'Makeup artists reckon this foundation is the "best product of 2025". Here's my honest review.'

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When it comes to makeup, some products excite me, some bore me, and there are some I'm simply agnostic about. 

A good example of a category I'm agnostic about is brows. I'm happy to try new things, but I will always go back to the old-faithful Benefit Precisely My Brow Pencil; it's not exciting, but it works. 

A boring category is eyeliner. I don't use it often and couldn't care less about brand or type; I just want it to do what it's supposed to when needed. 

But if something promises a glow, you best believe I'll buy it and slap it on my face. 

Watch: Two former MECCA executives share their most overhyed products (and the ones that deserve more attention). Post contines below.

Like all good algorithms, mine only shows me the things it thinks I'll enjoy, and in its existence, it has never shown me a foundation that didn't have some sort of glow.

Anything matte, longwear or full coverage wouldn't dare waste its time trying to approach me through my screen, it knows I'll be swiping faster than when I was single and spotted a bloke holding a fish. 

A few months ago, my algorithm started showing me a new foundation making waves in a frankly fickle, oversaturated market. When both the big dogs and small dogs are all singing something's praises, I pay attention. 

But, OF COURSE, it wasn't available in Australia yet. When my You Beauty co-host, Leigh Campbell, was overseas, I sent her hunting for a bottle to no avail.

Then last week, it happened. I SPOTTED HER LIVE ON SEPHORA AU!

So, I obviously ordered it for myself (I tell myself it's a tax deduction…) so I could trial it to ensure non-beauty folk won't waste their pennies if it's rubbish.

Keep scrolling for my full Natasha Denona foundation review, including photos from my wear test.

What is the Natasha Denona foundation?

The Natasha Denona HY-Glam Foundation in all of her glory. Image: Supplied.

After four years (yes, FOUR) of mixing, testing, and formulating, Natasha Denona finally dropped her new HY-Glam Foundation.

Imagine if skincare and foundation had a glowy, airbrushed baby, raised by Italian chemists, Japanese pigment science, and Korean skincare tech. That's this foundation.

Hence, she doesn't come cheap. At $94, it's sitting pretty steady with similar foundations from other high-end brands like Nars, Makeup By Mario, Givenchy and Dior.  

Like the matching HY-Glam Concealer (which I fell in love with and recommended on You Beauty when it launched a year ago), this foundation comes in 52 shades with undertones for everyone, whether you're neutral, yellow, peach, or rosy.

Unfortunately, only 40 of the 52 shades are currently available on Sephora AU. Still, you can absolutely order the full range on their website, and I personally found guessing my shade easy (I ordered N3 and it's PERFECT). 

What people are saying about the Natasha Denona foundation…

The hype has been unreal! Image: TikTok/@greeneggsandglam, @mikaylanogueira.

Like I mentioned, both the big and small dogs (beauty creators) have been singing its praises on the internet.

Jeffree Star said that "it's extraordinary and lives up to the hype", Mikayla Nogueira said "it's one of the best foundations I've ever put on my face".

Emira D'Spain called the foundation "flawless and seamless", while Jennie Pham said it was "the foundation of the year". 

What does it say about… itself?

Infused with potent active ingredients (Jasmine Mother Cells, White Tea Silver Needle, and Grape Pomace), the HY-Glam Foundation claims it's clinically proven to help defend, soothe, and repair sensitive skin while delivering visible anti-ageing benefits.

The formula supports collagen production, promotes cellular detoxification, and provides both immediate and long-term hydration.

This advanced hybrid foundation brightens the complexion, helps reduce the appearance of hyperpigmentation, and smooths skin texture for a refined, flawless finish.

Image: Supplied.

It's self-setting, hypoallergenic, and non-comedogenic formula offers breathable, long-lasting coverage, maintaining a fresh, radiant look for up to 18 hours.

Suitable for all skin types, this Natasha Denona foundation delivers a luminous, second-skin finish that embodies the perfect balance of skincare and makeup innovation.

My Natasha Denona foundation review.

And finally, what do I think about it!? 

Honestly, half the time when you read what a brand is selling you about a product, it's mostly rubbish tied up with empty promises and overpriced hype.

But this foundation is special, and upon first application, I was super impressed by how it melted into my skin. 

Image: Supplied.

Apply it however you like; it works well with fingers, a buffing brush, sponges, etc.

I use a thin makeup brush to apply evenly to my face, then blend it out with a damp beauty sponge, and I love the finish. 

I LOVE the finish. It's blurred but dewy, and super flexible, which means it didn't settle into my lines the way a lot of foundations do. It's really lightweight, luminous, and the most comfortable foundation because it honestly feels like you've got nothing on. 

Is it perfect? No, I still had a bit of dryness on my chin and separation around my nose.

However, perfection is a ridiculous expectation, and anyone who eats, drinks, and talks as aggressively as I do should always expect a wee bit of makeup movement. 

My skin after seven hours of living! Image: Supplied.

Above, you can see what my skin looked like after seven hours of wear.

Notice that although my skin has gotten dehydrated as the day has gone on, the foundation hasn't settled in the lines.

So, is it worth the $94 price tag? Yes, IF you have disposable income to spend on makeup.

At the end of the day, it's not essential; it's a foundation, and you can absolutely get great options at much more affordable price points.

But this is fantastic, so if you're happy to spend the cash, go for gold, because it's an outstanding foundation that suits most skin types.

For more tried and tested beauty recommendations, listen to the You Beauty podcast or watch You Beauty on YouTube.

At Mamamia, we independently curate and write about products we rave about in our group chats and think you should know about too. If you purchase a product we have recommended, we may earn a small commission.

Feature image: Supplied.