The 15 Best Foundations for Every Skin Type, Tested and Reviewed by Editors
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Healthy skin starts with skin care, but the makeup you layer over top is a major factor, too. Selecting the best foundations for you should blur the line between skin care and makeup, since the product directly interacts with and absorbs into your skin. Foundation can be particularly tricky to shop, given the category’s extensive assortment of formulations that target a wide range of coverage levels and finishes. Start by considering our editors’ tried-and-tested recommendations for the best foundations on the market, with options to suit every skin type, concern, and beauty preference.
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Any glam girl or guy knows that foundation is a pivotal component in any makeup routine. “It can make or break your look,” says Tisha Thompson, makeup artist and founder of LYS Beauty. “Foundation serves as the base layer of your makeup routine, as it helps create a flawless canvas that you can build upon. It creates the first layer of coverage that helps conceal any blemishes or uneven skin tone.” The best foundations are also formulated to play well with products that bring strategic color back into the complexion, like blush or bronzer. “It is key to find a formula that works well with your skin type, so the products that follow perform their best and last,” adds Thompson.
Discovering a holy grail foundation is like finding a second-skin that’s designed specifically for you. It’ll reliably keep all of your skin concerns at bay throughout the day, like oily areas or dry irritation, while also acting as a controlled variable when you experiment with new products, such as concealer or setting powder. And, if you shop correctly, innovative foundation formulas can even go on to improve your complexion. Over recent years, leading brands have made it a point to incorporate nourishing skin care ingredients into makeup, as well as introduce serum foundations or hybrid formulas that perfect the skin — inside and out. “I always recommend skin care-infused formulas for complexion products, especially,” says Thompson. “Since this product sits on your face all day, you might as well treat your skin to added skincare benefits.”
To hone in on the best foundations of 2023, multiple WWD Shop editors put over 50 foundations to the test. We scrolled through bestseller lists at our favorite beauty retailers, conducted field research in-store, and assessed all kinds of formulations among top-rated brands. To recommend the most inclusive selection of foundations for the range of skin tones, undertones, and different skin types, we researched the best complexion makeup ingredients and took note of the most extensive shade ranges available in a particular formula. Below, discover our top picks for different foundation finish preferences, coverage levels, and skin types.
Top Foundations
Best for Sensitive Skin: Haus Labs Triclone Skin Tech Foundation
Best for Combination Skin: Armani Beauty Luminous Silk Perfect Glow Flawless Foundation
Best for Dry Skin: Saie Glowy Super Skin Lightweight Hydrobounce Serum Foundation
Best for Long-wear: Pat McGrath Sublime Skin Foundation
Best for Oily Skin: Fenty Beauty Pro Filt’r Soft Matte Foundation
Best Serum: LYS Beauty Triple Fix Serum Foundation
Best for Mature Skin: Dior Forever Matte Foundation
Best for Large Pores: Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless Longwear Foundation
Best Medium Coverage: Too Faced Born This Way Foundation
Best Dewy: Nars Sheer Glow Foundation
Best Natural: Glossier Stretch Fluid Foundation
Best Drugstore: L’Oreal Paris Infallible Fresh Wear 24Hr Foundation
Best Cream: RMS Beauty Uncoverup Cream Foundation
Best Lightweight: Bobbi Brown Skin Long-Wear Weightless Foundation
Best Full-Coverage: Estée Lauder Double Wear Stay-in-Place Foundation
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Testing & Review Verdict: Top 3 Foundations
To find your best foundation, the most key factor to keep in mind is your skin type. It’s also important to determine your preferred finish and coverage level, based on your day-to-day routines or any occasion-specific preferences. With hundreds of foundation formulations on the market to choose from, there are few options that universally flatter every need. So, instead of recommending one must-have formula, we selected the best three foundations that offer stellar results for distinct skin types.
Armani Beauty Luminous Silk Perfect Glow Flawless Foundation: Besides its status as a decades-long bestseller, we recommend this foundation for its super natural medium-coverage skin finish. It’s best for combination or mature skin, as it employs micro-fill technology that works like a skin filter to smooth texture, along with its inclusion of moisturizing glycerin.
Saie Glowy Super Skin Lightweight Hydrobounce Serum Foundation: This foundation is our top pick for dry skin types because it effectively hydrates the skin while providing ample coverage in a skin-like finish for everyday wear. Infused with hyaluronic acid, polyglutamic acid, rice bran peptides, and sugar-derived squalane, this serum formulation delivers on healthy skin ingredients and a beautiful, lit-from-within glow.
Fenty Beauty Pro Filt’r Soft Matte Foundation: We love this buildable coverage foundation for oily skin. It sets to a soft matte — not flat — finish that blurs pores for a flawless effect. Unlike other matte foundations, it features unique technology that adapts to heat, sweat, and shine for long periods of wear. This foundation, along with our other top two picks, is available in an extensive range of shade options and undertones as well.
