By Jessica Parker, Professional Makeup Artist
As a seasoned makeup artist, I’ve tried countless foundations from various brands across all price points. Recently, I had the opportunity to test the Maybelline New York Fit Me Matte + Poreless Liquid Foundation in its new pouch format, shade 115 Ivory. I must admit, this foundation is truly a hidden gem in the drugstore makeup category that can meet the needs of the vast majority of users.
Innovative and Eco-Friendly Packaging
The first thing that sets this new version of the Fit Me foundation apart is its unique pouch packaging. Many reviewers appreciated this change, noting that it’s much easier to pack for travel compared to the previous glass bottle. The squeezable pouch allows you to dispense the product more easily and get every last drop out, reducing waste.
Some did find the twist-off cap a bit hard to grip and open. There were also a few concerns about the pouch’s durability for heavy travel, as it could potentially burst if squished. However, for everyday use at home, the pouch is a convenient and eco-friendly option that takes up less space.
Shade Range and Undertones
Maybelline’s Fit Me line is known for its extensive shade range, with the Matte + Poreless foundation available in an impressive 40 shades. This makes it easier for people of various skin tones to find their match. However, some reviewers noted that the shades can run slightly darker or warmer than expected based on online swatches.
The 115 Ivory shade, for example, appeared lighter and more neutral in product photos but was actually darker with warm undertones in person. As with any foundation, I always recommend checking swatches in-store if possible or purchasing from a retailer with a good return policy in case you need to exchange shades.
Coverage and Finish
The Fit Me Matte + Poreless foundation provides light-to-medium buildable coverage that can even out the skin tone and conceal minor imperfections. While it’s not a full coverage foundation, many appreciated that it allowed their natural skin to peek through for a more skin-like finish.
As the name suggests, this foundation dries down to a matte finish that minimizes the appearance of pores. Reviewers with oily skin especially enjoyed how it kept shine at bay throughout the day. However, some with very dry skin found it could cling to dry patches or look too flat, so proper skincare and prep is important.
Formulation and Ingredients
The Fit Me Matte + Poreless foundation has a lightweight, liquidy consistency that blends easily into the skin. Many described the feeling as “weightless” and barely detectable on the face. The formula is oil-free and non-comedogenic, making it suitable for acne-prone and sensitive skin.
A few reviewers did experience sensitivity, redness, or breakouts, suspecting that the formula in the pouch may differ slightly from the original glass bottle. As with any new foundation, I recommend doing a patch test first if you have reactive skin. However, the majority found it non-irritating and a good match for combination to oily skin.
Application and Wear Time
This foundation can be applied with fingers, a brush, or a sponge. Reviewers had success with all methods, though some preferred a damp sponge for a more natural, diffused effect. The liquid consistency spreads easily across the skin without tugging or streaking.
In terms of wear time, the Fit Me Matte + Poreless holds up impressively well for a drugstore foundation. Many reviewers found it lasted through full work days and evenings out, even in hot and humid weather. Some noted slight fading and oils peeking through after 8+ hours, but no severe separation or patchiness. Setting with powder can enhance longevity.
Comparisons to Other Foundations
Several reviewers compared the Fit Me Matte + Poreless fondly to other popular drugstore foundations like the L’Oreal Infallible Fresh Wear and Covergirl TruBlend Matte Made. Some even found it performed similarly to more expensive foundations from brands like Fenty Beauty, NARS and Estēe Lauder.
In particular, many appreciated that the Fit Me had a more skin-like, natural matte finish compared to foundations that can look flat and dry. The lightweight feel and pore-blurring effect were also highlighted as standout qualities. For its affordable price point, this foundation seems to outperform expectations.
Pros
- Affordable drugstore price
- Extensive shade range with 40 options
- Lightweight, barely-there feel on the skin
- Natural matte finish that minimizes pores
- Buildable light-to-medium coverage
- Long-wearing even in hot weather
- Oil-free and non-comedogenic formula
- Easy to apply and blend
- Travel-friendly, eco-conscious pouch packaging
- Cruelty-free
Cons
- Shades can appear darker/warmer than expected
- May not work well for very dry skin types
- Some found the packaging flimsy or hard to open
- A few experienced sensitivity/breakouts (patch test first)
- Not ideal for those who prefer full coverage
- Does not have a pump dispenser
Final Thoughts
Overall, the Maybelline Fit Me Matte + Poreless foundation is an excellent drugstore option for those seeking an affordable, natural-looking everyday base. Its lightweight feel, buildable coverage, pore-blurring effect, and long wear time make it suitable for a variety of skin types, especially normal to oily.
The shade range, while expansive, may require some trial and error to find the perfect match. And the squeezable pouch, though convenient and eco-friendly, won’t be for everyone. However, for the price and performance, this foundation is definitely worth trying if you’re in the market for a new drugstore foundation.
I was impressed by its ability to even out the skin while still looking skin-like – not an easy balance to strike. It reminds me of some prestige foundations I’ve used but at a fraction of the cost. If you’re unsure, I recommend picking up a pouch in your shade the next time there’s a sale or promotion. With the proper skin prep and setting products, I could see this foundation becoming a new drugstore staple in many people’s routines.
Rating: 4.5/5
Buy on Amazon: Here
