These Are the 15 Best Foundations, After Testing Hundreds of Formulas

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Best foundations collaged against an off-white background

Byrdie / Amelia Manley

A solid foundation is the foundation (pun intended) of any great makeup look. “The purpose of foundation is to even out your complexion, enhance your skin tone, and minimize any skin concerns,” explains celebrity makeup artist Alexx Mayo. It's meant to enhance your natural beauty, he says, and there are many different types that can help you do just that—think full-coverage liquids, sheer powder formulas, creamy sticks, and more. 

With hundreds of options on the market, it can be hard to figure out which one is best for you. After all, everyone has different skin types, needs, and preferences. So, we’re sharing a comprehensive list of the best ones out there in order to help you find your perfect match. At Byrdie, we’ve put nearly 100 foundations to the test in The Lab and at home in the real world, evaluating each one based on its formula, application, wear, finish, shade range, and feel on the skin. From lightweight liquids to full-glam options and more, we’re sharing the foundations that have outperformed the competition. 

Keep reading to find the best foundations tested by Byrdie. 

Best Overall

Giorgio Armani Beauty Luminous Silk Foundation

Giorgio Armani Beauty Luminous Silk Foundation

Sephora

What We Like
  • Natural-looking radiant finish

  • Medium buildable coverage

  • Smooth finish

  • Lightweight consistency 

  • Wears well all-day 

What We Don't Like
  • Can get a bit oily in the T-zone after several hours of wear

We’ve tested this iconic foundation formula many times in our lab, and it’s thoroughly impressed us each and every time. Plus, it’s a tried and true editor favorite. It has an incredibly lightweight liquid consistency that glides on and blends into the skin seamlessly. It offers medium coverage that beautifully camouflages redness and blemishes while still letting a bit of your skin peek through to create a natural look. The formula is pretty buildable if you add a second layer, though you’re not going to be able to build it up for super full coverage. 

What really makes it stand out from others we’ve tested is the finish. It replicates what your natural skin would look like on a really great skin day—even with a hint of radiance. We also appreciate that it looks seamless underneath cream, powder, or liquid makeup that you apply on top. 

Who It’s For

This luxurious foundation is great for all skin types, though it can get just a bit greasy-looking in the T-zone after several hours of wear—especially if you have oily skin. However, it doesn’t crease or fade, and a light layer of translucent powder helps temper any shine. If you’re looking for a smooth, semi-radiant foundation that offers medium coverage, you simply can’t go wrong with this one. 

Coverage: Medium | Finish: Natural/radiant | Shades: 40 | Cruelty-Free: No

Best Drugstore

L'Oreal Paris Infallible Fresh Wear Foundation

L'Oreal Paris Infallible Up to 24H Fresh Wear Foundation with SPF 25

L'Oreal Paris

What We Like
  • Buildable coverage 

  • Comes in 40 shades

  • Long-wearing 

  • Natural finish 

  • Suitable for all skin types 

  • Contains SPF

What We Don't Like
  • Has a bit of a perfumey smell

This drugstore formula’s performance rivals high-end options. Available in 40 shades—which is a huge range compared to most drugstore options—that evenly disperse across skin tones and undertones, there’s an option for pretty much everyone. We loved that the liquid consistency felt lightweight on the skin and was buildable and budge-proof

One light layer offers smooth, medium coverage, while an additional layer can be applied to achieve a more full-coverage look with a natural finish. We appreciated how easily we were able to build it up without it looking cakey. The formula is resistant to sweat, water, and transfer, and it also contains SPF 25 which is an added bonus. During testing, we did a transfer test where we gently patted an oil-blotting sheet on the face to see if any oil or foundation came off, and we were quite impressed that nothing transferred onto the paper. 

Who It’s For

This foundation is great for all skin types thanks to the lightweight formula that doesn’t look or feel dry or oily—it’s perfectly in the middle. However, it does contain synthetic fragrance which has a bit of a perfumey smell, so if you have sensitive skin, keep this in mind. 

