An expert analysis of this cult-favorite drugstore foundation
As a beauty expert with years of experience testing foundations across all price points, I’m excited to share my comprehensive review of Maybelline New York’s Dream Liquid Mousse Foundation in Caramel. This foundation has developed something of a cult following, and after extensive testing and gathering feedback from numerous users, I can understand why. Let’s dive deep into what makes this product both beloved by many and potentially challenging for others.
Product Overview
Brand: Maybelline New York
Product: Dream Liquid Mousse Foundation
Shade: Caramel
Size: 1 fl. oz.
Finish: Satin (with some dewy qualities)
Coverage: Light to medium (buildable)
Target skin type: Normal to combination skin
Price point: Budget-friendly drugstore option
Availability: A Disappearing Classic
One of the most consistent comments among reviews is that this foundation has become increasingly difficult to find in stores. Many users express gratitude for being able to purchase it online, with several mentioning they believe it has been discontinued from physical retail locations. This scarcity has created a devoted following who stock up when they find it available:
“I was unable to find this product in any local stores as it appears to be discontinued. I am so grateful to have found it on Amazon.”
“I’ve been wearing it for a few years and couldn’t find it in store any longer, so I was so thankful when I found that Amazon carried it. I bought several bottles, which will last quite a while.”
For loyal users of this foundation, the limited availability represents a significant concern, suggesting that Maybelline may be phasing out this particular formula in favor of newer offerings in their lineup.
Shade Range and Color Match: Mixed Experiences
The Caramel shade specifically receives mixed feedback regarding color matching. For many with medium-deep skin tones with warm undertones, it provides an excellent match:
“It matches my complexion perfectly.”
“I got this foundation today. I was scared that it wouldn’t match my skin tone but it blended in soooo amazingly. I definitely recommend this foundation for teens/women with a dark caramel skin tone because it’s perfect.”
“It matched my skin perfectly.”
However, there are significant inconsistencies reported with the shade appearing either lighter or darker than expected:
“Not the same shade like in the photo way lighter like the honey beige photo but close match to my skin tone.”
“Darker than it looks. You might want to go one shade up when you pick shade with some color in them.”
“It was lighter than expected.”
For those with seasonal tanning, some users specifically purchase this shade to even out their summer complexion:
“I use this in the summer to darken my face to match with my tan body as I don’t tan my face.”
The shade observations suggest that the Caramel tone may run slightly darker than represented in product photos, but still works well for those in the medium-deep range with warm undertones.
Texture and Application: Light and Creamy
The “mousse” in the product name accurately reflects its texture – lightweight and airy with a creamy consistency. Multiple reviewers note how easy it is to blend and how little product is needed for coverage:
“A little goes a long way for me. Product is creamy and blendable with a brush or sponge.”
“It goes on smooth and does not oxidize.”
“Smooth application.”
Users report successful application with both brushes and makeup sponges, with the foundation blending easily into the skin. The quick-drying formula also receives positive mentions:
“It goes on nice and smooth and drys on in minutes.”
However, a minority of users experienced difficulty with smooth application:
“Did not rub on smoothly or evenly and an elasticy feel.”
The general consensus points to a formula that’s forgiving during application and works well with various application tools, making it accessible even for those with minimal makeup experience.
Coverage and Finish: Natural Looking with Buildable Coverage
This foundation offers light to medium coverage that most users find buildable. It’s particularly praised for providing enough coverage while still allowing natural skin to show through:
“It is very lightweight on your skin but has great coverage. What I love most is that it enhances my skin as if I am not wearing much makeup, but allows my natural beauty to shine through, as makeup should.”
“Gives natural look or a more made up one, all depends on what you’re going for.”
“It gives your skin a flawless, airbrushed look.”
The finish is described as having a subtle dewiness that develops over time, though not to the point of appearing greasy for most users:
“I love how it gives me a dewy look instead of a super oily look after a few hours of wear.”
This natural-looking coverage makes it an excellent everyday foundation for those who prefer a “your skin but better” appearance rather than a full coverage mask.
Wear Time and Performance: Day-Long Staying Power with Some Concerns
For many users, this foundation provides reliable all-day wear:
“I love this foundation it matches my complexion perfectly and remains on all day.”
However, several reviewers note that the foundation can become somewhat greasy as the day progresses, particularly for those with oily skin:
“My only complaint is that towards the end of the day, it gets a little greasy. I try to put HD powder on (when I remember) to make it a little more matte, but still is a little shiny.”
“It is not the best thing to use if you have oily skin. My skin is oily and it doesn’t really keep the shine away like I wanted it to.”
Some extremely negative experiences were reported regarding the foundation’s staying power:
“The coverage was soooooo bad I look better with all my spots and discolorations showing than with this running down, making me look as though my face was melting horridly!”
