An Honest Review of Typology Makeup, the Brand French Women Swear By

• Shade: Type 2 Light
• Key ingredients: vitamin C, aloe vera

Going in, I was a little skeptical as other tinted serums I’ve tried in the past have been on the thinner, runnier side. My skin also dries out easily and is prone to flaking the moment makeup touches it, especially around my nose and mouth. The Typology tinted serum had a consistency that’s closer to foundation and was much more viscous. This was a plus for me, as I tend to need heavier coverage on certain areas of my face. Typology’s provided just the right amount of coverage, and it didn’t flake or look dry around my nose or mouth, even at the end of a long (and hot) day. It’s weightless, which I also loved as someone who tries to keep things minimal. The finish is dewy—you won’t need highlighter—but not greasy. Personally, I think it blends best with a brush, but you could definitely use your fingers. There are a couple drawbacks, though I find them minor. The first is that there is a distinct and peculiar smell I associate with many other vitamin C products. However, it’s quite light and dissipates a few minutes after application. The second thing to keep in mind is that it takes a while to set and may transfer a bit, though it was minor compared to the amount of transferring that I’ve experienced with other brands.

• Shade: Type 2 Light
• Key ingredients: caffeine, niacinamide, cornflower hydrolate

My number one gripe with most concealers and foundations is the way they always settle into the lines under and around my eyes. The Typology serum concealer is now my favorite. While some of it did inevitably make its way into the creases under my eyes, I noticed the effect was much less pronounced—minimal, really. The areas where I applied the concealer also looked noticeably more hydrated, and I didn’t have as much trouble covering up parts of my skin that were scabbing over. That was a huge win, because I always have some fresh acne scar or other blemish that’s in the process of healing. The concealer offers medium, buildable coverage, and I found that a couple layers covered everything up effectively without looking cakey or heavy. The only drawback I can think of is that the tube can ooze, so don’t squeeze it too hard. Light pressure will dispense more than you need.

• Shade: Ruby Red
• Key ingredients: vitamin E, squalane

The Typology lip oils were a pleasant surprise. They offer a wash of color in five shades and can be applied to the eyes, lips and cheeks. (This is something I do all the time.) I loved the glossy sheen, especially on the lips and cheeks, and the color was playful and subtle. A big plus for me was that the lip oil wasn’t drying. My lips chap easily with most other products. However, these lip oils were moisturizing and felt nourishing. For the most part, they’re unscented, with maybe a hint of something sweet—but nothing overpowering. The only thing I’d keep in mind is that because the color payoff is so light, your skin tone will affect how it shows up. For example, I found that the color Ruby Red showed up well on my lips and cheeks, but that Powder Pink was so light it was almost non-existent. Thus, I’d advise choosing your shades accordingly.