We Tried 32 Foundations—These Are the 15 That Deserve a Spot in Your Makeup Routine (2024)

What Stands Out

  • This full coverage foundation is right in the middle of a matte and dewy finish, making it supremely versatile.

What Could Be Improved

  • It may be too matte for those with dry skin.

The Lancome Teint Idole Ultra Wear Foundation offers the best of both worlds with its unique finish. We loved that this product was the perfect combination of matte and dewy, which is not an easy feat to pull off. This can be attributed to the foundation’s natural matte finish, which gave us a nice glow all while providing full coverage as advertised.

Plus, unlike some matte foundations, this Lancome product did not appear dry or feel cakey on our skin, nor did it accentuate any fine lines or wrinkles.The Lancome Teint Idole Ultra Wear Foundation comes in a whopping 50 shades, offering plenty of options for people with all types of undertones.

It's also made to last for 24 hours, resistant to oxidation, and oil-free, making it a great option for people with oily, normal, or combination skin (although people with dry skin might need something more moisturizing). It’s more expensive than drugstore brands but is priced just about average compared to similar foundations.

Coverage: Full | Finish: Matte | SPF: 15 | Shades: 50

What Stands Out

  • This affordable pick has buildable coverage that resists transfer.

What Could Be Improved:

  • The finish is super matte and may not look as natural as some of our other selections.

Our testing revealed that the L’oreal Infallible Fresh Wear Foundation performed just as well as, or in some cases better than, its pricier counterparts. It felt very expensive for a drugstore option and created a beautiful, seamless finish on our skin.

This foundation is advertised as buildable, offering medium to full coverage that should last up to 24 hours. While we found this product to have more of a light to medium coverage, we still think that this foundation is buildable.

Plus, it didn’t get streaky and evened out our skin tone without looking cakey. We were so impressed with its buildable abilities that we would use this foundation specifically for special events.

We integrated this product into our makeup routine over a month-long testing period and found that we reached for it at least twice a week—it became a handy alternative to our CC creams, BB creams, and tinted moisturizers. While we appreciated the lightweight feel and natural coverage of the foundation, we wish the product was a bit less watery.

The L’oreal Infallible Fresh Wear Foundation comes in 40 shades and is resistant to sweat and any kind of transfer that might happen with your makeup. It’s also waterproof, non-comedogenic, and has an SPF of 25. It’s suitable for all skin types, including those with acne-prone skin.

Coverage: Medium to full | Finish: Matte | SPF: 25 | Shades: 40

  • We Tried 32 Foundations—These Are the 15 That Deserve a Spot in Your Makeup Routine (3)

  • We Tried 32 Foundations—These Are the 15 That Deserve a Spot in Your Makeup Routine (4)

  • We Tried 32 Foundations—These Are the 15 That Deserve a Spot in Your Makeup Routine (5)

  • We Tried 32 Foundations—These Are the 15 That Deserve a Spot in Your Makeup Routine (6)

  • We Tried 32 Foundations—These Are the 15 That Deserve a Spot in Your Makeup Routine (7)

  • We Tried 32 Foundations—These Are the 15 That Deserve a Spot in Your Makeup Routine (8)

  • We Tried 32 Foundations—These Are the 15 That Deserve a Spot in Your Makeup Routine (9)

  • We Tried 32 Foundations—These Are the 15 That Deserve a Spot in Your Makeup Routine (10)

What Stands Out

  • It's waterproof and gives a natural finish.

What Could Be Improved

  • Drier skin types may need to pair it with a primer for more hydration.

In 40 shades, this medium-coverage liquid foundation blurs and covers flaws for up to 24 hours. It doesn’t settle in fine lines, it’s waterproof, and it looks like your skin but better. Whether you’re oily, dry, or somewhere in between, it’ll be your new favorite foundation.

"When it comes to foundation for combo skin, you want something that’s hydrating but lightweight," Hong says. "With a formula that’s inspired by a sheet mask, the featherlight texture sinks in instantly, feels like nothing on, and gives skin an 'I-woke-up-like-this' glow."

Coverage: Medium to full | Finish: Natural matte | SPF: None | Shades: 40

What Stands Out

  • This lightweight foundation provides great coverage without drying out the skin.

