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Why is your skin so good? A dedicated skin-care routine certainly helps, but sometimes a really good foundation is the unsung hero behind that pristine glow. Foundations have come a long way from the days when they could all be described like pastries (“cakey,” “flaky,” “powdery”).
As beauty editors, we can confidently say that finding the best foundation is no easy feat. Even after almost 20-plus years in the industry combined, we’re still playing trial and error and testing new formulas to find out what is the most compatible for our specific skin types. Although by now we finally feel like we’ve found our perfect match (more on that later, below), there are several factors to consider when you’re on the hunt for the perfect foundation.
FAQs
How do you know what formula works best with your skin type?
As soon as you determine your skin type (dry, oily, combination, or acne-prone), you will have to determine the type of coverage you’re looking for, whether you’re more of a full-coverage, sheer, or medium to buildable type of person. Lastly, you need to make sure the foundation range is inclusive and has a shade suited for your complexion and unique undertone. Thankfully, the shade range market has expanded and now there are more colors than ever before to choose from.
What should you look out for when trying a new foundation formula?
Pay attention to how the formula interacts with your skin. It’s best to search for a noncomedogenic foundation that will not clog your pores. Do a patch test first to be sure the formulation is compatible with your skin type. Thankfully, we’re in a “skinification of makeup” era, so plenty of formulas double up as skin care and work overtime to not only enhance but also nourish the skin.
Whether you’re looking for a stick or pump format, the best drugstore option, or a luxury foundation that’s actually worth your money, we’ve got you covered with editor-vetted options and other options tested by makeup artists like Katie Mellinger and Angela Levin that will leave you feeling confident — and looking like yourself at the same time.
The Everyday Favorite
The Best Luxury Foundation
The Best Drugstore Foundation
The Airbrushlike Foundation That Won’t Budge
Gucci Natural Finish Fluid Foundation
$69
$69
Gucci Beauty’s medium-coverage liquid foundation instantly leaves everyone questioning if your skin is really that perfect. A few pumps leaves the complexion smooth sans lines, marks, or anything else, giving it an airbrushlike finish that never gets oily, even on combination skin. Asia Milia Ware, the Cut’s fashion-and-beauty junior writer, says that she receives compliments every time she wears this foundation. She especially loves to wear it for Sunday brunch because it doesn’t budge through bottomless mimosas.
$69
at Sephora$68
at Net-A-PorterThe Best Full-Coverage Foundation
The One That Works Like a Sheet Mask
The Best Foundation-Concealer Hybrid
Westman Atelier Vital Skin Full Coverage Foundation and Concealer Stick
$68
$68
Use it as a foundation on full-glam days or as a spot concealer when you want a light makeup look; either way, this creamy vegan formula will melt into the skin for a flawless, radiant finish that never feels heavy. The coverage is buildable, and reviewers say it lasts all day long.
$68
at SephoraThe Foundation Meghan Markle Uses
The Foundation Rihanna Created
The Best Foundation for Dry Skin
NARS Natural Radiant Longwear Foundation
$50
$50
Dry skin calls for a heavily moisturizing, satinlike foundation, and that’s how this liquid makes the skin feel (and look). It is also full coverage and leaves a luminous finish. Multiple reviewers dub it their “holy grail” and turn to it for the natural finish, along with the radiance it provides even for the driest complexions.
$50
at Sephora$52
at NordstromThe Best Stick Foundation
The Best Foundation for Rich-People Skin
Clé de Peau Beauté Radiant Fluid Foundation
$130
$130
If you want a foundation that your grandma, mom, and fancy aunt will also all love, it’s this one. The soft blurring action makes skin of all ages look flawless, glowy, and bright. It gives a refined, nurtured quality to skin that makes it look expensive. Despite the luxury price point, a little goes a long way and the results last all day.