BEST FOUNDATION FOR COMBINATION SKIN
Armani Beauty Luminous Silk Perfect Glow Flawless Foundation
Formula type: Liquid
Coverage level: Medium
Finish: Natural/dewy
Shade range: 40 shades available
Sephora Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.8/5 stars
Nordstrom Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.8/5 stars
$69
$69
Armani Beauty’s Luminous Silk foundation is a classic pick among beauty lovers. It’s been in makeup aisles since the year 2000 — yes, it’s 23 years old — and remains a top seller wherever it’s carried. So, what makes it such a standout? Perhaps its super natural, skin-like finish and buildable medium coverage that can take your glam from day to night. Its formula features micro-fill technology, which lays color pigments flat to the skin for fuss-free layering, smooths texture, and creates a filter-like effect. Hydrating glycerin moisturizes dry skin, while its long-wear, oil-free formulation keeps the makeup looking shine-free throughout the day.
Editor testing and review notes: “Those with combination skin types know the struggle of finding a foundation that tamps down shine without making dry areas look dull. Armani’s Luminous Silk Foundation is one of select few that work with my skin in any season: It doesn’t make my complexion slick during summer, nor does it leave me dull in the doldrums of winter. The consistency is on the watery side, which makes it easy to apply thin layers I can build up to my desired level of coverage. When I’m looking for less coverage, I’ll mix it with a touch of moisturizer for a skin tint-like finish. ” — Senior Beauty & Lifestyle Commerce Editor Claire Sullivan
Price upon publish date of this article: $69
BEST FOUNDATION FOR DRY SKIN
Saie Glowy Super Skin Lightweight Hydrobounce Serum Foundation
Formula type: Liquid
Coverage level: Medium
Finish: Dewy
Shade range: 36 shades available
Amazon Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.5/5 stars
Sephora Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.8/5 stars
$40
$40
Saie Beauty is one of the leading beauty brands combining makeup and skin care, and the Glowy Super Skin Foundation gives other hydrating foundations a run for their money. It shines on TikTok at over 77 million views, with users raving about its radiant dewy finish and flexible feel. Its thin texture positions it for smooth, buildable medium coverage, while impressive hydrating ingredients virtually melt the makeup into the skin. Saie’s Hydrobounce Complex combines hyaluronic acid, polyglutamic acid, and rice bran peptides for a plumping effect, and sugar-derived squalane deeply moisturizes your skin as you wear the foundation. Along with a super clean vegan formula, the foundation comes in recyclable packaging, so it’s a win-win between the planet and your skin.
Editor testing and review notes: “My skin often feels congested when I wear foundation, and the wrong product can easily dry me out, but it’s all glow with this foundation. It’s so hydrating (without feeling too wet) that, if I ever forgot my face moisturizer in my makeup bag, I’d use this foundation to quench my skin — kind of like a thin tinted moisturizer with more coverage. It feels super lightweight throughout the day, moreso than other serum foundations I’ve tried, and leaves the skin looking supple and dewy. I love grabbing this when I’m looking to cover breakouts because it gives medium buildable coverage, looks like skin, and I know its clean ingredients will only soothe my problem areas.” — Commerce Writer and Producer Olivia Cigliano
Price upon publish date of this article: $40
BEST FOUNDATION FOR OILY SKIN
Fenty Beauty Pro Filt'r Soft Matte Foundation
Formula type: Liquid
Coverage level: Medium to full
Finish: Matte
Shade range: 52 shades available
Sephora Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.8/5 stars
Ulta Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.8/5 stars
$40
$40
Fenty Beauty’s Pro Filt’r Soft Matte Foundation not only launched Rihanna’s sensational cosmetics collection back in 2017, but also completely changed the foundation game. It hit Sephora stores like a meteor — with an unprecedented selection of 40 shades that cater to every skin under tone, for the closest, most true-to-skin color match. Believe it or not, it was the only foundation at the time to offer such an extensive selection. It quickly prompted competing brands to expand their range and resulted in a far more inclusive beauty landscape. Since then, Pro Filt’r has expanded with 12 more shades, because there’s always room to grow.
This foundation will go down in makeup history, but for those with oily skin, we recommend it for your future. As the name suggests, it sets to a velvety matte finish, and provides pore-blurring medium to full coverage. The formula also features adaptive technology that fights heat, sweat, and shine, which works to keep oil at bay throughout long hours of wear.
Editor testing and review notes: “As someone with dry skin, I’m always hesitant to try out matte products; however, I heard great things about Fenty’s Matte Foundation, so I was willing to give it a try. First, I applied a little to the palm of my hands to see how my skin would react and noticed that it was drying quickly. So, I decided to take a page from Hailey Bieber’s book and mix it with the Rhode Peptide Glazing Fluid to add some hydration to my skin. Let me tell you that when combined, the Fenty Foundation delivered. The formula embedded nicely into my skin, not catching on to dry patches, and was buildable, which I like in foundations because it lets me use the same product whether I want light, medium, or full coverage. Since it’s not ideal to have to blend your foundation with another product to make it work for your skin, I would recommend this one for oily skin girls.” — Nikki Chwatt
Price upon publish date of this article: $40
BEST FOUNDATION FOR SENSITIVE SKIN
Haus Labs Triclone Skin Tech Foundation
Formula type: Liquid
Coverage level: Medium
Finish: Natural/satin
Shade range: 51 shades available
Sephora Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.8/5 stars
$45
$45
This foundation from Lady Gaga’s beauty brand has quickly become a block-buster. Not only does it currently sit in the top spot of Sephora’s foundation bestseller list, it’s also racked up millions of views and searches on TikTok. The obsession comes from its incredibly lightweight feel, blurring properties, and exceptional ingredients. Formulated with fermented arnica and herbal extracts, the makeup works to instantly soothe irritation and redness underneath. A healthy dose of BioFerment 7 Complex, a blend of nourishing antioxidants, acts as a barrier to shield the skin from outside stressors, while over 20 skin care ingredients give this serum foundation a flexible, comfortable feel.
