Selecting the perfect foundation can sometimes feel like finding a needle in a haystack. What shade will match best, especially when ordering online? Is liquid foundation the right choice for me instead of powder? What about SPF? Seriously, where do I begin?!
All of these questions are valid — believe me. As someone who loves trying new makeup brands (and someone who’s a sucker for pretty packaging), I’ve been wanting to dig into the makeup minefield of liquids to powders and drugstore to high-end for quite some time.
In this edition: the very best full-coverage liquid foundations after two years of consistent testing.
RELATED: Best makeup primers we reviewed
Whether you’re seeking out top-rated foundations specially designed for mature skin or others to help hydrate your dry skin, this guide is for you.
Naturally, I tested dozens of foundations to put together a comprehensive list of the best ones worth your money. No more sifting through shades or spending big bucks, only to discover your new foundation only lasts for two hours and becomes cake-y.
“A full-coverage foundation has more pigment in it, therefore fully masking blemishes or marks on the skin, and evening out all discoloration, whether it’s due to the person’s veins, hyperpigmentation or rosacea and redness,” Natalie Dresher, bridal and special event makeup artist, told the New York Post, in explaining what makes a full-coverage foundation actually full coverage.
“I believe an ideal foundation should last on the skin for 12 hours perfectly for the typical, nonprofessional consumer,” Dresher added. “This means that it will last for a full work day, for a night out or a typical day of being out and about.”
Sephora
Price: $$
Lady Gaga may be performing “Poker Face” on stage, but she sure knows how to dish out a foundation to help you achieve your most flawless face yet. And, because the formulation was “Born This Way,” it’s surely worth the “Applause.” OK, enough Gaga puns.
The HAUS LABS BY LADY GAGA Triclone Skin Tech Foundation with Fermented Arnica isn’t only my most-used foundation as of late but it’s the one that has received the most compliments when worn (and that’s how you know a standout foundation from the pack, TBH). It never creases, is featured in a generous shade range and even helps to reduce redness — something I noticed immediately.
It’s also hypoallergenic, so not only is this long-wearing foundation one that’ll flatter any skin tone but it’s apt for sensitive skin. It’s easy to apply to your face and blend with a brush, and it’s simply too good not to try at least once. In short, add it to your cart and thank me later.
Sephora
Price: $$$
Ranked as the best foundation for dry skin overall in our review, the Charlotte Tilbury Beautiful Skin Liquid Foundation is lightweight (yet still full-coverage, depending on how much you’d like to apply) and — the best part — never looks cake-y or flake-y. It has one of the most elegant finishes I’ve tried in a foundation, thanks to its inclusion of hyaluronic acid in its ingredient list (aka, the dermatologist-approved superstar that just keeps on giving).
When I want something that’s easy to blend but gives me a subtle glow, this is the usual suspect I reach for — especially during the daytime. This foundation also makes my skin appear smoother whenever worn, a bonus if you want to help reduce the appearance of pores.
For more to shop, check out our Charlotte Tilbury review — featuring an interview with Miss CT herself.
Sephora
Price: $$
Truth be told, I could make a TED Talk advocating how much I love Anastasia Beverly Hills (well, actually, my full brand review is pretty much that). The brand continues to hit it out of the park — and not just with its top-rated Brow Wiz ($25). Though, that’s one I swear by, too.
The Anastasia Beverly Hills Luminous Foundation is fairly priced compared to other formulations tested and, while the appearance of fine lines isn’t completely mitigated as I may like, it’s one of the best for balancing the skin. Most importantly, it never irritates my skin and has been my go-to before consistently trying out brands for two years; this exact foundation was my go-to in high school, there for me through prom days and the cap-throwing graduation ceremony.
Better yet, its shade range is quite generous, the bottle looks spectacular on your makeup vanity and it lasts pretty much all day, though sometimes I have to use a pressed powder if I tend to get oily. Overall, it’s a gentle, trusty formulation worth adding to your shopping cart, along with the A30 Pro Domed Kabuki Brush ($24) — probably my favorite tool ever.
Ulta Beauty
Price: $$
What’s great about the Tarte Face Tape Foundation is how natural and smooth your skin will look after, which is especially great for anyone with bumpy or acne-prone skin. If my skin happens to have an acne-flare up or blemish, I resort to this particular formulation.
