Listen up, beauty lovers! Today I’m diving into my YEARS-LONG relationship with Maybelline’s Dream Matte Mousse Foundation in Cocoa (0.64 oz). If you’re a darker-skinned woman struggling to find the perfect foundation match without breaking the bank, this might be your holy grail product! I’ve been using this foundation for over 5 years now, and I’ve got THOUGHTS.
First Impressions & Packaging
The first time you open this little glass jar, you might be surprised by the whipped texture. Some people even think it looks defective or used because of how the product is whipped at the factory! Don’t worry – that’s just how it’s supposed to look. The mousse has this incredibly soft, butter-like consistency that feels NOTHING like regular liquid foundations.
At around $8-10 (depending where you buy it), this foundation is a STEAL compared to higher-end brands charging $60+ for similar coverage.
Application & Coverage
This foundation goes on like BUTTER! A little seriously goes a LONG way. I recommend applying with your fingertips for the best results – some reviewers mentioned issues when using sponges or brushes. The warmth from your fingers helps it blend seamlessly.
Coverage-wise, it’s buildable from medium to full, depending on how much you apply. BE CAREFUL though – using too much can make darker skin tones look ashy or grayish. The key is using just enough to even out your skin tone without going overboard.
For reference, I’m African American with a milk-chocolate/dark chocolate complexion, and Cocoa matches me PERFECTLY. It’s so hard finding foundations for deeper skin tones that don’t look ashy or have weird undertones, but this one just works!
Finish & Feel
True to its name, this foundation gives a beautiful matte finish that still has a slight natural glow – not flat or chalky like some matte products. It feels INCREDIBLY lightweight on the skin. I’m not exaggerating when I say it feels like you’re wearing NOTHING at all!
Several reviewers mentioned they got compliments asking if they were wearing expensive brands like MAC, Bare Minerals, or Mary Kay. People are always shocked when I tell them it’s an $8 drugstore foundation!
Staying Power & Oil Control
For those with combination or oily skin (like me), this foundation is a game-changer. It keeps oil at bay much better than most foundations I’ve tried. However, it’s not perfect – if you have very oily skin, especially in the T-zone, you might need to touch up with powder after 4-6 hours.
Several reviewers mentioned it lasted their entire workday with minimal touch-ups, which has been my experience too. I do recommend using a good primer underneath if you have oily skin – it makes a huge difference in longevity!
Skin Type Compatibility
This foundation works BEST for:
- Normal to oily skin types
- Combination skin
- People who hate the feeling of heavy makeup
If you have very dry skin, you might find this emphasizes dry patches. Make sure to moisturize well before applying.
One interesting note – a reviewer going through menopause mentioned this foundation actually helped minimize perspiration on her face, which is a unique benefit I hadn’t considered!
Shade Match & Undertones
For darker-skinned women, the Cocoa shade has a slightly warm/red undertone. This works perfectly for many of us with deeper complexions, but a few reviewers noted it might oxidize slightly throughout the day, becoming a bit more reddish/orange.
Several reviewers mentioned that the shade can appear darker when applied than it looks in the container, so keep that in mind when selecting your shade – you might want to go one shade lighter than you think.
One frustrating point several reviewers mentioned is that the darker shades can be IMPOSSIBLE to find in stores in some areas. It’s like Maybelline has been reducing availability of the deeper shades, which is disappointing.
Skin Benefits & Concerns
While this isn’t marketed as a skincare product, many reviewers (including me!) were happy to report that it doesn’t cause breakouts. Even those with acne-prone or sensitive skin generally found it non-irritating.
Several reviewers did mention that this isn’t the best choice if you have serious dark spots or hyperpigmentation to cover – you might need an additional concealer for problem areas.
Comparison to Higher-End Brands
Multiple reviewers mentioned switching from higher-end foundations like MAC to this more affordable option. One reviewer specifically said she had previously used MAC for covering dark areas on her chin and lower face, but found that this Maybelline foundation actually covered BETTER at a fraction of the price!
Another reviewer mentioned using it alongside L’Oreal True Match for a flawless finish that rivals much more expensive products.
Online vs. In-Store Purchase Considerations
Here’s something IMPORTANT to note: Several reviewers who ordered online mentioned receiving product that seemed drier or different from what they purchased in stores. Some theories:
- The product may have been older stock
- Storage conditions during shipping might affect the formula
- Some suspected they received counterfeit products
If ordering online, check that:
- The jar has a plastic seal when it arrives
- The product feels creamy and not dried out
- The texture is consistent throughout
A few reviewers mentioned adding a drop of oil to revive dried-out product, but ideally, you shouldn’t have to do this with a new purchase.
The Verdict: Who Should Buy This?
You’ll LOVE this foundation if:
- You’re tired of spending $$$$ on high-end foundations
- You hate the feeling of heavy makeup on your face
- You want something that looks natural while evening out skin tone
- You have normal to oily skin and want something that controls shine
- You’re a deeper-skinned woman struggling to find your perfect shade match
You might want to skip it if:
- You have very dry skin (it may emphasize flaky patches)
- You’re looking for a dewy finish rather than matte
- You need extremely long-wearing makeup (12+ hours without touch-ups)
- You prefer using foundation brushes/sponges (this works best with fingers)
Final Thoughts
After using this foundation for years, I keep coming back to it despite trying many others. The perfect shade match, lightweight feel, natural-looking coverage, and incredible price point make it unbeatable for everyday wear.
Is it perfect? No – it might not be the best for extremely dry skin, and the online ordering experience can be hit-or-miss. But the value you get for around $8 is INCREDIBLE compared to foundations 4-5 times the price.
If you’re on the fence, I’d say definitely give it a try! Just remember: a little goes a long way, apply with fingers for best results, and consider setting with a light powder if you’re on the oilier side.
Have you tried Maybelline Dream Matte Mousse? What’s your experience been like? I’d love to hear how it worked for you!
Buy on Amazon: Here