Despite it’s ultra-clean ingredients and skin-loving formulation, the Triclone Skin Tech Foundation doesn’t skimp on substantial medium coverage and a flawless finish. “Our products, even though they’re made with amazing skin care, are artistry products,” said Lady Gaga in a Haus Labs’ TikTok video. “So, you’re never sacrificing performance. This is meant to elevate your artistry, and make being an artist something that’s also nourishing for your skin.”
Editor testing and review notes: “Haus Lab’s foundation has quickly become my favorite. It’s lightweight, extremely spreadable, easy to blend, and melts like butter. It delivers a radiant, luminous, hydrating, healthy-looking complexion — what’s better than that? It also claims to be long-lasting, and I can attest that it truly is. The foundation is suitable for all skin types, but I would recommend those with oily skin make sure they set their face. Overall, this product makes my skin look filtered — I’m obsessed. Pro tip: a little goes a long way.“ — Chwatt
Price upon publish date of this article: $45
BEST LONG-WEAR FOUNDATION
Pat McGrath Sublime Skin Foundation
Formula type: Liquid
Coverage level: Medium, buildable
Finish: Satin
Shade range: 33 shades available
Sephora Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.8/5 stars
Ulta Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.8/5 stars
$69
$69
When it comes to creating a flawless complexion, legendary makeup artist Pat McGrath knows a thing or to. Her products have graced some of the most famous faces in the entire world including Taylor Swift, who was rumored to wear the Sublime Skin Foundation during an Eras Tour performance in a rainstorm. It wouldn’t surprise us if that were true, because it’s specially formulated for over 12-hours of wear. And, according to the brand, Sublime Skin is a “self-setting” foundation, which means it locks in place without the need for setting powder (though, those with very oily skin may want to blot the t-zone, just in case). The formulation pumps out to a lightweight serum consistency, which delivers on buildable medium coverage and sets to a diffused satin finish. For these reasons, coupled with it’s natural filter finish, Sublime Skin ranks as the best long-wear foundation on our list.
Editor testing and review notes: “Flawless and long-wear are the first words that come to mind to describe this foundation. This formula doesn’t budge — it showed no signs of separation, creasing, or transferring throughout long days of testing. I’d recommend this foundation for oily or combination skin, although it’s suitable for dry skin types when layered atop a moisturizing primer or finished with a dewy setting spray. It’s great for glam nights out but also serves as a reliable everyday complexion product with a natural finish that still lets your skin shine through.” — Cigliano
Price upon publish date of this article: $69
BEST SERUM FOUNDATION
LYS Beauty Triple Fix Serum Foundation
Formula type: Liquid
Coverage level: Medium
Finish: Natural
Shade range: 35 shades available
Sephora Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.8/5 stars
$24
$24
“The LYS Beauty Triple Fix Foundation is truly made for everyone,” says Thompson. Designed for every skin type, this foundation acts as a seamless follow-up to any skin care routine. It’s enriched with hylauronic acid, turmeric, avocado oil, and ashwagandha to “brighten the skin, combat the look of skin-aging, and provide added moisture,” explains Thomson, while also smoothing the complexion and reducing the appearance of pores. It provides a radiant natural finish and medium buildable coverage, which makes it “perfect for light day-to-day looks, or full glam,” adds Thompson. “You never have to feel guilty when wearing it because the formula is weightless in feel.”
Editor testing and review notes: “This smooth serum foundation applies like a dream. In just a few passes with a buffing brush, the formula instantly absorbed into my skin, visibly blurred my imperfections, and set to a beautiful second-skin finish. My combination skin soaked up all the hydration from this product and I also felt my irritated spots begin to soothe from the ashwagandha. The formula is very versatile for the range of skin types, especially mature skin, and it can be set with a light dusting of face powder to for a more matte finish.” — Cigliano
Price upon publish date of this article: $24
BEST FOUNDATION FOR MATURE SKIN
Dior Forever Matte Foundation
Formula type: Liquid
Coverage level: Medium
Finish: Matte
Shade range: 42 shades available
Ulta Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.8/5 stars
Sephora Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.8/5 stars
Saks Fifth Avenue Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4/5 stars
$55
$55
$55
Dior’s Forever Matte Foundation formulation is a luxe, long-wear option for those with oily or combination skin. It has medium coverage, which can seamlessly build up to full coverage, and sets to a smooth matte finish. Despite its shine-free effect, this foundation won’t leave you looking flat. It’s blended with wild pansy extract, which aids in hydration and supports the look of healthy skin. Other key ingredients, like SPF 30, iris extract, and rose extract, work to protect the skin against sun damage, oxidation, and smooths overall skin texture. Whether you’re heading to the office or stepping out for a night on the town, the Forever Matte Foundation boasts a wear time of 24 hours, along with being heat-, humidity-, and transfer-proof. For those with dry skin, Dior offers a Glow formulation that’s jam-packed with moisturizing ingredients for a radiant finish.
