Foundation
COSMETICS
12 min read
Anastasia Beverly Hills Luminous Foundation


Anastasia Beverly Hills Luminous Foundation is celebrated as the best for its impeccable combination of buildable coverage and a luminous finish that evens out the complexion, leaving the skin looking radiant and hydrated. With a wide shade range and a reputation for its long-wearing, skin-friendly formula, it's the go-to choice for those seeking a foundation that enhances natural beauty and provides a flawless, luminous glow.
Beauty Bakerie InstaBake Aqua Glass Foundation


'...The InstaBake Aqua Glass foundation is ideal for those who desire a dewy and radiant look. The creamy formula boasts full coverage and long-lasting wear; you'll love the hydrating benefits and the natural glass skin effect it provides...'
Kelle Salle, Byrdie
Beauty Bakerie InstaBake Aqua Glass Foundation is celebrated as the best for its lightweight and hydrating formula, offering buildable coverage and a luminous, glass-like finish that leaves the skin looking refreshed and naturally radiant.
Bobbi Brown Skin Foundation Stick


'Bobbi Brown’s Skin Foundation Stick is a product that caters to all skin types and has a vast shade range... If you love a natural finish and full coverage, this foundation is definitely worth checking out.'
Khera Alexander, Byrdie
The Bobbi Brown Skin Foundation Stick is considered the best for its convenient and portable design, delivering buildable, natural-looking coverage with a skin-like finish, making it a versatile and highly-regarded choice among makeup enthusiasts.
'...The perfect moisturizing-but-matte long-wearing foundation. The extensive shade range comes in three different undertones, so almost everyone can truly find the right one for them.'
Gabi Thorne, Allure
The Bobbi Brown Skin Long-Wear Weightless Foundation with SPF 15 is celebrated as the best for its exceptional combination of long-lasting coverage, weightless feel, and sun protection, providing a flawless complexion that endures all day while keeping the skin looking and feeling natural.


Chantecaille Future Skin Gel Foundation
'...Rich with light-reflecting pigments that work to reduce imperfections, and can be built up for adjustable coverage.'
Tracy Achonwa et al., Vogue
Chantecaille Future Skin Gel Foundation is celebrated as the best for its unique gel-based formula that delivers buildable, lightweight coverage and a radiant, second-skin finish, providing a natural and luminous complexion while nourishing the skin with botanical ingredients.


Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless Foundation
'This isn’t a light foundation — it will completely cover every pore, whether it has a blemish or not. But the thick formula feels pretty weightless and is easily blendable.'
Asia Milia Ware et al., The Cut
Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless Foundation is considered the best for its high-coverage, long-wearing formula that creates a poreless, airbrushed finish and ensures a flawless complexion throughout the day, making it a favorite among those seeking a full-coverage foundation with a radiant and smoothing effect.


Clinique Stay-Matte Oil-Free Makeup


'...This foundation controls oil and helps reduce the appearance of excess shine... The texture is a lightweight gel, and it delivers medium coverage...for up to eight hours.'
Kelle Salle, Byrdie
Clinique Stay-Matte Oil-Free Makeup foundation is celebrated as the best for its oil-free, matte formula that controls excess shine while providing a natural-looking, long-lasting finish, making it a top choice for those with oily or combination skin seeking a foundation that stays fresh and matte throughout the day.
Cover FX Power Play Foundation


'The formula is amazing for my combination/oily skin type, and ideal for women of color. Not only has Cover FX always prioritized making shades for many different skin tones, but the brand also takes into account the importance of undertone, which is often overlooked!'
Shanygne Maurice, Self interview
Cover FX Power Play Foundation is considered the best for its exceptional coverage and long-wearing formula that caters to a wide range of skin tones and types, providing a flawless complexion with a matte finish that endures even under challenging conditions, making it a highly-regarded choice for those seeking a reliable and versatile foundation.
Dior Backstage Face & Body Foundation
'Worn by Meghan Markle on her wedding day, it gives a pretty, believable skin-brightening effect. And the feel is very light, almost like that of a tinted moisturizer. It also comes in a convenient and secure squeeze top, making it great to tote around for travel.'
Asia Milia Ware et al., The Cut
Dior Backstage Face & Body Foundation is celebrated as the best for its lightweight and buildable formula that offers versatile coverage for both face and body, creating a naturally radiant finish that's long-lasting and ideal for a wide range of skin tones and types, making it a go-to choice for those who desire a versatile and skin-friendly foundation that enhances their beauty.


