Is TikTok’s Viral Il Makiage Foundation Actually Worth $45?

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If you’re like me and have spent half your life photographing your wrist in bad Sephora lighting, you already know the struggle. It’s exhausting, especially when you don’t get your perfect shade. I kept seeing Il Makiage’s “Woke Up Like This” foundation absolutely everywhere – TikTok, Instagram, Pinterest. The brand promised 50 shades and a “PowerMatch” quiz that supposedly takes the guesswork out of finding your perfect shade. At $45 a bottle, I needed to know: is Il Makiage legit or just another overhyped brand? After 2 months of testing it in every imaginable scenario – from sweaty gym sessions to 8-hour wedding days, here’s my completely unfiltered review on Il Makiage foundation.

The Shade Matching Process

Finding a foundation when you’re fair-skinned with cool undertones is a nightmare. Most brands think “fair” means one of three shades that somehow all make you look either orange, pink, or dead. What immediately caught my attention about Il Makiage was their extensive shade range – we’re talking 50 shades with sophisticated undertone differentiation.

I took their PowerMatch quiz, which honestly felt more thorough than some online job applications. It asks about your skin type, current foundation shade (if you have one), how often you wear makeup, and even shows you photos of models to help identify your undertone. The algorithm matched me with shade #035, which I was skeptical about because I’ve been burned before by “perfect match” promises.

But somehow the quiz actually worked. Shade #035 blended seamlessly into my decolletage without that dreaded jawline mask effect. For context, I’m a MAC NW15 with neutral-to-cool undertones, and this was the first time an online shade finder didn’t make me look like I’d rubbed Cheetos on my face. The match was so accurate that I didn’t even need to test the second shade they sent me (though I appreciate that they offer this service – more on that later).

But I’m not alone in having a good experience. One reviewer noted that shade #010 worked perfectly for their fair skin, while another found success with #035 for winter complexion and #055 for summer tanned skin. This level of specificity is what makes the shade range genuinely inclusive rather than just performative.

The Formula

Before we dive into performance, let’s talk formulation because this matters for us fair-skinned folks who often have sensitive, reactive skin. The “Woke Up Like This” foundation is oil-free, which initially I didn’t like for myself because I have combination skin that can get dehydrated. However, the formula contains hyaluronic acid and Vitamin E that maintain hydration without adding heaviness. I still would rely on my skincare for hydration.

From an academic perspective, modern foundation formulations like this one utilize what’s called “optical cleansing powders” alongside skincare ingredients to create that coveted “weightless full coverage” effect. The water and cream balance allow for customizable coating, meaning you can sheer it out or build it up depending on your needs.

What’s particularly noteworthy for fair skin is that the formula doesn’t contain any SPF filters that might cause flashback in photos. Many fair-skinned people know the struggle of looking like a ghost in wedding photos because of titanium dioxide or zinc oxide in their foundation. While Il Makiage doesn’t claim sun protection, this actually works in its favor for photography.

Application

The texture hits that perfect Goldilocks zone. It’s gel-like without being too liquid-y or too thick. It has enough weight to provide coverage but doesn’t feel heavy on the skin. I typically apply it with a damp Beauty Blender, and it blends seamlessly in about 60 seconds flat.

Pro tip that nobody tells you: This stuff dries down FAST. Like, blink-and-you’ve-got-streaks fast. I learned this the hard way during my first application and somehow ended up with a foundation line on my cheek that wouldn’t budge. Work in sections – do your left cheek, blend immediately, then move to your right. Don’t be me and try to paint your whole face all at once.

What’s budget friendly is how little product you need. One pump gives you medium coverage that looks like your skin but better. I can sheer it out by mixing it with moisturizer for those “running errands but might see my ex” days, or build it to full coverage for events where I need to look flawless.

The Finish

The finish is “natural” or “velvety matte,” and that’s spot on. It’s not flat or chalky like some matte foundations, but it’s definitely not a dewy finish either. For fair skin, this is crucial because too-matte formulas can make you look corpse-like, while too-dewy can emphasize redness and make you look greasy.

The foundation comes in two finishes: Series CL (natural matte) and Series GL (radiant glow). As someone with combination skin that gets shiny in the T-zone, I opted for the matte finish and was shocked that I didn’t need powder. It dried down to a natural finish with zero slickness.

One TikTok creator with mature skin noted that the foundation worked beautifully even on her 69-year-old skin, though she had to experiment with application techniques to get it right (as I mentioned earlier). Another reviewer with oily, acne-prone skin found it stayed put all day when properly prepped with primer.

Coverage Level

I will be honest with you, I think, most of us clicking on Il Makiage ads want to know one thing: will this cover my acne, hyperpigmentation, or the evidence of a three-day Netflix binge? The answer is yes, but with nuance.

The coverage is medium but buildable to full. I have some post-acne hyperpigmentation on my chin (thanks, hormonal breakouts) and this covers it completely with one layer. What impressed me most was how it managed to cover without looking cakey. As one reviewer put it, “it’s the most reviewed foundation online” for a reason.

Longevity

I put this through the ringer. Eight-hour workday? No touch-ups needed. Still looking flawless. Wedding with outdoor photos in 85-degree heat? Impressive, with only minimal creasing around smile lines.

One reviewer conducted a 15-hour wear test and found only small amounts of T-zone oil appeared, with the foundation fading gracefully rather than separating into patches. This is crucial for fair skin because when foundation breaks down, it often reveals redness and unevenness that looks even more dramatic on lighter complexions.