Part of the reason why it performs beautifully on the skin is likely its patented Tape Technology that “helps smooth texture and blur the appearance of pores, fine lines and wrinkles,” per the brand. I totally agree with its claim, and it also is great at wicking off sweat or moisture when worn in hot temperatures.
Though it has a heavier and stickier feel, it’ll do the job of helping to make your skin feel like it’s not bumpy, hiding the blemish you have with flying colors. With a wide shade range — oh, and its top-rated Shape Tape Concealer ($31) following suit — you’ll be reaching for this quite often.
Sephora
Price: $$$$
I can’t be the only one whose mom dragged them to the Macy’s counter when they were little (specifically, the Lancôme counter) for their usual stock-up. When I started wearing pressed powder and some eyeshadow, I eventually enjoyed my somewhat-regular mall trips, and then saw how its array of face products swayed more toward clients with mature skin.
Though I’m in my early 20s, I can see why the Lancôme Teint Idole Ultra Wear Care & Glow Foundation is a favorite among those in their 40s to 60s. It’s versatile, serves as a wonderful base for the rest of your makeup and includes hyaluronic acid to help hydrate and cover lines and wrinkles. It also contains SPF 27, resulting in a silky natural glow that is especially suited toward those with duller or less plump skin.
Ulta Beauty
Price: $$
When I used to watch makeup tutorials on YouTube (the “beauty guru era of 2012,” as I like to call it), Smashbox was always presented as a top brand for camera-flashing moments and long-day wear. That still holds true, but there’s something about its Always On Skin-Balancing Foundation that helps to absorb more oil than other foundations tested.
To set the record straight, I don’t have completely oily skin. I do, however, tend to get oily throughout the day at times, and this foundation didn’t budge. Insightfully, it flaked a bit on where my skin is ultra-dry, making me tangibly notice how much better it performed on the oilier parts of my face.
It’s another foundation infused with hyaluronic acid, but I found it to stay on for more than eight hours without smearing or sweating off. Its inclusion of antioxidants also help to protect the skin from environmental stressors. With a chic bottle and trusty formula, it’s worth a shot, especially if you have oily skin.
Sephora
Price: $$$$
Chances are, the Armani Beauty Luminous Silk Perfect Glow Foundation is one that would come out of the mouth of any makeup artist you talk to (I’d confidently bet money on this) when on the subject of wedding day foundations. It’s a standout for sure, though pricier than most. But, it’s worth every penny.
What impressed me the most? It’s not as thick as other full-coverage foundations tested, but it’s ability to balance out my skin tone upon first application gives it that wow-factor. Of course, it’s buildable, but that’s up to personal preference. It gives your skin the ideal no-makeup makeup look that you’ve been seeing all over social media, too.
What’s more, its shade range is pretty expansive, the foundation is oil-free and offers that your-skin-but-better look. You’ll be speechless during your first pass of this beauty gem, and wanting to continue repurchasing its one-of-a-kind formula.
Sephora
Price: $$$$
I’m not going to lie, matte makeup isn’t really my jam. I don’t love shiny foundations either, but a formulation that offers a well-balanced, slightly radiant finish is more my speed. However, the Yves Saint Laurent All Hours Natural Matte Foundation didn’t make my fair skin look washed out. Instead, it felt like I was balancing my skin tone while treating my face to an array of benefits.
Because it contains both hyaluronic and SPF 30 in its formulation, this skincare buff was over-the-moon (in fact, SPF 30 is what dermatologists recommend using). It’s quite the spend — the most expensive on this list — but if you really want a wealth of benefits, it’s worth the buy.
Just when I thought it couldn’t get any better, it has a near-weightless feel that made it stand out from the rest of foundations during the testing process. It’s more lightweight, so keep that in mind, but an alluring option nonetheless.
Sephora
Price: $$
True story: I met the one and only Mario Dedivanovic (the man, the myth and the legend behind the MAKEUP BY MARIO brand) to celebrate the launch of his SurrealSkin Liquid Foundation and, as soon as I tried it for the first time, I loved how plump and hydrated my skin looked.
Its quality and ability to blend exceptionally well makes me believe it should be on-par with those priced around $50 to $60 (though, I’m absolutely not complaining). It’s a staple for anyone seeking an effective full-coverage look without wanting to feel heavy. It also lasts for the entire work day.
