Makeup-Artist Approved 10 Best Cream Foundations Of 2024
These creamy formulas blend perfectly into your skin, offering you seamless coverage.
Lorrie Pearson is a professional makeup artist who has been creating her signature natural makeup looks for 20+ years. She began her career working behind the cosmetics counter that helped her strengthen her skills in application. Ms. Pearson received her esthetics license from the Catherine Hinds Institute of Esthetics where she taught skincare and makeup.
Read full bio of Lorrie Pearson
Experience: 3 yearsEsha Saxena is a writer and journalist with over 3 years of experience. She holds a master’s degree in media and mass communication from St. Francis College for Women, Hyderabad, and firmly believes that makeup is nothing less than art.
Read full bio of Esha Saxena
Experience: 2 yearsSrijita De is a makeup and fashion enthusiast with a passion for empowering readers through practical tips and tricks to present their best selves with confidence. Armed with a postgraduate degree in English and Literature from the University of Calcutta, she has honed her writing skills and developed an in-depth understanding of the beauty and fashion world.
Read full bio of Srijita De
Experience: 7 yearsMadhumati is an associate editor with seven years of professional experience. She has previously worked as an editor, proofreader, and a writer with various organizations, helping her navigate through the various facets of content creation and refinement with ease.
Read full bio of Madhumati Chowdhury
Image: StyleCraze Design Team
A cream foundation is a thick creamy makeup base that offers a great finish and even coverage. This type of foundation delivers exceptional results and helps to conceal blemishes, dark spots, and other aging spots. Thus, the best cream foundation offers a flawless finish without making your skin greasy or messy. Furthermore, they are super versatile and offer a rich texture. Lorrie Pearson, a professional makeup artist, with 20 years of experience, says “What I love most about cream foundations is how smooth and flawless they can make your skin look and feel. Cream foundations are very buildable, giving your skin light to full coverage.” A moisture-rich cream foundation is ideal for dehydrated skin. While these cream foundations come with more staying power, finding the right option for you from the numerous foundations available in the market can be tricky. In this article, we have rounded up some of the best cream foundations that work great on most skin types. We have selected these foundations after going through the honest reviews from users online. Keep scrolling!
First, let us understand the several advantages of using the best cream foundation as per our skin type.
In This Article
The Benefits Of A Cream Foundation
- Good Coverage: Cream foundations can provide more coverage than powder foundation. All you need to do is apply a small amount of cream foundation to achieve the desired results. While it mostly caters to dry skin types, cream foundations can also cover spots and blemishes flawlessly on oily skin, further enhancing their timeless beauty.
- Flawless Finish: The best cream foundation leaves your skin feeling fresh and hydrated. It offers a dewy or satin finish while making sure that your makeup disappears into your skin. Its creamy texture sits easily on the skin and does not look too cracked or cakey. Unlike a powder foundation, you do not need to apply another layer of a hydrating primer before applying a cream or dewy foundation.
- Additional Benefits: Some cream foundations come with various skin care benefits and offer great nourishment to your skin. Always choose cream foundations that come with good-quality ingredients that your skin is not allergic to. If you’re even a bit suspicious, make sure to patch test the product before application.
Now, let us look at the different cream foundations available on the market. Scroll and pick your favorite!
10 Of The Best Cream Foundations That You Should Try
1. Best Long-Wearing:Dermablend Cover Creme Full Coverage Foundation
Review
Looking for a foundation that offers super high coverage? Dermablend’s Cover Creme Foundation is one formula that actually covers all skin conditions, including scars, tattoos, and vitiligo spots while feeling good on your skin. Here’s the best part: despite its ability to provide extreme coverage, it does not look cakey, does not feel heavy, and blends seamlessly, giving you a velvety finish. This dermatologist-tested foundation lasts up to 16 hours and comes in 27 shades for every skin tone. It is also tested for allergies and termed ‘non-comedogenic’, which means it will not clog your pores.
Pros
- Long-wearing
- Easy to blend
- Great coverage
- Dermatologist-tested
- Allergy-tested
- Wide range of shades
- Value for money
Cons
- None
"I like how well this foundation covers a range of imperfections with just a small amount. It blends effortlessly for a natural look and also backs up my sunscreen for extra sun protection. It does not clog my pores or look patchy by mid-day. It's definitely a good buy for a smooth coverage that makes the skin look even and polished."