The moisturizing ingredients and serum-like consistency of this matte foundation are what make it a great foundation for people with dry skin. This silky foundation went on easily and smoothly, ensuring both a comfortable application and effective coverage over areas of redness on our skin.

This product offers a medium coverage, and although it is advertised as having a natural finish, we found that it was closer to matte. The La Mer Soft Liquid Long Wear Foundation comes in 27 shades, is designed to be buildable, and contains an SPF of 20.

We loved this product for its buttery feel and smooth, even finish, but it is very pricey. This pick is more expensive than the average foundation price, so it might be best for special occasions.

Coverage: Medium | Finish: Natural | SPF: 20 | Shades: 27 shades

What Stands Out

  • This inexpensive, vegan foundation resists shine.

What Could Be Improved

  • It may be challenging to achieve a full-coverage finish with this foundation.

People with oily skin tend to stay away from products that contain oil, thinking that it will only increase oil production. However, the right type of oil can balance oil production and improve your skin’s appearance. That’s the case with the NYX Born to Glow! Naturally Radiant Foundation contains jojoba oil, which is non-comedogenic and anti-inflammatory.

Jojoba oil is very light and so similar to the skin’s sebum that it doesn’t trigger additional sebum production from your pores. So, if you have oily skin, you can safely apply this foundation without worrying that it will make your already oily skin even more oily or acne-prone.

This foundation from NYX provides medium coverage that is buildable depending on the look you’re going for. It’s suitable for all skin types, although we found the finish to be more matte than dewy, which might not be suitable for very dry skin. This product does stand out for being vegan, as it contains no animal-derived or animal byproduct ingredients, and comes in 45 shades.

Coverage: Medium | Finish: Dewy | SPF: None | Shades: 45

What Stands Out

  • Despite being lightweight, it can still effectively cover blemishes and discoloration.

What Could Be Improved

  • This product has a smaller shade selection to choose from.

This Chanel product promises customers a buildable foundation that will leave your skin luminous—and according to our tests, it certainly lives up to its claims. We loved this product so much that we could see ourselves wearing it daily.

We also found that it is indeed a buildable foundation that is easy to layer and not only successfully evens out skin tone but also leaves the skin looking super smooth and hydrated. This hydration can be attributed to the product’s use of glycerin, a common beauty ingredient that excels at moisturizing skin.

The N°1 De Chanel Revitalizing Foundation only comes in about 20 shades, which is far fewer than its competitors. Although this foundation provides medium coverage, we thought it was very lightweight overall, especially considering it was so effective at covering up facial imperfections. Not to mention, while wearing this foundation, it didn’t look like we were wearing any makeup at all.

Coverage: Light to medium | Finish: Dewy | SPF: None | Shades: 20

What Stands Out

  • The radiant finish isn’t too greasy or glittery on the skin.

What Could Be Improved

  • The pump can get messy with consistent use.

Those with active acne or acne-prone skin likely want a foundation that won't clog pores, offers buildable coverage, and doesn't emphasize skin texture. The Luminous Silk Foundation from Armani Beauty fits the bill, thanks to the brand's pigment technology that lays flat on the skin with virtually seamless blendability.

Because it's an oil-free foundation, it won't highlight excess sebum production typically associated with acne-prone skin. Even those with dry skin can opt for this foundation—it performs just as well without emphasizing dehydration. We tested this product over three months on mature skin and were impressed that it melted into the skin incredibly seamlessly without any noticeable wrinkle lines or creases that we noticed with other foundations.

While the foundation comes at a higher price that initially caused some sticker shock, after using it for three months, it became a testament to the fact that a luxurious foundation can be worth the cost. It became our favorite everyday foundation for its smooth, silky finish, and we plan on repurchasing it.

Coverage: Medium | Finish: Natural | SPF: No | Shade: 40

What Stands Out

  • This foundation lasts all day.

What Could Be Improved

  • It may be too dry for some skin types.

Those loyal to matte foundations should consider adding the Chanel Ultra Le Teint Ultrawear Foundation to their makeup routine. Although this product is advertised as having a soft matte finish, our tests repeatedly found this product to be more of a true matte.

