In the ever-evolving world of beauty products, finding the perfect foundation can feel like searching for a needle in a haystack. Today, I’m taking an in-depth look at Maybelline New York’s Super Stay Better Skin Foundation in Natural Beige, a product that promises long-lasting wear and skin-improving benefits. After analyzing hundreds of customer experiences and personally testing this foundation, I’ll share everything you need to know before making your purchase decision.
Maybelline’s Super Stay Better Skin Foundation comes in a 1 fl. oz glass bottle with a pump dispenser. The product claims to offer:
- Long-lasting coverage
- Skin-improving ingredients (including Vitamin C)
- SPF 15 sun protection
- Oil-free formula
- A natural, flawless finish
The foundation is marketed toward those with acne-prone or problematic skin who want coverage without heaviness. But does it deliver on these promises? Let’s dive deeper.
Packaging and Presentation
The foundation comes in a square glass bottle with a blue pump-top dispenser. The elegant design is both functional and aesthetically pleasing, making it a nice addition to any makeup collection. Many users appreciate that the bottle sits flat for easy storage and travels well without leaking.
However, there are significant concerns regarding the pump mechanism. A substantial number of customers reported issues with the pump not functioning properly, either refusing to dispense product or breaking after minimal use. Some found it impossible to access the product when the pump failed because the top couldn’t be removed.
For those who received properly functioning bottles, the pump design was praised for its sanitary dispensing method and ability to control product amount.
Color Range and Matching
Natural Beige is described as suitable for light to medium skin tones with neutral undertones. From the feedback analyzed, this shade seems to work well for many users, though there are mixed reports about color accuracy:
- Some users report the Natural Beige shade being darker than expected
- Others mention it oxidizes (darkens) throughout the day
- Several reviewers with yellow undertones found it too pink
- Those with pink undertones sometimes found it too yellow
This highlights the challenge of purchasing foundation online without testing. The shade appears to run slightly darker than other brands’ comparable shades, so choosing one shade lighter than usual might be advisable if ordering online.
Application and Texture
The texture of this foundation is frequently described as medium to thick, with a smooth consistency that spreads easily across the skin. Best application methods according to user experiences:
- Beauty blender/makeup sponge: Creates the most natural finish
- Foundation brush: Provides more coverage and precision
- Fingers: Works in a pinch but may create a heavier finish
The foundation blends relatively well, though it requires some effort due to its thicker consistency. It dries to a semi-matte finish that most users describe as natural-looking rather than completely flat.
Several reviewers with dry skin noted that exfoliation before application is essential, as the formula can cling to dry patches and accentuate flakiness.
Coverage and Finish
The Super Stay Better Skin Foundation offers medium coverage that’s buildable to full. It effectively:
- Evens skin tone
- Covers redness
- Minimizes the appearance of minor blemishes
- Reduces the visibility of hyperpigmentation
The finish is described as primarily satin to matte, rather than dewy, making it potentially better suited for normal to oily skin types. Many users appreciate that it doesn’t look cakey or heavy despite its coverage level.
Some reviewers with mature skin or fine lines reported that the foundation settled into wrinkles throughout the day, while others found it didn’t emphasize texture issues. This inconsistency suggests that proper skin preparation (moisturizing, priming) plays a crucial role in how the foundation performs.
Longevity and Wear
As the “Super Stay” name suggests, this foundation claims long-lasting wear. User experiences vary significantly:
- Many report 6-8 hours of good wear before noticeable fading
- Those with oily skin often experienced breakdown around the T-zone after 4-5 hours
- Some users with dry skin found it maintained coverage throughout a full workday
- Several mentioned that it transferred easily to clothing and other surfaces
The consensus seems to be that while it’s not truly “24-hour” as some Maybelline products claim, it offers decent longevity for a drugstore foundation. Setting with powder significantly improves wear time according to multiple reviews.
One interesting note: the foundation appears to be somewhat resistant to humidity but breaks down more quickly in hot weather or with significant physical activity.
Skin Benefits and Claims
Maybelline markets this foundation as “skin-transforming” with claims of improving skin appearance over time. The foundation contains:
- SPF 15 (titanium dioxide-based)
- Vitamin C
- Actyl-C (a proprietary ingredient)
After analyzing reviews from people who used the product consistently for 3+ weeks:
- Very few reported noticeable skin improvement
- Some users with acne-prone skin experienced fewer breakouts
- Others reported increased breakouts or irritation
- Most saw no change in skin quality beyond the cosmetic coverage
While the SPF 15 provides some sun protection, it’s likely insufficient for primary sun protection, especially for extended outdoor exposure.
Skin Type Compatibility
This foundation performs differently depending on skin type:
For Oily Skin: Despite being marketed as oil-free, results are mixed. Some users with oily skin found it controlled shine well, while others experienced increased oiliness and foundation breakdown. Setting with powder seems essential for oily skin types.
For Dry Skin: Many with dry skin found the formula too drying and reported it accentuated flaky patches. However, those who properly hydrated and primed before application generally had better experiences.