Quick TipThe best way to blend a cream foundation is with a flat-top kabuki brush. The handle not only makes applying even foundation coverage easier, it is also more convenient to use.
2. Best With SPF 15:Radiant Professional Natural Fix All Day Matt Foundation SPF 15 (6A Earthy Tan)
Get the goodness of foundation and sun protection in the Radiant Professional Natural Fix All Day Matt Foundation SPF 15. It is designed to give you a natural-looking matte finish with full coverage. The cream-powder formula of this cream foundation offers fuller coverage that will last you through a hectic day without budging. The rich, creamy emulsion texture of this dermatologically tested foundation glides smoothly, providing a veil of protection from UV rays whilst giving you flawless-looking skin.
The vitamin E in the formula acts as a botanical alternative for hyaluronic acid and polysaccharides; it hydrates your skin thoroughly and gives it elasticity and youthfulness. The non-acnegenic formula is also formulated with micro powder that regulates skin’s oiliness, gives a natural powder-perfect finish, and gives an airbrushed matte finish by keeping sebum at bay.
Pros
- Suitable for all skin types
- Matte finish
- Paraben-free
- Gluten-free
- Smudge-free
- Cruelty-free
- All-day wear
- Oil-free formula
- Airbrush effect
- Full coverage
- Dermatologically tested
Cons
- None
"The minimalist packaging design got me attracted to this product at first. But, I was taken over by how well this blends to cover the skin imperfections. The creamy texture is surprisingly very lightweight. It gives a slight matte finish, so prepping with a good moisturizer helps me get the natural look. I love it for the polished look but barely-there feel."
Quick TipAlways ensure that your face is clean and moisturized before applying foundation. To achieve long-lasting wear, use a primer.
3. Best Hydrating:Cover FX Total Cover Cream Foundation
Review
Cover FX Total Cover Cream Foundation is loaded with emollients and antioxidants such as vitamins C and E. Its luxurious cream formula protects your skin against free radicals while providing a radiant, second-skin like finish. Its creamy, ultra-blendable texture of tri-system blend has made this foundation a cult-favorite for contouring too. You can find your pick from its range of 40 global shades. You can also check reviews from users with similar skin tone as yours who have tested the product to find your ideal match.
Pros
- True to color
- Long-wearing
- Hydrating
- Lightweight coverage
- Buildable coverage
- No animal testing
Cons
- None
"I like the good shade range of this product. it helps me mix and match two shades to get the perfect match for my skin tone. The creamy formula applies smoothly and lasts for a good while without cakiness. Use a moisturizer before application and then a damp blender to create a natural, glowing look."
Dermablend Cover Creme Full Coverage Foundation Best Long-Wearing | Radiant Professional Natural Fix All Day Matt Foundation SPF 15 (6A Earthy Tan) Best With SPF 15 | Cover FX Total Cover Cream Foundation Best Hydrating | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Skin Type | Combination, Oily Sensitive, NormalColor | AllColor | CombinationColor |
| Dimensions | 2.31 x 2.31 x 2.5 inches | - | 3 x 1 x 3 inches |
| Weight | 0.96 Ounces | - | 2.24 Ounces |
| Rating | |||
| Reviews | 98 | 26 | 256 |
| Price | - | $22.99 | $44 |
| Buy Now | Buy Now | Buy Now |
4. Best Non-Comedogenic:L’Oreal Paris Infallible Total Cover Foundation
The L’Oreal Paris Infallible Total Cover Foundation is your go-to lightweight, full-coverage foundation. This high-pigment formula provides a flawless matte finish that lasts all day. The oil-free and water-based formula has a lightweight feel, allowing it to blend seamlessly into your skin and instantly smoothens and evens out complexion. Elisa Flowers, a makeup artist, loves using this foundation as it feels lightweight but offers incredible coverage. This budget-friendly foundation is also enriched with an SPF of 15, protecting your skin from the sun’s harmful UV rays, while giving you a radiant finish. This makeup-artist approved long wear matte finish foundation is perfect for when you want to achieve a natural and flawless look.