Coverage: Medium to full | Finish: Natural | Shades: 40 | Cruelty-Free: No

Best Splurge

N°1 De Chanel Revitalizing Foundation

N°1 De Chanel Revitalizing Foundation

Chanel

What We Like
  • Natural-looking finish on the skin

  • Lightweight, creamy consistency 

  • Buildable coverage

  • Wears well throughout the day

  • Feels comfortable and hydrating on the skin

What We Don't Like
  • Has a perfumey botanical fragrance

There’s no denying that this liquid foundation comes with a pretty steep price tag, but if it aligns with your preferences and it’s within your budget, we highly recommend it. The first thing we loved about this one during testing was the consistency. It’s just right—not too thick or runny—making it very easy to blend out with a damp makeup sponge or a foundation brush. One layer offers light to medium coverage, while a second layer yields fuller medium coverage that blurs redness and imperfections. Once blended out, it feels lightweight and a bit moisturizing, and it sets to a natural radiant finish. We were also impressed that it wore all day with minimal creasing or fading. 

Who It’s For

This luxury foundation is a great choice for anyone who wants a medium-coverage formula with a natural-looking radiant finish. It’s nice for all skin types since it’s not extremely matte or dewy, though people with sensitive skin should know that it contains synthetic fragrance. 

Coverage: Medium | Finish: Natural/radiant | Shades: 29 | Cruelty-Free: No

Editor's Favorite

Danessa Myricks Beauty Yummy Skin Serum Foundation

Danessa Myricks Beauty Yummy Skin Serum Foundation

Danessa Myricks Beauty

What We Like
  • Contains hydrating ingredients 

  • Smooth, dewy finish

  • Buildable coverage

  • Has a refill option 

What We Don't Like
  • Can be too greasy for those with oily skin

"While I often test different foundations, none of them have dethroned Danessa Myricks' Yummy Skin Serum Foundation from being my number one," notes Byrdie editor, Olivia Hancock. "As someone with dry skin, this formula is a dream because it's loaded with moisturizing ingredients (think: hyaluronic acid, squalane, and jojoba oil). I also appreciate this foundation because it delivers such a radiant, natural-looking finish. My skin looks incredibly even, dewy, and glowy whenever I wear it."

Not only do we love that it’s packed with hydrating ingredients and gives the skin a healthy-looking luminosity, but we also appreciate that it offers buildable coverage and comes in refillable packaging

Who It’s For

We recommend this formula for those with dry or balanced skin because it’s a dewy and emollient formula containing nourishing oils. If you have oily skin, we think it could get too shiny on you throughout the day. 

Coverage: Medium | Finish: Radiant | Shades: 26 | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Person before and after applying Danessa Myricks Beauty Yummy Skin Serum Skin Tint

Byrdie / Jessica Juliao

Best Full-Coverage

Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless Foundation

Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless Foundation

Sephora

What We Like
  • Easy to blend

  • Comfortable on the skin

  • Transfer-resistant 

  • Extensive shade range 

  • Wears well throughout the day

What We Don't Like

This formula from Charlotte Tilbury is one of the most popular full-coverage foundations on the market, and we totally get why. Despite having a pretty thick texture which can sometimes make for a cakey finish, it blends out easily on the skin and can create a natural-looking base if you use it properly. It does cling to dry patches, which isn’t uncommon for full-coverage foundations—but if you exfoliate and moisturize before using it, you’ll be able to achieve a smooth, full-coverage result that appears skin-like and most importantly, lasts. It does an excellent job of covering redness, hyperpigmentation, and blemishes. 

During testing, we were pleased that it passed the transfer test with perfect scores—this is especially important if you have oily skin and struggle with your foundation migrating or breaking apart. We also love that it comes in an extensive shade range that's well dispersed across skin tones—this is vital for foundations that offer full coverage and won't be forgiving if your shade doesn't match your skin color.

Who It’s For

This pick is great for you if you’re looking for a matte, full-coverage foundation that will last all day without creasing or fading. It’s fantastic for full-glam makeup looks. Though we think it's best for those with oily or balanced skin, it's also suitable for people with dry or combination skin, as long as you properly exfoliate and moisturize prior to application. 

