The 13 Best Long-Lasting Foundations For Every Skin Type – 2024
Keep your look fresh all day long with a smudge-free coverage and an even finish.
Sarah Abraham is a professional makeup artist and the founder of Blushastic. She studied at Florida Academy of Health & Beauty and is a certified MUA from Lakme Academy with five years of experience. Sarah is committed to uplift women and enhance their inner and outer beauty.
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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
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 yearsKrati is an associate commerce editor, a certified skin care coach, and a beauty enthusiast. She has a master’s degree in advertising and publishing relations from DAVV University and three years of experience in writing and editing for different niches.
Read full bio of Krati Darak
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We’ve all been there where we just spent hours perfecting our makeup, only to see it fade away in minutes. To prevent this from happening, you need to get your hands on the best long-lasting foundation. Made from quality ingredients that keep your base locked in for hours, these foundations are sweat-proof and smudge-proof. They also help you not look cakey or ashy, even after a full day in the sun. Regardless of what skin type you have, there is a long-lasting foundation out there for you. The best ones not only have high-quality ingredients but are also infused with vitamins to enhance your makeup look and are lightweight, so your skin doesn’t feel weighed down. Now that you know the benefits of adding a long-lasting foundation to your makeup routine, the only thing left is to purchase one. Simply scroll through our thoughtfully curated list and find one best suited for your skincare and makeup needs. Trust us when we say you’re only one foundation away from a flawless makeup look!
In This Article
13 Best Long-Lasting Foundations For An All-Day Glow
1. Best Overall:L’Oreal Paris Infallible Pro-Matte Foundation Makeup
The L’Oreal Paris Infallible Pro-Matte Foundation Makeup has just the right creamy and lightweight texture that you want on your skin. The full-coverage, long-lasting foundation has a matte finish that lasts up to 24 hours to give you a clear and smooth look. Create your ideal look with this water-proof and sweat-proof base makeup that goes on quickly and won’t get cakey during the day. This celebrity-endorsed brand’s product’s long-lasting foundation formula is best suited for medium to full coverage for a clear complexion. Simply use the tips of your fingers or a basic foundation brush and indulge in the transfer-resistant wonder of this oil-free formula. Click here to check out a detailed take on the tester’s experience with using this product.
- 24-hour wear
- Non-cakey
- Air-light texture
- Transfer-resistant
- Oil-free formula
- Flawless matte finish
- The foundation may be fast-drying, so you have to apply it quickly to avoid patchiness.
Pro Tip
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
This product has received 19,807 reviews from customers on Amazon, indicating its popularity and reliability.
2. Best Oil-Free Finish:Revlon ColorStay Makeup Foundation For Combination And Oily Skin
For a flawless finish and an undeniable glow, bring home this long wearing foundation from Revlon. Suitable for oily and combination skin types, this lightweight formula has a matte and oil-free finish that lasts all day. Want to enjoy a day out in the sun without the worry of sunspots and tanning? No problem! This one comes with an SPF 15 to protect you from the harsh rays of the sun. With 43 shades that compliment different skin tones, you cannot miss out on the ColorStay liquid foundation.
- Liquid-proof
- It lasts up to 24 hours
- Oil-free
- SPF 15
- Matte finish
- For buildable coverage
- You may find the foundation to have a relatively thin consistency.
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
It has gained over 4,203 positive reviews on Amazon, making it an all-time best-seller.
3. Best High Pigmented Formula:NYX Professional Makeup Full Coverage Foundation
The NYX Full Coverage Foundation comes in a wide range of tones that flatter your skin. The lightweight and waterproof formula glides onto your skin smoothly and offers a matte finish that lasts all day. The high-pigmented liquid foundation controls excess oil and gives you a shine-free complexion for up to 24 hours. This cruelty-free HD foundation comes in 45 carefully chosen shades that will suit your skin that won’t have you worrying about fading or transfers! This product has garnered multiple positive reviews that praise it for offering great coverage and natural finish.
- Long-lasting
- Waterproof
- Non-comedogenic
- Suitable for normal, oil, and combination skin
- It comes in 45 shades
- Cruelty-free
- The matte formula may not be ideal for dry skin.
