Hey beauty lovers! Today I’m diving DEEP into the Maybelline New York Dream Satin Liquid Foundation (also known as Dream Liquid Mousse Foundation) in shade Nude. I’ve been testing this foundation for a while now, and I’ve also collected feedback from TONS of other users to give you the most comprehensive review possible!
First Impressions & Packaging
The foundation comes in a sleek 1 fl. oz bottle with a pump dispenser – and let me tell you, that pump is a GAME CHANGER! So many drugstore foundations still come without pumps (WHY?!), so this is definitely a plus. The packaging is simple but effective, and the pump makes it super easy to control how much product you’re using without making a mess.
Texture & Application
This foundation has a really unique texture that lives up to its “satin” and “mousse” names. It’s lightweight and has this whipped, mousse-like consistency that feels almost fluffy when you apply it! It’s definitely not watery (though one reviewer thought it was) and not as thick as some full-coverage foundations.
Application is a BREEZE! It glides on smoothly and blends out effortlessly. Whether you use a beauty sponge, brush, or your fingers, this foundation seems to melt into the skin rather than sitting on top of it. I’ve found it works best when applied with a damp beauty sponge for that seamless finish.
Coverage & Finish
The coverage is what I’d call medium but buildable. It’s not going to completely mask severe acne or very dark spots in one layer, but it does an excellent job at evening out your skin tone and covering minor imperfections. If you need more coverage in certain areas, you can easily add another layer without it looking cakey.
The finish is definitely true to its “satin” name – not fully matte but not dewy either. It gives your skin this natural, slightly luminous finish that looks like YOUR skin but better! It doesn’t emphasize pores or dry patches, which is fantastic for a drugstore foundation.
Shade Range & Undertones
Okay, here’s where things get a bit tricky. The shade range isn’t the most extensive, and some reviewers mentioned issues with finding their perfect match. The Nude shade specifically seems to work well for light to medium skin tones, but several people mentioned it runs a bit yellow.
A few reviewers noted that they found the foundation oxidized (turned darker/orange) throughout the day, so that’s something to keep in mind. If you’re between shades, you might want to go one shade lighter to account for any potential oxidation.
Longevity & Performance
This foundation has decent staying power – not the most long-lasting I’ve ever tried, but it holds up well for a regular day. It doesn’t claim to be transfer-proof, and honestly, it’s not. If you hug someone wearing a white shirt, you might leave a bit of foundation behind (oops!).
For most skin types, it wears pretty well for 6-8 hours before starting to break down. However, if you have very oily skin, you’ll definitely want to set it with powder and maybe touch up throughout the day.
How It Works on Different Skin Types
Dry Skin
This foundation is FANTASTIC for dry skin! The hydrating formula prevents it from clinging to dry patches, and many reviewers with mature or dry skin specifically mentioned how well it worked for them. It gives that smooth, even coverage without emphasizing texture.
Combination Skin
For combination skin (which I have), it performs really well on most days. The satin finish works nicely on both the dry and oily areas of my face, though I do need to powder my T-zone after a few hours.
Oily Skin
Mixed reviews here. Some oily-skinned folks found it too dewy and said it didn’t last long enough. If you have oily skin and still want to try this foundation, definitely use a mattifying primer underneath and set it well with powder.
Sensitive Skin
Good news! Several reviewers with sensitive skin mentioned that this foundation didn’t cause breakouts or irritation. One specifically mentioned having “hyper sensitive skin” and still having no issues with this product. That said, everyone’s skin is different, so patch testing is always recommended!
The BEST and WORST Features
What I LOVE:
- The pump dispenser (seriously, such a simple thing but SO important!)
- The lightweight, mousse-like texture that feels amazing on skin
- How easily it blends and how natural it looks
- Great for dry or mature skin
- Doesn’t emphasize pores or fine lines
- Affordable price point compared to high-end foundations
What Could Be Better:
- Limited shade range with undertone issues
- Potential oxidation problems
- Not ideal for very oily skin
- Transfer issues
- Some users found it didn’t provide enough coverage
Value for Money
At its price point (usually around $8-12 depending on where you buy it), this foundation offers EXCELLENT value! It performs similarly to foundations that cost 3-4 times as much, especially for those with normal to dry skin types.
Many reviewers mentioned they’ve been using this foundation for YEARS and keep coming back to it despite trying high-end alternatives. That’s a pretty solid endorsement!
The Discontinuation Drama!
Here’s some sad news – several reviewers mentioned that this foundation seems to be getting harder to find in retail stores. Some even said Maybelline might be discontinuing it! 😱 This appears to be why many people are turning to Amazon to purchase it, so if you end up loving this foundation, you might want to stock up.
Final Thoughts
After analyzing all the feedback and my own experience, I’d give the Maybelline Dream Satin Liquid Foundation a solid 4 out of 5 stars. It’s not perfect – the shade range could be better, and it’s not for everyone (especially those with very oily skin) – but it performs extraordinarily well for its price point.
This foundation has been a staple in many makeup bags for years for good reason. It offers that perfect balance of coverage, comfort, and natural finish that works for everyday wear. As one reviewer perfectly summed it up: “It covers what I need to cover and it actually looks natural. It doesn’t make you look like a dracula with too much make up.”
If you’re looking for an affordable foundation that gives a natural, skin-like finish without feeling heavy or looking cakey, this is DEFINITELY worth trying!
Who Should Buy This:
- People with normal to dry skin
- Those looking for medium, buildable coverage
- Anyone who prefers a natural, satin finish
- Makeup users who want something lightweight for everyday wear
- Those with sensitive skin who struggle to find non-irritating foundations
Who Should Skip It:
- People with very oily skin (unless you’re prepared to touch up)
- Those looking for full coverage in one layer
- Anyone who needs a foundation to last 12+ hours without touch-ups
- People who need a perfect shade match (due to limited range)
Have you tried this foundation? I’d LOVE to hear your thoughts! Did it work for your skin type? What application method gave you the best results? Let me know in the comments below! 💄✨
Buy on Amazon: Here
