13 Best Makeup Artist-Approved Foundations For Every Skin Type – 2024
It's time to introduce more advance and unique formulations to your makeup regime.
Nyssa Green is an Emmy award winning makeup artist and a trusted beauty and lifestyle expert with over 20 years of experience. Her diverse portfolio of clients includes celebrities from all walks of life, like Alicia Keys, Bono, Jane Fonda, Vickie Winans, Jermaine Dupri, several US Presidents, authors, and politicians.
Read full bio of Nyssa Green
Baishali is a beauty and lifestyle writer and holds a master's degree in English from Assam University. She specializes in makeup and fashion and is also a certified Style and Image Consultant. Prior to this, she was a part of a digital marketing company in Kolkata where she wrote stories on travel, beauty, and home décor.
Read full bio of Baishali Bhattacharya
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: 3 yearsSrijani is an associate commerce editor with a master's degree in journalism and mass communication from the University of Calcutta, West Bengal. She is certified in makeup techniques and is also a certified style and image consultant.
Read full bio of Srijani Roy Chowdhury
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A statement-making foundation is a must-have item in your enhanced beauty kit. These are available in various formulas – liquid, powder, or cream – and ensure that you achieve a consistent skin tone. Most of the foundations are enriched with moisturizing ingredients that combine skin care and makeup to give you radiant skin. Here, we have listed the 13 best foundations for different skin tones. Check them out and pick the shade closest to your skin tone.
In This Article
13 Best Foundations You Must Add To Your Makeup Arsenal – 2024
1. Best Drugstore Foundation:Maybelline New York Fit Me Matte+ Poreless Liquid Foundation
The Maybelline New York Fit Me Matte+ Poreless Liquid Foundation is a lightweight formula that mattifies and refines pores. It leaves your skin with a natural, seamless finish. The foundation contains micro-powders that absorb excess oil and offer a matte and poreless-looking finish.
It provides medium coverage with long-day makeup wear and gives you a weightless feel. It is dermatologist-tested and non-comedogenic. It contains skin-friendly ingredients. You can choose your shade from a diverse variety to match your skin tone. Nyssa Green, an Emmy award-winning makeup artist and founder of The Green Room says, “In my opinion, it is one of the best drugstore foundations on the market.”
Skin Type:
- Normal to oily skin
- Lightweight
- Long-lasting
- Non-comedogenic
- Hypoallergenic
- Dermatologist-tested
- All-day wear
- Absorbs excess oil
- Leaves a cakey appearance
- May stain clothes
Quick Tip2. Best Longwear Coverage:Revlon ColorStay Liquid Foundation
The Revlon ColorStay Liquid Foundation wears for up to 24 hours. It offers the best coverage with SPF 15. The smooth texture glides on the skin effortlessly and leaves you with a gorgeous appearance. This oil-absorbing foundation withstands the oil and greasiness.
The SPF-infused foundation does not settle into fine lines. Its time-release technology, specially formulated for combination or oily skin, controls oil secretion and shine and leaves a matte finish. The foundation is available in 43 different shades ranging from light to medium to dark. Its budge-proof formula has made it a cult favorite among many reviewers.
Skin Type:
- Oily or combination skin
- Lightweight
- Non-greasy
- Protects skin from sun damage
- 24-hour long makeup-wear
- Minimizes large pores
- Absorbs excess oil
- No cakey appearance
- Oil-free
- Absorbs shine
None
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
The extensive 4,203 rave reviews on Amazon prove why we are vouching for this product.
3. Best Powder Foundation:bareMinerals Barepro Powder Foundation
The bareMinerals Barepro Powder Foundation is a skin-improving formula with full coverage. This mineral-based foundation leaves you with a matte finish. It stays on to the skin for up to 12 hours. This pore minimizing pressed powder is formulated with 90% natural ingredients powered by vitamins and minerals that offer full and flawless coverage.
This high-performance foundation does not clog skin pores. It leaves skin breathable, ultra-smooth, and silky. The velvety smooth foundation powder effortlessly glides on the skin for superior customizable coverage. This expertly crafted formula has been clinically shown to improve skin clarity, reduce pore size, and control shine to make one appear photo-ready.
