Finding the best foundation for your complexion can seem like rocket science. It looks so easy: just find the shade that matches your skin tone et voila, you’re done. Well, no. It’s not easy. There are a lot of foundations on the market, and there’s something for everyone. Everyone who’s ever used a foundation knows: you want to use foundation to hide imperfections and get flawless-looking skin, but you end up with cakey, mask-like coverage. The perfect formula for your skin conceals imperfections, evens your skin tone, and gives you flawless skin. But what is the best foundation? To help you out, we’ve collected the 10x best foundations for all skin types.
What is the best foundation?
Small, yet mighty. Foundation is the spine of your makeup look, and the right formula creates the perfect canvas for the rest of your makeup. Unfortunately, there’s no one-size-fits-all when it comes to creating the perfect base. With so many types of coverages and finishes, finding the foundation that’s best for you can be tricky.
How to choose the best foundation for your skin type
If there’s one thing that all women have in common, it’s got to be what they look for in a foundation. A foundation has to tick these boxes: shade range, coverage, easy to blend, and staying power. This makes sense, right? In the never-ending search for the best foundation, it’s best to take the following into account:
- Your skin type. Do you have dry skin? Then you need a foundation that contains hydrating ingredients like Hyaluronic Acid. If you have oily skin that’s prone to acne, then look for an oil-free foundation. It can be tricky to use foundation on combination skin, but there’s no need to worry. It’s best to look for an oil-free formula that has hydrating ingredients.
- Type of finish. This is the easiest part and narrows down the search. Before choosing the formula that best suits your needs, think about what you want to achieve: a radiant glow, little coverage, or a matte effect.
- Preferred application. How you apply foundation is one of the key questions when you’re looking for your perfect formula. Are you always in a hurry, and do you quickly slather on the foundation with your fingers? Or is your beauty routine your favourite me-time, and do you use a brush to blend in the foundation? You may always wear your foundation over a primer. Oh, so many questions! In general, full coverage foundations need more patience to blend in with a brush or beauty sponge, while sheer formulas only need the warmth of your fingers.
10x the best foundation for all skin types
Now that you know what you’re looking for in a formula, it’s time to choose the best foundation for your skin type and preferred finish. We’ve listed 10x the best foundations that meet the needs of a wide variety of skin types.
#1 Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless Foundation
The Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless Foundation is like magic in a bottle. It gives the skin a healthy glow and a natural matte finish. The ultra-lightweight foundation is easy to apply, and lasts all day without having to touch it up. The formula is really buildable, plus your skin will still look like skin. Magic!
#2 Estee Lauder Double Wear Stay-in-Place foundation
An all-time favourite! With over 60 (!) shades, The Estee Lauder Double Wear foundation is bound to have your perfect shade. The foundation gives excellent coverage without looking cakey, plus the classic satin finish gives your skin a healthy glow, and keeps the shine at bay. If you suffer from blemishes like acne or redness, don’t worry. This full-coverage foundation will make imperfections disappear in no time. The formula stays in place for no less than 12 hours.
#3 L’Oreal Paris True Match foundation
The L’Oreal Paris True Match foundation comes in various shades and carries colours for all skin tones. The True Match is a long-wear foundation and stays in place for over 12 hours. It gives your skin sheer coverage, but is really buildable. The satin finish prevents the formula from looking too heavy or cakey. Your skin will look even, and the best part? It’s really affordable!
#4 Laura Mercier Flawless Fusion foundation
The Laura Mercier Flawless Fusion foundation says ‘ultra long-wear’ on the bottle and with good reason. The formula stays put for up to 15 hours (!) and ensures oil control throughout the day. If you have oil-prone or combination skin, the Flawless Fusion is your go-to, especially if you’re looking for fuller coverage to hide blemishes and other imperfections. You’ll likely find your right shade, since the shade range consists of no less than 32 shades.
#5 Maybelline Fit Me foundation
The Maybelline Fit Me foundation has it all. This all-in-one formula gives enough coverage to be part of your daily makeup routine, and it has SPF in it. Your skin will look even while being protected from the sun’s harsh rays. Since the foundation is water-based, which is the perfect formula if you have acne-prone skin. The medium coverage is fantastic for concealing blemishes, but can be sheered out if you prefer a lighter finish. And the best part? It’s really affordable!
#6 MAC Studio Radiance foundation
MAC is one of the staples for makeup artists and has been for years. The MAC Studio Radiance is probably the most lightweight foundation out there, and so easy to use. The coverage is very sheer, but buildable in areas where you suffer from blemishes. Thanks to the au naturel finish, your skin will look like skin. The best part? The formula is waterproof, so it lasts all day! The foundation comes in a wide range of colours, just like you would expect from MAC.
#7 Hourglass seamless finish foundation
Do you have oily skin, and are you looking for a foundation that covers imperfections? Then look no further! The Hourglass seamless finish foundation is a foundation and concealer in one. It combines the coverage of a concealer, the fluidity of a liquid and the weightlessness of a powder. The result: the perfect, long-wearing finish. The formula is very pigmented. This means that you’ll get super high coverage, but won’t look like you’re wearing a mask. The satin, slightly dewy finish prevents your skin from shine, but won’t give you a matte look. We admit, the formula costs a few pounds, but it’s worth it if you need full coverage with a natural finish. Hello, flawless skin!
#8 Urban Decay Stay Naked foundation
What’s in a name? With the Urban Decay Stay Naked foundation, your skin will look like your skin, but better. The ‘real skin’ matte finish can’t be compared to any other finish. Yes, it’s a matte finish, but doesn’t look matte. It just looks like skin. The coverage is medium to full, but won’t look cakey. If you want to hide blemishes or other imperfections, the Stay Naked is a staple in your makeup bag.
#9 Nars Natural Radiant Glow foundation
A perfectly even complexion that lasts all day: Nars Natural Radiant Longwear foundation nails it. The lightweight formula is very long-lasting, and has a natural finish. The medium coverage hides most imperfections, but is buildable up to full coverage if needed.
#10 bareMinerals Complexion Rescue Hydrating Foundation Stick
If you have dry skin, then we have the perfect foundation for you. The bareMinerals Complexion Recue Hydrating Foundation Stick glides onto skin and has a velvet-looking, hydrating finish that lasts for up to 12 hours. This formula is nothing like the cakey foundation sticks we used to know years ago. The compact stick is easy to apply with your fingers, and creates an even canvas for the rest of your makeup look.