Coverage: Full | Finish: Matte | Shades: 40 | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Best Light-Coverage

Ilia Super Serum Skin Tint

ILIA Super Serum Skin Tint With SPF 40

Amazon

What We Like
  • Lightweight, liquid consistency 

  • Contains SPF

  • Contains hydrating ingredients

  • Doesn’t settle into lines 

  • Inclusive shade range 

  • Fragrance-free

What We Don't Like
  • Dropper bottle is a bit messy

  • Can have a funny chemical smell 

Ilia's super-popular Super Serum truly does have a lightweight, serum-like consistency. The slightly runny liquid blends into the skin effortlessly with your fingertips, a damp sponge, or a brush, delivering semi-sheer coverage with a healthy-looking dewy finish. We loved that it didn't settle into creases or fine lines when we tested it ourselves, rather it gave the skin a smooth finish. In addition to how beautiful it looks on the skin, we like that it contains SPF 40 and is formulated with hydrating ingredients like squalane and hyaluronic acid. 

Although we love this formula, it’s not perfect. The dropper bottle isn't our favorite because it's hard to dispense the exact amount of product you want and it can get messy. The formula can also have a funny chemical scent which isn’t pleasant during application. Still, we love the built-in SPF 40 protection, the hydrating formula, and the radiant results.

Who It’s For

This serum foundation is perfect for people who want to achieve a no-makeup makeup look that puts dewy skin at the forefront. It’s best for those with dry and balanced skin, though people with oily skin types who love a radiant look might enjoy it with a light layer of setting powder on top. 

Coverage: Light | Finish: Radiant | Shades: 30 | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Best Long-Wearing

Lancôme Teint Idole Ultra 24H Long Wear Matte Foundation

Lancôme Teint Idole Ultra 24H Long Wear Matte Foundation

Sephora

What We Like
  • Wears all day without creasing or fading 

  • Extensive shade range

  • Buildable coverage

  • Natural matte finish 

  • Lightweight consistency 

What We Don't Like
  • Transfers just a bit

Lancôme has been creating beautiful complexion products for decades, and this formula is one of their best. Despite offering full coverage which often comes along with thick or heavy formulas, this one provides impressive coverage with a very lightweight, liquidy texture. Although it can cover up pretty much anything, it manages to maintain a true skin-like appearance, which really impressed us. We also love that it has a matte-but-not-flat finish and that it layers beautifully with whatever makeup you apply on top of it.

Once applied to the skin, it’s not going anywhere: it performed really nicely during our transfer test and resisted creasing and fading as we wore it. We noticed just a bit of the foundation come off on the blotting paper, but it was pretty insignificant and could likely be prevented by setting it with translucent powder. 

Who It’s For

This foundation is excellent for anyone who prefers a matte, full-coverage option and needs longevity out of it. Because it’s not a flat matte nor is it too drying, we think it’s great for all skin types—even those with dry skin.

Coverage: Full | Finish: Matte | Shades: 50 | Cruelty-Free: No

Best Shade Range

Fenty Beauty Pro Filt'r Soft Matte Foundation

Fenty Beauty Pro Filt'r Soft Matte Longwear Foundation

Sephora

What We Like
  • Lightweight 

  • Easy to blend

  • Wears well without creasing or fading 

  • Soft matte finish

What We Don't Like
  • Can cling to texture

Chances are, you’re already familiar with this game-changing foundation from Fenty Beauty. Aside from helping to set the industry standard for shade range inclusivity, it also has a loyal fan base who adore the formula. We get why it’s so well-loved, thanks to how blendable it is, how lightweight and comfortable it feels on the skin, and how transfer-resistant it is. Throughout testing, it didn’t crease or fade, and it held up beautifully when we patted a blotting sheet against the skin to see if the color or oil transferred. We also enjoy the soft matte finish—it’s not so matte that it looks flat or chalky on the skin. We did notice that it can cling to texture and dry patches, so we recommend gently exfoliating and moisturizing your skin prior to applying it.

