When I first told you that Marc Jacobs Beauty was now available here in Malaysia, I had quite a few requests asking my thoughts on the liquid foundation. Apparently, it comes highly rated and I remember the makeup trainer raving about it too during her demonstration. So it was the first MJ Beauty item I put to the test.
Ok not quite true. The blush was the first I put to the test, but that’s a story for another day 😀
The Marc Jacobs Beauty Genius Gel Super Charged Foundation, to give it its full name is a liquid foundation in a gel texture. What sets this foundation apart from others in its ilk is that it’s supposed to be lightweight in texture and comfortable on skin for all skin types, be it oily or dry, and wear well, providing hydration and light enough to layer from light to full coverage.
That’s quite a lot to ask from one product isn’t it? To be perfectly honest, I didn’t fall in love with it. I know lots of people do, but I’m not one of them and it’s not for want of trying either. It’s not to say that it’s bad. I didn’t think it was bad, it just didn’t sit well with me for one reason or the other which I’ll try to explain.
First, let me just say the packaging is quite something. I love the softly rounded shape of the frosted glass bottle and the heft associated with it. The frosted glass does make it a little hard to gauge the colour of the product, but it adds a touch of class.
The pump is sturdy and well made and in terms of presentation and construction, this product is a winner!
The frosted glass also gives you an idea of the dry-down of this foundation as it sets to a semi-matte texture on skin. Now, I’ve used a gel textured foundation before from a now defunct brand called I Nuovi and I expected the texture to be similar i.e. a light bouncy gel. The texture of the Genius Gel foundation however is pretty much like any other liquid foundation I’ve ever used. It is slightly thick but spreads quite easily.
I was told by the makeup trainer that this is a lightweight product that you can wear thinly for a light coverage or build it up to full coverage. I tried. Honestly, I did! But I’d peg this at light to medium coverage at best. To get full coverage you’d need to pile it on and it won’t be flattering.
If you have good skin that just needs some evening out of skintone then you may like this because it does even out colour quite nicely and a light layer is quite sufficient. However, if you have skin that needs more coverage then you may find this to be too much of a hassle, in which case you would be better off going for a product with heavier coverage to suit your needs.
The shade I have is 22 Bisque Light which I can wear, at a pinch. I would be more suited to 14 Ivory Medium which has slightly more pink tones and I do feel that I might be a bit happier about this foundation had I received the correct shade. As it stands, I can wear Bisque Light, but it does leave my skintone looking a touch warmer than I like and it deepens a smidge through the day, so I even it out with a generous dusting of Guerlain Meteorites pearls to add light. It then looks a lot better on me. So, my advise is not to buy this foundation without first going to the counter and testing. The shades are quite close with warm and cool tones mixed in so it’s best to test it before you pick your shade.
By way of comparison, here is 22 Bisque Light alongside some other liquid foundations I wear regularly in shades that suit my skintone more closely.
(1) Diorskin Nude 010 Ivory (2) Marc Jacobs Beauty Genius Gel Super Charged Foundation 22 Bisque Light (3) Revlon Colorstay 200 Nude (4) Lunasol Skin Modeling Liquid Foundation OC-01 (5) Urban Decay Naked Skin Foundation 1.0
Shade-wise, the MJB foundation is significantly more yellow toned than the others so I only wear a thin layer or I might risk looking a bit off as it doesn’t quite flatter my skintone as much as the others do. Lunasol is also yellow toned but OC-01 is a more neutral-yellow so it looks better.
Texture-wise, MJB foundation sets to a semi-matte finish. I do not have oily skin so I cannot attest to how it fares on oily skin, but for my dryish skin, it seems to be fine. It lasts well enough and doesn’t feel uncomfortable. I do find that at the end of a work day, it does slip a little but it happens with some foundations so I’m not terribly fussed. I don’t find it more hydrating that other foundations I use but then it isn’t drying either. I was asked how this compares to my perennial favourite, Bourjois Healthy Mix Serum or Healthy Mix foundation and I’d pick Bourjois any day because I think it is just better.
