As a beauty expert with years of experience testing foundations across all price points, I’m excited to share my in-depth review of the Maybelline New York Dream Matte Mousse Foundation in Honey Beige (0.64 oz). This iconic drugstore foundation has maintained a loyal following for years, and today I’ll analyze everything from its texture and application to longevity and value proposition.
First Impressions and Packaging
The Maybelline Dream Matte Mousse comes in a small glass jar with a screw-top lid. While the 0.64 oz (18g) size might initially seem modest compared to liquid foundations that typically come in 1 oz bottles, this is deceptive. The concentrated formula means a little product goes remarkably far—a key point repeatedly emphasized by longtime users.
The compact packaging makes it travel-friendly, though I would recommend caution with the glass container. Upon opening the jar, you’re greeted with a whipped, airy texture that’s unique among drugstore foundations—it truly has the consistency of a light, aerated mousse.
Texture and Formulation
The Dream Matte Mousse foundation has a distinctive texture that sets it apart from other foundations on the market. It’s incredibly lightweight with a unique almost-creamy, almost-powdery hybrid consistency. When you dip your finger into the product, it feels soft and velvety but transforms upon application.
This foundation has a mousse-like, whipped texture that feels surprisingly light on the skin despite its substantial coverage capabilities. The formulation is designed to create a matte finish, making it particularly appealing for those with combination to oily skin types. Unlike some matte foundations that can feel heavy or mask-like, this one manages to deliver on its “dream-like” branding promise with a notably weightless feel.
Several reviewers noted that toward the end of the jar’s life, the product can become slightly drier. If this happens, a few drops of facial oil can rejuvenate the texture, allowing you to use every last bit of product—a valuable tip for maximizing your investment.
Application Techniques
The application method significantly impacts the final result with this foundation. While the product can be applied with fingers, a foundation brush tends to provide the most flawless finish. Multiple reviewers recommend using small, circular motions for the best results, which creates an airbrushed appearance.
For those who prefer finger application, the warmth of your fingers can help the product melt seamlessly into the skin, though this technique may provide slightly less coverage than using a brush. Some users recommend applying it with a fluffy powder or blush brush, which creates a lighter effect while still evening out skin tone.
A crucial tip mentioned by experienced users is the importance of proper blending. Due to its unique texture, this foundation requires thorough blending to avoid any “granular” appearance. Taking your time during application ensures a smooth, even finish. Checking your application in good lighting helps catch any areas that need additional blending.
Many reviewers suggest applying a smooth primer beforehand, which not only makes application easier but also extends wear time. The combination of primer and this foundation seems to create an excellent base that lasts throughout the day, even in challenging weather conditions.
Coverage and Finish
One of the Dream Matte Mousse’s most impressive qualities is its versatility in coverage. It can provide medium coverage with a single thin layer or be built up to full coverage where needed. What’s remarkable is that even when layered for increased coverage, it maintains its lightweight feel and doesn’t appear cakey or heavy.
The finish lives up to its “matte” name without venturing into flat or lifeless territory. Instead, it creates what several reviewers described as a “natural matte” effect—controlling shine while still allowing the skin to look dimensional and healthy. After a short settling period, many users report that it develops a subtle, healthy glow that enhances rather than masks the skin.
A particularly appealing aspect of this foundation is how it minimizes the need for concealer. Multiple reviewers mentioned that the coverage is so effective that they could skip concealer entirely, even for under-eye circles and blemishes. This makes it an efficient option for those looking to streamline their makeup routine.
The powder-like matte finish also eliminates the need for setting powder for many users, further simplifying application. This “all-in-one” quality makes it especially appealing for quick, everyday makeup looks when time is limited.
Shade Selection and Undertones
The Honey Beige shade appears to be particularly well-suited for medium skin tones with warm to neutral undertones. Several reviewers with biracial or diverse ethnic backgrounds specifically mentioned that this shade provided an excellent match—something that can be challenging to find in drugstore foundations.
However, shade selection appears to be one area where caution is advised. Multiple reviewers mentioned that the colors tend to appear slightly darker on the skin than they look in the packaging. The general recommendation is to choose a shade lighter than what you might initially select. Some reviewers also noted that certain shades can pull somewhat orange or reddish when applied, so understanding your undertones is important when selecting your shade.
For those with olive or neutral undertones, finding the perfect match might require some experimentation. Some reviewers mentioned successfully mixing shades to create their ideal match. The good news is that the price point makes this a less costly experiment than with high-end foundations.
Longevity and Wear
The Dream Matte Mousse earns high marks for longevity. Many users report that it lasts throughout a full workday without significant fading or patchiness. It appears to perform particularly well in hot and humid conditions—a quality repeatedly mentioned by reviewers from warm climate regions like Texas.
The foundation’s matte formula helps control oil throughout the day, though those with very oily skin might need a touch-up in their T-zone during longer wear. What’s impressive is that despite controlling shine, it doesn’t appear to cling to dry patches or exacerbate texture issues as some matte foundations can.
Multiple reviewers mentioned that it holds up well as a base for other makeup products. Contour powders, blushes, and bronzers appear to adhere well to this foundation without sliding off or fading unevenly. This makes it a reliable base for complete makeup looks that need to last through long days or special events.
Skin Type Compatibility
While this foundation appears to be most beloved by those with combination to oily skin types, there were surprisingly positive reviews from those with dry skin as well. The key difference seems to be in preparation—those with drier skin reported success when applying over well-moisturized skin or using a hydrating primer first.