L’Oreal Paris Infallible Pro-Matte Foundation Makeup Best Overall | Revlon ColorStay Makeup Foundation For Combination And Oily Skin Best Oil-Free Finish | NYX Professional Makeup Full Coverage Foundation Best High Pigmented Formula | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Skin Type | AllColor | CombinationColor | Oily, Combination, Sensitive, NormalColor |
| Dimensions | 0.74 x 1.85 x 4.78 inches | 1.25 x 1.25 x 4.13 inches | 1.21 x 1.21 x 4.6 inches |
| Weight | 1.44 Ounces | 4.23 Ounces | 3.84 Ounces |
| Rating | |||
| Reviews | 19,807 | 4,203 | 12,552 |
| Price | $10.97 | $9.99 | $12.6 |
4. Best For Wrinkles:Meifen Phoera Soft Matte Long Wear Liquid Foundation
Do you want a long-wear blemish-free coverage? The Meifen Phoera Soft Matte Long Wear Liquid Foundation will give you just that!. The smooth and hydrating liquid foundation contains whitening and moisturizing features covering fine lines and wrinkles without cracking or creasing. This foundation will give you an ultra-smooth finish for a brighter complexion, free from uneven textures and dark spots and circles. Get yourself a natural and statement-making look with this medium coverage foundation that is not just blendable but also buildable for a poreless radiance.
- Full coverage
- Corrects skin imperfections
- Soft-texture
- Oil-control
- Whitening and hydrating formula
- Easy to apply
- It may have a slightly orange undertone.
5. Best For Daily Use:Max Factor Lasting Performance Foundation
The Max Factor Lasting Performance Foundation lets you choose from up to 13 shades for a natural-looking base. This flawless high-performance foundation offers touch-proof coverage for a lasting glow, so you don’t have to worry about multiple midday touch-ups. The non-comedogenic foundation is recommended for everyday use and has a lightweight texture that glides on easily and covers pores and fine lines. This photo-ready product delivers a smudge-resistant 24-hour skin coverage that you simply cannot say no to!
- Long-lasting
- Recommended for daily use
- Touch-proof formula
- Non-comedogenic
- Lightweight texture
- Smudge-resistant
- Some may find the consistency of this foundation to be watery.
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
The overwhelming 2,858 positive reviews on Amazon show how popular this product is with happy users.
6. Best Dermatologist Tested Foundation:Almay Truly Lasting Color Liquid Makeup Foundation
Say hello to 16-hour long flawless coverage and a lasting and nourishing glow with this affordable long-lasting foundation. Formulated with moisturizing ingredients like lemon and vitamin E, this lasting foundation keeps your skin naturally smooth and flawless. This light to medium buildable coverage foundation is easy to blend for a radiant finish and brightens dull skin. For a glowing finish that everyone is envious of, indulge in this heat-resistant and humidity-proof formula. Available in 7 different shades, this foundation is light on your skin and covers up blemishes and fine lines effortlessly. This one is a favorite among reviewers because its stays on for long, and blends seamlessly.
- Dermatologist-tested
- Hypoallergenic
- Free from fragrances
- Cruelty-free product
- The foundation may have a thick, paste-like consistency.
Pro TipWhy We Think It's Worth Buying
The product has more than 1,941 reviews claiming its efficacy.
7. Best Protection From Sun Damage:Bellaterra Cosmetics Mineral Powder Foundation
We’ve got great news for all you lovely women with sensitive skin! Bring home the Bellaterra Cosmetics Mineral Powder Foundation that is a safe bet for problematic skin types. Whether you have dry, oil, acne-prone, or sensitive skin, this mineral powder foundation will give you a nourishing and flawless glow. If you’re looking for sheer to light buildable coverage, this mineral powder can be used in combination with your daily moisturizer to cover up blemishes well. The no-makeup foundation will give you a seamless finish that is lightweight and makes you feel gorgeous all day. You can get a look that does not highlight any pores or fine lines with this fragrance-free SPF 15 formula also doubles up to protect your skin from sun damage.
- Does not contain parabens
- Cruelty-free
- Contains natural minerals
- Vegan
- Offers sun protection
- Hypoallergenic
- You may find that the foundation powder adds a luminous highlight to your face.
8. Best Buildable Coverage:Touch In Sol Advanced Real Moisture Liquid Foundation
With a lightweight hydrating formula, this long-lasting foundation leaves your complexion highlighted. The creamy long-lasting foundation for dry skin works to deliver a buildable coverage that hides your blemishes and evens out patchy skin. Recommended by makeup artists for a flawless look, this advanced moisture complex liquid foundation also has SPF 30 and is suitable for dry skin. The water-retentive technology holds moisture, as the sunblock protects your skin from UV damage. If this wasn’t all, it also has anti-wrinkle and whitening properties for skin that appears radiant and healthy.
- Long-lasting
- Moisturizing foundation
- Ideal for dry skin types
- Does not contain parabens, ethanol, mineral oils, or tar-based pigments
- Anti-wrinkle and whitening properties
- Cruelty-free
- You may find it a little challenging to blend.
9. Best Waterproof Product:Urban Decay All Nighter Waterproof Longwear Liquid Foundation
If you’re on the lookout for a good long-lasting foundation for oily skin, look no further than theUrban Decay All Nighter Liquid Foundation. This pigmented formula lets you apply a single layer of foundation for full coverage from acne scars and uneven skin tones for a dewy finish. Rock the perfect all-day look with this lasting foundation that is not only waterproof and non-transferable but also gives you an even-toned and flawless complexion. For maximum coverage and a matte finish that goes on quickly, you can depend on this liquid foundation that comes in a wide range of shades.