With vegetal squalene, it helps moisturize the skin — making it a top option for combination or dry skin types, especially. Though it isn’t the best at keeping your skin oil-free as the day progresses, its formulation is worth the hype (and, the pump is one of the most ergonomic I’ve used).
Sephora
Price: $$$$
The PAT McGRATH LABS Sublime Perfection Foundation is just as riveting as the brand’s array of beyond-gorgeous eyeshadow palettes and is one of the best brands I’ve tested for full-glam looks. In short, you’ll want to do a major shopping spree before your next date night or formal occasion.
Not only is its packaging second to none — even the box it comes in! — but its ability to serve as the longest-lasting foundation I tested is exemplary. Specifically, it consistently upheld from 5:20 a.m. to 10:00 p.m., coming in clutch on my commute to work, the eight-hour work day and for events happening in the nighttime.
It’s the ultimate splurge, too. It’s closest in formulation to the Armani Beauty Luminous Silk Perfect Glow Foundation, but a bit more lightweight and longer-lasting.
Sephora
Price: $$
Queen RiRi has more to show than her iconic Super Bowl halftime performance. Her brand, Fenty Beauty, has one of the most coveted foundations in the industry with its Pro Filt’r Soft Matte Longwear Foundation.
TLDR: you won’t find a more generous shade range (and this goes for most of the brand’s products) that not only lasts for the entire day but also offers the most subtle of matte finishes. This is wonderful for my preferences, as I don’t love a full-matte look. It’s great for any skin type, too, as it never flaked on me but never seemed to make my skin feel oily as the day progressed.
It’s formulation doesn’t lean lightweight or heavy; it’s the perfect Goldilocks foundation. Perhaps this is why it has a grandeur appeal to the masses (and one I’ll continue to recommend indefinitely).
Sephora
Price: $$$
Shop the Bobbi Brown Skin Long-Wear Weightless Foundation SPF 15 if you’re looking for a bit more skin protection than your typical run-of-the-mill foundation. Though the Yves Saint Laurent All Hours Natural Matte Foundation includes the dermatologist-recommended SPF count of 30, your makeup should never replace applying a facial sunscreen and this one, in particular, had a noticeably elegant finish following my skincare. It’s also much more affordable than YSL’s formulation.
While I didn’t find it to be completely long-lasting (or should I say, as long-lasting as I would have liked), it’s true-to-full-coverage, easy-to-blend design makes it one I continue to reach for. It also helps to correct your undertone, helping to make my skin appear less red.
Sephora
Price: $$
The Dior Backstage Face & Body Foundation is one I find in every pro’s toolkit, simply because it has a unique ability to cover your skin’s imperfections on a “thicker” level, helping to produce more full-glam looks with ease, as opposed to more buildable formulas that take a few passes.
Listen, I used this foundation in all temperatures (including 90-degree days in Arizona) and it didn’t leave my skin. Generous shade range aside, its hyaluronic acid-infused, hydrating formulation is fairly priced compared to others tested, and also wonderful to travel with.
Sephora
Price: $$$
Charlotte Tilbury strikes again with her Airbrush Flawless Foundation. To be totally candid, it’s the heaviest foundation I tested, so it may not be for everyone, but it’s the one I reach to if I’m taking plenty of photos that day — whether it’s a headshot, a family party or any other paparazzi-filled event (and by paparazzi, we mean the BFF who knows how to get all the angles in record time).
Not only does it last for an impressively long amount (more than eight hours!) but it feels weightless on the skin, even though it has a heavier consistency. I don’t know what magic Queen Charlotte put in this formulation, but it’s a surefire standout — and one worth the try.
Victoria Giardina
My skin is sensitive and partially dry though it can have its oily moments, so it took me exactly two years of testing (aka, ransacking Sephora and Ulta Beauty for the best on the market) to test each one consistently. Here’s an overview of what I looked for while applying:
For a closer look, I have some drier spots around my nose, on my chin and above my eyebrows. But, even if you have oily skin or acne-prone skin, our roundup of the best foundations can still be helpful.
That said, we have you covered — literally. If you’re looking for lighter coverage, check out our roundup of the best tinted moisturizers, along with the best makeup primers and best setting sprays we reviewed to prep and finish off your look.