Pros
- Weightless feel
- Natural finish
- Lightweight formula
- Full coverage
- Demi-matte finish
- Non-comedogenic
- Oil-free
- Best suited for oily and acne prone skin
- Lasts up to 24 hours long
Cons
- Cakey finish
"This foundation boasts a lightweight feel and it does not disappoint! I do need a bit of moisturizer to prep the skin before using this formula, but then the results are long-lasting and near-perfect! It's become a staple in my kit for those long days when I don't have the time to do touchups."
Quick TipWhen looking for the right foundation shade, swatch it on your jawline to see if it matches both your neck and face. If the foundation matches your jawline shade, it is your exact shade.
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
With 1,010 positive reviews on Amazon, this product has become a bestseller.
5. Best Anti-Aging:Bobbi Brown Skin Foundation Stick
Review
This award-winning stick foundation from Bobbi Brown is designed to look and feel like skin – and it does a spectacular job. It is formulated with a unique transparent base for true-to-skin shading and is expertly tailored to match your undertone to even out and correct your complexion. The hydrating formula features a blend of rich emollients like shea butter and olive extract to keep your skin moisturized, while its light-diffusing properties and oil-controlling ingredients target shine control. This foundation is available in 43 shades. If you are an absolute beginner, this video review featuring a tester’s experience of using the product might be useful.
Pros
- Weightless formula
- Long-wearing
- Buildable coverage
- Softens fine lines and wrinkles
- Mimics the look of a healthy skin tone and flawless texture
Cons
- Expensive
"This one's a favorite! It does the job well, is easy to carry around, and also has quirky packaging that is discreet and easy to use. It applies smoothly for medium coverage and a natural finish. It glides over a moisturized face without any dryness or settling into lines."
6. Best Color-Correcting:Kevyn Aucoin The Sensual Skin Enhancer
Review
The Sensual Skin Enhancer is a versatile, waterproof complexion perfector that covers, corrects, and conceals flaws. Its highly pigmented formula contains jojoba oil and honey and can be layered for buildable coverage. Despite its high concentration of pigments, its impressive formula is non-cakey and does not settle into fine lines or pores. No wonder this is a go-to product for both professionals and beauty lovers! It comes in 16 shades. Reviewers online mention that this foundation will suit mature skin very well as it does not cake up on application or enhance fine lines.
Pros
- Long-wearing
- Easy to blend
- Water-resistant
- Great for uneven skin tone and redness
- Neutralizes skin tone and color-corrects
- Suitable for contouring
Cons
- Expensive
"I like the versatile coverage and lightweight feel of this foundation and it provides a luminescent finish without a cakey look. It requires minimal product for a full-coverage effect. The durability throughout the day is so good that it's part of my routine now."
7. Best Oil-Free:Laura Mercier Silk Crème Oil-Free Photo Edition Foundation
Review
Laura Mercier’s Silk Crème Foundation helps create a flawless canvas that lasts up to 12 hours. The extraordinary thing about this foundation is how comfortable it feels on your skin while hiding even the most stubborn imperfections. Even makeup artists can’t stop raving about it! When applied with a damp handy sponge, its true-to-color pigments virtually disappear into your distressed skin, leaving it looking fresh, healthy, and flawless. This makeup-artist approved foundation is available in 16 shades so you can find your ideal match effortlessly.
Pros
- Long-wearing
- Easy to blend
- Oil-free
- Non-comedogenic
- Natural luminous finish
Cons
- None
"This is my go-to product for all evening and nighttime uses. It does a great job of covering imperfections without the heavy makeup feel. It goes on smoothly and gives me a photo-ready look that does not stick out in pictures. It's a good option for a reliable, non-cakey finish."
8. Best Moisturizing:Koh Gen Do Moisture Foundation
Review
Koh Gen Do’s Moisture Foundation has been a cult-favorite for about 30 years now. Its feather-light formula boasts the coverage of a cream with the comfortable moisture of a liquid. The light-diffusing mineral pigments of this professional makeup-artist approved foundation visibly blur fine lines, pores, dark circles, and imperfections, while its plant-powered moisturizers help your skin stay significantly healthy. Find your pick from its range of 12 shades.