Skin Type:
- Oily and sensitive skin
- Lightweight
- Full coverage
- 12-hour long makeup wear
- Ultra-smooth texture
- Reduces pore size
None
Did You Know?Maybelline New York Fit Me Matte+ Poreless Liquid Foundation Best Drugstore Foundation | Revlon ColorStay Liquid Foundation Best Longwear Coverage | bareMinerals Barepro Powder Foundation Best Powder Foundation | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Skin Type | Normal; OilyColor | CombinationColor | SensitiveColor |
| Dimensions | 1.26 x 1.26 x 4.06 inches | 1.25 x 1.25 x 4.13 inches | 2 x 1 x 2 inches |
| Weight | 1.06 Ounces | 0.13 Ounces | 1.6 Ounces |
| Rating | |||
| Reviews | 110,861 | 4,203 | 8,745 |
| Price | $6.94 | $9.99 | $26.4 |
4. Best For Mature Skin:Covergirl + Olay Simply Ageless 3-in-1 Foundation
If you are looking for a liquid foundation for your mature skin, The Covergirl + Olay Simply Ageless formula is your right pick. The dual formula reduces the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and other symptoms of premature aging. It is formulated with hyaluronic acid that rejuvenates skin and restores radiance.
This antioxidant-rich foundation is infused with vitamin C that firms the skin and delivers optimum hydration along with anti-aging benefits. It also contains nicotinamide (or vitamin B3) to strengthen the skin’s natural protective barrier. The velvety smooth texture easily glides on to the skin. It evens out the skin tone and blurs the appearance of dark spots and other skin imperfections with its blurring effect. Check out this video on YouTube for a detailed understanding of the product and to know more about a tester’s experience with it.
It is cruelty-free and 100% vegan. It is available in various shades to match your complexion.
Skin Type:
- All mature skin types
- Lightweight
- 100% vegan
- Cruelty-free
- Reduces fine lines and wrinkles
- Suitable for sensitive skin
- Firms the skin
- Strengthens skin’s protective barrier
None
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
The product has more than 3,230 reviews and is a top choice all around the world.
5. Best For All Skin Types:L’Oreal Paris Infallible Pro-Matte Foundation
The L’Oreal Paris Infallible Pro-Matte Foundation gives you a matte finish. It also keeps excess skin oil at bay for up to 24 hours. It is lightweight and smooth. It is creamy in texture and glides effectively on the skin for a flawless finish. It has medium coverage and is perfect for everyday use. It is transfer-proof and effectively blurs the skin’s imperfections. It is available in 28 different shades to match your skin tone and to impart a radiant glow.
Skin Type:
- All skin types
- Lightweight
- Long-wearing
- Holds makeup for 24 hours
- Transfer-resistant
- Shine-control
- Leaves a streaky orange finish
RememberWhy We Think It's Worth Buying
Almost 19,807 happy users have mentioned the value and quality of this product.
6. Best 2-In-1 Foundation:Milani Conceal + Perfect 2-in-1 Foundation + Concealer
If you want a multi-tasking formula with a dewy finish, high coverage, and something that also blurs imperfections, The Miliani Conceal+ Perfect 2-in-1 Foundation is the ideal beauty edition. It is a lightweight, oil-free formula that reduces dark undereye patches and unwanted skin redness.
It blurs other skin imperfections and blemishes with just a tap. It is a water-resistant concealer and foundation that gives you a bright, bold finish and retains your natural appearance. This smart formula serves all purposes and evenly blends with the skin tone. It brightens your appearance.
It provides medium to full coverage and long-day makeup wear. Pick your favorite blender and pump out one dollop of your favorite shade for a silky-smooth finish. Nyssa Green says, “The darker shades also help in beautiful contouring.”
Skin Type:
- Normal, dry to combination skin
- Long-wearing
- Lightweight
- Water-resistant
- Reduces dark circles
- Cruelty-free
- Glides smoothly
None
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
It has received over 18,175 rave reviews on Amazon, proving it is a mass favorite.
7. Best Lightweight Foundation:Rimmel Stay Matte Mousse Foundation
The Rimmel Stay Matte Foundation is lightweight. It has an airy mousse texture that will keep your skin from feeling oily or greasy throughout the day. It blends in well with the skin and minimizes pores.
