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.
Natural-looking radiant finish
Medium buildable coverage
Smooth finish
Lightweight consistency
Wears well all-day
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
Buildable coverage
Comes in 40 shades
Long-wearing
Natural finish
Suitable for all skin types
Contains SPF
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
Natural-looking finish on the skin
Lightweight, creamy consistency
Buildable coverage
Wears well throughout the day
Feels comfortable and hydrating on the skin
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
Contains hydrating ingredients
Smooth, dewy finish
Buildable coverage
Has a refill option
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
Easy to blend
Comfortable on the skin
Transfer-resistant
Extensive shade range
Wears well throughout the day
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
Lightweight, liquid consistency
Contains SPF
Contains hydrating ingredients
Doesn’t settle into lines
Inclusive shade range
Fragrance-free
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
Wears all day without creasing or fading
Extensive shade range
Buildable coverage
Natural matte finish
Lightweight consistency
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
Lightweight
Easy to blend
Wears well without creasing or fading
Soft matte finish
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
Buildable coverage
Natural finish
Contains hydrating ingredients
Comfortable feel on the skin
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
Weightless texture
Natural finish
Inclusive shade range
Can be used on its own or on top of liquid foundation
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
Skin-like radiant finish
Buildable coverage
Lightweight consistency
Easy to blend
Inclusive shade range
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
Natural, skin-like finish
Doesn’t crease or settle into lines
Inclusive shade range
Easy to blend
Convenient packaging
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
Blurs the appearance of texture and fine lines
Lightweight
Easy to blend
Skin-like finish
Buildable
Extensive shade range
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
Contains salicylic acid
Suitable for sensitive skin
Feels lightweight and hydrating on the skin
Covers redness fully
Doesn’t emphasize texture or fine lines
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
Easy to blend
Lightweight, liquid consistency
Crease-resistant
Natural-looking finish
Inclusive shade range
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.”
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.