Editor testing and review notes: “The first thing I noticed about this foundation is its gorgeous bottle. The matte formulation comes in frosted glass (which looks stunning on my vanity) and cleanly deposits with a pump. My combination skin doesn’t always work well with matte finishes, as they can often be too drying, but that’s note the case here. It blends super quickly, feels thin on the skin, and wears very comfortably throughout the day. It’s long-wear claims are true — I noticed zero signs of transfer or budging. If you have combo skin too, consider layering this foundation atop a hydrating primer.” — Cigliano
Price upon publish date of this article: $55
BEST FOUNDATION FOR LARGE PORES
Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless Longwear Foundation
Formula type: Liquid
Coverage level: Medium to full
Finish: Matte
Shade range: 40 shades available
Sephora Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.8/5 stars
Revolve Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.8/5 stars
Nordstrom Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.8/5 stars
$49
$49
$49
Charlotte Tilbury’s complexion products are certified beauty hits on TikTok — from the ever-popular Hollywood Flawless Filter, to the Airbrush Flawless Setting Spray, and the smoothing Airbrush Flawless Finish Setting Powder. The Airbrush Flawless Longwear Foundation is no exception. It’s a top-seller at Sephora for its perfecting coverage, weightless feel, soft matte finish, and it’s ability to wear well on nearly every skin type. The foundation hybrids as skin care, with hydrating ingredients coupled with antioxidants that protect the skin from common airborne pollutants. Other unique complexion trademarks from the brand are included in the formula to instantly refresh the skin while smoothing the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and large pores.
Editor testing and review notes: “Miss Tilbury wasn’t lying when she strung the words ‘Airbrush,’ ‘Flawless,’ and ‘Longwear’ together to name this foundation. Upon initial application, I was so impressed by how far one pump goes across the entire face, and how quick and seamlessly the product blends. While the foundation does set to a matte finish, I don’t find it drying and I can still see my skin’s natural radiance shining through. Bonus points for an extensive shade range of undertones, too.” — Cigliano
Price upon publish date of this article: $49
BEST MEDIUM COVERAGE FOUNDATION
Too Faced Born This Way Foundation
Formula type: Liquid
Coverage level: Medium to full
Finish: Natural
Shade range: 35 shades available
Ulta Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.8/5 stars
Sephora Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.8/5 stars
Nordstrom Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.8/5 stars
Target Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.6/5 stars
$46
$46
$46
Looking for a your-skin-but-better foundation finish? We recommend the Too Faced Born This Way Foundation for its buildable coverage and comfortable wear. The medium-to-full coverage makeup is blended with a trio of skin-boosting ingredients: coconut water, Alpine rose, and hyaluronic acid. They each infuse the skin with essential hydration and boost its natural resilience for a smooth, healthy glow. While some foundations may specifically work for casual or formal wear, this one acts as a chameleon, because it looks and feels like skin, and allows you to layer on extra coverage depending on your skin needs. It’s photo-friendly, too, so you won’t get a white cast in flash photography.
Editor testing and review notes: “Too Faced’s Born This Way complexion range never steers me wrong, from the concealer, to the skin tint, but most of all this foundation. Its satin finish plays well with my combination skin because it fights against oily areas in my T-zone without overly drying the rest of my face. Like the name suggests, it also looks incredibly smooth and natural while proving substantial medium to full coverage, so I love to grab this for a special event where I want my makeup to look both flawless and undetectable. It’s a great base layer for cheek products too.” — Cigliano
Price upon publish date of this article: $46
BEST DEWY FOUNDATION
Nars Sheer Glow Foundation
Formula type: Liquid
Coverage level: Light to medium
Finish: Dewy/radiant
Shade range: 40 shades available
Sephora Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.8/5 stars
Saks Fifth Avenue Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4/5 stars
Nordstrom Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.8/5 stars
$47
$47
$47
Finding a foundation that plays well with dry skin can be a challenge, but the Nars Sheer Glow foundation is here to answer your woes. While it won’t offer full-glam full coverage, it serves as a reliable, natural-looking complexion enhancer for everyday wear. Aptly named, this foundation provides sheer, light to medium coverage, with a healthy, dewy finish. The formula is infused with vitamin C, which naturally brightens the skin and evens skin tone over time, along with Turmeric for an added drop of radiance. It also includes antioxidants to protect the skin from free radicals and moisture-retaining glycerin. It’s the best foundation for dry skin on our list, but it would also work well on combination skin, especially in dry climates or during cold winter months — it’s a product Alix Earle uses for lightweight coverage over acne.
