'This cult $13 foundation is back in stock and it's just as good as my $120 one.'

If there's one thing I'm eternally on the hunt for, it's a good everyday foundation that doesn't make my bank account cry. And I've found many! There's this one from DB Cosmetics I tried a couple of months ago and I can't stop raving about, and this one from Rimmel, which I talk about FREQUENTLY.

Another I quite enjoyed? The Ordinary's cult Serum Foundation. That is until it smoke-bombed from shelves a couple of years back. And it was sad! Because it was great! It offered that perfect lightweight coverage for a "your skin but better" look and it was perfect for everyday.

But good news — it's back! And at just $12.70, I reckon it delivers results comparable to luxury options that'll set you back ten times the price.

Watch: Speaking of foundation, here's You Beauty host Em Vernem trialling the foundation whisking hack. Post continues below.

So! I got my hands on the relaunched version to see if it lives up to the original formula. Here's my honest review.

What is the Ordinary Foundation?

If you're a bit of a crazed beauty gal, like myself, you'll likely remember the absolute frenzy that occurred when The Ordinary launched their Serum Foundation back in 2017.

Then, despite its huge fan base, it was mysteriously discontinued just a couple of years later. But now, it's back — and I've put it to the test to see if it lives up to the hype.

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When The Ordinary first launched their Serum Foundation in 2017, it garnered a 25,000-person waiting list and quickly became a beloved product alongside their skincare line. It was praised for its fluid, serum-like texture, natural skin finish, and incredibly accessible pricing.

The foundation offered beautifully lightweight, buildable coverage with a natural sheer finish that didn't dry out the skin, making it perfect for everyday wear. I also loved how it let your skin still look like skin — and how you could still see your natural texture without it grabbing onto dryness or settling into fine lines and wrinkles.

So, why did it disappear? Hard to say. But in an Instagram post back in 2022, The Ordinary explained that despite the formula's popularity, the accessible price point meant they weren't making enough money to continue producing it.

Fast forward to 2025 and it's officially relaunched. Available in 36 shades and priced at just $12.70, at the moment you can find the foundation exclusively on The Ordinary's website.

How did you go with it?

I picked up a new bottle as soon as it dropped, eager to see if the formula still offered the same lightweight and buildable coverage as the original.

The foundation still comes in that same handy pump bottle (I hate anything that even suggests sticking your hands in a pot). It looks small but still contains the same amount of formula as most other foundations — 30ml.

She's back! And she looks GOOD.

True to its name, it does feel very serum-like. But be warned: it's VERY runny/watery in consistency, so just be careful if you're pumping it into your hand — it will run through your fingers and definitely go on your white shirt 10 minutes before you have to be on a bus.

A little goes a long way with this formula. I warm it up in my hands and apply it to my face, blending out with a beauty blender for the most natural finish.

It's also packed with do-good ingredients like glycerin and hyaluronic acid to keep skin happy and hydrated throughout the day, while ingredients like mica and dimethicone help achieve that radiant, glowy finish.

The verdict.

This is a fantastic everyday option that won't break the bank. I love how sheer and lightweight the formula is — if you're a fan of natural, barely-there coverage, this is definitely one for you.

What I love about it the most is how it evens skin tone and makes everything look glowy and radiant while still allowing freckles to peek through. It camouflaged the blemishes on my chin beautifully without looking cakey or obvious.

Before and after using The Ordinary foundation.

While the formula is buildable, if you're dealing with angry breakouts and want something that'll completely camouflage them, you may need an extra leg up with some concealer. This is more about enhancing your natural skin rather than masking it entirely.

At $13, it's so much cheaper than some of my favourites on rotation — in my opinion, it's just as good as my favourite $120 Giorgio Armani Foundation. While the Armani might offer a little more coverage and lean into a matte finish, The Ordinary is a fraction of the cost and the results are just as good.

For under $13, this foundation is a no-brainer. If you missed out the first time around, I'd recommend grabbing one (or two) while you can — who knows when this cult favourite might disappear again!

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Have you tried The Ordinary Serum Foundation before? What are your thoughts? Share with us in the comment section below.

Feature image: Supplied/Erin Docherty.