I've tested more than 50 foundations – these are the 16 best you can buy right now
Featured in this article
I hate to break it to you, but there's no such thing as the best foundation. Sure, there are plenty of formulas that could be considered “the best” in their own respective categories, but there's only a handful of those that would then be your ideal match.
For starters, we all have different skin types, skin tones, undertones and skin concerns. To make matters even more confusing, each foundation serves a different finish, level of coverage and form (stick, liquid or cushion – you name it). So, when you carefully consider all of these factors at once, the natural conclusion is simple: what may work well for one person may not necessarily work out for you.
This means that shopping for the best foundation is a real test of patience. From frantically trying to shade-match yourself online to figuring out which foundation brush or primer will best pair with it, the sheer pressure of knowing that your choice of formula can make or break your entire look is overwhelming. But, however tedious the process may be, trust me when I tell you that it'll be well worth the fuss.
Maybe you're still loving the effortless “clean girl” aesthetic, and rarely stray away from your trusty tinted moisturiser. Or maybe you’re a full-coverage foundation loyalist who wants every pore blurred to perfection. Either way, the good news is: foundation has had a serious glow-up. Gone are the days of cakey, chalky formulas (ahem Dream Matte Mousse). Today's formulas, instead, span across varying finishes and flexible levels of coverage - and most contain a good chunk of skin-loving ingredients, too.
Without further ado, enter: our definitive guide to the very best, tried-and-true foundations of all time.
SKIP TO:
- Our full reviews
- What to consider when shopping for foundation
- How we test foundations
- How to find the best foundation according to your skin type
- How to shade match
- How to tell what my underdone is
- How to apply foundation
- How to make foundation last longer
- What tools to use to apply foundation
- What is the best foundation for brides?
- What is the best natural-looking foundation?
- What is the best full-coverage foundation?
Meet the experts:
- Jamie Coombes, International Pro Artist at Dior Beauty.
- Sarah Lyth, Makeup Artist and National Education Manager at NARS.
- Sasha Keene, Celebrity Makeup Artist.
What to consider when shopping for foundation:
To make things a little less overwhelming, we asked International Pro Artist at Dior Beauty, Jamie Coombes, what to look out for when picking a foundation online and he recommends familiarising yourself with your undertone.
“If your skin has pink, red, or blue hues and your veins appear blue or purple, you have a cool undertone. And if your skin tans easily and has golden, yellow, or peachy hues, and your veins appear greenish olive, you have warm undertones,” he shares. Those with neutral undertones will spot that their “veins might appear a muted blue-green," Jamie adds.
Last but by no means least, let's also consider the shade range factor. In the world where the likes of Fenty and Haus Labs offer 50+ shades, why would we settle for anything less?
How we tested the best foundations:
As a beauty journalist who's been testing makeup for over six years (both for work and, let's be honest, for fun), I've tried more than 50 foundations – from lightweight skin tints to full-coverage gems. Every product in this edit has been worn, blended, and tested in real life (and if not by me, it's by members of the trusted GLAMOUR team).
We’ve worn them on long office days, during heatwaves, on nights out and everything in between. We look at how each one sits on the skin, how long it lasts, how it plays with other products, and how it makes us feel. Does it pile or glide on effortlessly? Does it enhance a glow or cling onto dry patches? Does it actually hold like it claims to do?
There are also a few personal favourites of mine that didn’t quite fit this round-up. Charlotte Tilbury’s Flawless Filter, for example, is one I use constantly - especially during summertime when I want something a bit lighter that won’t block my pores in the heat. Technically, it’s not really a foundation (it leans more toward a glowy primer or highlighter), but it’s definitely worth a mention if you love that natural, no-makeup makeup look.
The foundations we did include are the ones that truly impressed - for their coverage, finish, wear time, and ability to make skin look like skin, only better.
Your definitive guide to the best foundations of all time, reviewed by GLAMOUR editors…
Armani Luminous Silk Foundation
- Shade range: 40.
- Level of coverage: medium.
- Finish: skin-like.
- Tester: Denise Primbet, GLAMOUR's Beauty Contributor.
Why we love it: Available in 40 different shades to suit all skin tones, this award-winning foundation delivers a radiant, natural-looking glow. This skin-loving formula offers medium, buildable coverage, thanks to a hydrating, oil-free blend that evens out your complexion without weighing it down. In her Armani Luminous Silk Foundation review, our Beauty Contributor Denise Primbet describes this formula as her “all-time favourite."
