Staying true to its name, foundation indeed sets an even canvas for the rest of makeup – blusher, concealer, bronzer, and so much more. It is a colored-makeup product used on your face and neck to even out skin texture and blurs any imperfections. Not only does it set a smooth, flawless base, but a good foundation offers multiple other skin benefits. From protecting your skin against aggressive pollutants to reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, they are a makeup staple.
But navigating the foundation market has never been easier, and neither is it now. It can be overwhelming with so many shades, formulas, and coverages to choose from. Worry not. Below we have curated a list of high-quality foundations for all skin types. Read on to discover your new favorite!
Comparing the Premium Foundations
Estee Lauder Double Wear Stay-in-Place Makeup — Best Overall
Estee Lauder Double Wear Stay-in-Place Makeup is a classic foundation. Its light, runny consistency blends into your skin like a dream. With buildable coverage, it sets the base smoothly for further application of makeup products.
Plus, it is a long-wearing pick that adapts beautifully to your skin tone and texture. Also, it gives a semi-matte, more opaque finish that looks completely natural and makes your skin look like skin. What’s more impressive is that this product is fragrance and oil-free with SPF 10, which checks all the boxes for being the best overall on our list.
Pros
- Diverse shade range
- It doesn’t look cakey on the skin
- Waterproof with a staying power of 15 hours.
Cons
- Shade numbers are a little tricky to understand
Maybelline Fit Me Matte + Poreless Foundation — Best Matte
If you desire a foundation that doesn’t break your bank but also is high-quality, this Maybelline Fit Me Matte + Poreless Foundation is the right choice. Its lightweight, non-comedogenic formula mattifies the skin and curbs excess shine, leaving a smooth, velvety finish. Also, the product claims to be loaded with blurring micro-powders that gives a pore-minimizing effect.
This pick also evens out your skin tone and conceals blemishes. With a vast shade range of 40, it’s perfect for neutral, warm, and cool skin tones. So people with oily and combination skin, get this drugstore pick to make all your foundation fantasies come true.
Pros
- Offers non-cakey buildable coverage
- Has an oil-free formula
- It’s dermatologist tested
Cons
- Not suitable for dry skin
NARS Sheer Glow Foundation — Best for Radiant Finish
This NARS Sheer Glow Foundation is a cult favorite for a reason. Its liquid formula is jam-packed with powerful ingredients like glycerin, vitamin C, and turmeric that help to brighten hydrate, and even out the skin tone. Its texture is neither too runny nor thick, making it easy to spread and blend.
With buildable medium coverage, it gives a sheer, radiant finish. The non-comedogenic, mineral-oil-free formula makes this product suitable for oily, combination, and acne-prone skin. Plus, it doesn’t transfer or sweat making it one of our favorite picks.
Pros
- Long-lasting formula
- Easy to apply and blend
- Fragrance and alcohol-free
Cons
- Doesn’t have a pump
Huda Beauty Faux Filter Foundation — Best Splurge
This Huda Beauty Faux Filter Foundation has a huge fan following, and it’s worth the hype. It gives high coverage and excellently conceals all imperfections. The velvety formula has a subtle floral smell and is packed with ultra-refined pigments. Plus, the thick creamy texture blends into the skin quickly, giving a natural, luminous look. Also, you don’t need a powder to set it afterward, as it’s quick to dry and gives a radiant matte finish that looks dewy and glowy in all the right places.
A little of this beauty product goes a long way, and it lasts super well. It has sleek packaging and a built-in pump, which earns it all the bonus points. So if you are looking for a foundation that stays and doesn’t sweat, grab this pick now.
Pros
- Impressive shade range
- Doesn’t budge or transfer till you take it off
- Ideal for all skin types
Cons
- The smell might irritate people with sensitive skin
MAC Studio Fix Fluid Foundation — Best Natural
MAC has a reputation for delivering high-end beauty products, and this Studio Fix Fluid Foundation from this line has our heart. It’s a lightweight formula that melts into your skin, leaving no white cast or cakey look. Boasting SPF 15, it protects your face well from UVA and UVB rays. Being oil-free, it delivers medium to full coverage that won’t leave you feeling greasy or shiny.