It does not sink down into the fine lines or wrinkles. Neither does it leave a cakey appearance. The oil-free, silky-smooth formula offers an all-day shine-free and natural finish.
Skin Type:
- Oily skin
- Lightweight
- Fragrance-free
- Full-coverage formula
- Reduces the appearance of pores
- No cakey appearance
- Does not settle into fine lines or wrinkles
- Long-lasting
- Leaves oranges streaks
- Could dry the skin out
- Consistency is too thick
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
There are more than 8,601 Amazon reviews attesting to the quality of the product and endorsing its value.
8. Best Oil-Free Foundation:e.l.f. Flawless Finish Foundation
A heavyweight, sticky foundation leads to acne-breakouts. The e.l.f. Flawless Finish Foundation is a lightweight, oil-free formula that blends naturally into the skin for a beautiful, semi-matte finish. It gives full coverage and absorbs oil for a shine-free look.
The liquid formula restores the natural shine and uneven skin tone for a brighter complexion and even tone. It provides SPF 15 to protect the skin from sun damage. It is cruelty-free and made of 100% vegan ingredients. It is available in a wide range of shades that complement all skin tones.
Skin Type:
- Oily skin
- Lightweight
- Oil-free
- Cruelty-free
- 100% vegan
- Paraben-free
- Phthalate-free
- Contains SPF 15
- Long-lasting makeup wear
- Overpowering fragrance
9. Best Waterproof Formula:NYX Professional Makeup Can’t Stop Won’t Stop Full Coverage Foundation
The NYX Professional Makeup Can’t Stop Won’t Stop Foundation is a lightweight, waterproof, highly pigmented formula that provides full coverage for long makeup wear. This comfy, long-wearing liquid comes in a variety of shade ranges that do not transfer.
This creamy liquid effortlessly glides on skin and delivers a matte coverage that stays up to 24 hours. This oil-free formula mattifies the skin and controls the shine for a natural finish.
Skin Type:
- Normal, oily, combination, and sensitive skin
- Ultra-lightweight
- Provides full coverage
- Highly pigmented
- Waterproof
- Long-wearing
- Does not transfer
- Shine-control formula
- 100% vegan
- Cruelty-free
- Available in 45 shades
None
10. Best For Sensitive Skin:Almay Truly Lasting Color Liquid Makeup Foundation
If you are looking for a long-lasting color with a natural finish that stays perfect during sultry weather or marathon workdays, try the Almay Truly Lasting Color Liquid Makeup Foundation. It is formulated with vitamin E and lemon extract that keep your skin smooth and bright, protecting it from free radical damage.
The long-lasting color keeps your makeup intact for up to 16 hours without a touchup. It provides light to medium coverage and blends seamlessly. It produces a naturally luminous finish. It helps cover dark circles under the eyes. It is a dermatologically-tested, fragrance-free formula.
Skin Type:
- Oily and sensitive skin
- Cruelty-free
- 100% vegan
- Dermatologically-approved
- Fragrance-free
- Lasts all day
- Seamless blend
- Hypoallergenic
- Blurs dark circles
- Consistency may be too thick
- May cause allergic reactions
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
It has gained over 1,941 positive reviews on Amazon, making it an all-time best-seller.
11. Best Non-Comedogenic Foundation:Neutrogena Hydro Boost Hydrating Tint Moisturizing Foundation
If you are looking for a natural finish that will not clog your pores and instead give you light coverage, The Neutrogena Hydro Boost Hydrating Tint Moisturizing Foundation is your right pick. The lightweight and high-definition water-gel formula features hyaluronic acid that plumps the skin, restores skin hydration, and reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
This oil-free makeup foundation does not clog pores or cause any breakouts. It provides 24-hour wear and blends easily for a healthier look. It creates a healthy, natural, moisturized skin with a fresh look. It is available in 10 blendable shades.