Editor testing and review notes: “When I’ve stayed up too late or had one too many glasses of wine, my skin is the first thing that suffers — dryness and dullness ensues and in a few days, pimples tend to emerge. Nars’ Sheer Glow foundation does everything short of giving me a few more hours of sleep: It rehydrates my skin for a dewy, radiant finish, and deftly camouflages dark circles and breakouts. Those with oily skin may want to keep setting powder on hand for their T-zone, as this formula gives you major glow.” — Sullivan
Price upon publish date of this article: $47
BEST NATURAL FOUNDATION
Glossier Stretch Fluid Foundation
Formula type: Liquid
Coverage level: Light to medium
Finish: Natural
Shade range: 32 shades available
Sephora Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.8/5 stars
$34
$34
Glossier’s Stretch Fluid Foundation is the newest release on our list, having only launched in August 2023, but it’s already rose to TikTok prominence with over 5.7 million views. So, we had no choice but to see what all the hype was about. The gel-cream formula is 89 percent skin care-based, with thoughtful inclusions of plant-based squalane and glycerine that maintain moisture in the skin’s barrier. It also blends wild rose berry and plankton extracts to keep shine at bay and enhance moisture retention at the same time. Glossier is recognized as the “clean girl’s” answer to high-quality beauty, with youthful finishes and skin care enhancements, and the brand’s first foray into foundation definitely delivers with a second-skin effect. This is likely attributed to amino acid-coated pigments that become one with your skin for undetectable wear.
Editor testing and review notes: “I wasn’t sure what to expect with this foundation, because Glossier is known for sheer pigmentation. It absolutely falls into the light to medium coverage range, as one pump evened out my skin tone while allowing my freckles to shine through. If you have acne or other notable areas you’d like to cover, this is the type of foundation you’d want to follow up with a spot concealer. However, you’d be hard-pressed to find any foundation that looks and feels so lightweight — as if you’re wearing nothing at all. I can also attest to it’s skin-supporting claims. Admittedly, I accidentally fell asleep wearing this foundation, and, to my surprise, I woke up with zero signs of irritation or breakouts.” — Cigliano
Price upon publish date of this article: $34
BEST DRUGSTORE FOUNDATION
L'Oreal Paris Infallible Fresh Wear 24Hr Foundation
Formula type: Liquid
Coverage level: Medium to full, buildable
Finish: Matte
Shade range: 40 shades available
Amazon Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.5/5 stars
Ulta Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.8/5 stars
Sephora Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.8/5 stars
Nordstrom Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.8/5 stars
$16.99
$7.59 $9.95 24% off
$16.49
The L’Oréal Paris Infallible foundation is of the best drugstore foundations, particularly for oily skin, as the formula contains three oil absorbers to resist water, sweat, and transferring. If you like to self-tan or stay stocked with several foundation shades throughout the changing seasons, this is a great affordable option. It provides buildable full-coverage and boasts a 24-hour hold. It also includes SPF 25 and comes in 40 shade options, so you’re guaranteed to find your match. The brand’s entire Infallible foundation collection is another TikTok favorite, with over 213 million views and searches on the app. The range offers a wildly popular powder foundation, but we’re most impressed by the liquid formulation.
Editor testing and review notes: “This foundation is the best drugstore matte foundation I tested. At first, I noticed that the product was thinner than I’m used to, but after applying it with a fluffy brush, the foundation blended perfectly and felt lightweight while concealing my blemishes and redness. I love that it has SPF 25, which boosts my daily sun protection. The only caveat is that a little goes a long way, which I learned from experience (the first time I applied too much and my face looked cakey).” — Chwatt
Price upon publish date of this article: $7.59
BEST CREAM FOUNDATION
RMS Beauty Uncoverup Cream Foundation
Formula type: Cream
Coverage level: Medium
Finish: Dewy
Shade range: 16 shades available
Amazon Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.5/5 stars
Revolve Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.8/5 stars
Bluemercury Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.7/5 stars
$58
$58
$58
If you’re in the market for hydrating cream coverup, — or should we say “Uncoverup” — look to the RMS Beauty Foundation. Blended with nourishing organic coconut oil, cocoa seed butter, and jojoba, this foundation is meant to mimic a typical skin care cream, as it evens the skin’s tone and texture over time — a dream for mature skin types. The formula also contains wild-crafted buriti oil and adaptogens for a well-rounded delivery of deep hydration. Its offers silky medium coverage that’s suitable for every skin type, despite its luminous finish. RMS Beauty’s clean list of ingredients also bodes well for those with acne-prone skin or aging skin, and the formula is super user-friendly. You can apply it with just your fingertips, your favorite beauty sponge, or a buffing brush to achieve a fresh, lit-from-within look.
Editor testing and review notes: “This cream foundation is a favorite for days when I don’t have much time to finesse my makeup look. It serves as a hydrating face cream while providing smooth, medium coverage. Some cream foundations feel too rich on my skin, but this one melts right in, delivering a skin-mimicking radiant finish. I’ve found that a little goes a long way; I typically use a pea sized amount to cover pigmentation and redness on my cheeks, around my nose, and on my forehead. It creates a flawless base to wear under cream and liquid blushes and bronzers, too.” — Sullivan
Price upon publish date of this article: $58
BEST LIGHTWEIGHT FOUNDATION
Bobbi Brown Skin Long-Wear Weightless Foundation
Formula type: Liquid
Coverage level: Medium
Finish: Natural matte
Shade range: 26 shades available
Ulta Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.8/5 stars
Sephora Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.8/5 stars
Nordstrom Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.8/5 stars
$54
$54
$54
Your makeup should never weigh you down. Instead, it should feel light as air and only enhance your natural radiance, which is why we love Bobbi Brown’s Skin Long-Wear Weightless Foundation. It’s available in 26 shades, which is notably more limited than other foundations we recommend on this list, however the brand promises that each option boasts undertone-correct coloring for a “skin-true” match. The formula is designed for a natural matte finish, so it’s best for normal, combination, and oily skin. It offers a winning blend of glycerin and oil controlling actives to hydrate skin while blocking shine, along with the capabilities to conceal redness and discoloration. Plus, this foundation minimizes pores, lasts up to 16 hours, and strengthens the skin’s barrier over time.