It unifies uneven skin tone, blurs pores, and conceals imperfections like a pro. Also, it delivers a natural-matte finish and dries quickly. The longevity power of this pick is remarkable, as it stays put for a good 16 hours.
Pros
- It’s nicely pigmented
- Has a thin liquid consistency
- Doesn’t create dry patches
Cons
- The application can be messy due to no nozzle or pump
L’Oreal Paris Infallible 24 HR Fresh Wear Foundation — Best Budget
A good foundation must be lightweight and breathable, and this foundation from the L’Oreal Paris line doesn’t disappoint. The Infallible 24 HR Liquid Fresh Wear Foundation is a drugstore product and comes in 40 shades. This vegan formula glides smoothly on the skin with an ultra-thin consistency and gives a flawless, healthier complexion. It offers a semi-matte finish, and the vast shade range ensures that you will find a match according to your skin tone and needs.
While it offers medium coverage, it is buildable enough to give full coverage and stays put for long hours. Also, with three oil absorbers, it is waterproof and transfer-resistant, making it ideal for wearing all year round.
Pros
- Doesn’t clog pores
- Suitable for all skin types
- SPF 25 to protect from harmful UVA and UVB rays
Cons
- It’s not scent-free
Buying Guide: Foundations
What to Look for in a Foundation
Skin type
For oily skin, formulas that are oil-free and non-comedogenic are best to control excess shine. But if your skin is drier, look for hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid that nourish and moisturize the skin. Combination skin is a little difficult to please, as it has oily and dry areas. If you fall in this category, keep an eye out for a base packed with moisturizing elements and oil-free formulas.
Determine the Undertone of Your Skin
Before opening your wallet, ensure you are purchasing the right foundation that matches your skin undertone. There are three: warm, cool, and neutral. If you are not familiar with your skin’s undertone, it’s best to be aware of it first. Fret not. We’ll guide you.
Turn your hand upside down and notice the color of the veins. If the color is purple or blue, it reflects a cool undertone. On the other hand, if the veins appear green, it indicates a warm undertone. But you have a cool undertone if the color of your veins is a mixture of blue and green.
Foundations that appear slightly pink in a bottle are suitable for cool undertones. In contrast, somewhat yellowish color foundations work well for warm undertones. And for neutral, look for a peach color foundation as they complement the skin tone and texture beautifully.
Coverage
Coverage is another crucial factor to consider as it determines your foundation’s concealing power.
- Sheer: Containing the least amount of pigment, about 8-13%, it is good to create an uneven skin tone. However, the foundation that delivers this type of coverage is a very lightweight makeup product, so it doesn’t hide scars, discoloration, or spots on your skin. If you have normal skin, this coverage is ideal for you as it gives a completely natural look.
- Light: It usually has 13-18% pigment, which means it does an excellent job covering unevenness and discoloration.
- Medium: Coverage is usually buildable, and most people desire this as it gives you a bigger ground to play with. It contains about 18-23% pigment and is perfect for hiding freckles, scars, and spots.
- Full: If you desire an all-glam look, this coverage works wonders. It has about 35-50% pigment and is opaque. This coverage conceals blemishes, spots, and hyperpigmentation and can cover even stubborn marks.
Shade
Choosing the right foundation shade is essential, as it can make or break your beauty game. Ensure the shade that you’re buying blends into the skin. It should look natural and not odd. If possible, try switching the foundation on the base of your neck to determine if it goes well with the rest of your skin.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I apply foundation?
You can use your fingers, a brush, a damp sponge, or an airbrush to blend the foundation perfectly into your skin.
Is setting powder necessary?
You can use your foundation without a setting powder. But if your skin is on the oilier side, using the setting powder would keep your makeup in place.
How long do I wait to apply other makeup products after using the foundation?
It’s good to wait at least 3-5 minutes for your base to settle before applying other products.