Skin Type:
- Oily, acne-prone skin
- Breathable
- Blends easily
- Does not clog pores
- Oil-free
- Improves skin suppleness
- Does not settle into fine lines
- Reduces the appearance of fine lines
- Plumps the skin
- Could dry the skin out
12. Best Concealer Foundation Set:Phoera Soft Matte Long Wear Liquid Foundation
If you want a two-in-one foundation that brightens your look and conceals imperfections, the dermatologist-tested Phoera Oil-Control Liquid Foundation is the right pick. This waterproof foundation provides full coverage with a soft matte finish. It is lightweight and easy to blend.
It contains whitening and moisturizing ingredients that correct an uneven skin tone and plump your skin. This cruelty-free liquid foundation can mask fine lines and wrinkles and even reduce pore size. It boosts radiance for 24 hours and leaves skin feeling silky smooth and shine-free.
Skin type:
- Dry and oily skin
- Lightweight
- Waterproof
- Easy to wear
- Reduces pore size
- 24-hour makeup wear
- Long-lasting
- Easy to blend
- Oil-controlling formula
None
13. Best Foundation For Face And Legs:Dermablend Professional Skin Perfecting Body Foundation With SPF 25
If you want to cover your varicose veins, stretch marks, scars, and age spots, try the Dermablend Professional Skin Perfecting Foundation. The lightweight high-performance pigment fades away all the scars, marks, and skin redness with its buildable coverage.
The foundation also offers good SPF protection. It is formulated with octisalate (3.2%) and octocrylene (6%) with broad-spectrum SPF 25 that protects skin from sun damage. The foundation provides a smudge- and transfer-resistant makeup wear that lasts for up to 16 hours. You would love to try out 12 true-to-tone, fade-proof shades.
Skin Type:
- All skin types
- Lightweight
- Transfer-resistant
- Smudge-proof
- Fadeproof
- Provides buildable coverage
- Protects against sun damage
- All-day hydration
None
These are the 13 best foundations available online that can help you create your favorite celebrity-inspired makeup looks. Let us take a look at the different types of foundations you can use as per your skin type.
Types Of Foundations
- Liquid Foundation: It comes in both oil-based and water-based formulations. Normally, liquid foundations are best suited for dry skin and for makeup beginners as they are easy to apply. But they can go with all skin types and provide 3-4 hours of wear. Such foundations offer a matte, dewy finish with light, medium, and full coverage.
- Powder Foundation: If you have oily skin, a powder foundation would be your best choice. These are talc-based formulae and their microparticles tend to absorb excess oil. They do not settle into fine lines and offer light to medium coverage.
- Creamy Foundation: This emollient formula is perfect for dry skin. It nourishes the skin and provides full coverage. This high definition (HD) cream foundation lasts up to 10 hours without creasing or caking. It gives dry, dehydrated skin a new lease of life by providing proper hydration. Some color-correcting creamy foundations can also hide blemishes and fine lines while restoring radiance.
- Mousse Foundation: It is ultra-lightweight and contains microbubbles that make it airy. It offers medium to full coverage. It does not settle into the ridges or accentuate lines and wrinkles.
Serum Foundation: This is among the most popular foundations suitable for oily skin types. It has the lightness of a tinted moisturizer and the coverage of a foundation. This silicone-based formula is lightweight, watery, and thin. It easily blends with the skin tone. - Foundation Stick: As the name suggests, this solid foundation is attached to the stick and delivers more pigment and coverage. It is perfect for those who do not want to mess with the liquid or creamy formula but desires a HD finish.
The following buying guide will help you choose the right foundation for your skin type.
Choosing The Right Foundation – A Detailed Buying Guide
- Skin Type: You must understand your skin type before picking your foundation.
Oily Skin: If you have oily skin, use a powder foundation that can absorb oil to leave a shine-free look. The mineral foundation also works well on oily skin as the dry particles tend to absorb shine for a matte finish. An oil-free liquid foundation will not clog your pores. It instead provides long-lasting makeup wear.
Combination Skin: An emollient formula with full coverage and high protection is the best pick for those who have an oily T-zone with dry cheeks and chin.
Sensitive Skin: An oil-free foundation with natural ingredients and a paraben-free, sulfate-free formula will be the right pick for those with sensitive skin. However, always conduct a patch test before using any foundation regularly.