Editor testing and review notes: “A few pumps are all you need to reap the benefits of Bobbi Brown’s Skin Long-Wear Weightless Foundation. Right out of the bottle, the consistency felt and looked like a cream, but when I applied, it was surprisingly thin and blended out well. Overall, it feels lightweight, perfect for those who love a little coverage and correction but with a natural sheen.”— Chwatt
Price upon publish date of this article: $54
BEST FULL-COVERAGE FOUNDATION
Estée Lauder Double Wear Stay-in-Place Foundation
Formula type: Liquid
Coverage level: Full
Finish: Matte
Shade range: 56 shades available
Sephora Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.8/5 stars
Ulta Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.8/5 stars
Nordstrom Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.8/5 stars
$49
$49
$49
Estée Lauder Double Wear Foundation has been a cult-favorite since its launch in 1997. It still reigns at the top of Ulta and Sephora’s foundation bestseller lists, likely for its unfailing high-coverage buildability. This makes for a heavy-duty, transfer-proof, and photogenic foundation option that you can rely on lasting for up to 24 hours — come heat, humidity, or high water. It effortlessly blends as it covers discoloration, and sets to a soft matte, natural finish. But don’t let its hefty coverage scare you away, because the flexible formulation resists caking, settling into fine lines, or clogging pores. With 56 shades to choose from, across the range of cool, neutral, and warm undertones, you’re bound to find your best base blend.
Editor testing and review notes: “The Double Stay foundation isn’t new to the market, but I recently added it to my makeup routine. I was first introduced to the foundation via TikTok, and after seeing how it transformed a creator’s skin, I had to see the results myself. I’ve been using it for a few weeks and will never quit Estèe Lauder’s foundation. The lightweight liquid formula blends into the skin seamlessly, and conceals any dark spots and uneven skin tone. It also helps to dismiss the appearance of larger pores. Additionally, I appreciate the matte finish and oil control, which keeps my skin looking fresh all day.” — Contributing Commerce Writer Taylor Lane
Price upon publish date of this article: $49
What to Look for in the Best Foundations for Different Skin Types and Skin Concerns
Best foundations for dry skin: Those with thirsty skin will benefit most from a hydrating, dewy finish foundation or a serum hybrid formula. “Foundation type is a matter of preference, but I typically recommend a radiant finish for normal to dry skin types,” says Thompson. While other foundations may cling to dry patches, formulations with moisture-boosting ingredients like hyaluronic acid, peptides, coconut water, and vitamin c will correct dry texture and deposit natural radiance.
Best foundations for oily skin: The best formulations for oily skin will include oil-absorbing and long-wear properties. Thompson recommends mattifying formulas to keep excess shine at bay, while some satin finish foundations, paired with strategic powdering, can also achieve a natural-looking, shine-free complexion. Those with oily skin should avoid distinctly hydrating or dewy foundations, as this increase your natural shine. Always make sure that your foundation formula is oil-free, otherwise it can exacerbate the problem and cause your makeup to slip and slide off your face.
Best foundations for combination skin: For combination skin, it may take trial and error to pinpoint the most effective foundation formula, since you’re likely prone to both oily zones and dry patches. Combination skin types are often acne-prone as well, so it’s important to select a product that’s infused with clean, skin care-adjacent ingredients. As for finish, natural or satin foundation formulas are best, as these will control oil while hydrating the skin at the same time.
Best foundations for acne-prone skin: If you have acne-prone skin, it’s likely that you’re in the market for substantial coverage. Look to foundation formulas that offer medium to full coverage, as these will most likely build and blend seamlessly atop distinct problem areas. As you select a foundation, make sure to pay attention to formulas that are non-comedogenic, as this indicates it is is free of pore-clogging ingredients that can trigger break outs, as well as being oil-free. Any skin care-infused or clean formulas are your best bet, because they’ll work to soothe irritation upon application.
Best foundations for mature skin: “For mature skin, which may show visible signs of aging like fine lines and wrinkles, I recommend a lightweight radiant or dewy finish,” says Thompson, “so the product doesn’t settle into the lines. This will keep skin looking supple, hydrated and healthy.” Pay attention to foundations offer a blurring effect, as well as formulations that are non-comedogenic. On TikTok, Bobbi Brown often recommends that the best foundation for women over 50 should lean into hydration. However, Brown notes in a video, that, as you age, it’s important “to pay attention to the texture of your skin.” She explains that the older the she gets, the more moisture she needs, whereas “some people actually get oiler when they get older.”