Estée Lauder Double Wear Stay-In-Place Foundation


'All-day coverage... Diverse shade range... Oil-free matte formula... It's the perfect option to take you from a long day at the office straight to a night out—it remains looking smooth and matte on the skin for hours on end... You can build it up or sheer it out by mixing it with moisturizer or a dewy primer, making it super customizable.'
Kindra Moné et al., Byrdie
Estée Lauder Double Wear Stay-In-Place Foundation is considered the best for its unparalleled long-wearing formula that provides flawless, full coverage and a matte finish, ensuring a perfect complexion that withstands even the busiest of days, making it a top choice for those seeking a foundation that stays put and looks impeccable throughout extended wear.
Fenty Beauty Pro Filt'r Soft Matte Longwear Foundation
'It’s an updated and elevated foundation that works perfectly for those with oily skin, leaving skin with a soft matte look that still looks natural.'
Renee Loiz in Byrdie
Fenty Beauty Pro Filt'r Soft Matte Longwear Foundation is celebrated as the best for its extensive shade range, soft matte finish, and long-wearing formula that offers flawless coverage and caters to a diverse spectrum of skin tones, making it a highly-regarded choice for those seeking a versatile, inclusive, and high-performance foundation.


Giorgio Armani Luminous Silk Foundation
'You don’t have to skimp on the dew to protect your skin from breakouts, especially when Giorgio Armani's Luminous Silk Foundation exists. The lightweight formula imparts a natural, non-greasy radiance that can be built up to your liking without weight you down.'
Nerisha Penrose, Elle
Giorgio Armani Luminous Silk Foundation is regarded as the best for its luxurious, weightless formula that delivers a luminous and natural finish, providing a radiant complexion and exceptional comfort, making it a top choice for those seeking an elegant and skin-enhancing foundation.


Hourglass Vanish Seamless Finish Foundation Stick
Hourglass Vanish Seamless Finish Foundation Stick is celebrated as the best for its innovative, easy-to-apply stick format that combines high coverage and a seamless, natural finish, ensuring a flawless complexion with a skin-like feel. Known for its longevity and a range of shades that suit various undertones, it's the go-to choice for those looking for a versatile, top-quality foundation that effortlessly enhances their beauty and endures all day.
Huda Beauty #FauxFilter Luminous Matte Foundation


'The coverage is buildable...and the finish is luminous and satiny.'
Keeks Reid, Who What Wear
Huda Beauty #FauxFilter Luminous Matte Foundation is celebrated as the best for its luminous matte finish and high coverage, ensuring a flawless complexion that conceals imperfections while maintaining a natural radiance, making it a highly-regarded choice among makeup enthusiasts.
IT Cosmetics CC+ Cream Oil-Free Matte with SPF 40
IT Cosmetics CC+ Cream Oil-Free Matte with SPF 40 foundation is considered the best for its multitasking capabilities, offering full coverage, oil-free, and matte finish, while providing sun protection, making it a go-to choice for those who seek an all-in-one foundation that leaves the skin looking flawless and protected from UV rays. With its extensive shade range and skin-loving ingredients, it's a top pick for those looking for a versatile and skin-friendly foundation that caters to various skin types and tones.
Kat Von D Lock-It Foundation
Kat Von D Lock-It Foundation is celebrated as the best for its exceptional full coverage and long-lasting, transfer-resistant formula that conceals imperfections, creating a flawless complexion that stays put even in challenging conditions. Known for its versatile shade range and a reputation for being cruelty-free and vegan, it's the preferred choice for those seeking a high-performance, inclusive, and ethical foundation that provides a flawless finish.
Kevyn Aucoin Sensual Skin Enhancer
Kevyn Aucoin Sensual Skin Enhancer foundation is regarded as the best for its concentrated formula that can be used as a foundation, concealer, or contour, providing customisable coverage with a flawless, natural finish. Known for its versatility and high pigmentation, it's the go-to choice for makeup artists and enthusiasts looking for a multi-purpose, long-lasting foundation that enhances the skin's appearance with precision and sophistication.
Kosas Tinted Face Oil
'The Kosas Tinted Face Oil Foundation puts the dew in dewy. The luminous liquid formula is infused with six different oils (avocado, jojoba, green tea seed, meadowfoam, red raspberry, and rosehip), which offer hydration and a gorgeous glow to the skin.'
Gabi Thorne, Allure
Kosas Tinted Face Oil foundation is celebrated as the best for its unique blend of skincare and makeup, offering a lightweight, hydrating formula that provides a natural and dewy finish while nourishing the skin, making it a highly-regarded choice for those seeking a multi-tasking foundation that enhances both beauty and skin health.