For Combination Skin: This appears to be the skin type that has the most success with the formula, especially when strategic powdering is applied to oilier areas.
For Sensitive Skin: Several users reported irritation or breakouts, suggesting this may not be ideal for highly sensitive skin despite its “Better Skin” claims.
For Mature Skin: Mixed results, with some finding it settled into fine lines while others appreciated the lightweight coverage that didn’t make them look older.
For Acne-Prone Skin: While marketed for acne-prone skin, experiences vary dramatically. Some users saw improvements in their skin, while others experienced significant breakouts.
Value and Pricing
As a drugstore foundation, the Super Stay Better Skin offers good value for its price point, typically ranging from $8-12 depending on retailer. The quality compares favorably to other drugstore options, with some users stating it performs similarly to higher-end foundations costing 3-4 times as much.
However, the recurring pump issues and inconsistent product quality (some reporting the product was old or expired when purchased online) somewhat diminish the value proposition.
Removal Process
Several reviewers mentioned that removing this foundation requires more effort than expected. A simple face wash often isn’t sufficient – makeup removers or cleansing oils followed by a regular cleanser provide better results. This thoroughness in removal is important, as many who experienced breakouts noted they may not have removed the product completely.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Good medium coverage that looks natural
- Pump packaging (when functional) is sanitary and convenient
- Relatively affordable price point
- SPF 15 provides some sun protection
- Long-lasting for many users
- Doesn’t feel heavy on the skin despite coverage level
- Works particularly well for combination skin
- Attractive packaging design
Cons:
- Significant issues with pump functionality
- May oxidize/darken throughout the day
- Can emphasize dry patches and fine lines
- Not consistently beneficial for acne-prone skin despite marketing
- Requires thorough removal to prevent potential breakouts
- Limited shade range compared to newer foundation lines
- May transfer to clothing
- Mixed results for oil control
- Some received expired or old product when purchasing online
Comparison to Similar Products
When compared to other Maybelline foundations:
- More medium-full coverage than Fit Me Dewy + Smooth
- Less matte than Fit Me Matte + Poreless
- Thicker consistency than Dream Fresh BB Cream
- Not as long-lasting as the 24-Hour Super Stay formula
Compared to other drugstore brands in a similar price range:
- Similar coverage to L’Oreal Infallible but with a less matte finish
- More skin benefits than Revlon Colorstay but possibly less staying power
- Less shade range than newer NYX or CoverGirl lines
- Comparable to L’Oreal True Match in finish but with slightly heavier feel
Who Should Consider This Foundation
The Super Stay Better Skin Foundation would be a good choice for:
- Those with combination skin seeking medium coverage
- People wanting a more natural-looking foundation with decent longevity
- Makeup users who prefer a satin-matte finish without complete flatness
- Those looking for an affordable foundation with added skin benefits
- People with minimal skin texture issues who want even coverage
Who Should Avoid This Foundation
This foundation might not be ideal for:
- Those with very dry skin or significant flakiness
- People with very oily skin seeking all-day oil control
- Users with significant fine lines or wrinkles
- Those with highly sensitive or reactive skin
- Anyone looking for sheer, dewy coverage
- People who need a truly transfer-proof formula
Application Tips From User Experiences
To maximize performance based on compiled user experiences:
- Prep properly: Thoroughly moisturize, especially if you have dry skin, and allow moisturizer to fully absorb before application
- Consider a primer: Many users found performance improved significantly with a good primer
- Use the right tools: A damp beauty blender seems to create the most natural finish
- Build gradually: Apply thin layers and build up rather than applying too much at once
- Set strategically: Focus powder on areas prone to oiliness rather than all over
- Color selection: Consider going one shade lighter than you think, as it tends to oxidize
- Thorough removal: Use dedicated makeup remover followed by cleanser to prevent potential breakouts
Final Verdict
Maybelline’s Super Stay Better Skin Foundation in Natural Beige offers solid performance for its price point, providing good coverage and a natural finish. However, it’s not without flaws – the packaging issues and inconsistent performance across skin types prevent it from being a universal recommendation.
For those with combination skin seeking medium coverage with a natural finish, this foundation delivers good value. The added skincare benefits, while not transformative, make it an interesting option in the drugstore category.
I would rate this foundation 3.5 out of 5 stars – a good but not exceptional product that will work beautifully for some users while disappointing others. The inconsistency in pump functionality is the biggest concern, along with its variable performance across different skin types.
If you’re considering this foundation, purchasing from a retailer with a good return policy is advisable given the mixed experiences. And as with any foundation, if possible, test in-store before committing to a full bottle.
Bottom Line
The Maybelline New York Super Stay Better Skin Foundation offers a good balance of coverage, finish, and value for those with the right skin type. While not revolutionary in its skin benefits, it performs well as an everyday foundation when properly applied and set. Those seeking a natural-looking medium coverage foundation at a drugstore price point should consider it, while being aware of its limitations for certain skin types and concerns.
Buy on Amazon: Here