Best foundations for sensitive skin: Those with sensitive skin types may also be acne-prone, oily, dry, mature, or combination, so it’s important to select a foundation that’s specially formulated across all of your concerns. “If you struggle with sensitive skin, look for clean formulas that have added skincare ingredients that will prevent redness or irritation,” says Thompson. The best place to start is by considering brands that boast skin nourishing properties, such as Saie, Glossier, Haus Labs, and RMS Beauty. Also, always pay attention to formulas that omit potentially irritating ingredients, such as alcohol, parabens, formaldehydes, mineral oil, sulfates, and fragrances, and that are dermatologist-approved and non-comedogenic.
How to Find the Perfect Foundation Shade
Finding the perfect shade can be a challenge, especially if you’re shopping online. It’s important to pay attention to shade labels that match both your skin tone and undertone. Foundations are commonly numbered by their depth and labeled with an undertone. For example, the medium-deep Estée Lauder Double Wear foundation in shade “5C1” is described as “deep with cool, subtle red undertones.” Other foundations may only label shades with a number, like the Fenty Beauty Pro Filt’r Soft Matte Foundation or the Glossier Stretch Fluid Foundation. In this case, be sure to pay attention to the brand’s color descriptions to help you find your exact color and undertone.
Here are some tips for pinpointing your best color match:
Determine your skin tone: First, consider your skin’s general tone. Most foundation shades are designated between fair, light, medium, and dark groupings. This is a good place to start before you narrow down your undertone.
Understand undertones: Your undertone refers to your skin’s most natural coloring, which is intrinsic to determining the most flattering makeup color match. Skin undertones are most commonly labeled as cool (C), neutral (N), or warm (W) in foundation shades. Cool undertones give off red, pink, or blue, hues, while warm undertones lean toward peach or yellow. Neutral undertones give off a mixture of the two. Olive toned skin gives off a green base, which falls into neutral or warm categories.
How to find your undertone: “There are a few tried-and-true methods to discovering your undertone, like the vein or jewelry hack,” says Thompson. Take a look at the veins on your wrist. If your veins are green, you have warm undertones. If they are blue, you have cool undertones. If you have a mix of colors, you are neutral,” she says. “Similarly, if you look better with gold jewelry, you have warm undertones, and silver jewelry compliments cooler undertones.”
How to identify your shade online: “To narrow down a shade online, I like to use any available shade finder quizzes, model imagery, or read the shade descriptions within my skin tone category,” says Thompson. “Nothing beats interacting with the product in real life, but these tips help me find the closest match.” Many brands offer these special shade-matching services on their websites, or even over social media. For instance, you can direct message Saie Beauty on Instagram and an expert will reply with your perfect shade match. Brands like Pat McGrath, Haus Labs, and Glossier provide shade match quizzes that walk you through the entire selection process. And, at Fenty Beauty’s website, there’s a shade finder AI tool that instantly analyzes your skin for its true shade, or you can book a consultation video call to get matched to a foundation by a shade specialist.
How We Chose the Best Foundations
Four WWD Shop editors conducted extensive product testing to select the best foundations on the market. We also did comprehensive beauty research to understand high-quality and the range of formulations and foundation finishes. We also conducted field research at the leading beauty department stores, such as Sephora and Ulta, to assess the most popular foundations for different skin types and tones. From there, we compared hundreds of customer reviews to narrow down the most user-friendly and satisfactory formulations. Out of 50 foundations tested by editors, we curated our top 15. However, we also recommend these honorable mentions:
L’Oréal Paris True Match Nude Hyaluronic Tinted Serum Foundation: This foundation easily blends into the skin and provides natural, buildable, and effective coverage. The formula is not runny like other serum foundations — it has a typical foundation consistency, and the dropper applicator makes dispensing product simple and sanitary (and a little fun). The hyaluronic acid in this foundation does not go unnoticed, as it feels hydrating without overdoing it on the dew-factor, and results in an ideal skin-like sheen.
Fenty Beauty Eaze Drop Skin Tint: Finding a good skin tint is hard to come by, since they either result in built-up oil or wear off by the end of the day. Fenty’s skin tint melts into the skin seamlessly, as a skin tint should, and doesn’t result in a shiny finish. One layer is sheer but still evens out the skin tone, while two coats create a skin-like, natural finish with long-lasting hydration.
E.l.f. Flawless Satin Foundation: The E.l.f. Flawless Satin Foundation is a standout, considering its unbeatable price point. It pumps out to a thicker consistency, which feels creamy, hydrating, and cooling as you blend. It applies evenly with clean fingertips or a buffing brush and sets to a very natural, non-streaky, and comfortable semi-matte finish. This foundation provides a nice medium coverage that’s buildable and doesn’t leave the skin dry and cakey throughout the day.
It Cosmetics CC+ Cream Full Coverage Color Correcting Foundation: Dry or sensitive skin will love It Cosmetics’ bestselling CC cream. It feels hydrating and flexible on the skin, with added skin care properties that pair seamlessly with foundation-level coverage. Those with oily skin should skip over this option, as it functions similarly to a tinted moisturizer.
Maybelline Super Stay Up to 24HR Hybrid Powder-Foundation: If you’re in the market for a drugstore powder foundation option, this is among the best. If you swatch it with your finger, you’ll notice its smooth, almost creamy feel, which translated to a blurred finish on the skin. It has medium-buildable coverage, which works great on its own or as an opaque setting powder.