Lancôme Teint Idole Ultra Wear Foundation
'It's ultra-lightweight, offers full coverage that maintains a natural appearance on the skin, wears well all day, and comes in tons of shades.'
Kindra Moné et al., Byrdie
Lancôme Teint Idole Ultra Wear Foundation is considered the best for its long-lasting, high-coverage formula that offers a flawless and matte finish while catering to a diverse range of skin tones, making it a top choice for those seeking a dependable, inclusive foundation that provides all-day perfection.


M.A.C. Pro Longwear Nourishing Waterproof Foundation


'Besides the impressive 36-hour wear claim, this foundation can withstand pretty much anything that you throw its way. You could cry in the rain and this foundation wouldn’t budge. As a bonus, this formula doubles as a concealer, so you’re getting a lot of bang for your buck.'
Mika Robinson, StyleCaster
M.A.C. Pro Longwear Nourishing Waterproof Foundation is celebrated as the best for its waterproof, long-wearing formula that provides high coverage and a satin finish, ensuring a flawless complexion that endures humidity and moisture, making it a highly-regarded choice for those seeking a reliable foundation that stands up to challenging conditions.
M.A.C. Studio Fix Fluid SPF 15 Foundation


'MAC’s Studio Fix Fluid Foundation with SPF 15 is great for getting that camera-ready finish that lasts all day long. Though lightweight in texture, the oil-free formula packs a powerful punch of coverage that won’t leave you shiny. Just be careful with this foundation under certain lighting...'
Donecia Pea, Byrdie
M.A.C. Studio Fix Fluid SPF 15 Foundation is considered the best for its matte finish, high coverage, and sun protection, offering a long-lasting, flawless complexion that caters to a wide range of skin tones, making it a go-to choice for those seeking an inclusive, top-quality foundation that provides a velvety finish.
Make Up For Ever HD SKIN Undetectable Longwear Foundation


'Provides a true-to-skin finish complete with a micro-skin system. This allows the formula to follow your skin's natural movement, provides high correction, and even smooths out your skin... It's designed for longer wear and is sweat plus waterproof.'
Shawna Hudson, Who What Wear
Make Up For Ever HD SKIN Undetectable Longwear Foundation is considered the best for its buildable coverage and skin-like finish that provides a flawless, long-lasting complexion while remaining virtually invisible under high-definition cameras, making it a top choice for both daily wear and professional settings.
Maybelline New York Fit Me! Matte + Poreless Foundation