When it comes to the shade range, it’s not just the amount of shades offered that impressed us, but it’s how evenly distributed the shades are across skin tones and undertones. There are colors for very fair skin, very dark skin, and pretty much everything in between.

Who It’s For

If you struggle to find a shade match for your complexion, we highly recommend taking a look at the shades offered in this formula. Although matte foundations like this one are great for balancing oily skin, it’s also a great choice for anyone—regardless of skin type—who’s looking for something with a soft matte finish and buildable coverage

Coverage: Medium to full | Finish: Soft matte | Shades: 58 | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Best With SPF

IT Cosmetics CC+ Cream With SPF 50+

IT Cosmetics CC+ Cream Full Coverage Color Correcting Foundation with SPF 50+

Sephora

What We Like
  • Buildable coverage 

  • Natural finish

  • Contains hydrating ingredients 

  • Comfortable feel on the skin

What We Don't Like
  • Shade range could be more extensive

While applying a separate SPF before foundation is important in order to get adequate sun protection, opting for a foundation formula that contains SPF is great for additional protection. This CC cream offers full-coverage with a natural finish that blurs imperfections and helps even out your skin tone while also boasting impressive SPF 50+ sun protection. It’s buildable, easy to layer, and doesn’t clog pores or emphasize their appearance. We also love that it contains hydrating and smoothing ingredients like hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, and vitamin E. And although it has a creamy, relatively rich texture, it settles beautifully into the skin without creating a cakey appearance. During testing, we were impressed by how well it wore throughout the day, and although it transfers a bit when using blotting paper or a tissue, it resets nicely if you apply a light layer of powder on top. 

Our one negative is that while the shade range offers options for people with all different skin tones, there aren’t many shades, meaning that it can be tricky to find an exact match.  

Who It’s For

This full-coverage CC cream performs like a foundation with the additional of great skin benefits, making it a fitting option for people with all skin types who want a product that provides significant coverage as well as hydration and sun protection

Coverage: Full | Finish: Natural | Shades: 22 | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Best Powder Formula

bareMinerals Loose Powder

bareMinerals Original Loose Powder Mineral Foundation SPF 15

bareMinerals

What We Like
  • Weightless texture

  • Natural finish 

  • Inclusive shade range

  • Can be used on its own or on top of liquid foundation

What We Don't Like
  • Packaging is tricky to open

This loose powder foundation has been beloved by customers for decades, it’s no secret why. The weightless formula contains SPF 15 and sheer-to-medium coverage depending on how much you build it up. It has a natural finish with the most subtle hint of luminosity, yet the powder formula helps to mattify shine on the skin. With just a few swipes, it helps blur the appearance of pores and imperfections, creating an even-looking complexion with no cakiness in sight. We also appreciate that it can be applied on bare skin or layered on top of a liquid or cream foundation for additional coverage and smoothing. 

During testing, not only were we impressed by how it wore, but we also appreciated that the packaging has a handy locking mechanism that prevents the powder from spilling everywhere. The only downside is that we found the plastic wrap with a pull tab in the jar tricky to open upon arrival. 

Who It’s For

Not everyone likes the feeling of liquid foundation on their skin. If that’s you, this lightweight powder formula is absolutely worth checking out. It’s suitable for all skin types and is excellent for people who want light to medium coverage with a natural finish

Coverage: Medium | Finish: Natural | Shades: 30 | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Read Full Review: This Mineral Foundation Makes it Look Like I'm in Portrait Mode 24/7

Best Natural Finish

Nars Light Reflecting Advanced Skincare Foundation

Nars Light Reflecting Advanced Skincare Foundation

Sephora

What We Like
  • Skin-like radiant finish 

  • Buildable coverage

  • Lightweight consistency 

  • Easy to blend

  • Inclusive shade range

What We Don't Like
  • Not the most long-wearing on people with oily skin

Nars makes some of our favorite complexion products on the market—their foundations and concealers have been MUA and editor favorites for years. This one quickly became a favorite when we tested it thanks to the lightweight formula, buildable coverage, and natural finish that offers just a hint of healthy-looking radiance. Available in 36 shades that range from fair to dark with varying undertones, this formula looks smooth and beautiful on the skin. 

