They changed the formula. Silicones in. Squalane out. And the internet is *pissed*.
The old version felt like skincare that happened to have pigment. This new one? It’s a *performance* foundation first. Loyal fans aren’t mad about the coverage — they’re mad it doesn’t feel like nothing on their skin anymore.
📝 **What Actually Is This Thing**
A “serum foundation” that costs $48. Ilia promised skin-like finish + SPF 30 + skincare benefits. I bought it because I wanted one less step in my morning routine.
1. **Medium-buildable coverage** — Sheers out beautifully with fingers, stacks to almost-full with a brush
2. **SPF 30 (mineral)** — Zinc oxide only. No chemical sunscreen sting around eyes
3. **40 shades** — Actually decent olive and neutral undertones. Not just warm/cool
⚖️ **Ingredients: The Good, The Bad, The Silicone**
The new formula swapped squalane (that hydrating, skin-identical oil) for a dimethicone crosspolymer blend. Translation: smoother application, longer wear, but less actual moisture. The niacinamide and hyaluronic acid are still there doing their thing.
– **Niacinamide**: Pore-minimizing, redness-calming. Still at 2%
– **Hyaluronic Acid**: Plumping. Still works
– **Dimethicone Crosspolymer**: The new base. Makes it blur pores instantly
– **Aloe Vera**: Soothing. Only matters if you’re sensitive
😤 **The Texture Report**
First pump: *whoa*. It’s thinner than the old formula. Almost watery. Spreads like a dream — I’m talking 5 seconds to blend with fingers. But it dries down *fast*. You have to work in sections or it sets and looks patchy.
Week two: I realized my dry patches looked *worse*. The silicones sit on top of texture instead of sinking in. My combo-oily friend? She loves it. Says it stays put 10 hours without separating.
💡 **One Thing**
Apply with damp sponge *after* moisturizer sinks in fully. Wait 2 minutes. Otherwise the silicone + water fight and you get weird separation.
✨ **The Real Results**
My redness? 60% covered with one layer. My fine lines? Not emphasized — actually blurred somewhat. But my dry cheeks needed extra moisturizer underneath. By hour 6, the T-zone still looked fresh. The cheeks? Slightly clingy to dry spots.
✅ **Buy if**
You’re combo-to-oily and want a natural skin finish that lasts
⏭️ **Skip if**
You have dry skin or hate the feel of silicone primers
💰 **Worth it?**
$48 for SPF + coverage + decent wear? Yes. But buy the mini first if you’re a former squalane fan.
💄 **Final Word**
The new Ilia is a better *foundation* — worse *skincare*. If you want glow, pass. If you want *control*, this is your new best friend.
**7.4/10** — Solid performer, lost the magic
🛍️ **Where to Buy**
Sephora or Ilia direct. Get the mini ($22) before committing to full size.