“I personally use a brush using downward strokes to not disturb any vellus hairs on the face and then I personally like to blend in any rough ‘edges’ or ‘lines’ with a damp sponge,” Dresher explains. “Damp sponges do thin out the product so I wouldn’t use a sponge directly under the eyes or on any areas where coverage is desired.”
For specific options, check out our expert-backed guide to the best foundation brushes. We also included an easy-to-read table highlighting the top picks in this review at a glance.
Hunting for a headline-worthy haul? Keep shopping with Post Wanted.
Read on to find the next full coverage foundation that will have your skin looking smoother than ever.
There’s a myriad of foundations (and tons of shades available for each) to discover in the full-coverage space, so we took to the PEOPLE Tested lab to decide which products deserve the space on your beauty counter. After testing 31 foundations, we decided that these 12 were worthy of being shared with you as our PEOPLE-approved picks.
This type of foundation aims to minimize pores and blemishes as well as correct tone for a more even base. In today's era of skin-first makeup and dewy, natural finishes, it’s not incredibly common for makeup artists to employ the use of full coverage products, but that’s not to say this practice is extinct. And for makeup-users, sometimes you feel more comfortable in something that disguises elements of your skin that perhaps make you a bit self-conscious.
It can be intimidating to experiment with a full face of makeup, especially when it comes to foundation. There’s a fine line between looking airbrushed and looking cakey when trying full-coverage foundation , but it's no surprise that this age-old makeup product is the secret behind some of Hollywood’s most flawless faces.
Best Overall
Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless Foundation
Sephora
View On Nordstrom
$49
View On Sephora
$49
View On Bloomingdales
$49
Our Ratings
Pros
Longwearing
Easily blendable
Skincare component
Cons
Slightly drying
Labeled as one of the most seamless foundations of the bunch by our testers, the Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless Longwear Foundation wowed with its little-goes-a-long-way formula and impressive staying power. This liquid foundation was made to be a hybrid between skincare and makeup to craft a complexion that looks as healthy as it feels.
Formulated with ingredient complexes that aim to hydrate the skin and refine wrinkles, this foundation felt nourishing when applied on the tester’s skin and was able to cover almost all of their imperfections with just two pumps. They appreciated the way this foundation felt locked in on their skin without creating dryness, as there was no color transfer when blotted and the formula stayed put while being blended with a sponge.
While this product is supposed to help moisturization, our tester did feel like the results were slightly drying. However, this didn’t become a deterrent in the end, as they shared that they “would sacrifice additional moisture for staying power and transfer resistance.” Our tester also noted that this would be a great formula for those with naturally oily skin — ensuring a matte finish, strong staying power and smoothed texture for any skin type.
Size: 30 ml | Shades: 44 | Finish: Matte | Skin Type: Balanced, dry, combination
People / Jessica Juliao
People / Jessica Juliao
People / Jessica Juliao
Best Drugstore
NYX Total Control Pro Drop Foundation
Amazon
View On Amazon
$9
View On Target
View On Walmart
$8
Pros
Very blendable
Smooth texture and semi-matte finish
Tone-evening
Cons
Some color transfer when blotted
Not all blemishes covered
The NYX Total Control Pro Drop Foundation is the perfect lightweight, buildable option for someone who wants to achieve a full-glam look without spending too much money.
It only took our testers four pumps of the dropper to get enough foundation to cover their skin in a texture-smoothing, tone-evening sheen. The lightweight formula “had a shine to it, but didn’t look oily — it looked healthy,” said our tester after blending the foundation, which blurred effortlessly without creasing or pilling up.
Thanks to its wide variety of shade options, our tester was able to find a hue that perfectly matched their skin tone from the neck-up. While they did experience transfer when they blotted their skin with an oil blotting sheet, they still felt that the look was beautiful — remaining free of creases and smudges, even after repeatedly touching the face. For a drugstore price, this foundation has some serious power.
Size: 0.43 ounces | Shades: 29 | Skin Type: All
People / Jessica Juliao
People / Jessica Juliao
Best Splurge
Chantecaille Future Skin Cushion Skincare Foundation
Bluemercury
View On Nordstrom
$139
View On Walmart
$115
View On Dermstore
$145
Our Ratings
Pros
Ultra lightweight
Glowy finish
Tone-evening
Cons
Small shade range
Glamor is the name of Chantecaille’s game, and their Future Skin Cushion Skincare Foundation is no exception. This stunning foundation glides seamlessly onto the skin thanks to its hydrating, water-based formula and provides a healthy glow that the wearer can boast all day long thanks to the staying power our tester made note of.