We were pleased that despite how very matte it was, it caused minimal creasing along fine lines, which is a common problem with matte foundations. It also has a solid medium to full coverage and is buildable.

We tested this product for three months and were happy to find that it held up well with a consistently blendable, buildable, and light coverage. The satin finish erased our pores and didn't sink into fine lines but still provided ample coverage over our problem areas.

The only thing we would improve is the addition of SPF for some added sun protection in this silky, barely-there formula. The Chanel Ultra Le Teint Foundation comes in 35 shades and can last up to 24 hours. It’s also oil-free, which stood out to us during testing.

Even though this product is higher priced than other options, we think the quality and performance over time are well worth it—we will be using this for everyday looks and full-on glam alike.

Coverage: Full | Finish: Soft Matte | SPF: None | Shades: 35

What Stands Out

  • This ultra lightweight foundation contains a high SPF.

What Could Be Improved

  • This pick doesn’t offer full or buildable coverage.

The Ilia Super Serum Skin Tint is not only oil-free but also contains an impressive 40 SPF plus squalane and hyaluronic acid—making this a skin-loving pick that can protect and shield your face while delivering nourishing ingredients.

What’s more, we found that, despite its dewyness, it didn’t make our skin look greasy or oily during wear. Instead, the tint imparted a dewy, natural-looking glow that blended in incredibly easily.

Overall, we loved this formula and confirmed that it is quite sheer, so if you’re looking for something with fuller coverage, you’ll want to try a different foundation.

Considering you need at least SPF 30 for your face to get sun protection, you can forgo the sunscreen and use just this. Not only that, but it’s fragrance-free and made without any potentially harmful ingredients.

Coverage: Light | Finish: Dewy | SPF: 40 | Shades: 30

What Stands Out

  • The formula has a serum texture and feels weightless on the skin.

What Could Be Improved

  • It can pill when applied over oil-based products.

With 51 shades in a natural, radiant finish, the Haus Labs Triclone Skin Tech foundation effortlessly conceals visible redness on the skin with buildable coverage. Because the formula isn't too matte or overly dewy, this base product works for varying skin types, including those with conditions like rosacea.

This foundation goes beyond cosmetics with its skincare ingredients, including powerhouse ingredients like fermented arnica—a known anti-inflammatory. There are also two patented blends; Intellizen 7 Complex, which promotes healing and soothing to irritated skin, and BioFerment 7 Complex, a mix of antioxidants that reduce environmental stress. With its high-quality ingredients and cruelty-free, vegan, and gluten-free standards, this is the perfect foundation to even out skin discoloration and redness.

Coverage: Medium | Finish:Natural | SPF: No | Shade: 51

What Stands Out

  • This foundation blends just as well with fingers as it does with a brush.

What Could Be Improved

  • The formula can be too oily for some.

Westman Atelier's Vital Skincare Dewy Foundation Drops are the quickest way to get an even and radiant complexion for people with sensitive skin. The finish is natural and glowy, giving your skin a healthy, hydrated look.

This result, in part, is thanks to ingredients like Tsubaki oil, ginseng extract, and pomegranate extract—these three additions promote visible firmness, brightness, hydration, and protection against free radicals, according to the brand.

Because the texture is less like a foundation and more like a serum, the drops blend effortlessly into the skin, even if you don't do a rigorous skin prep routine before application. It's available in 20 shades that are all dermatologist-tested and non-comedogenic.

Coverage: Light to medium | Finish: Radiant | SPF: No| Shade: 20

What Stands Out

  • The packaging features an ergonomic pump.

What Could Be Improved

  • Some of the lighter shades may oxidize.

The top concerns for mature skin typically are lack of moisture, signs of aging, and discoloration. The Charlotte Tilbury Beautiful Skin Foundation tackles all those concerns—and more—making it ideal for all skin types, not just those with mature skin.

This liquid base includes hyaluronic acid, a beloved humectant in skincare formulations. By attracting moisture to the skin, hyaluronic acid allows this foundation to visibly hydrate and revitalize while an active rose complex fights signs of fatigue for a vibrant complexion, according to the brand.