“I've been using the Armani Luminous Silk foundation long before I became a beauty journalist, and truth be told, it's never failed me. I love how no matter the coverage, I can easily make it look like my own skin. Above all, I appreciate how even on long days, this foundation can effortlessly last for 10+ hours without sliding off my face, resulting in any patchiness or setting into my fine lines,” Denise says.
NARS Light Reflecting Foundation
- Shade range: 36.
- Level of coverage: medium.
- Finish: skin-like.
- Tester: Robyn Eugene, GLAMOUR's Social Media Manager.
Why we love it: Powered by skincare ingredients that also help defend it against environmental aggressors, this foundation helps seamlessly blur imperfections such as dark spots, blemishes or redness. It glides onto your skin like a dream with a sheer glow and medium coverage that feels as light as air even after a long day of wear – in other words, the perfect foundation for everyday use.
Makeup By Mario SurrealSkin Foundation
- Shade range: 30.
- Level of coverage: medium.
- Finish: skin-like.
- Tester: Elle Turner, GLAMOUR's Senior Beauty Editor.
Why we love it: Breathable and weightless, this liquid foundation from Makeup By Mario is unmatched when it comes to long-lasting hydration. It feels incredibly lightweight on your skin, though its squalane and grapeseed oil-infused formula is also easily buildable, just in case you're in the mood for something a bit more chic in the evening.
“I get to play with a lot of foundation formulas for my job, so it takes a lot to blow me away, but phewf, Mario obviously knows what he's doing. This foundation takes all the best bits of matte, dewy, lightweight and long-wearing foundations and blends them all into one superhero formula. It feels fairly weightless, but it stays put like a champion. It offers coverage, without compromising on glow. It buffs beautifully into skin,” says GLAMOUR's Senior Beauty Editor Elle Turner.
Haus Labs Triclone Skin Tech Foundation
- Shade range: 51.
- Level of coverage: medium.
- Finish: skin-like.
- Tester: Chrissie Moncrieffe, GLAMOUR's Contributor.
Why we love it: Perfect for sensitive and acne-prone skin, this medium coverage serum foundation helps reduce redness, even out your skin tone and keep your complexion protected against environmental aggressors and pollution. Guaranteed to leave your skin looking healthy, glowy and smooth, all without causing any unwanted breakouts.
Shiseido Revitalessence Glow Foundation
- Shade range: 30.
- Level of coverage: medium.
- Finish: skin-like.
- Tester: Ali Pantony, GLAMOUR's Website Director.
Why we love it: Blurring the line between makeup and skincare, this buildable foundation comes infused with niacinamide and kefir (yes, you read that right) to protect your natural skin barrier and deliver long-lasting hydration. Dermatologist-approved and suitable for all skin types, especially dry skin. “I like a foundation that provides good coverage but is light enough to look like my-skin-but-better, and this foundation does exactly that. It's buildable for those days I need a little extra coverage, but never settles into my fine lines, creases or dry patches. It basically makes me look like I've had 10 hours' sleep and get weekly facials,” says Ali Pantony, GLAMOUR's Website Director.
Givenchy Prisme Libre Glow Serum Foundation
- Shade range: 30.
- Level of coverage: Medium.
- Finish: Radiant, soft-focus.
- Tester: Shani Cohen, GLAMOUR’s Beauty Commerce Writer.
Why we love it: This is not your average glow-giver. Givenchy’s Prisme Libre Glow Serum Foundation feels like skincare in foundation form - and that’s because it kind of is. Infused with skin-loving ingredients like hyaluronic acid, ceramides and yuzu extract, it hydrates for up to 48 hours while giving your complexion that lit-from-within luminosity we all chase.
“The coverage is that sweet spot between sheer and full - enough to even out your skin tone without caking your face. It’s packed with four colour-correcting powders and Givenchy’s clever Prismatic Light™ Technology, which basically works like a soft-focus filter IRL. Plus, it’s transfer-resistant, water-resistant, and lasts all day without clinging to dry patches or creasing in fine lines,” says Shani Cohen, GLAMOUR’s Beauty Commerce Writer.