As a simple demonstration of how it looks on me, here is the before-after.
As you can probably tell, the Marc Jacobs Beauty foundation evens out the skintone and covers up some of the redness around the nose and some of the darkness under the eyes. The pigmentation on my cheeks aren’t hidden much but the overall effect looks more even. I usually top up with Guerlain Meteorites after that to add a bit of glow and to lighten the warm tones a little.
I use quite a thin layer as I employ the modified 5 line method and buff the product in with a brush. Basically, I pump 1 pump on the back of my hand, spread it out with my fingers, draw 5 lines down my face with my fingers and then use a flat top brush to buff it all in. I get a much thinner and more even application with no streaking. I have read that people use the Beautyblender or equivalent for a similar result but I don’t like sponges so I’ll stick to my no-fail method.
So I think this Genius Gel Foundation is ok. For me, it isn’t earth-shaking nor is it very special or unique or a must have. I have other favourites and this just doesn’t make my favourite list but it’s not one I’d bin either because it’s… ok 😛
In a nutshell
The Marc Jacobs Beauty Genius Gel Supercharged foundation is a lightweight gel foundation that is supposed to be long lasting and leave skin feeling hydrated throughout the day. I find the texture similar to most lightweight liquid foundations without the bounciness associated with gel. It does dry down to a semi-matte finish which sits well on my normal-dry skin. I didn’t have any flaky skin for it to catch on but it didn’t dry out my skin further. I find the coverage light to medium at best and I like it best worn as a light foundation because it does even out skintone quite nicely without looking too heavy. However, I find that colour match maybe a problem as I found 22 Bisque Light while a shade match, was a bit too warm for me so it wasn’t a tonal match. Overall, I thought this foundation to be alright. Not extraordinary and not a genius, but a wearable liquid foundation. The downside then, is the price because I think it far too pricey for a product that isn’t extraordinary.
Pros: Light texture, Not drying, Semi-matte finish, Fairly long lasting, Evens out skintone nicely, Can be layered for more coverage
Cons: Pricey, Not extraordinary despite its claims, Coverage may be too light for some, Don’t judge the shade from the bottle as its deceptive
Who will like this: Anyone who prefers a light to medium coverage lightweight liquid foundation
I thought I’d include the ingredient list for this foundation for those who want to know more about it.
Despite the strong presence of dimethicone, I must note that this product did not feel particularly silicone-y and it did not try to suffocate my skin either. I also did not detect much of a scent but then I wasn’t paying a lot of attention.
Have you tried the Genius Gel Foundation? It is quite popular!
I have to say I was a little underwhelmed. I’m not sure if it’s to do with the shade I received (not my choice) or if it was just that I expected far more from a name like “Genius Gel” than I actually got. I’d suggest you test it at the counter to decide if you like it. It isn’t bad, I just couldn’t fall in love 😛 Also, I find the asking price too high. At this price point, I’d rather pick Diorskin Nude, Guerlain Lingerie de Peau, Lunasol or even Urban Decay Naked Skin. In fact, I should do a post about my favourite foundations yes? 🙂
Paris B
Marc Jacobs Genius Gel Supercharged Foundation comes in 16 shades Price: RM189 Availability: Sephora stores
If I hadn’t read your review, I would’ve bought it just for the packaging. Love the unique shape but as it is, I have enough of foundations to even cover my bum so yea, let’s not go there. Thanks for the frank thoughts!
Haha I could bathe in foundations if I wanted 😛 But I’ve been very good and sticking to my favourites and this just didnt’ quite make it. The packaging is really nice though. It feels like a pebble 😛
I tried this in store and was ‘in love’ with how it looked on my hand. Requested a sample and am i glad i did that. After sampling this for three straight days, i say i pass on this one. Drugstore foundations work on par if not better on my skin compared with this one. My favourite foundation up til now is still the Burberry one. By far, it works the best on my skin type, giving my skin a polished glow that lasts hours.