How We Tested and Reviewed the Best Foundations
To narrow down the best foundations, WWD Shop editors rolled up our sleeves to test a whopping 50 foundation formulas. To determine pros and cons, each foundation was worn for a duration of eight to 18 hours per day throughout a three-week testing period. Some of the recommendations included in our top list were already purchased and loved by our editors before our official review process began. As we examined formulas, we paid special attention to key factors such as skin finish, coverage levels, comfortable wear, application experience, packaging, and whether or not the formulation caused breakouts or irritation.
Additionally, we assessed each foundation’s shade range and special formulations, such as serum or skin-care infused foundations. The foundations recommended in this shopping guide were tested across several different skin types, textures, undertones, climates, and functions to determine the best options for a variety of needs and preferences.
Below, view the criteria our testing team considered as we tested the best foundation formulas.
Packaging: While aesthetically-pleasing foundation packaging is no-doubt a bonus, especially when shopping from prestige brands, it’s also an important factor in the product’s application process. A foundation’s packaging should go hand-in-hand with its formula. For example, thick foundations are most cleanly dispense from a pump, while thin or runny foundations benefit from a dropper applicator to direct product in controlled areas. Liquid formulas that mimic a moisturizer texture are most easily accessed with a squeeze tube bottle, while thick creams are conveniently to accessed from pot compacts. We evaluated each foundation’s packaging in terms of weight, durability, accessibility, and whether the foundation leaked or clogged in its dispense mechanism.
Coverage: To assess foundation coverage, we compared our application experience to the formula’s claims. For example, if a foundation promised full-coverage, we tested whether it could double as a concealer for blemishes or dark under eye circles. We tested medium coverage foundations for their ability to even out the skin tone and blur imperfections, while light coverage formulas were expected to provide sheer, skin-enhancing results. We also paid attention to each foundation’s buildability, and whether it could be layered for added coverage without appearing thick or cakey.
Wear time: The staying power of a foundation refers to whether it can maintain its initial finish and coverage after long hours of wear. We tested most foundations from eight to 18 hours, though, for foundations that claimed a 24-hour wear time, we extended our testing period to hold brands accountable to their claims. At the end of the day, we determined whether the formulas left our skin feeling dry, looking shiny, dissolved atop face serums and moisturizers, or transferred to skin or clothing. Additionally, we paid attention to how each foundation paired with various primers, concealers, and setting powders and whether the formula broke down in conjunction with other makeup, such as cream, powder, or liquid cheek products.
Ease of Application: A foundation may boast an artistry-level finish, but if it’s unrealistic in its application process, it’s not worth recommending. For this article, we judged the east of application of each foundation based on how effortlessly it blended and set atop the skin. To test this, we employed several application methods, such as the use of damp beauty sponges, different makeup brushes, and our own freshly-washed fingertips. Any formulas that took too much time and effort to blend, oxidized to a darker finish, or failed to completely dry on the skin were removed from our list.
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Meet the Expert
Tisha Thompson is the founder and CEO of LYS Beauty. As a 20-year beauty industry veteran, with experience as an MUA, she unapologetically aims to redefine beauty standards and make clean beauty accessible for all skin tones, types, and textures. Thompson launched LYS Beauty (Love Yourself) in 2021 to dispel the myth that clean beauty, deep shade ranges, and high-performance products at an affordable cost cannot coexist. The brand launched at Sephora as the retailer’s first Black-owned, clean cosmetics brand.
Meet the Testers
Claire Sullivan is the Senior Beauty and Lifestyle Commerce Editor for WWD and Footwear News. She’s spent over five years researching, reporting on, and writing about the beauty industry for publications like Martha Stewart Living, Martha Stewart Weddings, InStyle, and Byrdie. She’s tested hundreds of products during her time as a beauty editor, so she’s well-versed in selecting makeup products, like foundations, that make a meaningful difference in your beauty routine.
Taylor Lane is a freelance beauty and shopping writer based in Charleston, South Carolina. The former New Yorker previously held titles in the commerce space at Yahoo Life and Dotdash Meredith. Her bylines appear in publications like InStyle, Forbes Vetted, Women’s Health, and more. Lane has over seven years of covering beauty and lifestyle topics, as well as testing products like the best foundations.
Nikki Chwatt is a New York City-based writer and the former Style Commerce Editor for WWD and Footwear News, where she wrote shopping stories on celebrity style, the latest fashion trends, and new shoe releases. Before joining WWD and Footwear News, Chwatt wrote for publications, including Editorialist. As a New York City resident, she’s garnered a love for beauty and skincare products that keep her skin protected during the changing seasons. As a result, she has tested many beauty products, including prestige and drugstore foundations, to see which ones agree for her beauty goals, and which may work better for others with different needs.
Meet the Author
Olivia Cigliano is the Commerce Writer and Producer at WWD and Footwear News. She is a New York City-based fashion and lifestyle writer, riding the pulse of trends and digital culture. Her previous bylines can be found on CR Fashion Book and Elite Daily. When she’s not writing shopping content at WWD and FN, she can be found searching for a holy grail fashion item in a Brooklyn thrift store and surveilling newsstands for fashion magazines. You can also find her scrolling TikTok to discover top-rated beauty products, like top-trending foundations and new releases, to upgrade into her carefully curated base makeup routine.
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