Let me tell you about this Maybelline New York Dream Matte Mousse Foundation in Light Beige that I’ve been testing out for a while now. If you’re looking for a drugstore foundation that won’t break the bank but still gets the job done, this might be worth checking out!
First Impressions
When I first opened the jar, I was honestly surprised by the texture. It’s called a “mousse” but it’s really more like a whipped foundation with a soft, creamy consistency. It’s definitely not as light and airy as I expected from something called “mousse” – some users even described it as more of a “paste” or “thick cream.” But don’t let that scare you off just yet!
The packaging is simple – it comes in a small glass jar (0.64 oz) with a plastic lid. Nothing fancy, but it’s compact and travel-friendly.
Application Experience
This foundation is DIFFERENT from liquid foundations, that’s for sure! You don’t need a ton of product – a little goes a LONG way. I’ve found a few different application methods work well:
- Using your fingers: This warms up the product and helps it blend nicely
- Foundation brush: Many users recommend the Real Techniques face brush specifically
- Beauty blender: Works well but you might find the texture a bit thick for a sponge
The texture is definitely unique. It feels lightweight on the skin once applied, even though it looks thick in the jar. It spreads pretty easily and sets to a nice matte finish. If you’ve never used a mousse foundation before, there’s a bit of a learning curve, but once you get the hang of it, application becomes super quick and easy.
One user mentioned: “It’s as easy as putting on lotion. It blends right in. So easy to use.” I found this to be mostly true once you get your technique down.
Coverage and Finish
This foundation offers medium to full coverage that’s buildable. It’s GREAT at covering:
- Enlarged pores (several users specifically mentioned this as a strength!)
- Redness
- Minor blemishes
- Uneven skin tone
The finish is definitely matte – which is awesome if you have oily skin or hate shine. One user with a large nose mentioned: “NO Shine! I have a large nose and when it shines, it looks bigger. My pores are larger too that are magnified with shiny foundation.”
It doesn’t look cakey or heavy when applied correctly, and many users described it as looking “natural” despite offering good coverage. It’s not a dewy foundation at all, so if you prefer that glowy look, this isn’t for you.
Shade Range & Color Match
OK, I have to be honest – the shade range and matching seems to be a MAJOR issue with this product. Multiple users mentioned problems with the colors:
- “The colors are VERY off! I’m usually a medium shade in every single foundation I have ever used. I bought this shade because it was one of the lightest medium shades and I figured it would be perfect. Wrong! It’s very very dark and on the orange side.”
- “I ordered ‘Light Beige’ but what I received was first a different looking jar and the Light Beige was a much darker tint than expected, very yellow.”
The Light Beige shade specifically seems to run darker and more yellow/orange than expected. Several users mentioned needing to go 2-3 shades lighter than their usual foundation shade when using this product. If you have very fair skin, this could be problematic.
One user also mentioned that the Light Beige shade is “SO MUCH more expensive than the other shades” which is something to be aware of.
Staying Power
This foundation has pretty impressive staying power! Most users reported that it lasts all day without needing touch-ups, which is a huge plus if you’re busy and don’t have time to check your makeup throughout the day.
“It has really good staying power and lasts all day,” one reviewer noted. Another mentioned it “stays on the whole day.”
However, one person did mention that “it WILL wipe off” – so be careful about touching your face or using your phone against your cheek.
In hot weather, you might need touch-ups in your T-zone, but that’s pretty standard for most foundations.
Skin Type Compatibility
This foundation seems to work best for:
- Normal to oily skin
- Combination skin
- Mature skin (several 50+ users loved it!)
For dry skin, the reviews are mixed. Some dry-skinned users found it worked fine, while others mentioned it emphasized dry patches or flakiness. One reviewer with very dry skin said: “When immediately applied, it tends to make my very dry skin look even drier and a little flakey on the forehead – but once the makeup has warmed into my skin, it sets so amazingly.”
Several users with sensitive skin mentioned that this foundation didn’t cause irritation, which is a plus! One person with HIGHLY SENSITIVE SKIN said: “irritation occurs with Aveeno, Neutrogena, Clinique, Estee Lauder, MAC, etc. but this mousse is PERFECT.”
How It Wears Throughout the Day
Most users reported positive experiences with how this foundation wears throughout the day:
- Doesn’t crease or settle into fine lines
- Doesn’t oxidize much
- Stays matte for most of the day
- Doesn’t flake off
However, a few mentioned that it can look shiny after several hours (which is contradictory to the matte claim, but might depend on your skin type).
Comparison to Higher-End Products
Several users compared this to higher-end foundations and found it stood up well: “For my skin, I prefer this to my MAC and NARS foundation and I save so much money!”
Another said: “No need to spend $30 or more on a foundation, this product works just as well as higher priced items.”
Long-Term Use & Skin Effects
Some users have been using this foundation for YEARS (5+ years in some cases), which speaks to its consistency and reliability. It doesn’t seem to cause breakouts for most people, though a few mentioned experiencing breakouts after use.
One particularly enthusiastic user said: “I discovered this years ago and till this day in year 2021 Maybelline Matte Mousse is what I use to cover up imperfections.”
Potential Downsides
To be fair, I need to mention some issues that came up in reviews:
- Shade matching problems: As mentioned, the colors seem to run dark/orange
- Texture issues: Some found it too dry or paste-like
- Packaging problems: A few received broken lids or partially-filled jars
- Shelf life concerns: Some received products that seemed old or dried out
- Not returnable: Several mentioned you can’t return it if the shade is wrong
- Can emphasize fine lines: One 35-year-old user said it “exaggerates any fine lines… this ages me”
Value for Money
At its price point (usually under $10), most users found this to be excellent value, especially given how little product you need to use each time. The 0.64 oz jar lasts quite a while even with regular use.
Final Thoughts
So, would I recommend the Maybelline New York Dream Matte Mousse Foundation in Light Beige? YES, but with some caveats!
If you have normal to oily skin, want good coverage with a matte finish, and don’t mind being careful about shade selection, this could be a GREAT affordable foundation option for you. Many users with mature skin also found it worked well without settling into fine lines.
However, if you have very dry skin, prefer a dewy finish, or have extremely fair skin that might be hard to match, you might want to look elsewhere.
My top tips if you do decide to try it:
- Consider buying a shade 1-2 lighter than you think you need
- Use a light hand – a little goes a long way!
- Try different application methods to see what works best for you
- Give it a few minutes to “warm” into your skin before judging the final look
Overall, it’s a solid drugstore foundation that’s been around for years for good reason. As one user summed it up: “I have tried many many foundations, some were very expensive but this one was the best.”
Have you tried this foundation? I’d love to hear what YOU think about it too!
Buy on Amazon: Here