Plus, the formula is free from questionable ingredients like parabens, SLS, and phthalates and gives you a breathable 16-hour wear time with a medium opacity and subtle glowing finish.

Coverage: Medium | Finish: Medium | SPF: No | Shade: 30

What Stands Out

  • The texture is incredibly smooth compared to most other powder foundations.

What Could Be Improved

  • The shade range is skewed towards lighter skin tones.

The L'Oreal Paris Infallible 24H Fresh Wear Foundation is a unique and trend-setting powder foundation. Unlike other powders, this matte powder is weightless on the skin and gives a flawless full-coverage look and natural finish.

The powder is finely milled and works well with a cosmetic sponge and brush, depending on your application preferences.This foundation works great for anyone looking to minimize the appearance of texture without looking cakey or overdone due to its blurring effect.

We also love that the formula is waterproof, so you won't have to worry about it transferring or melting off your face throughout the day.This affordable compact comes in 20 shades that work for all skin types and is non-comedogenic and dermatologist-tested.

Coverage: Buildable, Full | Finish: Matte | SPF: No | Shade: 20

What Stands Out

  • This foundation has impressive coverage with a natural finish.

What Could Be Improved

  • The shade range is limited to only 24 tones.

Cream foundations are notorious for feeling too heavy on the skin, particularly when they have a high-coverage finish. The Radiant Cream Foundation from Clé de Peau is an exception,thanks to its buildable medium coverage and natural finish.

The formula features potentilla erecta root extract to help lock in moisture and ease the appearance of fine lines. And, unlike some other foundations, the addition of chestnut rosa fruit extract keeps the foundation from oxidizing.

Overall, this pick is ultra-smooth, hydrating, and long-lasting, as well as dermatologist-tested and non-comedogenic, making this foundation ideal for all skin types and concerns.

Coverage: Medium | Finish: Natural | SPF: 25 | Shade: 24

What Stands Out

  • It is safe for people with acne-prone skin.

What Could Be Improved

  • The shade's undertones run a bit yellow, which might not suit all skin tones.

Part foundation, part concealer, the Merit Minimalist Perfecting Complexion Stick is the multitasking base for your everyday routine. The product is convenient to take on the go, so the pin-point packaging design allows for easy application. And if you don't want to use a brush, the highly blendable formula comfortably melts into the skin with just your fingers.

After using this foundation for three months, it became a multi-functional product in our makeup arsenal, minimizing the need for additional products like powder and concealer. We loved that it provided ample coverage and blended in smoothly, making for an overall improvement in our daily makeup routine. We've repurchased the product several times and paired it with the Merit Brush No. 1, which made application even easier (which was hard to believe considering it was already a seamless process).

This foundation is packed with fatty acids that condition the skin and help retain moisture, plus sea daffodil extract, which minimizes visible hyperpigmentation on the skin, according to the brand. Each of the 20 shades is vegan, cruelty-free, gluten-free, and packaged in recyclable materials.

Coverage: Medium | Finish: Natural | SPF: No | Shade: 20

Final Verdict

Overall, we recommend the Lancome Teint Idole Ultra Wear Foundation for its unique combination dewy and matte finish that’s suitable for most skin types. We also liked that the partially matte finish didn’t enhance our fine lines or feel heavy after application, both of which are common matte foundation problems. If you're looking for a pick you can find at the drugstore, we like the L'Oréal Paris Infallible Foundation. It's inexpensive, has buildable coverage that resists transfer, and performed just as well as its pricier counterparts in creating a seamless finish.

Our Testing Process

We tested 32 different foundations on multiple skin types over several days. We first applied a patch of the foundation onto the backs of our hands and rated how each felt and reacted to our skin. Then, we put the foundations through a transfer test to see whether or not it transferred onto a white T-shirt five minutes after application.

After that, we applied the foundation to a clean, moisturized face (primer-free), and saw if the coverage and finish as advertised by the product was correct. Once applied, we wore the foundation for the next eight hours, without any other makeup on, to see how well it held up over time.

Some of the products we tested for this article were tested in real-world conditions over three months. We combined insights from our initial lab tests and these long-term tests to make our final selections of the best foundations for every skin type and concern.

