December 5, 2017

Physicians Formula The Healthy Foundation Review & Swatches

Physicians Formula The Healthy Foundation ($17) is the brand’s first-ever full color range of foundation which is popping up now at drugstores in eight shade selections. This is a mighty big step for Physicians Formula who typically offers most of their foundation products in 2 to 4 shades at best. I’m not sure if they plan on releasing even more colors as their Instagram account relates that they will have a full color range of this foundation available. So, the display I saw at the drugstore might just a preview of shades with more on the horizon! Especially since this Insta-post includes over sixteen color swatches!

That’s a major step in a good direction for a brand that has limited their base product shade range to single digits in the past.

Let’s take a look at Physicians Formula The Healthy Foundation!

Physicians Formula The Healthy Foundation arrives in a chunky, weight square glass jar with an a larger sponge applicator for application. The applicator quite reminds me of the overly large one that Tarte favors for their Rainforest of the Sea Aquacealer and Shape Tape Concealer. And of course, it’s a lot like the one on the Neutrogena Hydro Boost Hydrating Tint. Speaking of Hydro Boost Hydrating Tint this quite reminds me of that formula!

This is a sheerer, lightweight creamy textured foundation that infused with hyaluronic acid. I think most any skin type should be able to use it since it’s thick, creamy yet lightweight and breathable on skin. I found it blends very easily and doesn’t adhere to drier areas in the least nor does it create excess shine or oil. At first swatch it appears very pigmented but as I blend it sheers out considerably to a more natural finish. If you have major issues you wish to concealer this might not be a good pick for you but those with reasonably good skin will find it concealers mild redness and darkness while evening out and brightening your complexion.

Physicians Formula The Healthy Foundation Swatches (MW2)

I tend to like Physicians Formula Foundations. I’ve used them for many, many years and in some ways their foundations are some of my first experienced with base products. However, this particular foundation wasn’t a favorite of mine. I’m not sure what it was that missed the mark for me. It applied easily enough, wore for about six hours without setting, and didn’t oxidize however, I wasn’t in love with the finish. It seemed, can’t believe I’m saying this, too sheer and my skin looked rather dull with it on. Perhaps the shade I got wasn’t a good match and that’s why I didn’t love it. I think I’ll haul another lighter shade and see how that goes. For some reason, I liked Hydro Boost Hydrating Tint a bit better as it seemed to ease dullness and brighten up my complexion where as this failed at doing so.

None the less Physicians Formula The Healthy Foundation is a major break in the brand’s permanent range of product and I expect we’ll see more of the same come 2018 and beyond. Welcome to 21st Century!

Physicians Formula The Healthy Foundation is arriving at drugstores now and available online at ulta.com.

I purchased this item.

About the Muse

Isabella MuseIsabella is just an average everyday geeky girl who doesn’t blend her eyeshadow correctly, wears too much blush, and hopes she never finds her holy grail products because she likes the thrill of the chase so much. Her mission is to bring you super honest reviews on makeup, skincare, fragrance and all things beauty. She’s in no way an expert on the topic and she sure as hell isn’t a super model. But she’s passionate about makeup and is seeking like-minded individuals that like pina coladas, getting caught in the rain, and ones that enjoy spending hundreds of dollars at Sephora without feeling buyer’s remorse. If you’re that person feel free to reach out and leave a comment or follow me on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and Bloglovin‘.

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Comments

  • Jane

    Looks promising! I really liked the Hydroboost, but the palest color was yellow toned and oxidized hard on my face, so I gave it to my mother.

    I hope this doesn’t have as much perfume as Cover Girl’s healthy elixir one did.

  • Magenta Wilde

    Finally some more colors from them. I’ve long loved their products but their pales tend to be too dark for me, and god forbid you actually be something darker than beige.

  • wendy

    Muse, have you tried the new Maybelline Superstay foundation? HG!!!! And I’m not usually a drug store foundation kinda girl. I LOVE IT

      • Wendy

        It is full coverage, but it’s the first full coverage foundation that covers everything and looks like it’s not there. I’m talking perfect complexion. Next time I’m in Ulta, I’m going to buy more! BUY ALL OF THE MAYBELLINE SUPERSTAY lol

  • kjh

    Octinoxate. Oh, well. It’s good to know not to even look. Step in the right direction for PF inclusivity, though.

  • Christine

    Thank you for the review. I was curious about this one. I usually love Physicians Formula but this particular product doesn’t sound right for me, because I want more coverage. Thanks for saving me time and money for something that probably won’t work for me. I love your reviews!

    • Isabella Muse

      aw my pleasure Christine! <3! Thank you so much I'm so happy the review was helpful for you!

  • genevieve

    It’s great the PF is finally providing a sort of decent range of shades, but I would want a medium coverage at best.
    I think a lighter shade would have worked better on you, but six hours coverage is not quite enough for the working day.
    Thank you for the review Muse, your honest opinion is always appreciated.

  • M

    The color and coverage was perfect for me however I found it to look a bit dry and dull on my skin. It wears a long time and keeps my blush and bronzer on but I’m not crazy about the finish. I used the Oil Booster drops on my face as a primer today and it helped a bit but I think hyaluronic acid is the culprit for me. It seems to dry out my skin when it’s not humid out. The bottle is so clunky. I hate having to hold that giant square handle.

    • Isabella Muse

      likewise on me. Very flat finish for me! Apply your HA on damp skin that might help!

      • M

        I figured it out and now this is my every day foundation! I use a gel moisturizer, then I do like two small drops of the physician’s formula bright booster oil all over my face. Then I use a damp real techniques sponge and the difference is huge! I was using a brush before and even my boyfriend commented how great my makeup looked every day I did the sponge/oil/gel moisturizer method. My skin looked slightly dewy and the coverage was lighter but just enough. My nose is my trouble area and this way it looks airbrushed. I couldn’t even believe it. Just wanted to spread the suggestion in case anyone else wanted to try.

  • HaMy

    Hi! I’m a NC25 in MAC and Alaska in Nars Pure Radiant TM, do you think MW2 would work for me? I tried LN3 and it’s pretty pink @_@ Thanks a lot!!!

  • Mariele

    This is my HG foundation!! I don’t even wear concealer, primer, any sort of setting spray or powder, anything. This foundation alone gets me through! I wear the lightest shade possible (LC1) and it’s a perfect match for my summer skin (too dark and warm for me post November, though). Very dewy finish, no dry spots, very little transfer, and blends seamlessly into my skin so even after I spend the entire day moving (and I have worn this, again, without anything else, on days that were into the 90s that I spent staying active and sweating, and this still gave me some sheer coverage 12ish hours later), the parts that have worn off still blend into the foundation that’s still there. If I want it to be a touch more matte and longer wearing, I dust some Besame setting powder over it. I can’t believe how excited I get over a drugstore foundation but, hey, here it is. 😀 Between this and their mascara, PF has given me all I need in the makeup world.

    I will add that I have combination skin with eczema and this foundation doesn’t aggravate it.