Pros
- Infused with 80% moisturizing ingredients
- Enriched with hydrolyzed yeast and aloe extract
- Helps with blurring imperfections
- Long-wearing
- Buildable coverage
- Suitable for sensitive skin
Cons
- None
"This was an accidental find because I generally like to try new products but it's been a win for skin! It's a hydrating formula that lasts without caking and gives buildable coverage for a natural look. Overall, a good find for a dewy finish and also to carry around in the purse for quick touchups and spot coverages."
9. Best Lightweight:Neutrogena Healthy Skin Compact Makeup
Review
Neutrogena Healthy Skin Compact Makeup is a lightweight cream foundation makeup with a broad spectrum of SPF 55. It is enriched with Vitamin E, Vitamin A, C, B5, natural soy that provides antioxidant benefits to the skin. The non-greasy formula delivers flawless, buildable coverage without looking cakey or heavy on the skin. This sleek compact foundation doesn’t clog pores and is dermatologist-tested. The lightweight foundation is available in 8 shades to match your skin tone.
Pros
- Lightweight
- Portable application
- Buildable coverage
- SPF-infused
- Non-comedogenic
- Dermatologist-tested
Cons
- None
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
This product is so liked by shoppers that it has gained over 670 great reviews on Amazon.
10. Best For Color Correction:e.l.f. Camo CC Cream
The e.l.f. Camo CC Cream is a full-coverage color-correcting formula that comes with SPF 30 protection. This drugstore foundation cream is perfect for everyday use. Thanks to its flawless finish, it helps you to achieve a natural-looking complexion. This buildable formula is infused with hydrating and youth-boosting ingredients like hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, and peptides. The active ingredient hyaluronic acid helps provide your skin with hydration by locking in moisture resulting in a plump complexion and bouncy skin. Niacinamide even outs your skin tone and brightens it, while peptides give a more refreshed complexion. The foundation is also infused with skin-loving collagen known to improve skin texture and tone.
Pros
- Lightweight
- Provides even tone
- Ideal for all skin types
- Provides SPF 30
- Buildable coverage
- Cruelty-free
- Phthalats-free
- Paraben-free
- Sulfate-free
- Nonylphenol ethoxylate- free
- Triclosan-free
- Triclocarban-free
- Hydroquinone-free
- Vegan
Cons
- Thick consistency
"I was looking for a full-coverage CC cream that does the job but is not a full-blown foundation, and this did not disappoint! It feels light on the skin and also backs up my sunscreen with its SPF 30. I generally use a primer to get the smooth base look but it's a good one for those preferring a matte over a dewy finish."
Now that you have a clear idea of the cream foundations that are worth the shot, take a look at the various aspects that you should keep in mind while purchasing a cream foundation.
What To Look For In A Cream Foundation (Buying Guide)
- Skin Type
While cream foundations work great on every skin type, they are specially made to rejuvenate dry skin and remove unwanted flakiness. Powder foundations mostly accentuate dry skin and cause further drying. However, cream foundations can be used to moisturize the skin. You can also choose products with natural ingredients to avoid any potential reactions on sensitive skin.
- Coverage
Purchasing the best cream foundation depends on the coverage that you are aiming for. For instance, many cream foundations offer medium coverage which are best for daily makeup. However, most cream foundations offer full coverage that work wonders for glamorous events and parties.
- Finish
Choose the correct foundation shade as per your skin tone to get a flattering, flawless base. Most cream foundations offer a healthy glow to your skin as they moisturize the skin and keep dryness at bay. You can achieve a glowy and dewy finish with the help of a good cream foundation.
- No Cracking
Choose cream foundations that feel light and breathable on the skin. Look for foundations that offer smooth application and avoid thick, greasy formulas that form cracks and creases on the skin after application. The application technique of your cream foundation should also be able to minimize fine lines, dark spots, and wrinkles. The best cream foundation offers a youthful finish to the skin.
In the next section, we go through the several steps that should be undertaken while applying the best cream foundation in a proper way.