These varying experiences suggest that skin type plays a significant role in how well this foundation performs throughout the day. Those with normal to slightly combination skin tend to have better experiences than those with very oily skin.
Skin Compatibility and Reactions: Generally Good with Some Exceptions
Most users don’t report any skin sensitivity issues with this foundation. In fact, many long-term users specifically mention having used it for years without problems:
“I have been using it for several years.”
“Been using Maybelline New York Dream Liquid Mousse for years and love it!!”
However, a small number of reviewers experienced significant breakouts:
“Looks good but is incredibly greasy and caused my skin to break it like nobody’s business.”
“This break me out so bad I had to stop using it.”
One particularly concerning review mentioned more severe issues:
“Made me break out. And what was worse, the coverage was soooooo bad I look better with all my spots and discolorations showing than with this running down, making me look as though my face was melting horridly! Put a little, it EMPHASIZED the imperfections and still ran anyway.”
As with any cosmetic product, individual skin reactions can vary significantly. The small number of negative skin reactions relative to the many positive long-term usage reports suggests this foundation is generally well-tolerated, but patch testing would be prudent for those with sensitive or acne-prone skin.
Value Proposition: Affordable Quality
As a drugstore foundation, this product represents excellent value for many users. Several specifically mention having tried more expensive alternatives but returning to this affordable option:
“I have spent loads of money on expensive foundations only for them not to work.”
“It is much cheaper online so I will buy again.”
The combination of affordable pricing and satisfactory performance makes this a go-to option for budget-conscious beauty enthusiasts who don’t want to compromise on quality.
Comparison to Other Maybelline Foundations
Some reviewers compare this foundation to other Maybelline offerings:
“I used to use the L’Oreal true match in cappuccino n8 and these two colors are very similar.”
“It’s ok love the dream velet coverage better. In the color 94.”
“It was extremely drying and ashy. Which is not at all what I expected from a satin finish foundation. I’ll stick with the Fit Me matte line.”
These comparisons suggest that while the Dream Liquid Mousse has its dedicated fans, Maybelline’s newer foundation lines like Fit Me may offer improvements in certain aspects for some users.
Packaging and Portability: Mixed Opinions
The foundation comes in a 1 fl. oz. bottle, which several users note is convenient for travel:
“The bottle is very light so it’s easy to take anywhere!!”
Some reviewers specifically mention that the packaging may vary, which could explain some differences in user experiences with the product dispensing mechanism.
Expert Tips for Best Results
Based on user feedback and professional experience, here are some tips to maximize your experience with this foundation:
- Proper skin preparation is essential: “Always moisturize ur face before applying it n it does an amazing job.”
- Less is more: Start with a small amount and build as needed. “A little really does go a long way.”
- Set with powder for longevity: Those concerned about shine development should set with a high-definition powder.
- Consider your skin type: This foundation performs best on normal to slightly combination skin rather than very oily skin.
- Shade selection caution: Consider going one shade lighter than you think you need based on online photos, as several users report the foundation running darker than expected.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Lightweight, natural-looking coverage
- Easy to blend and apply
- Non-oxidizing formula
- Affordable price point
- Works well for those seeking medium coverage
- Gives a natural, slightly dewy finish
- Long-lasting for many users
- Buildable coverage
Cons:
- Increasingly difficult to find in stores
- Can become somewhat shiny throughout the day, especially for oily skin types
- Inconsistent shade representation in product photos
- Not ideal for those seeking full coverage
- May cause breakouts for a small percentage of users
- Some issues with shade consistency
Final Verdict: 4/5 Stars
Maybelline’s Dream Liquid Mousse Foundation in Caramel represents an excellent value in the drugstore foundation category. Its lightweight, blendable formula provides natural-looking coverage that enhances rather than masks the skin. The foundation particularly excels for those with normal to slightly combination skin seeking a everyday foundation with a natural, slightly dewy finish.
The primary drawbacks include limited availability in physical stores, potential shininess development for oily skin types, and some inconsistency in shade representation. For those with very oily skin or seeking full coverage, other options in Maybelline’s lineup like the Fit Me Matte + Poreless might be more suitable.
For the price point, this foundation delivers impressive performance that rivals many higher-end options, explaining its devoted following despite becoming increasingly difficult to find. If the Caramel shade matches your skin tone and you prefer a natural-looking, medium coverage foundation, this product represents an excellent affordable option worth trying before it potentially disappears from the market entirely.
This review is based on comprehensive analysis of user experiences and professional assessment of the Maybelline New York Dream Liquid Mousse Foundation in Caramel.
Buy on Amazon: Here