DIOR Forever Skin Glow Foundation
- Shade range: 42
- Level of coverage: Medium
- Finish: Radiant
- Tester: Shani Cohen, GLAMOUR’s Beauty Commerce Writer
Why we love it: If you want that fresh, glowy, slept-for-10-hours kind of skin - Dior Forever Skin Glow delivers every time. It’s the one I reach for when I want to look put-together but not overly “done.” The coverage is that sweet spot: enough to smooth everything out, but still sheer enough to let your real skin texture through.
“It wears like a dream, even in the gross London humidity, and the glow it gives is more soft-lit selfie than shiny T-zone. Plus, it’s infused with actual skincare - wild pansy, iris, hibiscus - so it’s doing the hard work behind the scenes too. Hydrating, smoothing, even protective against UV and blue light - what can’t it do?” - Shani Cohen, GLAMOUR’s Beauty Commerce Writer.
e.l.f. Soft Glam Satin Foundation
Shade range: 36.
Coverage: Medium, buildable.
Finish: Satin.
Tester: Shani Cohen, GLAMOUR’s Beauty Commerce Writer.Why we love it: If you’re after that ‘your skin but better’ finish - minus the £40+ price tag - this might just be your new go-to. It gives enough coverage to even things out and blur imperfections, but still lets your skin shine through. Think smooth, satin-y, and natural-looking rather than cakey or heavy.
What really sets it apart, though, is the formula. It’s infused with hydrating hibiscus and fruit extracts, so it wears more like skincare - especially if you’ve got dry or combo skin. It’s the kind of foundation you can wear from your morning to night without a single patchy moment. Plus, the 36-shade range is impressive, especially for the price. Total high-street hero IMO.
Patrick Ta Major Skin Hydra Luxe Skin Perfecting Foundation
- Shade range: 30.
- Level of coverage: light-to-medium.
- Finish: glowy.
- Tester: Denise Primbet, GLAMOUR's Beauty Contributor.
Why we love it: Ever since this clever formula blew up all over our #FYPs, it quickly became a firm favourite of many beauty editors, and with good reason. Formulated to deliver a “red carpet”-ready, lit-from-within look, this buildable foundation is bursting with skin-loving components such as glycerin, allantoin and squalane to keep your complexion nice and looked after throughout wear. “I love that it instantly makes me look more awake, giving me just enough coverage to mask my rosacea while still letting my freckles peek through the makeup. The finish is unlike any other formula I've ever used – radiant and blurring, and not at all greasy,” says GLAMOUR's Beauty Contributor Denise Primbet.
Laura Mercier Real Flawless Foundation
- Shade range: 32.
- Level of coverage: buildable.
- Finish: natural and radiant.
- Tester: Denise Primbet, GLAMOUR's Beauty Contributor.
Why we love it: Offering up to 12 hours of budge-proof wear, the Laura Mercier Real Flawless Foundation delivers a natural, skin-like finish and buildable coverage. Not only is it infused with a whole bunch of skincare ingredients, but it's also water-resistant, weightless and blurring, making it perfect for special occasions. Available in 32 shades in total, this foundation is also suitable for all skin types. Talk about an all-rounder formula.
Vieve Skin Nova Complexion Balm
- Shade range: 20.
- Level of coverage: medium, buildable.
- Finish: skin-like.
- Tester: Denise Primbet, GLAMOUR's Beauty Contributor.
Why we love it: Looking for a natural-looking foundation with buildable coverage? Say less. Meet the Vieve Skin Nova Complexion Balm, which is a lightweight formula that's filled to the brim with hydrating ingredients such as niacinamide and various plant extracts. Available in 20 flexible shades, this foundation is made to be applied in light layers to deliver a second-skin finish. Jamie Genevieve, you've done it again.
Estée Lauder Double Wear Stay-in-Place Makeup
- Shade range: 60.
- Level of coverage: medium-to-full.
- Finish: matte.
- Tester: Fiona Embleton, GLAMOUR's Associate Beauty Director.
Why we love it: A cult-favourite that's great for all skin types, particularly mature skin. Delivering medium-to-full coverage, this oil-free and long-lasting foundation promises a staying power of up to 24 hours, as well as water-resistance, heat-resistance, humidity-resistance and sweat-resistance. And did we mention that's available in 60 different shades? Speechless
MAC Studio Radiance Serum Powered Foundation
- Shade range: 56.
- Level of coverage: buildable.
- Finish: radiant.
- Tester: Denise Primbet, GLAMOUR's Beauty Contributor.
