Juvia’s Place Foundation: I Am Magic Really Is Magic

Juvia’s Place Foundation might be the best full coverage drugstore foundation.

Magic, simply magic. At least, when it comes to drugstore foundations it is. Juvia’s Place I Am Magic Foundation has a phenomenal 42 shade range to suit every skin tone. To me, that is a big win. Brands are notorious for not having inclusive shade ranges. But, we’re seeing more and more brands extending their shade ranges along with more undertone options. Extensive shade ranges are great not only for inclusivity, but also for our wallets. I don’t know about you, but most of the time I have to purchase multiple shades to create a custom color for my skin tone. Juvia’s Place is a great example of a brand who has a solid formula and great shade range.

Promises vs. Performance: I Am Magic is a lightweight, full coverage foundation.

I Am Magic Foundation promises a flawless, full coverage. It has a velvety matte finish that lasts all day. With a lightweight feel, I Am Magic promises to never look or feel cakey. The 42 shades were expertly formulated and globally-inspired to suit all skin tones, from the fairest of fair to the deepest of deep. Juvia’s Place says it can be applied and blended with a brush or a makeup sponge.

Color me intrigued and impressed. I Am Magic sounds phenomenal and I love the shade range. However, the shades do pull warmer and more yellow. Even the shade I have, Isla, which is described as very light with neutral, cool undertones, pulls more yellow on my skin. Luckily, I have a second shade, Bali, that I can mix to even out the tone. Surprisingly, it blends very easy despite how thick the formula is. I do recommend applying with a damp sponge. This method helps the thicker formula blend in easily and seamlessly. And, keep in mind, a little bit goes a long way! It gives an immediate medium to full coverage that helps conceal a lot of my imperfections, from redness to acne. It doesn’t cling to dryness or texture, nor settle into pores or lines.

The formula is long wearing without making my skin feel extra oily or greasy. I don’t feel the need to blot or touch-up my face, even after 12 hours of wear. Another pro – the packaging is user and travel friendly. The squeezy tube makes it easy to dispense just the right amount without wasting product and no worries about a glass bottle breaking.

Quick Rating Rundown

This Product

(4.3)

:Juvia’s Place I Am Magic Matte Foundation

Price: $22.00

1.0 oz

Value

(3.8)

Application

(3.9)

Coverage

(4.8)

Texture

(4)

Longevity

(4.8)

Shade Range

(4.5)

Extra Benefits

(3)

Industry Standard

(4.4)

:L’Oreal Infallible 24 Hour Fresh Wear Foundation

Price: $15.99

1.0 oz

Value

(5)

Application

(4.5)

Coverage

(4)

Texture

(4.3)

Longevity

(4.5)

Shade Range

(4.3)

Extra Benefits

(3.5)

MILABU PICKS

(4+)

:Best Rated Full Coverage Foundations Under $25

Price: $11 – $22

various sizes

Value

(4+)

Application

(4+)

Coverage

(4+)

Texture

(4+)

Longevity

(4+)

Shade Range

(4+)

Extra Benefits

(4+)

MILABU PICKS

(4.5+)

:12 Best Foundations You Need To Try

Price: $15 – $70

various sizes

Value

(4.5+)

Application

(4.5+)

Coverage

(4.5+)

Texture

(4.5+)

Longevity

(4.5+)

Shade Range

(4.5+)

Extra Benefits

(4.5+)

^{Our Rating Criteria}

How It Compares: This foundation is true full coverage and long wear.

A foundation that delivers lightweight, long wearing, full coverage has arrived. Juvia’s Place I Am Matte Foundation delivers this and more. Even better, it has an incredible 42 shade range featuring inclusive shades for the fairest of fair to the deepest of deep skin tones. I love how easy it to apply this foundation, despite it being a thicker consistency. It blends easily, flawlessly covering imperfections without clinging to texture/dryness or settling into pores/lines. Really, this foundation is a steal at just $22.

But for now, let’s compare it to the drugstore industry standard, L’Oreal Infallible Fresh Wear (rated **** 4.3). While Juvia’s Place I Am Magic is a matte, near immediate full coverage, L’Oreal has a buildable medium to full coverage with a natural, slightly radiant finish. Both foundations are long wearing and steals at their price tag. With them being different formulas and finishes, it comes down to which result and texture you prefer. If you don’t mind a thicker formula that takes a bit longer to work with, I Am Matte is for you (especially if you want a matte finish). But, if you like a thinner formula and a more radiant finish, I’d choose Infallible.

Milabu Beauty Method: Get your Beautyblender ready.

1. Dampen your Beautyblender ($20). Squeeze out any extra water. Nobody likes a sopping wet makeup sponge!
2. Squeeze out a pea sized amount of foundation on the back of your hand. Dot the product evenly around your face. This foundation full, full coverage, so a little bit goes a long way.
3. Take your sponge and blend in the foundation using bouncing motions.
4. Build coverage where necessary if needed.
5. I recommend setting with a translucent powder. A great option is always Laura Mercier Translucent Loose Powder ($39). It’s my holy grail when it comes to lock in my makeup and controlling oil.