$130
at Nordstrom$130
at Macy'sThe Buildable Favorite
The Best Lightweight Foundation
Shiseido Synchro Skin Self-Refreshing Foundation SPF 30
$47
$47
If your past experiences with foundation can be generally summed up as “cakey,” this formula will help make amends. It’s comfortable, flexible, and melts onto skin, like a pair of liquid-looking leggings that are so comfy and cooling you convince yourself they are indeed pants so you can wear them all day. You can easily wear this foundation all day without rationalizing; it has SPF for when the sun is still up, and a fresh-looking glow that will still be there when the sun is long gone.
$47
at Nordstrom$47
at Macy'sThe Best OG Foundation
Bobbi Brown Skin Foundation SPF 15
$54
$54
In the early days, Bobbi Brown was one of the first makeup artists to create a diverse foundation range, with 30 shades. The undertones were just right, so it quickly became a favorite of Oprah and Naomi Campbell (she was shade #8). The foundation is still a big hit backstage and among makeup artists for its easy, blendable coverage that looks like real skin.
$54
at Nordstrom$54
at SephoraThe Best Clean Foundation
RMS Beauty “Un” Cover-Up Cream Foundation
$58
$58
Ever since Rose-Marie Swift launched RMS, she’s perfected this magic balance of clean and nourishing formulations with seriously dewy payoff. A few small strategically placed dabs of this rich creamy foundation, anchored by Swift’s signature cold-centrifuged coconut oil, are enough to cover an entire face. It’s soft enough to let your fingers do the blending and the glow it imparts will make you wonder how you managed to live without this stuff.
$58
at Amazon$58
at DermstoreThe Best Skin-Care/Foundation Hybrid
ILIA True Skin Serum Foundation
$54
$54
The skin-care ingredients in this foundation (aloe-leaf extract, jojoba oil, mastic) support founder Sasha Plavsic’s belief that taking care of your complexion is a double-duty job. Its liquid formula, which comes in 18 shades, is better for those who prefer light to medium coverage, but it’s easily buildable should you need more or want more.
$54
at Amazon$54
at NordstromThe One That Can Replace Everything in Your Skin-Care Regimen (Except Soap)
Iris&Romeo Best Skin Days
$48
$48
Let’s say you’re tired of applying serum, then moisturizer, then foundation, then sunscreen (or would that be sunscreen, then foundation?), or maybe you just want more room in your medicine cabinet. This medium-coverage base has a host of ingredients that emulate what all of the aforementioned products do — but also contains enough pigments to be a foundation. And if all that isn’t enough, its formula is clean. Mellinger is also a fan of how this foundation tones out redness with a barely there feel.
$48
at Credo Beauty$48
at Iris & RomeoThe Foundation That’s a Surprisingly Perfect Match
The Best Foundation for Combination Skin
Estée Lauder Double Wear Stay-in-Place Makeup
From $35
now 24% off
From $35
Moms have loved this classic foundation since it debuted in 1997. In the years since, the company has only made it better, adding an extended shade range (numbering 56 shades and counting). It’s oil-free, matte, and blends easily; reviewers praise it as looking especially flawless on combination/oily skin. It’s rumored to last a full 24 hours, so it should easily cover the workday and beyond.
From $35
at Amazon$49
at DermstoreThe Best Foundation With SPF
Tower 28 SunnyDays SPF 30 Tinted Sunscreen Foundation
$32
$32
Before this product even launched, it already had a wait list of more than 2,500 people. Blended with mineral sunscreen SPF 30, this light coverage foundation leaves no cast, has a flawless, natural finish, and was formulated to seamlessly match even those hard-to-match undertones. It is also perfect for Zooms and excess screen time since the formulation includes prickly-pear extract, which allegedly helps protect against blue-light pollution.
$32
at Credo Beauty$32
at Revolve Clothing
The One That Feels Like a Tint
Kosas Tinted Face Oil
$42
$42
If you love your favorite face oil but wish it also had the slightest tint, your dream product is right here. The only tinted face oil on the market that we know of, this makes your skin feel velvety and even cancels out redness. It’s ideal for beauty minimalists who don’t want a complicated routine, and it comes in 16 shades.