How To Apply Cream Foundation: A Step-By-Step Guide
Step 1: Cleanse Your Skin:
Before the actual application starts, it is important to cleanse your skin and remove impurities. Cleanse, tone, and moisturize your skin to make it smoother and more supple. Leave your skin without any makeup for 3 to 4 minutes after cleansing.
Step 2: Apply Your Primer: Prep your skin well by using a primer as the base of your makeup. Primers usually help your makeup stay longer than needed. Use your finger tips, or a slightly dampened brush to apply the primer evenly.
Step 3: Apply The Cream Foundation: For cream foundations, a little goes a long way! So, take a little bit of foundation on your makeup sponge and apply the foundation while blending it outwards. It is always recommended to dab the foundation throughout your face for even coverage. Apply layers of foundation as per your desired finish.
Step 4: Blend It Well: After dabbing, make sure that your foundation has been blended well. Use a foundation brush to blend your foundation so that it disappears into the skin. You should cater to your forehead more, as foundations often tend to crease and crack in that area.
Step 5: Apply Translucent Powder: Set your cream foundation well with a translucent powder that can take away the greasiness from your face, if any. Powders are also helpful if you want to achieve a matte look with the help of cream foundations.
Voila! You have successfully applied your cream foundation.
Infographic: Benefits Of Using A Cream Foundation
When it comes to achieving a flawless makeup look, using a foundation is essential. Although liquid foundations often take all the credit, cream foundations can be equally, if not more, beneficial. They offer buildable coverage that can range from light to full, making them perfect for achieving a natural, glowing look or a more dramatic one. Check out the infographic below to explore all the benefits of using a cream foundation.
Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team
The Bottom Line
Foundation is a great way to camouflage the impurities on your skin. When used right, it can make you look appealing and gorgeous. It helps to cover the dark spots, fine lines, and other visible aging signs. Unlike regular foundations, a creamy foundation adds rich texture to your skin and promotes the makeup to blend well. If you have a deep skin tone, ensure to swatch the color correctly on your face. The Dermablend Cover Creme Full Coverage Foundation is a great choice for maximum coverage, while the L’Oreal Paris Infallible Total Cover Foundation is the perfect option to get a flawless, natural finish. However, if you are looking for a lightweight texture that renders a smooth finish, try Laura Mercier Silk Crème Oil-Free Photo Edition Foundation. The products in our list are long-lasting, have soothing ingredients and provide full coverage to prevent creasing. They have a non-greasy texture and blend seamlessly.
That was our round-up of the 10 best cream foundations. Which one are you looking forward to trying? Let us know in the comments below.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which type of brush do you use for cream foundation?
You can use stippling brushes for cream foundations. They offer a lightweight, airbrushed look with densely packed bristles.
Who should wear cream foundation?
People with dry and matured skin should wear cream foundations. Creamy formulas offer better coverage and provide excellent hydration to the skin.
Is powder or cream foundation better for mature skin?
Cream foundation is better for mature skin than powder foundations. Cream foundations cover signs of aging while offering a flawless complexion.
Are all cream foundations oily?
Yes, cream foundations are oily, but the amount of oil in the formula depends on the ingredients. If your foundation contains argan oil, sunflower seed oil, or mineral oil, they can turn out to be oily.
If I use cream foundation do I need to apply powder also?
No, you can apply a cream foundation without powder. But a setting powder helps keep your makeup intact for hours.
Are cream foundations better than liquid?
Both cream foundations and liquid foundations have unique benefits. Cream foundations offer an airbrushed, lightweight look, while liquid foundations are known for heavier makeup looks. Cream foundations tend to stay shinier for longer periods. Liquid foundations can appear dull on the skin after a few hours of application.
Why Trust StyleCraze?
Esha Saxena, the author of this article, is passionate about makeup. Her deep interest in the topic enables her to catch up with the new trends and people’s requirements regarding different makeup products. Keeping your quality concerns in mind, she has scored numerous product reviews to bring you top-quality products through this list of the best cream foundations. In addition, she has highlighted the distinctive features of each one to help you make an informed decision.
Read full bio of Lorrie Pearson
Read full bio of Esha Saxena
Read full bio of Srijita De
Read full bio of Madhumati Chowdhury
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