The lightweight product had just enough pigmentation to cover our tester’s redness but was never cakey on the skin or settled into wrinkles, a quality that they especially appreciated. They went so far as to call the semi-matte finish “impeccable,” later stating that they had “never felt a foundation this light that actually provided coverage” without feeling like they were wearing a full face of products.
Our only wish is that there were more shades to choose from, as this delectable formula should be felt by everyone.
Size: 0.42 ounces | Shades: 8 | Finish: Semi-matte | Skin type: All
People / Jessica Juliao
People / Jessica Juliao
Jennifer Garner’s Go-To Face Cleanser Leaves Skin Plump and Glowing After Every Wash
Best Stick
Nudestix Nudies Tinted Blur Stick
Sephora
View On Amazon
$32
View On Nordstrom
$28
View On Sephora
$32
Our Ratings
Pros
Buildable coverage
Blurring
Evens discoloration
Cons
Need a moisturized base to perform well
Not all foundations are made the same, and this definitely rings true for the Nudestix Tinted Blur Foundation. Pivoting from liquid products, this stick foundation allows you to work up to the level of coverage that you want thanks to its buildable and easy-to-blend formula.
Our tester especially liked that it was able to easily cover their discoloration with just a few taps of their fingers or brush, two methods that worked to effortlessly blend the foundation onto their skin. Since the product is a stick, its formula is naturally denser than liquid versions, meaning it was able to minimize pores and blur the skin easier than liquid foundations can.
Our tester did feel as if the formula was on the slightly drying side over time (as most full-coverage products are), so they suggested the use of a great moisturizer before applying the foundation for the best results. This foundation should be on everyone’s radar thanks to its versatility, from the light coverage-lover to the full-coverage fan.
Size: 0.42 ounces | Shades: 11 | Finish: Semi-matte | Skin Type: All
People / Jessica Juliao
People / Jessica Juliao
The 10 Best Dark Spot Correctors of 2024, Tested by Real People
Best SPF
Kosas Revealer Foundation SPF 25
Sephora
View On Nordstrom
$42
View On Sephora
$42
View On Walmart
$68
Our Ratings
Pros
UV protection
Natural finish
A little goes a long way
Cons
Slightly pricey
We all know the importance of wearing our sunscreen, but did you ever think to incorporate it into your makeup routine? Kosas’s Revealer Skin Improving SPF 25 Foundation consists of, you guessed it, SPF 25 to protect your skin against harmful UV rays throughout the day, while still leaving you with flawless texture and a healthy glow.
Our tester was blown away by the beautiful results this foundation gave them, needing only two pumps of the formula for an even-toned result that seamlessly blended over their entire face and easily covered mild redness and small blemishes. “My face was glowing, even-toned — dare we say, stunning? The coveted ‘no make-up makeup’ look unlocked,” they praised.
Though the price point is quite high compared to some other foundations, we do think this foundation is well worth the investment thanks to its skincare benefits and glow-y results. “I usually opt for tinted moisturizers and concealer, but this foundation has me changing my mind,” our tester raved. For the skincare-conscious, this foundation will be a no-brainer.
Size: 1 ounce | Shades: 23 | Finish: Natural | Skin Type: All
People / Jessica Juliao
People / Jessica Juliao
The 15 Best Makeup with SPF of 2024, Tested and Reviewed
Best Powder
Estée Lauder Double Wear Powder Foundation
Sephora
View On Nordstrom
$52
View On Sephora
$49
View On Walmart
$46
Our Ratings
Pros
Sweat- and water-resistant
Extensive shade range
Doubles as setting powder
Cons
Did not hide natural discoloration
You’ve seen liquid and stick foundations, but let us introduce you to the best powder for full coverage: the Estée Lauder Double Wear Stay-in-Place Matte Powder Foundation. This pressed powder has more than 30 shades in order to match as many skin tones as possible and feels lightweight on the skin thanks to its finely-pressed formula.
After some testing, our volunteers found favor with this comfortable foundation that blended easily onto their skin and felt light enough to wear during the summer for breathability and shine control. They also loved the fact that this product could double as a setting powder for a tinted moisturizer or similar cream products.