It has medium coverage that can be built up to fully cover redness, and we love that it doesn’t emphasize texture or settle into lines. The consistency is creamy, super blendable, and very light-feeling on the skin. Once it sets, it looks like skin that’s been properly moisturized: i.e.natural and glowing without being greasy. It wears well throughout the day, though it can break slightly in the T-zone if you have very oily skin. If you have oily skin, we recommend setting it with a light layer of translucent powder. 

Who It’s For

We’d argue that most people would love this foundation. As we mentioned, those with oily skin will get the most longevity out of it if set with a powder, but the lightweight texture and natural finish will pair well with all skin types. If you’re looking for a product that will help you look like you’re having your best skin day ever and not just layering on foundation, we highly recommend this pick. 

Coverage: Medium | Finish: Natural/radiant | Shades: 36 | Cruelty-Free: No

Read Full Review: The Nars Light Reflecting Foundation Gives My Skin a Hydrated, Healthy Glow 

Best Stick

Tom Ford Traceless Foundation Stick

Tom Ford Traceless Foundation Stick

Sephora

What We Like
  • Natural, skin-like finish

  • Doesn’t crease or settle into lines

  • Inclusive shade range

  • Easy to blend

  • Convenient packaging

What We Don't Like
  • Can get shiny after a few hours of wear 

Yes, the price of this foundation is steep, but considering that it has 15 grams of product (most sticks have around eight) and its performance is hard to beat, we recommend trying it if it’s within your budget. Unlike some foundation sticks that are stiff and difficult to blend, this one from Tom Ford is creamy and almost as easy to blend as liquid formulations. You can apply it straight to your skin from the stick and blend it out with your fingers, a damp sponge, or a brush—each method works beautifully with this formula. One layer offers medium coverage with a stunning natural finish, while an additional layer makes for nearly full coverage. As for the wear, we’re impressed that it doesn’t settle into lines, crease, or fade, though those with oily skin will want to set it with powder as it can get a bit shiny after a few hours of wear. 

In addition to the creamy formula and beautiful natural finish with just a hint of radiance, we adore the packaging and convenience. The packaging feels luxurious—it should, considering the price tag—and it’s easy to swipe on your skin on the go or use for touch-ups throughout the day

Who It’s For

This easy-to-blend foundation stick is great for all skin types and offers medium to full coverage, making it a product worth the investment if you like the convenience of a stick format and buildable coverage. 

Coverage: Medium to full | Finish: Natural | Shades: 39 | Cruelty-Free: No

Best for Mature Skin

Dior Backstage Face & Body Foundation

Dior Backstage Face & Body Foundation

Sephora

What We Like
  • Blurs the appearance of texture and fine lines

  • Lightweight 

  • Easy to blend

  • Skin-like finish

  • Buildable  

  • Extensive shade range

What We Don't Like
  • Can get a bit greasy on oily skin

When we tested foundations for mature skin, this is the one that impressed us the most. It offers a super-lightweight, liquid consistency, seamless blendability, and a beautiful, natural-looking finish. We found that it blended into the skin easily and without creating streaks with both a sponge and a brush, and while it only has medium coverage, it covered redness and dark spots quite well. The formula is slightly buildable, so you can layer it up to achieve a bit more coverage, and it also does a nice job of blurring the appearance of fine lines and skin texture. Once applied, it appears fresh and natural—not dry and cakey or greasy-looking. 

We also appreciate that it’s formulated with moisturizing ingredients like hyaluronic acid and squalane, which is nice for people with mature skin who might be experiencing moisture loss. It’s a fantastic choice for everyday wear since it has a weightless liquid texture and a natural finish that lets your skin peek through just a bit. For more affordable options, these drugstore foundations are also great for mature skin.

Who It’s For

Although we love this pick for people with mature skin, it’s actually suitable for all skin types thanks to the well-blanced formula. Those with oily skin will want to set it with powder since it can get a bit shiny throughout the day, but it’s not too greasy so this isn’t a dealbreaker for us. 