I couldn’t wear the Burberry foundation 🙁 But I tend to agree with you about this one – it just didn’t cut it for me primarily because of the price. If it was a lower price tag, I think I might forgive it enough to say it was worth trying. Still, I know of people who love it so it’ll have to be a matter of preference 😉
Always tempted by this at Sephora, especially during the private member’s sale last week. Then I remembered the coverage aspect, and ended up with the Tarte one instead.
Oh yes, the Tarte foundation definitely wins out on coverage. I’ve had some people ask me to try it but the dry and potentially drying texture puts me off a little because of the whole clay thing going on. Dry skin can’t handle more drying! Do you like the Tarte one though? Oh and if you’re really curious about this, I think you could ask for a sample and assuage your curiousity 😉
Tarte one is working alright so far. They say it’s the equivalent to EL’s Double Wear foundation. Tarte one probably easier to apply than DW because the latter dries so fast.
As for trying the MJ foundation.. see how lah 😛
Ah I have heard amazing things about the Tarte foundation but now that you mention it’s like EL’s Double Wear, odds are I’d pass on it then. I’ve moved away from very full coverage foundations now, but it’s great to know it works well!
I think I will stick to Bobbi Brown Skin Foundation – I’m happy with the coverage and shade. This MJ products sounds too good to be true and after I read your review and see your before-after pictures, I even less convince to try it.
I’ve yet to try Bobbi Brown (her foundations are so yellow!) but it’s great to know it works for you! I don’t think the MJ foundation is bad to be honest. It does look pretty decent even if the colour is off for me, but the texture is ok. I’m just not happy about it for the price they’re asking for it. Too much!
I remember this foundation because I had to do a friend’s drag makeup, so we went to Sephora to see what colors suited him by way of the testers. Much to his dismay, only the darkest shade from this line suited his skintone and not any other brands! Luckily, we found the Revlon Photoready Mousse was more or less the same color heh heh!
I still utterly love my MAC Pro Longwear and Nars Sheer Glow though, heh heh!
ROFLOL!! I can’t imagine you remembered it thanks to doing drag makeup 😀 I have to admit the colour selection is pretty awesome though. I have to get round to getting the NARS Sheer Glow one day but the fact they want us to buy a separate pump kills me >.<
Haven’t really tried it yet, but a lot of brands are releasing new foundations huh? Dior has the new Star foundation and EL has the perfectionist foundation-ish thingie. With so many choices, it just adds to the confusion and more things to try to get the “HG” foundation.
Anyways, I bottle of the marc jacobs foundation is so cute, since it’s rounded and all, and I would imagine the size would be slightly smaller than those which are rectangular sized (let’s say the dior forever). Uh, why can’t brands do foundation in more sleek packaging like vitalumiere aqua’s packaging, but that’s just personal preference. I’m now excited for the new fav foundation post! haha
I guess it’s that time eh? 🙂 I haven’t been paying a lot of attention to many new trends lately but it does seem like new foundations will be the order of the day. Always nice to see what’s new and I’m keen to check out the Dior Star Foundation because I do like their foundations so it’ll be nice to see if it lives up 🙂 Packaging wise, the MJ foundation is actually bigger than the Dior one. Broader and about the same height so it’s actually more bulky than Dior! I like packaging like that though, it feels nice 😀 I’ll work on the fave foundation post 🙂
I think this shade does not suit you as your skin looks sallow. I already found foundations that suit my skin well in NARS Sheer Glow and Urban Decay Naked Skin so would not be shopping for foundation for a long time. LOL. I do like how the bottle looks though, very classy. Was so tempted to get the blush during the Sephora sale but passed on it after you mentioned that it is not a must-have 🙂
Yep, spot on Victoria! A shade down would have been better for me, so in person when I wear this foundation, I go with the Guerlain powder to boost the glowiness and make it a bit lighter 🙂 I love the UD Naked skin foundation! It’s really nice and I never got round to reviewing it LOL! I still haven’t bought Sheer Glow although I plan to at some point in my foundation wearing life LOL The blush is ok. For me, it’s one of the better products from MJB but nope, not a must have, especially at their asking prices.
oh dear it’s so yellow on you! makes you look rather tired. I can’t wear this shade either as I prefer my base to be pinker to brighten my skintone. Can only wear foundation that’s more towards yellow when I have enough sleep and had slept earlier the day before, otherwise I’d look so sallow and even more tired looking.