We Tried 32 Foundations—These Are the 15 That Deserve a Spot in Your Makeup Routine (24)

How to Shop for Foundation Like a Pro

Coverage

There are three types of coverage in the foundation world: light, medium, and full. Which one is best for you depends on the look you're going for and what your skin type is. “For me, coverage level is based on the client and the look I’m trying to achieve,” Kodra says. He reaches for products that offer buildable coverage so he can create flawless looks that still look natural.

Medium coverage is best for people who want a greater level of coverage to even out their skin tone, while full coverage is best for people who want complete coverage over blemishes and dark spots. People with oily skin tend to reach for full-coverage makeup, while those with dry or acne-prone skin should go with a lighter formula that won't clog pores or dry out the skin.

Finish

There are two major types of finishes to keep in mind: dewy and matte. Dewy foundation, as the name suggests, is best for people who want their foundation to give them a natural glow. While dewy foundations will make your skin shine, matte foundations are designed to minimize shine and are best for people looking for more coverage to even out skin tone or hide blemishes. While matte foundation is designed to lessen the appearance of oily skin, it can also make fine lines and wrinkles more noticeable if it's not moisturizing enough.

You can also consider your skin type while choosing a finish. Williamson recommends avoiding matte foundations if you have dry skin and dewy foundations if you have oily skin.

Kodra takes another approach when selecting a foundation finish for his clients. "I tend to gravitate towards radiant, glowing finishes, as it is the most forgiving on all skin types, from textured to mature skin,” he says. “If I do want to achieve a very matte finish, I'm not afraid to work with a powder."

SPF

Some foundations include SPF for greater sun protection, but it shouldn't be a replacement for regular sunscreen.“The SPF in any foundation is not enough to keep you protected all day,” Silva says. Kodra adds that he’s a big fan of tinted SPF products as a makeup base.

Skin Concerns

Skin concerns, like rosacea or acne, can determine what type of foundation you should use. "Like any makeup product, it is possible for the foundation to break you out if it is a comedogenic formula or if you have blemish-prone skin," Kodra says. "The most important tip I tell all my clients after a glam session is to double-cleanse at the end of the day."

Ingredients play a key role in how your skin may react to a particular foundation, too. If you know certain additives like fragrances exacerbate your skin concerns, opt for foundations that don't include them or are dermatologist-tested or non-comedogenic.

We Tried 32 Foundations—These Are the 15 That Deserve a Spot in Your Makeup Routine (25)

More Foundations to Consider

Flower Beauty Light Illusion Liquid Foundation: Although we found this to be a lightweight foundation with dewy coverage and a smooth finish, we didn’t like the accompanying SPF smell or the fact that it creased under our eyes after application.

NARS Light Reflecting Advanced Skincare Foundation: This lightweight foundation performed well in our tests, although it has a bit of a watery texture that might not appeal to everyone.

Questions You Might Ask

How do you apply liquid foundation?

You can apply liquid foundation with your hand, brush, or with a sponge. According to LaGuardia, there is no wrong or right way to apply a foundation—it's just a matter of how each method will affect how your foundation looks.

Sponges like the Beautyblender are great for getting that "airbrushed" foundation look. To apply your foundation with a sponge, squeeze the foundation onto the back of your hand, then use a damp sponge (make sure all the water is squeezed out) to absorb the product. After that, dab it onto your face.

Brushes, on the other hand, are great for full coverage. To apply liquid foundation with a brush, dab dots of the foundation on your face, then take your brush and dab it around until you build up the coverage of your preference.

For this, LaGuardia likes to use two different brushes: a traditional flat foundation brush and a stippling foundation brush. "Your traditional flat foundation brush will give you more full and opaque coverage," she says, "and a stippling foundation brush is going to press the foundation into the skin while simultaneously buffing it out for a softer, more airbrushed finish."

For Williamson, she finds that water-based foundations are best applied by hand: "This adds a bit of grip to the foundation for added coverage before pressing onto the face." This is also a great application method for when you are in a rush. Before you start, make sure to wash your hands thoroughly. Then, apply dots of the product around your T-zone (forehead, nose, and chin) and spread all over your face.