That said, longevity depends heavily on skin prep. Several users noted that proper exfoliation and primer are non-negotiable for all-day wear. I found that using Il Makiage’s No Filter primer extended the wear time significantly. Without primer, I start seeing wear around the 8-hour mark, particularly where my mask sits and where I unconsciously touch my face.

The Price Point: Is $45 Justifiable?

Now the real deal breaker! The cost, because it’s honestly the biggest barrier. At $45, this is not drugstore pricing. But when you factor in that you’re getting:

A perfect shade match (saving you from buying 3 wrong shades at $15 each)
Buildable coverage that replaces your separate concealer
All-day wear that reduces need for touch-up (Primer enhances its longevity even more, at least that’s what I noticed)
Cruelty-free formulation with skincare benefits

The value proposition becomes clearer. Plus, they offer a subscription option with 10% savings and 20% off future purchases, which helps if this becomes your holy grail.

I used to think $45 was insane until I calculated how much I spent on foundations that ended up in my “wrong shade” drawer. Spoiler: it was way more than $45.

What They Don’t Show in the Viral Videos

Now for the real talk that influencer reviews often gloss over. Yes, the viral “lemon test” videos are compelling, but they don’t tell the whole story. Several reviewers experienced breakouts, particularly those with sensitive or acne-prone skin. One creator with 1.2M followers called it a “hard no” and warned followers not to get “scammed”.

The quiz isn’t foolproof for some. One reviewer received shade #055 which was too warm for their cool undertones, requiring them to request a different shade. While Il Makiage’s return policy is generous (30 days to return if you’re not matched correctly), the trial-and-error process can be frustrating.

My best friend, who has dry skin, tried the same foundation and it clung to dry patches like nobody’s business. As one reviewer noted, the matte finish can be problematic for dry skin types. This is why skin type matters as much as shade selection.

Real User Experiences

I dove deep into what real users are saying across platforms.

For oily skin: Generally positive reviews, especially for shade 35 on fair and oily, acne-prone skin. One user noted it covers melasma effectively when built up.

For mature skin: Mixed results. Some 50+ users love it, noting “a little goes a long way” and that it’s “great on my mature skin”. Others found it emphasized fine lines and required experimentation with application.

For acne-prone skin: Users report good coverage for adult acne, with one creator noting it gives “some amazing coverage”. However, others experienced breakouts, suggesting it’s not universally non-comedogenic. (Maybe try oil cleansing. If it still gives you acne, it’s the foundation.)

For Black skin: One YouTuber tested shade 170 and found the match impressive, showing the range truly extends across skin tones.

The brand claims 590,807 five-star ratings, and while I can’t verify that number, the sheer volume of UGC (user-generated content) suggests they’re doing something right. The #IlMakiage hashtag alone has 11.1 million views on TikTok alone.

Why This Formula Works

As someone who nerdily researches ingredient lists, I appreciate that there’s actual science behind all the marketing. Academic research shows that modern foundation formulations achieve stability through careful balancing of oil and water phases, with ingredients like hyaluronic acid providing hydration without heaviness.

Vitamin E and optical powders give skincare benefits and light-diffusing properties that create the “flawless” effect.

However, it’s worth noting that the formula does contain fragrance and some potential allergens. While I didn’t experience irritation, those with extremely sensitive skin should patch test first.

Final Verdict: Should You Buy It?

After two months, multiple shade tests, and subjecting this foundation to every possible real-life scenario, here’s my honest take:

Buy it if:

You struggle to find accurate shade matches
You want medium-to-full coverage that looks like skin
You have combination to oily skin
You’re willing to invest time in the quiz and potential shade adjustments
You need long-wearing foundation for 8+ hour days

Skip it if:

You have very dry skin (opt for the radiant finish of Il Makiage or look elsewhere)
You’re extremely acne-prone and reactive to new formulas (even though the reviews are mixed)
You’re on a strict budget and can’t risk the $45 gamble
You prefer truly clean beauty (the fragrance may be an issue)

My personal take is that I’m keeping shade #035 in my permanent rotation. It’s become my go-to for filming content and events where I need to look polished without looking overdone. The fact that I can apply it in under two minutes and not think about it for the rest of the day is worth the price tag alone.

But here’s the influencer truth bomb: no foundation is magic. The viral videos with perfect lighting, filters, and ring lights create unrealistic expectations. What Il Makiage offers is a solid formula with excellent shade matching technology that’s worth trying, especially with their return policy as a safety net.

The real glow-up isn’t in the bottle but it’s in finding what works for your skin. For my fair, combination, occasionally acne-prone skin, this is it. Your mileage may vary, and that’s okay.

As I always tell my followers: makeup is personal, expensive, and your face is not a trend. Do your research, understand your skin type, and never let an algorithm pressure you into a purchase you’re not ready for. But if you’re on the fence? The data (and my face) says it’s worth the shot.

Rating: 8.5/10 (deductions for fast dry-down time and potential for breakouts on sensitive skin)

Now if you’ll excuse me, I have a PowerMatch quiz to retake because summer is coming and I have a feeling shade #055 might be perfect for my slightly tanned summer face. The cycle continues, but at least this time, I know exactly what I’m getting into.

Note: This review is based on personal experience and extensive research across multiple platforms. Always patch test new products and consult with a dermatologist if you have specific skin concerns.