Though this foundation has decent pigmentation, it was not potent enough to disguise our tester’s natural pigmentation. However, this would work wonders for someone who wants a more natural look or uses this powder as a setting agent for their base layer of liquid foundation or concealer.
Size: 0.42 ounces | Shades: 31 | Finish: Matte | Skin Type: Oily, combination, balanced
People / Jessica Juliao
People / Jessica Juliao
People / Jessica Juliao
Best for Oily Skin
Fenty Beauty Pro Filt'r Soft Matte Foundation
Sephora
View On Sephora
$18
View On Walmart
$39
View On Walmart
$40
Our Ratings
Pros
Huge shade range
Easily blendable, weightless
Sweat- and shine-reducing
Cons
Needs multiple layers to be full-coverage
There’s a difference between a radiant, glowing finish and oily skin, though it is, admittedly, a tough line to toe. The Fenty Pro Filt’r Soft Matte Longwear Liquid Foundation is the secret ingredient to oil-controlled skin with its climate-adaptive formula that resists the buildup of sweat, shine, and oil on the skin when exposed to heat or after long hours of wear.
Our testers immediately noticed how lightweight and easy to blend this formula was, even stating that it “doesn’t even feel like there’s makeup on,” making this an easy product to reach for everyday. There was very little transfer onto the blotting sheet as well, which means that this product’s staying power is no joke.
Though this product will last you all day, you may prefer its use for more natural makeup days, as its pigmentation is not as full coverage as it claims. Our tester with hyperpigmentation felt as if they would need several more layers of the product to get a true full-coverage effect, but that this was a beautiful product for those looking for medium/buildable coverage (or anyone who doesn’t have dark circles or spots). Long, sweaty days in the summer are no foe to the Fenty Pro Filt’r.
Size: 1.08 ounces | Shades: 56 | Finish: Matte | Skin Type: Oily, combination, balanced
People / Tamara Staples
People / Jessica Juliao
Best Buildable Coverage
ILIA True Skin Serum Foundation
Nordstrom
View On Amazon
$54
View On Nordstrom
$54
View On Sephora
$54
Our Ratings
Pros
Radiant, skin-like finish
Very blendable and customizable coverage
Non-oxidizing
Cons
Slight transfer onto blotting sheet
One of the biggest deterrents for people when it comes to full coverage foundations is the fear of looking cake-y or the skin drying out, which is why a buildable product is one of the better options for customizable coverage. The Ilia True Skin Serum Foundation hits the mark with its medium coverage formula made with niacinamide to not only provide a finish that feels as healthy as it looks, but can be easily layered for more coverage, if necessary.
Even after applying a few layers of the product, our tester was impressed by the weightlessness of this product and its ability to cover up redness and pores while still producing a dewy, natural finish. They felt that they would still need to use a powder to set the foundation in their naturally oily areas, like the T-zone, but that the glow-y foundation was easily blendable, highly breathable, and produced a “texture that felt like silk.”
Like most of the products in this test, this foundation transferred slightly onto the blotting sheet used, but only left product-produced oil on the sheet and kept the foundation mostly intact on their skin. Because this formula doesn’t oxidize either, it’s perfect for all-day wear — meaning you can wear a little during the day for a natural look and boost the coverage for a night out without the fear of yellowing or cakiness.
Size: 1 ounce | Shades: 30 | Finish: Natural | Skin Type: Oily, combination, balanced
People / Jessica Juliao
People / Jessica Juliao
People / Jessica Juliao
Best Weightless
Pat McGrath Labs Sublime Perfection Foundation
Sephora
View On Nordstrom
$69
View On Nordstrom
$69
View On Nordstrom
$69
Our Ratings
Pros
Airbrush finish
Hydrating and comfortable feel
Super lightweight
Cons
Slight creasing
If you’re looking for a skin-perfecting foundation that feels like you’re wearing no makeup at all, then look no further than the Pat McGrath Sublime Perfection Foundation. Luxe in design and formula, this pore-erasing, incredibly lightweight and “truly sublime” foundation (according to our tester) was one of the most natural-looking yet tone-correcting products tested during these trials.
Only one layer was needed to get the desired level of coverage that our tester was going for, but the formula was buildable enough to easily blend another layer on top for an even more “perfect” look. Our tester attributed this lightness to its water-based formula, which made the product feel like a tinted serum instead of a thick foundation, making it “ideal for everyday wear or days that you want a second skin.”