I don’t think this foundation lives up to the price tag, way too hefty for something that is just okay… I’d stick to my Bourjois but then again the ones we like has discontinued (boo!) The newer ones are a tad more yellow and darker, even it’s lightest shade is a wee bit darker than the older ones. Sigh.
That’s how I feel too Plue – tired! LOL 😀 As a product, I don’t think it’s bad. The colour is off, but the product is fairly good. I just wasn’t happy with the price. Far too pricey for the quality 🙁 I read that the Bourjois Healthy Mix is discontinued too! Gosh if that’s the case I’d have to skip recommending it till I try the new formula and if it’s more yellow then boo to Bourjois! 🙁
Thanks for the review, Paris! I’ve been curious, but I think we have similar skin and tastes in foundation. I think I’ll pick up the Bourjois Healthy Mix at some point! I’ve been thinking about it, and if you like it, I think I will, too!
You’re most welcome Larie 😀 I’ve been told that the Bourjois Healthy Mix that I like has been discontinued and the new formula is a slightly different shade but opinions differ a little as well. I haven’t seen the new shade so I can’t be sure! Honestly though, maybe you could see if Sephora could do you a sample of this foundation. You may like it still. Although I still think for the price we can all do better 😉
I almost bought this before I went to NARS to see you. Thank goodness I opted for the NARS Sheer Glow because that one is a beauty. My skin has in fact improved so much since the last time I saw you. I’m not sure whether it’s just the change of environment because honestly KL city never fails to mess with my skin due to the higher rate of pollution and stuff.
Anyway, I guess this foundation has to join the waiting list until my skin clears up just a little bit more because the packaging of this is too beautiful, I cannot pass it up! I do think this foundation would be more suitable for night time, maybe not for dancing at concerts but probably for a more formal reception. Also, I think Marc Jacobs forgot that Asian girls have a pink undertone to their skin since this foundation is quite yellow so it’s obviously made for women with yellow undertones.
I have to agree with you on Sheer Glow, Hani. I have tried it a couple of times and really like the effect, but haven’t yet bought it. Not sure what I’m waiting for LOL 😀 But it’s great to know the change of air and scene has helped your skin. It’s probably like how my skin was when I went to China – broke out like there was no tomorrow and cleared up the moment I reached home!
It is beautiful packaging, but I’d agree with you… wasn’t in love. It is just okay. xo Kelly
I feel the same way too! Gorgeous packaging, pity about the product LOL
The Marc Jacobs line has been somewhat disappointing to date so I’ve been waiting on it. Thanks for the honesty on this one, because I’ve been a bit skeptical about everyone waxing lyrical about it. Bourjois does such amazing based that’s it’s truly had to compete! I’m far more excited about their availability here come this weekend, than I am about the MJ line!
Ah yep, I’ve been disappointed with Marc Jacobs beauty. The eyeshadow barely stayed on my lids and I rarely ever have a problem with that! And that’s another product that gets raves up and down the internet. Meh… 😛 Bet you’re looking forward to Bourjois this weekend 😀 I refuse to make that trek unless I have an infinite amount of patience, petrol and time – all of which are in limited supply right now.
The packaging, nuff said, is the epitome of class & luxury. I have been lemming for this for a while now and despite your review, I find myself still attracted to the foundation. =_=” Might just get this to satisfy my curiosity and find out why so many people have been raving about it. An expensive curiosity no doubt though.