'...Made with micro-powders, which...diminish the look of large pores and give your skin a seamless, your-skin-but-better look.'
Maya Allen, Byrdie
Maybelline New York Fit Me! Matte + Poreless Foundation is celebrated as the best for its matte finish, blurring effect on pores, and affordable price, providing a long-lasting, shine-free complexion that caters to a wide range of skin types and budgets, making it a highly-regarded choice for those seeking an accessible and reliable foundation.
NARS Natural Radiant Longwear Foundation
NARS Natural Radiant Longwear Foundation is considered the best for its high-coverage, long-lasting formula that creates a flawless complexion with a natural finish, ensuring a radiant look that endures throughout the day. With its extensive shade range and reputation for quality, it's the go-to choice for those seeking a foundation that provides both full coverage and a healthy, luminous glow while catering to a diverse spectrum of skin tones.
NARS Pure Radiant Tinted Moisturizer SPF 30
'It's infused with brightening vitamin C, blends into the skin with ease, and can be built to a medium coverage if desired.'
Gabi Thorne, Allure
NARS Pure Radiant Tinted Moisturizer SPF 30 is celebrated as the best for its multitasking capabilities, offering a sheer, natural coverage and sun protection in one, providing a luminous, healthy complexion with added UV defense, making it a highly-regarded choice for those seeking a versatile and skin-friendly tinted moisturizer.
NARS Sheer Glow Foundation
'...Offers illuminated skin at the swish of a brush. It can be built up where you need more coverage and contains an array of different skincare ingredients, including turmeric extract and antioxidants, to help protect the skin day to day.'
Tracy Achonwa et al., Vogue
NARS Sheer Glow Foundation is regarded as the best for its luminous finish, sheer-to-medium coverage, and skin-enhancing formula that leaves a radiant, healthy complexion, making it a top choice for those seeking a foundation that beautifully enhances their natural glow and skin texture.
NYX Can't Stop Won't Stop Foundation
'This waterproof foundation comes in 45 shades, all of which offer creamy coverage that won’t budge in hot weather.'
Nikki Brown, StyleCaster
NYX Can't Stop Won't Stop Foundation is celebrated as the best for its matte finish, long-wearing formula, and a wide shade range catering to diverse skin tones, ensuring a flawless complexion that endures all day and provides inclusive options, making it a highly-regarded choice for those seeking a dependable and versatile foundation.
Pat McGrath Labs Skin Fetish Sublime Perfection Foundation
'Extremely lightweight and almost water-like, it blends seamlessly with either a brush or beauty blender before drying to a semi-matte finish. It’s extremely buildable and long-lasting...'
Nateisha Monique, The Independent
Pat McGrath Labs Skin Fetish Sublime Perfection Foundation is considered the best for its luxurious, buildable formula that delivers a radiant, second-skin finish with customizable coverage, making it a top choice for those seeking a high-quality foundation that imparts a luminous and flawless complexion.
Smashbox Studio Skin 24 Hour Hydra Foundation
Smashbox Studio Skin 24 Hour Hydra Foundation is celebrated as the best for its impressive 24-hour wear time, combined with a hydrating formula that offers buildable coverage and a natural finish, ensuring a flawless complexion that withstands even the longest days. Known for its versatility and a shade range that caters to diverse undertones, it's the preferred choice for those seeking a dependable foundation that adapts to their skin's needs while providing long-lasting perfection.
Tarte Amazonian Clay Full Coverage Foundation
'The matte formula is free of mineral oil, parabens, and fragrances, so it won’t irritate your skin. Amazonian clay ensures longer wear, vitamin E soothes, while mineral pigments leave your skin looking and feeling soft.'
Shauna Beni et al., Prevention
Tarte Amazonian Clay Full Coverage Foundation is considered the best for its long-wearing, full-coverage formula with a matte finish, providing a flawless complexion while helping control excess oil and promoting skin balance, making it a top choice for those seeking a reliable foundation that delivers both coverage and skincare benefits.
Too Faced Born This Way Foundation
'This buildable foundation works hard to create a dolphin like smooth canvas, that lets your skin still look like skin. It's packed with coconut water alpine rose and hyaluronic acid to brighten the skin's appearance, promote elasticity and skin-balancing hydration.'
Sheilla Mamona, Glamour
Too Faced Born This Way Foundation is regarded as the best for its hydrating formula, natural finish, and medium-to-full coverage that creates a flawless complexion while providing an undetectable and radiant look, making it a highly-regarded choice for those seeking a foundation that enhances their natural beauty and skin health.


Uoma Beauty Say What?! Foundation
'The formula itself is hydrating, but it dries down to a matte yet comfortable finish. Plus, thanks to a special blurring technology, it can help reduce the look of large pores and fine lines for a flawless base.'
Kelle Salle, Byrdie
Uoma Beauty Say What?! Foundation is celebrated as the best for its wide shade range and high-performance formula, offering full coverage with a natural finish that caters to a diverse spectrum of skin tones, making it a top choice for those seeking an inclusive and top-quality foundation that beautifully enhances their complexion.
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