We Tried 32 Foundations—These Are the 15 That Deserve a Spot in Your Makeup Routine (26)

How do you match your foundation?

With all the shades available, it can be tricky to find the exact shade that matches your skin. First, you need to start by figuring out your skin's undertone, which is what your skin looks like beneath the barrier.

The trick is to look at your veins under your wrist as guidance. According to LaGuardia, if your veins are green, you're warm-toned; if your veins are blue and purple, you're cool-toned; and if your veins are blue-green, you're neutral.

Once you figure that out, deciding on the right foundation for you is truly a matter of trial and error. Both Williamson and LaGuardia agree that the biggest mistake people make with foundation is trying to match a shade by applying it to their hand instead of their jawline. "It should blend in seamlessly with your face or neck," LaGuardia says.

She also notes that if you're tan on your neck and body but not as much on your face, then you should go with the shade of your neck (meaning you'll use a deeper shade of foundation to match your tan).

Another matching mistake Williamson commonly sees is people not waiting for the product to dry. "A lot of foundations will oxidize to a darker or warmer shade," she says. "Not waiting for the foundation to fully dry down prevents you from seeing the true shade."

When experimenting with foundations, wear them for a few hours both indoors and out, as they can look different on your skin in different lighting. If you don't want to go through all of that, you can actually get your foundation matched online from various beauty websites. Many makeup brands also have services that help you match your foundation.

Does concealer go over or under foundation?

In most cases, you should apply your foundation before your concealer. Foundation is supposed to be the base of your makeup look and is meant to even out skin tone, while concealer is meant to spot and treat imperfections like blemishes.

According to Hong, applying your concealer before your foundation could result in the product not working as well as intended. "When you apply concealer first, it often results in moving the concealer off of the area you originally intended to apply your coverage to," she says. "This means that if you're trying to hide blemishes, it will be much harder to achieve that high coverage result, and you might wind up having to apply concealer after foundation on those spots anyway."

What types of foundation do dermatologists recommend?

Most dermatologists recommend a foundation with claims like dermatologist-tested, safe for sensitive skin, or non-comedogenic. Additionally, some formulas on the market act as a foundation and skincare hybrid, making these a top recommendation.

However, the most important part of wearing foundation is removing the product. To prevent acne or premature aging of the skin, be sure to take your makeup off every night before bed to maintain your skin health.

Does foundation expire?

Like all makeup products, foundation does expire. "Check for the PAO, or period after opening, symbol on your product's packaging,” Silva says. A good rule of thumb is that the shelf life of most foundations typically ranges from 12 to 18 months after opening.

"I would always make sure to look at the formula and watch out for separation—usually, that's when it's time to swap for something new," she says, adding that keeping your makeup out of your bathroom and in a dry, cool place can help maintain the formula's integrity within that usable timeframe.

Take Our Word for It

This article was written by Rachel Center, a product reviews home writer for Real Simple, and updated by Grace Parsons, a beauty industry veteran and writer with over seven years of experience in both spaces. To compile this list, we tested 32 foundations in our lab and evaluated each foundation on its ease of application, whether or not it transferred onto clothing, the quality of the finish and coverage, and whether or not it held up over a regular, eight-hour day. Some of the foundations were also tested in real-world conditions over three months. Parsons researched countless sites and brands to find the top foundations for varying skin types and concerns. We also spoke to makeup artists Kevin Kodra, Anabelle LaGuardia, and Jonet Williamson, Real Simple's Beauty & Fashion Editor Hana Hong, and Rea Ann Silva, CEO and founder of Beautyblender, to solidify our selections and provide insight on how to shop for foundations.

What is Real Simple Selects?

Next to each product on this list, you may have noticed a Real Simple Selects seal of approval. Any product appearing alongside that seal has been vetted by our team—put through tests and graded on its performance to earn a spot on our list. Although we buy most of the products we test, sometimes we do get samples from companies if purchasing a product ourselves isn't an option. All products go through the same rigorous process, whether they are purchased or sent by the company.

Love our recommendations? Check out more products that have earned the Real Simple Selects, from humidifiers to cordless vacuums.

We Tried 32 Foundations—These Are the 15 That Deserve a Spot in Your Makeup Routine (2024)
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