After wearing the foundation for a good amount of time, our tester noticed a bit of creasing at their smile lines, but this was to be expected as the foundation hadn’t been set with powder — a staple in most beauty routines. Our tester still loved how this product both looked and felt on their face, stating that their “skin looks truly glorious” and was truly worth the investment (its price tag is not cheap). Ms. McGrath wasn’t kidding when she called her product "sublime".
Size: 1.18 ounces | Shades: 36 | Finish: Natural | Skin Type: Balanced, dry, combination, oily
People / Jessica Juliao
People / Jessica Juliao
People / Jessica Juliao
Best Natural Finish
Lancôme Teint Idole Ultra 24H Long Wear Matte Foundation
Sephora
View On Sephora
$57
View On Ulta
$57
Our Ratings
Pros
Extremely large shade range
A little goes a long way
No cakiness
Cons
The finish reads a bit matte
Natural makeup-wearers will love the little amount of product that is required to achieve a flawless look with the Lancôme Teint Idole Ultra 24H Long Wear Matte Foundation, as only the smallest drops of this product were necessary to comfortably cover our tester’s skin. They were happy with how nicely the product held its own on their skin, staying away from creasing and cakiness.
They also loved how natural their skin looked after application, noticing how beautifully the foundation was able to blend out to a skin-like result while still offering coverage. A very small amount of product was transferred during the blotting test.
Our testers definitely voted to recommend this product to family and friends due to its ease of application and gorgeous results, though they do want you to be aware that the end finish is quite matte, meaning you won’t get too much of a natural sheen glowing through the product in the end. However, this look may be perfect for some readers and your new favorite foundation could be just a click away.
Size: 1 ounce | Shades: 49 | Finish: Matte | Skin Type: Oily, combination, balanced
People / Jessica Juliao
People / Jessica Juliao
People / Jessica Juliao
Best No Transfer
Elizabeth Arden Flawless Finish Mousse Makeup Flawless Finish Mousse Makeup
Amazon
View On Amazon
$35
Our Ratings
Pros
Super lightweight
Tone-correcting
Hydrating
Cons
May not last throughout the day
Low shade range
Introducing the Elizabeth Arden Flawless Finish Mousse Makeup, a mousse-style foundation that offers a buildable, natural-looking finish. A little goes a long way with this product, as our testers noticed that a single, small pump of the mousse was able to blend into the entirety of their face. It was as lightweight on the skin as it felt in the can, which was a nice break from liquid and stick foundations.
While this mousse was initially effective in the no-transfer department, our tester noticed that the mousse began to feel oily on their skin after about 20 minutes. There are also only six shades available, which is notably limited for a complexion product.
Size: 1.76 ounces | Shades: 6 | Finish: Natural | Skin Type: Balanced
People / Jessica Juliao
Best for Dry Skin
KVD Beauty Good Apple Skin-Perfecting Hydrating Foundation Balm
Sephora
View On Target
$43
View On Sephora
$43
View On Walmart
$40
Our Ratings
Pros
Hydrating
Evens texture and hyperpigmentation
Easy to apply
Cons
Plastic packaging
It can be daunting to think of applying full coverage foundation to dry skin, but the moisturizing KVD Good Apple Skin-Perfecting Hydrating Foundation Balm is here to make skin-perfecting products available to everyone, even those with dry skin. Its formula is made with apple extract and sodium hyaluronate to nourish the skin while evening the tone, taking care of our tester’s hyperpigmentation and leaving their skin reading more moisturized than it did before.
This product takes us back to our first days spent experimenting with makeup, when most of us applied products by “finger painting,” a practice you can revisit with this foundation. Our tester marveled at how easy it was to blend this formula out with their fingers, which felt like a great product to throw in travel bags for light touch ups on-the-go.
Though its hydrating properties and easy-to-use formula were unbeatable in our tester’s eyes, they did wish the compact was a little more inventive to look prettier when displayed in their makeup collection, but its beautiful results outweighed the plastic packaging woes. Everyone with dry skin and special events coming up can rejoice, because this moisturizing full-coverage foundation is here to save the day.
Size: 0.35 ounces | Shades: 40 | Finish: Matte | Skin Type: Dry, combination, balanced
People / Jessica Juliao
People / Jessica Juliao