Every now and then, you stumble across a drugstore beauty find that genuinely punches above its weight. I am a huge fan of e.l.f. and swear by multiple products from the brand, including the cult-favourite Camo Bronzer. Having already tried the concealer from the Soft Glam range, I was eager to test the matching Soft Glam Satin Foundation. At just £9, the price point alone makes it worth a go.

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Why it’s the best

There is a reason e.l.f.’s Soft Glam Satin Foundation has earned its reputation as one of the best foundations on the high street. At just £9, it delivers medium buildable coverage with a satin finish.

The formula is infused with 1% Hydrating Hibiscus Complex, plus pomegranate, blueberry and goji berry extracts. Plus, it’s suitable for a range of different skin types, ranging from dry and oily to combination.

Available in 36 shades, the range spans a wide spectrum of undertones, which is also a huge drawcard – especially for the affordable price point.

At just £9, it delivers medium buildable coverage with a satin finish.

How it applies

The formula is thicker and buildable, which makes sense for a more full-coverage foundation. It blends well and does not feel heavy or cakey on the skin. I found it layers nicely with my bronzer, blush and skincare. I also teamed it with the matching Soft Glam Concealer for a cohesive finish.

I opted for the shade 21 – Light Natural, and the base tone is more on the orange side, which works well for those spotting a post-summer glow. It helped cancel out the redness in my skin. Come winter, I would go for a fairer colour.

On the right, you can see a photo of me without the product (left) and with (right), which shows how it evens out my skin tone, especially around the cheeks.

Swatch on my hand
Left: without foundation | Right: With foundation

The results

The most noticable difference for me with this fuller coverage product is how much is visibly reduces any redness in my complexion. The satin finish gives my skin a subtle glow without looking flat or overly matte. In the ‘after’ photo, you can see the skin still has a light dewy finish to it, which I think is a must for making thicker formulas still look natural. The formula does not feel cakey, even when layered, and it sits comfortably on the skin.

Before

After

The verdict

For £9, this foundation is incredible value. It delivers medium buildable coverage and a glowy satin finish, rather than looking flat or heavy. While I tend to opt for more sheer, ligthweight formulas in my own daily makeup routine (which is a preference thing more than anything else) I think this is a great solution for someone looking for a special occasion foundation, or something with more coverage for everyday wear.

So, would I recommend it? Yes. At this price point, with this level of performance and coverage, it is hard to fault.

It delivers medium buildable coverage and a glowy satin finish, rather than looking flat or heavy.

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