Versus

Merit Beauty The Minimalist Perfecting Complexion Foundation and Concealer Stick - Buff Versus Rare Beauty Liquid Touch Weightless Foundation - 200C

Foundation
Foundation
American Brand United States
American Brand United States

Updated on October 16, 2023

Overview

What they are

These products are both vegan, cruelty-free, and reef safe foundations. They have a total of 6 ingredients in common

Cool Features

They both contain exfoliants and Vitamin E

Suited For

They're both likely to be good for dry skin and scar healing

Free From

They both do not contain any harsh alcohols, common allergens, fragrances, parabens or sulfates

What's Inside

They both contain silicones

We independently verify ingredients, and our claims are backed by peer-reviewed research. Spot a product that needs an update? Let us know.

Ingredient Info

Click any item below to learn more and see relevant ingredients

What's inside (and what isn't)

What's inside (and what isn't)

At a glance

Click on any of the items below to learn more

Key Ingredients

Benefits

Concerns

Key Ingredients

Benefits

Concerns

Ingredients Side-by-side

found in both products
Liquid Touch Weightless Foundation

Ingredients Explained

These ingredients are found in both products.

Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.

Abrasive, Absorbent

Silica is a mineral naturally found in our skin. It helps to thicken and smooth the texture of a product. It also acts as an agent for other ingredients by increasing the absorption of other ingredients into the skin.

Silica is often used for absorption and can help reduce shine when products are applied. Silica occurs in naturally in materials like clay and sandstone, and it can also be produced synthetically.

Silica is present naturally within the skin during collagen production and when reducing inflammation.

Learn more about Silica
Emollient, Skin Conditioning

Hydrogenated Polyisobutene is a synthetic polymer. Polymers are compounds with high molecular weight. Hydrogenated Polyisobutene is an emollient and texture enhancer.

In one study, Hydrogenated Polyisobutene showed better skin hydration levels than Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride. As an emollient, it helps keep your skin soft and hydrated by trapping moisture in.

Hydrogenated Polyisobutene is often used as a mineral oil replacement.

Learn more about Hydrogenated Polyisobutene

Triethoxycaprylylsilane is a silicone used to bind and stabilize ingredients.

As an emulsifier, it helps prevent ingredients from separating. This can help elongate the shelf life of products.

Triethoxycaprylylsilane is often used to coat mineral sunscreens ingredients to help give a better feel. It also helps reduce oxidative stress in sunscreens.

Learn more about Triethoxycaprylylsilane
Emollient, Skin Conditioning, Skin Protecting

Dimethicone is a type of synthetic silicone created from natural materials such as quartz.

What it does:

Dimethicone comes in different viscosities:

Depending on the viscosity, dimethicone has different properties.

Ingredients lists don't always show which type is used, so we recommend reaching out to the brand if you have questions about the viscosity.

This ingredient is unlikely to cause irritation because it does not get absorbed into skin. However, people with silicone allergies should be careful about using this ingredient.

Note: Dimethicone may contribute to pilling. This is because it is not oil or water soluble, so pilling may occur when layered with products. When mixed with heavy oils in a formula, the outcome is also quite greasy.

Learn more about Dimethicone

This ingredient is a solvent. It helps dissolve active ingredients and alter the texture of products.

Propylene Carbonate is commonly used in makeup and with clay, such as montmorillonite or bentonite.

Studies show this ingredient to be safe for cosmetics. When it is undiluted, it can cause skin irritation. (It is always diluted in skincare and makeup). This ingredient is water-soluble.

Propylene Carbonate is created from propylene glycol and carbonic acid.

Learn more about Propylene Carbonate
Cosmetic Colorant

Ci 77891 is a white pigment from Titanium dioxide. It is naturally found in minerals such as rutile and ilmenite.

It's main function is to add a white color to cosmetics. It can also be mixed with other colors to create different shades.

Ci 77891 is commonly found in sunscreens due to its ability to block UV rays.

Learn more about CI 77891

When to use

31 Routines
81% use in am
19% use in pm
87% use every day
When to use See routines that use it ->
9 Routines
89% use in am
11% use in pm
89% use every day

Reviews

Here's what our community thinks

Merit Beauty The Minimalist Perfecting Complexion Foundation and Concealer Stick 26 ingredients

4.5 /5
from 2 ratings
Good Color (2) Medium Coverage (2) Natural (2)
chlolands's avatar

chlolands

1 year ago
Review

Works best if skin is prepped well. Very easy to apply and looks super natural.

#medium coverage
#matte
#natural
#buildable

Rare Beauty Liquid Touch Weightless Foundation 27 ingredients

4.2 /5
from 5 ratings
Long Lasting (3) Medium Coverage (3) Natural (3)
anemone's avatar

anemone

3 months ago
Review

even though this foundation gets mixed reviews, i really like it!

#long-lasting
#medium coverage
#natural
#buildable
millieramon's avatar

E Ramon

21 days ago
Review

So, I've used this foundation since February 2022 (shade 170w). Medium coverage with a natural finish. Supposedly, it doesn't oxidize (but it does. Not much, but it's there).

It's true that it feels almost like a serum and a little goes a long way (one dot on the back of my hand, warmed a bit with my finger, is enough for my whole face). But it's also drying (if I don't properly moisturize Show more

#long-lasting
#medium coverage
#natural
#oily