Anyway, will be giving Bourjois a spin this weekend for their launch and hopefully I manage to snag myself the Healthy Mix Serum or Healthy Mix foundation ones from them and do a proper comparison. 🙂
Will you be in attendance?? 😀
Haha it’s not a bad product, Shasha. I do think it’s pretty decent as a foundation – semi-matte and fairly long lasting. What disappointed me was the shade (Be sure to get your shade right!) and the pricetag. Far too high a price tag for a not very spectactular product IMO. Still, if that itch persists, get it 😉 I only just found out about Bourjois being available here this weekend but I won’t be trekking all the way to Sunway Pyramid. Will wait till they open up somewhere more accesible in KL 🙂 BTW I’m told also that the Healthy Mix foundation I love has been discontinued so the new one has a different shade. Not sure since I haven’t tried it but it’s one to note!
Ahh sounds like something I’d give a miss then. But dang, the packaging sure is sleek. I love a good frosted glass bottle any time. 😉
A+ for packaging, C for product LOL It isn’t a bad product to be honest. I just am not all that keen to tell people to buy it because its so pricey!
awww….it’s just too bad that it didn’t work for you. I didn’t expect to like it, but I do, despite the fact that MJ could have improved on the variety of shades. I find that it could attune to changing base, but considering the fact that foundations do break and fade at certain areas after 8 hours on me, this foundation held pretty well.
It’s good to know you like it Liyeun 🙂 Goes to know it will work for different people. I do still think the price is far too high for the quality but then they were riding on the MJ name 😉
love the idea of a post about your fav foundations! 🙂 btw, Bourjois is opening in Sunway Pyramid on the 1st of June! 🙂 Can’t wait to try its healthy mix foundations!
I’ll work on it Dee 🙂 I recently read about Bourjois opening in Sunway Pyramid and I was very disappointed because I was initially told it was in Watson’s which would have made more sense than a standalone kiosk! Still we’ll see. I’m told the new Healthy Mix is different from the one I love so I’m going to reserve judgement till I try it 🙂
Hello! I thought that the foundation did a pretty decent job on you. The “After” photo looks like a mild photoshopped effect – good effect, that is. It feels very softly touched up. But the name may claim too much. Genius gel? WTH?? :p
No quarrels about how the foundation looks on me Ting. I don’t think it a bad foundation despite my reluctance to say it’s great, but my quarrel would be with the shade selection and the price tag. It’s a decent foundation but when I see that price tag, I compare it to similar foundations in the same price category and it just doesn’t perform as well as those. So I’d rather get something else that I like 🙂 But yeah, genius. We’d expect a real genius gel foundation for that name!
i’d love to see a favorite foundations post!
I’ll work on it Joy! 🙂
Hmm…I picked this over the tarte foundation as I wanted something with light coverage. For once I have to disagree with u, P. I really like this. I like the fact it goes on matte-ish and makes my skin look like it was ‘photoshopped-ish’ before even my finishing powder. The only complain I have is that after 8 hours it makes my skin look slightly oilier than the naked bb cream or nars tinted moisturiser (both of which I also ????) .
Thanks for the tip on the colour selection tho..that was a tricky one but luckily they had a shade that suited me.
Hey Kel, I’m glad you like this one! I don’t think it’s a bad foundation per se. I just wasn’t thrilled with it and I think the shade and price did put me off but if you got it right, I can imagine it will work quite well. And getting it at the sale is a plus point too of course 😀 As for the Tarte, I tested it but it felt so thick and potentially drying, I don’t think I”ll be trying it. Too risky for my already dry skin!
Glad I didn’t buy this! I have seen a few reviews on Youtube with the same stand as you. I think sometimes, we’ve just got to wait till the hype dies a little before we see reviewers saying unpopular things about a hot product.
I absolutely agree with you about the hype, although if people were just honest up front, maybe there won’t be that hype to start with LOL! 😀