Why we love it: Every beauty lover knows that as far as quality makeup products go, MAC is always a safe bet, and this serum foundation is proof. Enriched with 80% skincare ingredients, this glow-boosting formula is proven to lock in moisture for up to 24 hours, leaving your complexion looking healthier and more plump than ever. It comes in 56 shades in total, making it one of the biggest shade ranges we've seen. So whether you're team cool, neutral or golden, you're bound to find your exact match without fuss.
Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless Foundation
- Shade range: 44.
- Level of coverage: full.
- Finish: matte.
- Tester: Néamh Randall, GLAMOUR's Commerce Photo Editor.
Why we love it: This bestselling foundation from Charlotte Tilbury provides long-wearing, full coverage with a matte finish that's transfer-resistant, sweatproof and flawless. The best part? It's available in 44 different shares to suit cool and warm undertones as well as fair, medium, tan and deep overtones to suit every skin type. A favourite among makeup artists.
Fenty Beauty Pro Filt'r Soft Matte Longwear Foundation
- Shade range: 50.
- Level of coverage: medium-to-full.
- Finish: matte.
- Tester: Denise Primbet, GLAMOUR's Beauty Contributor.
Why we love it: Fenty Beauty has nailed it once again with this soft matte, long-wear, weightless foundation that features climate-adaptive technology to fight to heat, sweat and shine. This way, you can stay looking fresh in the morning or all night thanks to its buildable, medium-to-high coverage formula – no touch-ups needed. Thanks, Rihanna!
Rare Beauty Liquid Touch Weightless Foundation
- Shade range: 48.
- Level of coverage: buildable.
- Finish: blurring.
- Tester: Denise Primbet, GLAMOUR's Beauty Contributor.
Why we love it: Suitable for acne-prone skin, this foundation from Rare Beauty delivers seriously impressive staying power and coverage with a few skin-loving benefits thrown in to nourish and soothe the skin in the process. Unlike most liquid formulas, this foundation stands out with its unique doe-foot applicator, which allows for mess-free and precise application.
More of your foundation FAQs, answered:
How to find the best foundation according to your skin type
While there are various aspects at play, most MUAs agree that your skin type is one of the most important factors to keep in mind when choosing a foundation. Having consulted with experts, we've broken down each recommendation for various skin types below:
- Foundation for dry skin: “Personally, I recommend thinner textures or something that's got more humectants. Ingredients-wise, you want to be looking for hyaluronic acid and vitamin E to make sure that the formula will help maintain that hydration,” says Sarah Lyth, makeup artist and national education manager at NARS. Meanwhile, Jamie Coombes, international pro artist at Dior Beauty advises to “avoid mattifying or powdery formulas for dry skin, as these can accentuate flakiness and fine lines.”
- Foundation for oily skin/acne-prone skin: “Look for oil-free, mattifying and non-comedogenic formulas for acne-prone or oily skin. Water-based liquid foundations with a satin matte or natural-matte finish will help control shine while still allowing the skin to breathe,” shares Jamie. That said, Sarah also believes that those with oily or acne-prone skin can also rock dewy and radiant formulas: “I don't think that just because you're oily, you can't have a radiant complexion. It all comes down to how you prep the skin to receive those products,” she adds.
- Foundation for sensitive skin: “For sensitive skin, look for fragrance-free, plant-based and hypoallergenic foundations. Lightweight, mineral-based or skincare-infused formulas with ingredients like aloe vera, wild pansy extract or chamomile that can help soothe and protect the skin barrier,” suggests Jamie. “Avoid heavy, alcohol-based or overly matte formulas, which can cause irritation and dryness. A natural-finish, light-to-medium coverage foundation is ideal for a comfortable, breathable feel,” he shares.
How to shade match yourself correctly, according to MUAs
If you have the opportunity to test a foundation in-store, Jamie recommends using a “stripe testing” technique, which involves applying foundation “along the jawline and neck, blending them slightly to assess how well they match. The ideal shade should blend seamlessly into the skin without any visible contrast,” he shares.
Sarah also points out that ideally, you should have at least two shades of foundation throughout the year. “Nobody is the same shade all year round. And our complexion actually tends to change month to month as well. And if you're someone who regularly uses fake tan, be sure to keep that in mind when choosing your foundation.” Sarah recommends considering both your “tan” shade and you "natural" shade.
Which undertone am I: cool, neutral or warm?