$42
at Nordstrom$42
at Free PeopleThe One That Is a Tint
Kevyn Aucoin Stripped Nude Skin Tint
$42
$42
If you prefer a light foundation that feels great on the skin, this skin tint is for you. Mellinger loves how it melts into the skin and notes that it doubles as a great primer if you want a bit more coverage. However, as with any skin tint, it’s hard to build up to medium coverage, so this works best for a light shine.
$42
at Dermstore$42
at Neiman MarcusThe Best Foundation That Doubles As a Serum
The Red-Carpet-Worthy One
The Foundation That’s All Over TikTok
Makeup by Mario SurrealSkin™ Liquid Foundation
$42
$42
TikTok always seems to have a makeup product on blast. This time around it’s the foundation from Makeup by Mario. And rightfully so. According to our very own junior beauty writer, Asia Milia Ware, it’s completely worth the hype. It blends seamlessly into your skin, making it look, you guessed it, surreal.
$42
at Sephora$42
at Kohl'sThe Foundation That Will Make You Glow
The Pro Makeup-Artist Approved Formula
Haus Labs Triclone Skin Tech Medium Coverage Foundation
$45
$45
This viral foundation has completely dominated your TikTok For You page for a reason. It’s that good and the formula deserves all its flowers. If you’re usually skeptical of celebrity-founded beauty brands, so are we, but hear us out: This Triclone skin tech formula will quickly win you over with its glow-inducing powers. It features innovative ingredients, like fermented arnica, which isn’t in most foundations on the market and helps soothe redness and inflammation. The inclusive 51-shade range instantly blurs and smooths the skin like no other without feeling too heavy or pore-clogging. Plus, celebrity makeup artists like Ariel Tejada, who does Kylie Jenner and more, approve.
$45
at Sephora
The One You Can Dance All Night In
YSL All Hours Luminous Natural Matte Foundation 24H Longwear SPF 30
$60
$60
This high-end foundation is definitely a pretty penny, but a little goes a long way and it literally lasts all night with a 24-hour wear claim, so you’ll get your money’s worth. Not that you’ll necessarily need to wear this foundation for a full day, but just in case, you can trust that the formula will not steer your skin wrong. The hyaluronic acid and jasmine-petal extracts both hydrate and brighten the skin while leaving behind a matte yet luminous finish. The formula is made to feel “breathable,” as the brand describes, and is made with such skin-enhancing ingredients that you can trust it’s working double duty to both enhance and nourish the skin from the inside out.
$60
at Nordstrom$60
at SephoraOur Experts:
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To find the best foundations, we tested more than 32 liquid foundations in our Lab and evaluated them on feel, finish, and wear across all skin types. We also spoke to makeup artists Kevin Kodra and Anabelle LaGuardia, in addition to Real Simple's Beauty & Fashion Editor, Hana Hong, and Rea Ann Silva, CEO and founder of Beautyblender, for more insight on how to match foundation to your skin, and what foundations work best for which skin types.
"For dry skin, you'll typically want to shy away from matte finishes," says makeup artist Jonet Williamson. Meanwhile, "oily skin types should avoid foundations with oil or dewy finishes, and those with normal or combination skin can go either way depending on preference."
Foundation can even out your skin tone, cover up blemishes, and create a flawless canvas for the rest of your makeup routine, making it a must-have in your beauty arsenal. But with so many finishes, formulations, and coverage levels to choose from, it can be a hassle to find a foundation that works for you and your skin.
The foundation includes hydrophobic pigments, which allow the foundation to stay true-to-color instead of oxidizing. It also has hyaluronic acid, a known skin hydrator, and jojoba, an emollient that softens and smooths the skin over time. The brand recommends applying the liquid foundation with a brush for a flawless finish.
One of the few foundations available that is EWG-verified and certified cruelty-free with the Leaping Bunny, the Beautycounter Skin Twin Featherweight Foundation is the ultimate lightweight and traceless foundation. The buildable, breathable formula visibly hydrates and plumps the skin for a healthy glow.