Coverage: Medium | Finish: Natural | Shades: 43 | Cruelty-Free: No

Best for Acne-Prone Skin

Oxygenetix Oxygenating Acne Control Foundation

Oxygenetix Oxygenating Acne Control Foundation

Dermstore

What We Like
  • Contains salicylic acid 

  • Suitable for sensitive skin 

  • Feels lightweight and hydrating on the skin

  • Covers redness fully 

  • Doesn’t emphasize texture or fine lines 

What We Don't Like
  • Shade range is limited

Those with acne-prone skin know that finding a foundation that both covers breakouts while not exacerbating them or clogging pores can be tricky. Off the bat, we love that this formula contains salicylic acid, an acne-fighting ingredient that also exfoliates and removes excess oil. But in addition to the thoughtful formula that was created specifically for those dealing with acne, we were impressed by how well it performed during our test. It has a creamy, lightweight texture that blends out well with a brush and a sponge, and it provides full coverage in just one layer. One layer completely camouflages redness and dark spots without looking heavy or makeup-y on the skin. It didn’t emphasize texture or settle into fine lines, and it did a nice job of smoothing the appearance of blemishes. 

We loved everything about this foundation except for the shade range which lacks options for deep and dark and could use more options generally across the spectrum of skin tones.  

Who It’s For

Of course, this liquid foundation is excellent for people with acne prone skin, though it’s also great for people with hyperpigmentation or an uneven skin tone thanks to the excellent coverage. We also appreciate that it’s suitable for all skin types, even sensitive skin

Coverage: Full | Finish: Natural/radiant | Shades: 13 | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Best Lightweight

Pat McGrath Labs Sublime Perfection Foundation

Pat McGrath Labs Skin Fetish Sublime Perfection Foundation

Sephora

What We Like
  • Easy to blend

  • Lightweight, liquid consistency 

  • Crease-resistant 

  • Natural-looking finish 

  • Inclusive shade range

What We Don't Like
  • Can emphasize pores 

  • Not transfer-resistant

Today’s foundations are generally much more lightweight and comfortable to wear than those of the past, but some still do feel like heavy makeup. This one from Pat McGrath Labs takes lightweight to the next level—the consistency is just a bit thicker than water, almost like a serum. The weightless texture blends out fast and evenly with a sponge and a brush, and it provides medium coverage with a natural satin finish. It’s not as buildable as other options we’ve tested, but you can add an additional layer for a bit more coverage without it looking or feeling heavy. 

It didn’t settle into creases, though we did notice in testing that it settled a bit into enlarged pores. But, this can be helped by applying a smoothing primer before the foundation and then setting it with a light layer of powder. We also recommend setting it with powder because it did transfer during our blotting test. Despite these small cons, this formula truly impressed us. 

Who It’s For

If you’re super sensitive to the feeling of product on your skin, this option from Pat McGrath Labs is a great option for you. It comes in a large shade range so you’ll likely be able to find a great match for your complexion, and the natural finish is fitting for all skin types

Coverage: Medium | Finish: Natural | Shades: 36 | Cruelty-Free: No

Where We Stand

Out of all the foundations we’ve tested, the Armani Beauty Luminous Silk Foundation is our favorite thanks to the lightweight texture, buildable formula, and skin-like radiant finish. If you’re looking for a budget-friendly option, the L'Oréal Infallible Fresh Wear 24HR Foundation comes in 40 shades, has super buildable coverage, and wears beautifully throughout the day. And if you’re in need of something that you can use for touch-ups on the go, we recommend the Tom Ford Traceless Foundation Stick

How We Tested

To determine which foundations are the best on the market, we’ve tested nearly 100 formulas in The Lab and at home, evaluating each one based on its formula, application, wear, finish, shade range, and feel on the skin. We experimented with application methods (fingertips, sponge, and brush), conducted blotting tests to evaluate transfer resistance, and wore them in our real lives to see how they perform throughout the day and over time. Those that impressed us the most in each test and across each category appear on this list. 