If you're trying to pick a foundation online, Jamie recommends familiarising yourself with your undertone. “If your skin has pink, red, or blue hues and your veins appear blue or purple, you have a cool undertone. And if your skin tans easily and has golden, yellow, or peachy hues, and your veins appear greenish olive, you have warm undertones,” he shares. Those with neutral undertones will spot that their “veins might appear a muted blue-green," Jamie adds.
According to Sarah, you can also determine your undertone by carefully assessing your jewellery choices. “More often than not, if you look better in silver jewellery, you'll be a cool undertone. Do you look better in gold? You'll be a warm undertone. Can you get away with both? Then you're most likely to be a neutral.”
“Testing in natural daylight is advised for the best colour match, as department stores often have too many conflicting light sources,” says Jamie.
Which is the best tool to apply foundation?
While it all comes down to your personal preference, you should know that your choice of tool will affect the final result, so to help you decide, Jamie and Sarah have broken down their favourite methods:
- Foundation brush: “Make sure to use the right brush, as it may leave streaks if not blended well. Make sure it is freshly clean, high-quality, with a light, buildable application for best results. It's easier to add a little at a time than too much and wipe it off,” shares Jamie. “Avoid applying too much pressure, as you will be using the side of the brush bristles, which could reduce the buffed-in effect,” he adds. Sarah also points out that “the brush is only as good as the wrist that's using it,” so it may not be the best option for novices.
- Makeup sponge: “ Sponges such as the Dior Backstage Blender are great for that airbrushed effect by pressing your foundation into the skin,” says Jamie. He also recommends using a damp sponge for a more natural, dewy finish. “I think. that a beauty blender is the most beginner-friendly option if you're not too keen on using your hands,” says Sarah.
- Hands: “Hands and fingers are great for warming up and melting the foundation into the skin for a natural finish. They are also best for lightweight products. However, they can be messy and not suitable for full coverage,” shares Jamie. Meanwhile, Sarah describes hands as her go-to method for applying foundation: “There's nothing like your hands to really give that true pro approach for secure coverage,” she adds.
How to make foundation last longer
First and foremost, Jamie reiterates that skin prep is key: don't forget to use a nice hydrating serum and a quality moisturiser before even thinking about putting on makeup. “A well-hydrated skin prevents the foundation from clinging to dry patches and enhancing fine lines,” he says.
Another equally important step is to use the right primer. “A gripping primer for longevity or a mattifying primer for oily skin can help the foundation adhere to your skin.”
An interesting tip that Jamie suggests implementing is to lightly powder your complexion before applying foundation. “I like setting the complexion with hydrating powder before applying foundation. It's an old trick, but it effectively seals in the skincare and primer, creating a perfect texture for the foundation pigment to adhere to. Applying thin layers of product blends better and lasts longer than thick applications. Then, a light dusting of powder in key areas,” he adds.
Finally, don't sleep your setting spray. Jamie shares that “a long-wear setting spray helps lock in the foundation and prevent separation,” making it an essential step if you want your foundation to last.
What is the best foundation for brides?
When chatting to Sasha Keene, celebrity and bridal makeup artist who's known for her signature glowy looks, she said: “My go to foundation I use for my brides that creates a gorgeous glow and also has the long lasting affect is Armani Beauty’s Luminous Silk Foundation. It is a must have in any makeup artists kit. It’s buildable for the brides who want a more natural finish but also can become a medium coverage for the brides who want a slightly heavier finish.”
What is the most natural looking foundation?
“The most natural foundation in my kit that I love to use is the Charlotte Tilbury Beautiful Skin Foundation. It gives the most ‘skin like’ finish in my opinion and really helps to blur the skin naturally. It’s extremely hydrating and helps the skin to look brighter and smoother. Key ingredients include Hyaluronic Acid and Rose Complex.” - says Sasha Keene.
Which brand is the best for full coverage foundation?
Sasha Keene says: “I don’t always opt for a Full Coverage Foundation but when I do I the best brand is by far Anastasia Beverley Hills. Their new Impeccable Blurring Second-Skin Matte Foundation is the newest addition to my kit and it’s perfect for my clients who are attending events that require their skin to become completely flawless with absolutely zero imperfections on show. It gives off a ‘filter like’ finish as it blurs pores, fine lines and wrinkles as well as blemishes! Even though it has a matte finish it includes Hyaluronic Acid to still keep the skin hydrated throughout the day.”
