If you’re a clean beauty lover like I am, you more than likely already know about the brand Kosas! They were founded in 2015 by chemist and biologist Sheena Yaitanes and have been making waves in the clean beauty scene ever since. They recently launched a new foundation, so I thought it would be fun to review and compare it to their original one!
This post contains affiliate links. I bought these products myself and the post reflects my honest thoughts, as always!
*Original* Tinted Face Oil
The Tinted Face Oil is Kosas’ original foundation and has been around for a few years. It’s actually a reader favorite and is featured in my guide to the best clean beauty foundations! I am a long-time fan as well.
It’s akin to a tinted moisturizer and has light coverage with a velvety and slightly powdery, soft finish.
Shades Available: 16 (I wear shade 3.5)
Packaging: Plastic squeeze bottle and removable cap
Other Notes: Vegan, nut free, silicone free, contains coconut derivative, needs a shake before using
As featured in: “The 10 Absolute BEST Clean Beauty Foundations (According to My Readers!)”
Gotta say, this one is unique and interesting, but in a good way! The formula is very light and runny; you only need like 1-3 drops for your entire face and it spreads around easily. I usually build it up slowly for more coverage and use about 6 drops total (I use a brush to apply it instead of fingertips, but fingers work fine too). This is helpful for evening out skin tone and covering mild redness, but still looks like skin. Make sure to shake the bottle really well first because it does separate. I wear shade 3.5 which is Light+ with neutral undertones.
It’s loaded with oils like avocado, meadowfoam, red raspberry, jojoba, and rosehip. This one is especially awesome for drier skin types!
It’s moisturizing enough that you can use it on its own but I typically layer it over other skincare. It truly feels weightless and does NOT feel like a foundation. I feel like it looks kind of flat/slightly matte when you first apply it, but it does get dewier as the day goes on.
Because it has a velvety feel, I do notice that it can crease, collect in smile lines (not too drastically), and transfer, especially if I don’t use a setting powder on top. So if you have oily or combo skin like me, this might get too dewy for you, but I still think it can work for most skin types if you use a setting powder over it!
Shop Kosas Tinted Face Oil Here
Also available at Credo and The Detox Market.
*New* Revealer Skin-Improving Foundation SPF25
I HAD to grab this one immediately when it launched and I must say, it delivered! If you’re a fan of the Kosas Revealer Concealers, then I think you’ll really enjoy this one too because there are some similarities. This is a medium coverage foundation with mineral SPF25 (zinc oxide 7.5%) and skin care treatment all in one.
It feels really comfy on my skin and is less oily than the Tinted Face Oil. It’s water-based but it still is hydrating and nourishing because it has hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, peptides, and squalane. But I still need to wear my regular skincare underneath this one.
Shades Available: 36 (I wear shade Light Cool 150)
Packaging: Glass bottle with plastic pump top
Other Notes: Vegan, silicone free, contains coconut derivative, needs a shake before using
Wearing shade Light Cool 150 in the Revealer Foundation with no other products
Wearing the Revealer foundation, in different lighting and with a translucent setting powder on topI wear shade Light Cool 150 which is light with cool pink undertones. I could go a darker shade in the summer months. I think because this one has more coverage than the Tinted Face Oil, I need a slightly lighter shade to avoid looking too dark or orange.
Even though it’s less oily than the Tinted Face Oil, it’s much more radiant and glowy. The formula is thicker, creamier, and not as velvety. I do find that it’s relatively easy to apply and blend without getting cakey; I can get more makeup coverage with this but it still looks natural and feels like skin! Breathable and has a smoothing effect ✨
I do need to put a setting powder on top of this one too because of my combo skin type and to prevent my skin from looking too shiny. It does hold up decently after a few hours of wear, but can also crease in lines, especially around my crow’s feet area.
Shop Kosas Revealer SPF25 Foundation Here
Comparing the Two Foundations
Now, let’s compare the two! What they have in common:
- Both are $42 for 30ml with a 12-month shelf life after opening
- Both feel lightweight on the skin and double as a skincare treatment
- Both are vegan, silicone free, cruelty free, gluten free, fragrance free, contain a coconut derivative, and need a shake before using
And in summary, here’s what makes them different…
Tinted Face Oil (a tinted moisturizer)
- Less shade options
- Light coverage
- Oil-based and more moisturizing
- No SPF
- Soft, velvety finish
- Can look flat on skin at first but gets dewier as the day goes on
Revealer Foundation (a foundation with skincare benefits)
- Broader shade range
- Medium coverage
- Water-based and creamy
- SPF25
- Looks more natural, bright, and luminous but can be shiny
My Final Thoughts & Where to Buy Kosas Foundations
Honestly, I really like both of them! Ultimately, it depends on the day for me for which I grab. The Tinted Face Oil is one I’m more likely to wear in winter or when my skin is drier, and I’m not going to be out in the sun as much. Or for a day that I don’t really want much makeup coverage but still want to hide redness.
The Revealer Foundation is for when I want to look more put together and get more coverage! It’s not as oily but still hydrates and makes my skin look vibrant and natural. You get more bang for your buck with this one because of the sun protection and more makeup coverage. So if I HAD to pick just one, it would be the Revealer Foundation because it’s more comprehensive!
Where you can buy Kosas Foundation:
Aillea Beauty
Credo Beauty
Detox Market
Kosas.com
Have you tried any products from Kosas or either of these foundations? Let me know if you have any questions in the comments, or want me to do a comparison for some other products. Thanks for reading! 💚
Hi Becca, You said it creased a bit around the eyes , I’m assuming the concealer does too then? I’m looking for a clean foundation and concealer for mature skin , I’m 58 . I want skincare benefits and spf , can you recommend a brand ?
I don’t notice creasing as much with the concealer, mostly because I don’t use it as high up on my crows feet area I guess, and also don’t use as much concealer (just small dabs). I think the foundation/concealer might still work well for you. Otherwise, the Vapour foundation is nice for mature skin because of the satin finish!
Thanks for the insight! I liked the comparison. I tried the Revealer Foundation and found by the end of the day I had some dry spots. Not sure if this was due to the drier time of year or a reaction to the foundation. I did use my usual moisturizer before applying.
Oh interesting! Thanks for sharing. Does that happen to you with other foundations?
Are any of these products noncosmedogenetic?
Both are supposed to be suitable even for acne-prone skin, but everyone is different so it’s hard to say for sure. They do contain a coconut derivative which doesn’t always work for some people, but should be fine.
Hello! I use the concealer and absolutely love it but my tzone gets quite oily after a few hours. I have combination skin just like you and wanted to know what powder you use on your face to help w shine?
Hi! I really love the 100% Pure Bamboo Blur powder to set. Lately I’m also liking the Saie Airset powder which is not as matte as 100% Pure’s, it still leaves a little glow!