Alright, I’ve been using this Dream Matte Mousse foundation on and off for YEARS now, and I’m finally sitting down to give you the complete lowdown on this drugstore classic. Whether you’re a makeup newbie or a seasoned pro looking for an affordable option, I want to share my honest thoughts on this product that seems to have a cult following.
First Impressions & Packaging
The foundation comes in a small glass jar (0.64 oz) with a screw-top lid. When you first open it, you’ll notice the unique whipped, mousse-like texture that’s completely different from liquid foundations. It looks like a fluffy cloud of makeup! The packaging is simple but effective – though I will say the glass jar makes it less travel-friendly than plastic alternatives.
Application & Texture
This is where things get interesting. The texture is DEFINITELY unique – it’s not quite a cream, not quite a powder. It’s this weird, fluffy, almost soufflé-like consistency that feels super lightweight.
Here are the different ways I’ve tried applying it:
- Fingers: This seems to be the method most people swear by. The warmth of your fingers helps the product melt into your skin. Just tap a small amount on and blend outward. This gives the most natural finish in my experience.
- Foundation brush: Some reviewers mentioned using a dense foundation brush works well, gently tapping the product and buffing it in. I find this gives a bit more coverage.
- Beauty blender/sponge: This is TRICKY! Many reviewers (myself included) have experienced the product “balling up” or getting crumbly when using a sponge, especially if the sponge is damp. Some people recommend spritzing the product with setting spray first if you want to use this method.
The key with this foundation? A LITTLE GOES A LONG WAY. Seriously. Use way less than you think you need – this isn’t a product where you need to glob it on.
Coverage & Finish
The coverage is solidly medium but buildable in the areas where you need more. It’s not full coverage, but it does an impressive job covering:
- Redness
- Mild acne
- Discoloration
- Under-eye circles
The finish is truly matte, but not in that flat, cakey way some matte foundations can look. It gives your skin this soft-focus, airbrushed quality that looks surprisingly natural considering how matte it is. It almost has a powdery finish without actually being powder.
Shade Range & Classic Ivory
I’m specifically reviewing the Classic Ivory shade (Light 2), which is one of their most popular options for light skin with neutral to yellow undertones.
A word of warning about the shade range: many reviewers note that the shades tend to run DARK. Even the lightest shades like Porcelain Ivory can be too dark for very fair skin. The Classic Ivory I’m reviewing is probably best for light skin rather than very fair.
The shade range is definitely limited compared to other foundations on the market today – this is a product that’s been around since the early 2000s and hasn’t expanded its shade offerings much. This is honestly the biggest drawback of this product in 2025.
Longevity
Most reviewers (including myself) find this foundation lasts about 6-8 hours before needing touch-ups. It’s not going to make it through a 12-hour workday without some wear, especially if you have oily skin. The good news is that it wears off pretty evenly rather than getting patchy.
If you’re heading out after work, you might want to refresh your makeup. But for a regular day? It holds up pretty well.
How It Works For Different Skin Types
This foundation seems to be a true chameleon – it works for MANY different skin types, which is rare:
Oily Skin: Many reviewers with oily skin LOVE this because it controls shine throughout the day. The matte finish helps keep oil at bay, though you might need blotting papers by afternoon.
Combination Skin: This seems to be the PERFECT skin type for this foundation. It keeps the T-zone matte while not clinging to dry patches.
Dry Skin: Surprisingly, many reviewers with dry skin also enjoy this! The key is moisturizing well beforehand. Since it’s not a liquid, it doesn’t seem to cling to flaky patches as badly as some liquid foundations can.
Mature Skin: Many reviewers in their 50s, 60s, and even one 97-year-old(!) report that this foundation doesn’t settle into fine lines. The lightweight mousse texture seems to sit on top of wrinkles rather than sinking in.
Acne-Prone Skin: Mixed results here. Some users report no breakouts, while others say it exacerbated their acne. Like any foundation, your mileage may vary.
Problems & Complaints
No product is perfect, and there are some consistent issues that come up in reviews:
- The Crumbling Issue: This product can get dry and crumbly over time or if not stored properly. Some users fix this by adding a drop of facial oil or liquid foundation and stirring it in.
- Shade Limitations: As mentioned earlier, the shade range is pretty limited, especially for very fair and deep skin tones.
- Quantity vs. Price: Some reviewers feel the amount you get (0.64 oz) is small for the price, even though it’s a drugstore product.
- Application Learning Curve: There’s definitely a technique to applying this smoothly. It’s not as foolproof as some liquid foundations.
- Dried Out Products: Some customers received products that were already dried out or crumbly when purchased new.
Best Tips For Using This Foundation
After going through hundreds of reviews, here are the tips that seem to work best:
- Always moisturize well before applying.
- Use your fingers for the most natural finish.
- Tap, don’t rub, the product onto your skin.
- Start with a TINY amount – seriously, a little covers your whole face.
- If it feels dry in the container, try adding a drop of facial oil.
- Set lightly with powder only in areas where you tend to get oily.
- Store it with the lid tightly closed to prevent it from drying out.
Value For Money
At under $10 (usually around $7-9 depending on where you buy it), this foundation is an excellent value. Many reviewers mention they’ve tried high-end foundations that don’t perform as well as this drugstore classic.
The jar might look small, but because you need so little product for each application, one jar typically lasts 2-3 months with regular use.
The Nostalgia Factor
I can’t ignore the fact that this foundation has a HUGE nostalgia factor for many people. It was first popular in the early 2000s, and many reviewers mention using it in high school and returning to it years later. It’s one of those products that has stayed remarkably consistent while makeup trends have changed dramatically around it.
My Personal Experience
I’ve been using this foundation on and off for years, always seeming to come back to it after trying fancier options. What brings me back? The airbrushed finish and how FAST I can apply it. No brushes, no sponges, just fingers and I’m done in 30 seconds with a flawless finish.
I do find I need to make sure my skin is well-moisturized first, especially in winter months. And yes, I’ve experienced the dreaded “crumbling” issue when the product gets older, but it still performs well overall.
Who Should Buy This Foundation
This foundation is perfect for:
- People who want a truly matte finish without looking flat
- Those who prefer applying foundation with fingers
- Anyone who wants an airbrushed look without heavy coverage
- People with combination to oily skin (though it works for many skin types)
- Those on a budget who want quality makeup
- Makeup minimalists who want quick, easy application
Who Should Skip This Foundation
You might want to look elsewhere if:
- You have very fair or deep skin (limited shade range)
- You prefer dewy foundations
- You want full coverage
- You strictly use beauty blenders for application
- You need 12+ hour wear time
The Bottom Line
The Maybelline Dream Matte Mousse Foundation in Classic Ivory is an affordable drugstore gem that has stood the test of time for good reason. It provides a unique whipped texture that creates an airbrushed, matte finish without looking cakey or flat.
Despite some minor issues with product consistency and a limited shade range, it performs impressively well across multiple skin types and ages. For under $10, it outperforms many high-end foundations in terms of finish and ease of use.
The product hasn’t changed much in 20+ years because it doesn’t need to – it works exactly as intended as a lightweight, medium-coverage foundation with a natural matte finish.
If you’re looking for a foundation that’s quick to apply, looks natural while still providing good coverage, and won’t break the bank, this longtime beauty favorite deserves a spot in your makeup collection.
Rating: 4/5 Stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Perfect for everyday wear, though not without its flaws!
Buy on Amazon: Here
