There’s something undeniably charming about Hey Honey Beauty. The name is charming and honey is an incredible ingredient from nature.
From the very beginning, this brand stood out for doing something simple yet brilliant. Blending makeup with real skincare benefits, all centered around one golden hero ingredient—honey.
For many of us, Hey Honey foundations weren’t just another base product. They were the foundation—the one that made skin look better while also feeling better. I discovered this foundation/cream when I got a sample when this brand first started. I loved it.
You really did only have to use a tiny, tiny amount or mix with a moisturizer to sheer it out. I got complements by more than one person every day that I wore it. “your makeup looks flawless” or “wow, your skin looks so good”. I carried it with me everywhere.
The foundation was like $70 for 1oz and that was very expensive back in that day. However, it truly did last forever so I had to repurchase it rarely. Sort of like the Chanel Les Beiges Bronzer.
New Formulation
Fast forward to now. Today’s formulation still celebrates honey and skin‑loving ingredients. However, as a longtime fan, I can’t help but notice that things feel… a little different than they did over ten years ago.
Let’s talk about why honey works so beautifully in foundation—and why the original formula still holds such a special place in beauty lovers’ hearts. Including mine. It was the absolute best. Your skin looked flawless. No Instagram filter needed. No filter for your teams video meeting. I can’t tell you all of the compliments I would get wearing the original formula.
The 2 on the left are the new formula. I thought that I had gotten a bad bottle. So I bought another one.
No, it was just a formula change that didn’t even come close to the old formula.
The Original formula – you really did have to only use a drop as they advertise now.
Now, you have to use a pump or two just like any other formula.
The Original Hey Honey Foundation: Why It Was So Beloved
Ask anyone who used Hey Honey foundations in their early days, and you’ll hear a similar story.
The original formula was often described as:
- Creamy, nourishing, and comforting
- Effortless to apply, even on dry or mature skin
- Naturally radiant without looking shiny
- So wearable that skin still felt good at the end of the day
- Covered everything – corrected redness
At a time when many foundations leaned heavy or overly matte, Hey Honey felt fresh, gentle, and intuitive. It didn’t fight your skin—it worked with it. For many, it became a holy‑grail product, the kind you repurchase without even thinking.
So… Has the Formula Changed?
CC creams – compared to Erborian CC
Yes, the formula has changed. It is still a good foundation. It just isn’t what it was before, it was almost magical.
Now, it is similar to the CC creams like Erborian. It has better color matching pigments than Erborian CC cream. It is longer lasting that their CC cream and better coverage.
Although, Erborian CC cream wins out in the moisturizing department.
Changes to Hey Honey
This isn’t uncommon as brands grow, evolve, and adapt—but it’s noticeable if you loved the original.
Some longtime fans have observed that the newer versions feel:
- Less rich and cushiony than before
- A bit drier or more makeup‑like on the skin
- Less forgiving on dry patches or texture
- More “modern foundation” than “skincare in makeup form”
The honey is still there—but the indulgent, ultra‑nourishing feel that once defined the formula feels toned down.
Growth vs. That Original Magic
For new customers, today’s Hey Honey foundations may still feel lovely—hydrating, skin‑focused, and thoughtfully made. But for those who remember the original formula, there’s a quiet sense of loss.
It’s not that the current foundation is bad—it’s that the original was exceptional.
That early version felt personal, niche, and deeply nourishing, especially for dry and sensitive skin types. As the brand has grown, the formula feels more streamlined, more universal—and a little less special.
Is Hey Honey Foundation Still Worth Trying?
Absolutely—depending on what you’re looking for.
If you want a foundation that is comparable the Erborian CC cream but more similar to a foundation. It may be for you.
Downside – It soon may just be available on their website or QVC. It appears like Ulta is bugging out of carrying it. Ulta didn’t have it in stores anyway.
Final Thoughts: Sweet, Still—but Different
Hey Honey Beauty deserves credit for pioneering skincare‑forward makeup long before it was a trend. Honey remains a beautiful, effective ingredient, and it’s still central to the brand’s identity.
But for those who’ve been around since the beginning, the original foundation remains the gold standard—richer, softer, and a little more magical than what came after.
Sometimes, in beauty as in life, the first version really does leave the sweetest impression.
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