I almost didn’t write this review because I was *that* annoyed when Ilia Beauty messed with the formula. The old True Skin was my “I need to look human at 7am” savior.
But here’s the thing—the new one dries down in 40 seconds flat, which is 90 seconds faster than the old one. That changes *everything* about how you apply it.
It’s still a serum-foundation hybrid, still $48, and still claims to be “skin-like.” The difference is the finish—it’s gone from dewy to a soft-matte that doesn’t look flat.
New Pump
Actually dispenses the right amount now. No more product shooting across the bathroom mirror.
Coverage Shift
It’s lighter, but in a “my skin but better” way, not a “did she forget makeup?” way.
Staying Power
It doesn’t slide off my nose by 2pm. That alone is a minor miracle.
Photo: Alexander Grey / Unsplash
They swapped the heavy oils for lighter esters. It feels like skincare going on, not makeup. The hero here is squalane, but the real star is the new film-forming polymer that keeps it put.
- Squalane: Lightweight hydration without the grease
- Niacinamide: Calms redness by noon
- Hyaluronic Acid: Plumps fine lines instantly
- Jojoba Esters: Controls oil without drying
Photo: Rosa Rafael / Unsplash
It glides on like a watery gel, then sets. I didn’t even powder my T-zone—and I have a T-zone that could grease a baking pan. Shocking.
By week two, I noticed my chin wasn’t breaking out. The old formula clogged me slightly; this one actually seems to calm things down. Didn’t expect that.
Photo: Content Pixie / Unsplash
My pores look smaller at the end of the day compared to the old formula. It oxidized less too—the shade stayed true for 8 hours. But the coverage is genuinely lighter; if you need to hide a zit, you’ll need concealer.
Photo: pmv chamara / Unsplash
It’s better. Boring, but true—the new formula fixes the old one’s biggest flaws without losing the glow. Just don’t expect the same product.