r.e.m. Beauty's Sweetener Foundation launched with 60 shades in August 2023, going on sale on rembeauty.com on August 24 and Ulta on August 27. The brand's page now lists it at $35 with satin-matte, medium-but-buildable coverage, though every shade showed as sold out or unavailable when we checked.
What Has Changed Since the Announcement?
Two things do not match our August 2023 post:
- Shade count: we reported 60 shades, and r.e.m.'s page now says 50 shades across depth groups from fair to rich. A search summary still says 60, so the range may have changed.
- Coverage: our post said the foundation looked like full coverage with blurring properties, based on influencer unboxings. r.e.m.'s own description is "medium but buildable coverage" with a satin-matte finish.
Our take: launch-day coverage claims from reviewers can differ from a brand's description. Buildable medium coverage can look fuller when layered, which may explain the influencer impressions.
What Is in the Formula?
r.e.m. lists niacinamide, hyaluronic acid spheres and raspberry leaf extract, plus a "Hydrasmooth essence," and claims the formula is long-wearing, hydrating and mattifying. The announcement also named vitamin E and described "instant and long-lasting hydration." The page also claims up to four weeks of hydration; we read this as a skincare-style claim and couldn't verify the basis.
How Do Shoppers Rate It?
The product page shows 4.8 stars from 362 reviews, a strong score with a reasonable sample.
What Is Confirmed, and What Is Not?
Confirmed: price, finish, coverage, ingredient claims, rating and sold-out status come from r.e.m.'s product page. The August 2023 dates and the 60-shade claim come from our announcement.
Not confirmed: the launch price, whether the range was cut from 60 to 50 shades, and whether the foundation will return to stock.
September 21, 2026 update: we re-checked r.e.m.'s page. All shades were listed as sold out or unavailable.
Did you try it? Tell us your shade and how it wore in the comments.
