Emmie Reviews – Makeup By Mario SurrealSkin Natural Finish Foundation

In April of 2023, I reviewed Makeup By Mario’s first complexion launch. The SurrealSkin Foundation. This went on to be one of my more controversial reviews as I was very much in the minority with my opinion. Long story short, I hated it at the time and I still do to this day. But never let it be said that I’m not open to giving brands second chances. And when I saw that Mario was dipping his toe in the foundation game again with the SurrealSkin Natural Finish Foundation, I immediately added it to my cart. It actually ended up being the foundation y’all wanted me to review the most when I did my poll last month. And I definitely put it through it’s paces. So, let’s get into this review!

MAKEUP BY MARIO SURREALSKIN NATURAL FINISH FOUNDATION – $87.00 – sephora.com.au
*32 Shades Available*

Starting with the packaging, the Natural Finish Foundation is in basically the same style of bottle as the original SurrealSkin. But there are a few minor tweaks. Firstly, the bottle is frosted glass. Second, there is white detail. Otherwise, they are similar enough to belong to the same line, but different enough to know which one you’re grabbing for. One thing I will say is that the glass feels very weighty in the hand this time around. More solid, if you will. The Natural Finish Foundation is vegan, cruelty free, and contains 30ml of product.

The product is dispensed via a pump mechanism at the top of the bottle. Having tested both this pump and the pump on the original, I can say with confidence that it’s basically the same. Having said that, as this formula is much thinner than the original, I find that it’s easier to pump overall. I have also had no issues with leaking at the time of writing.

The Natural Finish Foundation launched with 32 shades* in the line. An upgrade from the SurrealSkin which launched with 30. The shades are divided up into five skin tone categories (light, light medium, medium, medium dark, and dark). Notably, the medium undertone category is the only one to feature olive undertones. Otherwise, the rest of the range is the stock standard cool, neutral, and warm. The range does look well balanced. Though I do question how light the lightest shade is.

*Em’s Note* I will point out that the Sephora Australia website only has 22 of the 32 shades available. I do not know if all 32 shades are available in store.

As for my shade, I went with shade 4.5N. Described as being light with neutral undertones. It’s a better match for me in comparison to the original SurrealSkin (4.5 was added to the range later). I would say that this is my summer shade. I do need to take it down the neck. But otherwise, it works well for me. And I will note that it stays more true to colour than the original formula.

As far as application goes, I did have a much easier time with this than the original SurrealSkin. It worked well with a sponge and a brush. But my preferred finish, predictably, was using my fingers. The texture, like I mentioned earlier, is on the thinner side. Easy enough to dot, but will run if left for a second. I would take two pumps, press that around my face, and then gently rub it all over. Paying the most attention to the centre of my face. This is how I achieved the most even finish.

The Natural Finish Foundation is described as being a medium buildable formula with a natural matte, skin like finish. I would be inclined to agree with both descriptions. I love how lightweight this finish is. It doesn’t have any of the drying heaviness that the original SurrealSkin had. It allowed just enough coverage to hide my redness and discolouration. But still allowed my freckles to poke through. I did notice a bit of glow. But in a healthy, natural way.

Now let’s get to the wear test. And oh boy, did I pick a hell of a day to take these two pictures (Mount Isa was in the middle of a heat wave at the time). So, knock me over with a feather when I say that this foundation didn’t budge. It lasted through sweat, breeze, burst irrigation, and a greasy lunch. I didn’t see any cracking or fading around my lines. My makeup applied beautifully on top of it. The only thing I will say is that I did get a little shiny towards the end of the day. But I was able to blot away that shine very easily without disrupting the foundation.

Well, Mr Dedivanovic. It may have taken your second attempt. But you finally made a foundation that I can happily recommend. Is it my absolute favourite foundation launch of the year? Probably not, the Satin Blur looms very large in my household. But it’s certainly up there. If you’re someone who was underwhelmed with the original SurrealSkin, or someone with combo or mature skin, then this is a must try for you. Definitely wait for a sale though. Have you tried the Makeup By Mario SurrealSkin Natural Finish Foundation? Let me know in the comments.

Cheers and love
Emily xo