This foundation is packed with fatty acids that condition the skin and help retain moisture and 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.
Part foundation, part concealer, the Merit Minimalist Perfecting Complexion Stick is the multitasking base for your everyday routine. The product is designed for 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.
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.
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.
Cream foundations are notorious for feeling too heavy on the skin, particularly when they boast a high-coverage finish. The Radiant Cream Foundation from Clé de Peau is an exception, thanks to its buildable medium coverage and natural finish.
This affordable compact comes in 20 shades that work for all skin types and is non-comedogenic and dermatologist-tested.
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.
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 while offering 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 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 offers a breathable 16-hour wear time with a medium opacity and subtle glowing finish.
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.
Since 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 prior to application. It's available in 20 shades that are all dermatologist-tested and non-comedogenic.
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, offering a look akin to healthy, hydrated skin. 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.
This foundation blends just as well with fingers as it does with a brush.
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.
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. Since the formula isn't too matte or overly dewy, this base product works for varying skin types, including those with conditions like rosacea.
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 during fall and winter. Not only that, but it’s fragrance-free and made without any potentially harmful ingredients.
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 dewy-ness, 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.
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 the product was lightweight and went on pretty smooth, it dried quickly and left our face feeling slightly dry. As such, this won’t be the ideal choice for people with dry skin.
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 boasts a solid medium to full coverage and is buildable.
Since it is 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. While the foundation comes at a higher price, a little bit goes a long way with this foundation, so the smaller size is ideal for your everyday makeup routine.
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 pigments technology that lays flat on the skin with virtually seamless blendability.
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 overall very lightweight, especially considering it was so effective at covering up facial imperfections. Not only that, but while wearing this foundation, it didn’t look like we were wearing any makeup.
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.
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.
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 actually 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.
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.
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 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.
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. In fact, we were so impressed with its buildable abilities that we would use this foundation specifically for special events.
Our testing revealed that the L’oreal Infallible Fresh Wear Foundation performed just as well, or in some cases better, than its pricier counterparts. It felt very expensive for a drugstore option, as it went on like a dream and created a beautiful, seamless finish on our skin.
The finish is super matte, and may not look as natural as some of our other selections.
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 is made to last for 24 hours and is resistant to oxidation. This foundation is also 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.
The Lancome Teint Idole Ultra Wear Foundation offers the best of both worlds with its unique finish. We were delighted to discover 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.
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. This product comes in 50 shades and lasts up to 24 hours.
Our Testing Process
We tested 32 different foundations on multiple skin types over the course of several days. We first applied a patch of the foundation onto the back of their 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. We used all of these factors to determine the best foundation.
Real Simple / Tamara Staples
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,” says makeup artist Kevin Kodra. 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. Jonet Williamson, a professional makeup artist, 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,” says Rea Ann Silva, CEO and founder of Beautyblender. 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," says Kodra. "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. 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.
Real Simple / Tamara Staples
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 makeup artist Anabelle LaGuardia, there is "no wrong or right way to apply a foundation." Rather, "it is a matter of understanding 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 foundation onto the back of your hand, then use a damp (make sure all the water is squeezed out) sponge to absorb the product. After that, dab it onto your face.
Meanwhile, brushes are great for full coverage. To apply liquid foundation via 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. Meanwhile, "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.
Real Simple / Tamara Staples
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 are warm-toned. If your veins are blue and purple, you are cool-toned. If your veins are blue-green, you are 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," says LaGuardia. She also is keen to note that if you are tan on your neck and body, but not as much on your face, then you should "use your neck to match a shade to your face. This would mean wearing 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 Real Simple's Beauty & Fashion Editor Hana 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 the symbol on your product's packaging,” says Silva. “The shelf life of most foundations typically ranges from 12 months 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 adds 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 Samantha 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 the course of a regular, eight-hour day. Parsons also 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, in addition to 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.
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