What to Look for in a Foundation

  • Coverage: Foundations have different levels of coverage. Some offer light coverage that just subtly blurs skin imperfections, some offer full coverage that works to totally camouflage redness and blemishes, and others fall somewhere in the middle. When it comes to which level of coverage is right for you, it’s ultimately a matter of preference. “I recommend using a foundation that makes you feel the most confident and comfortable,” says celebrity makeup artist Dominique Della Maggiore. “However, I tend to choose the finish of a foundation based on the event and whether or not you’ll be in natural lighting. For example, try to opt for a lighter coverage foundation during the daytime to avoid any heaviness on the skin, especially in the direct sun.” If you’re going out at night or to a special event, she recommends going for something with more coverage, like the Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless Longwear Foundation
  • Shade Range: When looking for a foundation you want to make sure you get a color that accurately matches your skin tone—especially if you’re buying a full-coverage option that won’t be as forgiving if it doesn’t match. To see if a shade matches, swatch it on the side of your jaw and cheek; if it “disappears,” you’ve got a match. If you struggle to find a great shade match, we recommend checking out the Fenty Beauty Pro Filt’r Soft Matte Longwear Liquid Foundation since it comes in 58 shades. 
  • Formula: Foundations come in different formulas, like liquids, powders, and sticks. The right one for you totally depends on your preferences, though powders, like the Bare Minerals Original Loose Powder Mineral Foundation SPF 15, tend to balance oily skin, while creamy liquids can help keep dry skin looking and feeling hydrated. 
  • Finish: There’s a lot of variation when it comes to foundation finishes, though you’ll most commonly find matte, natural, radiant, or dewy foundations. “For dry skin, I usually gravitate towards foundations that have more of a radiant finish so the skin looks hydrated and fresh,” says Mayo. “For oily skin, matte finishes will have more lasting power and oil control. But it’s also [about] your preference. It's fun to have options depending on the look you are going for.” 
FAQ
  • How do you apply foundation?

    Before applying your foundation, be sure to prep your skin. Maggiore recommends applying moisturizer first, being sure to apply a bit extra under your eyes if you get dry there. Then, she recommends warming up a pump or two of the foundation on the back of your hand and applying it to your face using a foundation brush to blend out. Once you’ve reached your desired level of coverage, both Maggiore and Mayo recommend gently patting a damp makeup sponge across your skin to ensure you have an even finish with no streaks. 

  • How can you make your foundation last?

    “​​​Setting the foundation allows for a flawless finish and longer wear time,” says Maggiore. “It also provides a smoother base for your contour and blush application.” She also explains that if you don’t set your foundation with a light layer of powder, there’s a higher risk that your foundation will move on the skin and the other makeup you layer on top will have a muddy finish. “To set the foundation, use a large fluffy face brush to lightly pat on translucent powder (remember to always pat rather than swipe),” she says. If you want to maintain a radiant finish, Mayo recommends using powder just in the areas where you experience excess shine, like the T-zone. To mesh all of your makeup together and enhance the wear even more, you can apply a few spritzes of a long-wearing setting spray.  

  • What’s the best foundation for aging skin?

    Those with aging skin might notice sun spots, fine lines, dryness, or lack of elasticity, meaning you’ll want to find a foundation that works to blur your complexion, doesn’t settle into fine lines, and won’t dry out your skin. Our favorite foundation for mature skin is the Dior Backstage Face & Body Foundation, but you can also check out these anti-aging foundations, too.

Why Trust Byrdie

Alyssa Kaplan is an experienced writer in the beauty industry and product tester specializing in cosmetics. She’s been using and testing foundations for years, and she’s tried nearly every one on this list for herself. She received a bachelor’s degree from the Fashion Institute of Technology, where she studied marketing and product development in the cosmetics industry. Alyssa has been a commerce writer at Byrdie since 2022, where she covers all things beauty. 

Alyssa also spoke to experts to discuss important things to consider when purchasing a foundation. Those experts included:  

  • Alexx Mayo, a celebrity makeup artist who has worked with clients like Lizzo, Tinashe, and more.
  • Dominique Della Maggiore, a celebrity makeup artist who’s worked with clients like Jena Dewan, Noah Cyrus, Becky G, and more. 

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