONEY
At its price point, this foundation is a STEAL! Many users mentioned that it performs better than high-end foundations costing 3-4 times as much. Several reviewers noted purchasing it on Amazon to save money compared to in-store prices.
The small jar might seem like you’re not getting much product, but since a little goes such a long way, it’s actually excellent value.
COMPARISON TO OTHER FOUNDATIONS
Several users compared this to the Covergirl Matte BB Cream, noting that while both have similar finishes, the Maybelline Dream Matte Mousse feels much lighter on the skin.
Others mentioned trying expensive foundations but always coming back to this drugstore staple because it simply works better for their skin.
WHO SHOULD TRY THIS FOUNDATION
This foundation would be PERFECT for:
- People with oily or combination skin looking for shine control
- Those wanting medium to full coverage without a heavy feel
- Anyone seeking a natural-looking matte finish
- Makeup users on a budget (especially students!)
- Those who prefer a foundation that’s quick and easy to apply
WHO MIGHT WANT TO SKIP IT
You might want to look elsewhere if:
- You have very dry skin
- You’re acne-prone and sensitive to cosmetics
- You have very deep skin and struggle to find matching shades
- You live in an extremely hot/humid climate and don’t want to use primer
- You prefer dewy finishes over matte
MY FINAL THOUGHTS
After using the Maybelline Dream Matte Mousse Foundation for years, I can honestly say it remains one of the best drugstore foundations available, especially for those with oily or combination skin.
The mousse texture is unique and creates a beautiful matte finish that controls oil without looking flat. The coverage is buildable from medium to full, and it genuinely creates a flawless finish that looks like your natural skin but better.
While there are some concerns about potential breakouts and finding the perfect shade match, the overwhelming majority of users LOVE this foundation and continue purchasing it year after year.
At this price point, it’s definitely worth trying if you’re in the market for a new foundation that won’t break the bank but performs like a high-end product!
If you’ve been hesitant about trying a mousse foundation or are simply looking for an affordable everyday foundation, I can’t recommend the Maybelline Dream Matte Mousse enough. It might just become your new holy grail foundation – it certainly has for many of us! 😊
So what are you waiting for? Give it a try and see if you become as obsessed with it as I am!
Buy on Amazon: Here