- Getting The Shade Right: Pick the right shade for your skin tone. Check with the shade by applying on the neck or the jawline. It should look like a near-flawless blend into your skin and not leave any cakey appearance.
- Check The Finish: If you have oily skin, go for a matte finish foundation that will give a shine-free look. If you are planning for subtle makeup, a dewy foundation will be your right choice.
In addition, always pick dermatologist-tested or expert-recommended products that are safe for your skin.
Infographic: Ingredients To Look For In Foundations As Per Skin Types
A foundation is a makeup essential that enhances your natural beauty. Hence, it is important to pick the right one that is tailored for your skin type for the perfect coverage. This means you need to look at the ingredients carefully. Check out the infographic below that lists some ingredients to look for in foundations based on different skin types.
Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team
The Bottom Line
The best foundations should be formulated with moisturizing ingredients to keep your skin supple, soft, and healthy. Add the affordable Maybelline New York Fit Me Matte+ Poreless Liquid Foundation to your enhanced beauty routine because of its matte finish that caters to diverse skin tones, while the L’Oreal Paris Infallible Pro-Matte Foundation provides long-lasting oil control and buildable coverage for reliable wear. The statement-making Milani Conceal + Perfect 2-in-1 Foundation + Concealer offers a water-resistant, high coverage, ensuring a brightened complexion. If you’re a fan of foundations and looking out for the right product as per your skin type, you can choose from a variety of foundations available for sensitive, oily, dry, and combination skin types. For oily skin, choose foundations that absorb excess oil and offer a matte finish! For users with sensitive skin, hypoallergenic foundations are available in the market that rejuvenates and improves your skin’s texture. No matter the skin type, avoid foundations that make your skin look cakey after application.
Why Trust StyleCraze?
Baishali Bhattacharya is certified in makeup techniques and loves reviewing different makeup products. She has carefully selected these foundations for different skin tones, which have been closely reviewed and selected based on user reviews and feedback available on multiple forums and brand websites. The products listed in this post are enriched with moisturizing ingredients that combine skin care and makeup to give you radiant skin.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the right formula for me – liquid, powder, cream, or stick?
The texture of the foundation depends on your skin type. If you have dry skin, go for liquid or cream foundation. Oily skin needs a powder or oil-free foundation. The stick foundation is perfect for combination or normal skin type.
What is a finish and how do I know which one is for me?
The final look of the foundation application is known as finish. It can be matte, dewy, and luminous. If you have oily skin, go for a matte finish. A hydrating formula quenches dry skin and leaves a luminous finish. Dewy skin suits combination skin.
Why do I look so much old with foundation?
Identifying the undertone is important for the foundation to blend your skin perfectly. You tend to look older if the foundation settles into the fine lines and wrinkles.
Is liquid or powder foundation better?
Liquid foundations offer more coverage than powder foundations. They even last long on your skin. But, liquid formulas tend to dry out the skin, unlike powder foundations. So, choose a formula according to your skin and needs.
What is the best way to apply liquid foundation?
• Pour some liquid foundation on the back of your clean hand.
• Dot your face with the foundation.
• Spray some water on your foundation brush.
• Use stamping motion, spread the foundation on your face with the damp brush.
• Take a damp sponge and blend the foundation on the face to soak up any excess product and even out the brush lines.
Are foundations good for teenage skin?
Yes. Teenagers can use foundations to cover their spots and blemishes. However, opting for products free of toxins is recommended.
Can you use concealer as a foundation?
No. Concealers provide high coverage and a thick texture. Using them all over your face can make your skin look cakey.
How long does a foundation last if you use it every day?
Depending on the quantity of the foundation, it usually lasts between four to eight months if you use it daily.
Does applying foundation every day cause acne?
No. Foundations containing non-comedogenic ingredients do not develop acne. But, if you fail to clean your face at the end of the day, the foundation can clog your pores and causes acne.
Does foundation darken skin?
Yes. The acidic pH level of your skin triggers the oxidation process of your foundation and makes it appear a few shades darker. So, use a primer and a finishing powder before and after applying the foundation to preserve the true tone of your skin even after applying a foundation.
Read full bio of Nyssa Green
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Read full bio of Srijani Roy Chowdhury
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