For oily skin types, this foundation offers the significant benefit of oil control without the heavy feel that sometimes accompanies long-wearing foundations. The airlight texture combined with mattifying properties makes it an excellent option for those who struggle with midday shine breakthrough.
Those with mature skin praised how the foundation doesn’t settle into fine lines or wrinkles, particularly when applied with a light hand. One reviewer specifically mentioned that it doesn’t “sink in” to lines and wrinkles, which can be a common complaint with powder-based products.
Sensitive skin users had mixed experiences, with most reporting no issues but a few noting potential concerns about the ingredient list, which does include parabens. As with any cosmetic product, those with sensitive skin should patch test before full application.
Value Proposition
At its price point (typically between $8-12 depending on retailer), the Dream Matte Mousse represents excellent value within the drugstore category. Though the jar appears small, the concentrated formula means that a single jar typically lasts several months with daily use, making it economical over time.
Many reviewers specifically mentioned that Amazon offers better pricing than brick-and-mortar stores, making it an even more attractive value. The foundation often outperforms products at much higher price points, with several reviewers comparing it favorably to prestige foundations costing five times as much.
The formula’s versatility—functioning as foundation, concealer, and powder in one product—further enhances its value proposition. This 3-in-1 quality not only saves money but also simplifies the makeup routine.
Comparisons Within the Maybelline Line
Several reviewers mentioned that the Dream Matte Mousse outperforms other foundations within the Maybelline line. Some specifically compared it to the discontinued Dream Smooth Mousse, with opinions divided on which formulation was superior. The Matte Mousse seems to offer better oil control, while some preferred the luminosity of the Smooth Mousse.
It’s worth noting that this product appears to have developed a cult following, with many reviewers expressing concern about potential discontinuation and stocking up when possible. This type of loyalty usually indicates a truly exceptional product, especially in the constantly evolving drugstore beauty market.
Potential Drawbacks
To provide a balanced assessment, I should note some potential drawbacks mentioned by reviewers:
- Shade matching challenges: As mentioned earlier, the shades can appear different on the skin than in the packaging, making selection challenging, especially for online purchases.
- Texture changes: Some users reported that the product can dry out over time, though this can be remedied with a few drops of facial oil.
- Application learning curve: The unique texture requires specific application techniques for optimal results, which might take some experimentation to perfect.
- Limited availability: Several reviewers mentioned difficulty finding this product in stores, suggesting that it might be decreasing in availability (making online purchasing more necessary).
- Ingredient concerns: A few reviewers mentioned concerns about the ingredient list, specifically the inclusion of parabens, which some consumers prefer to avoid.
Who Should Consider This Foundation
The Dream Matte Mousse would be an excellent choice for:
- Those with combination to oily skin seeking shine control without heaviness
- Anyone looking for buildable coverage that still looks natural
- People in humid or hot climates needing long-wearing foundation
- Those who prefer quick, simplified makeup routines
- Anyone seeking high-performance at an affordable price point
- Those who dislike the feel of liquid foundation but want more coverage than typical powder foundations
Who Might Want to Look Elsewhere
This foundation might not be ideal for:
- Those with very dry skin (unless willing to prep extensively)
- People who prefer a dewy, luminous finish
- Those with particular ingredient concerns regarding parabens
- Anyone who strongly prefers pump packaging for hygiene reasons
Application Tips from Reviewers
Synthesizing the advice from numerous reviews, here are the top tips for getting the most from this foundation:
- Prep properly: Apply moisturizer or primer before foundation, especially if you have dry skin.
- Use the right tools: A foundation brush or fluffy powder brush seems to create the most flawless finish, though fingers work well for a more natural look.
- Use small amounts: Start with less than you think you need—a little truly goes a long way.
- Blend thoroughly: Use circular motions and take your time blending to avoid any granular appearance.
- Check in good lighting: Make sure to check your application in natural light if possible to catch any areas needing additional blending.
- Consider going lighter: When selecting a shade, many recommend choosing one shade lighter than what appears to match in the packaging.
- Rejuvenate if necessary: If the product begins to dry out, a few drops of facial oil can restore its creamy texture.
Final Verdict
The Maybelline New York Dream Matte Mousse Foundation in Honey Beige earns 4.5 out of 5 stars in my assessment. It delivers exceptional performance at an affordable price point, with its unique texture, impressive coverage, and long-wearing formula making it stand out in the crowded drugstore foundation market.
What’s particularly notable is the foundation’s ability to provide substantial coverage while maintaining a lightweight, natural appearance—a balance that even many high-end foundations struggle to achieve. The formula’s versatility across different skin types (though best for normal to oily) and its performance in challenging conditions further elevate it above many competitors.
The primary reasons it doesn’t receive a perfect score are the challenges with shade matching and the potential for the product to dry out over time. However, these drawbacks are relatively minor considering the overall performance and value.
For those seeking an affordable foundation that doesn’t compromise on quality, the Dream Matte Mousse represents one of the best options in the drugstore category. Its enduring popularity over years in a market flooded with new releases speaks to its exceptional formulation and reliable performance. Whether you’re a makeup novice or a seasoned beauty enthusiast, this foundation deserves consideration for your makeup collection.
The Bottom Line
The Maybelline New York Dream Matte Mousse Foundation offers high-end performance at a drugstore price. Its unique whipped texture provides buildable coverage with a natural matte finish that controls shine without looking flat or cakey. While shade selection requires some care, once you find your match, you’ll likely understand why this foundation has maintained such a devoted following for years. For the price, it’s difficult to find a foundation that offers better performance across coverage, finish, and longevity.
Buy on Amazon: Here