- Hydrating formula
- Waterproof
- Transfer-resistant
- Buildable coverage
- Long-lasting matte finish
- You may find that the formula is fast-drying and needs to be blended in instantly.
10. Best Lightweight Formula:Estee Lauder Double Wear Stay-in-Place Makeup Foundation
The Estee Lauder Double Wear Stay-in-Place Makeup lets your skin look flawless and natural for upto 24 hours. The stay-in-place matte liquid foundation offers a buildable medium to maximum coverage and doesn’t fade. The double-wear formula is oil-free and controls sebum production, making this an ideal choice for a lasting base, especially for the summers. The waterproof formulation is also transfer-resistant, making this foundation handy for a long, action-packed day. Don’t worry about touch-ups with this lightweight foundation that gives you a flawless complexion.
- Lightweight and comfortable
- Covers skin imperfections
- Dermatologist-tested
- Oil-free
- Waterproof
- Transfer-resistant
- This product may not be suitable for those who are looking for full coverage.
11. Bobbi Brown Skin Foundation SPF 15
Do you want a moisturizing sheer coverage? The Bobbi Brown Skin Foundation SPF 15 delivers just that with the added benefit of a deeply moisturizing effect. With broad-spectrum UV protection, this formula is suitable for all skin types and minimizes pores’ appearance, as it covers skin irregularities. You can choose from the range of skin shades to best suit your skin tone for an even and radiant complexion. The water-based formula is perfect for oily skin as it gives you a subtle yet clear coverage. With glycerin as its active ingredient, the weightless, long-lasting foundation is buildable and ideal for a celebrity-inspired look with a sustained hydrating glow.
- Lightweight
- Water-based formula
- Oil-free
- It contains light-reflective optic ingredients
- Free from parabens, phthalates, sulfates, mineral oil, and formaldehyde
- Cruelty-free
- You may find that this foundation has a slightly watery consistency.
12. Fenty Beauty Pro Filt’r Soft Matte Longwear Foundation
If you’re looking for an instantly smooth and shine-free complexion, the Fenty Beauty Pro Filt’r Soft Matte Longwear Foundationis ideal for medium to full coverage. This celebrity-endorsed brand’s oil-free soft matte foundation is crafted with a climate-adapted technology that keeps your makeup base safe from sweat and humidity. This pro longwear non-comedogenic foundation builds easily and can be used with warm skin undertones. You can find the right shade for your skin from a wide range of up to 40 options to choose from. This product does not involve animal testing, which gives you one more reason to purchase it.
- Soft-matte buildable formula
- Smooth and seamless
- Available in 40 shades
- Non-comedogenic
- Oil-free and sweat-proof formula
- Lightweight texture
- Cruelty-free
- Some may find that this foundation feels greasy on your skin.
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
The product has received 277 positive Amazon reviews from its users, stating its numerous benefits.
13. Nars Natural Radiant Longwear Foundation
The Nars Natural Radiant Longwear Foundation is a dermatologist-tested non-drying formula that offers you up to 16 hours of even coverage. The lightweight formula will leave your skin looking radiant as you go about your daily routines. Breathable and fade-resistant, this foundation is enriched with apple, raspberry, and watermelon extracts for a smoothening effect. The long-lasting foundation has a buildable medium to full coverage and will keep your skin safe from sweat and humidity. For a natural and prolonged finish, this blendable foundation will work its magic on your skin. Reviews on online forums assert that the product offers great coverage and lasts throughout the day!
- Dermatologist-tested
- Free from parabens, alcohol, and oils
- No fragrances
- Non-comedogenic
- Transfer-resistant
- Non-drying formula
- You may find the foundation a little thick.
Foundation is an essential part of many beauty routines as it sets a base for flawless and creative looks. If you are looking for a smudge-free, no-transfer formula that will last you all day, you’re in the right place. Check our buying guide below and bring home the best long-lasting foundation for your skin.
How To Choose The Best Long-Lasting Foundations
- Base
Depending on your skin type, foundations specifically deliver coverage with water-based, oil-based, or powder-based formulations. The wrong foundation can cause skin problems by drying out your skin, being flaky, and creased. Matte foundations have a longer wear time when you compare them to water-based and oil-based foundations. Look for textures that are lightweight, reflective, and creamy to give your skin a dewy look.
- Ingredients
In contrast to the skin on the rest of your body, your facial skin is even more sensitive and delicate. Opt for expertly crafted foundations that are skin-friendly and free from parabens, sulfates, and silicone, as they are gentle on the skin and suitable for dry and sensitive skin. Acne-prone skin or sensitive skin calls for extra concern and attention to be paid to the list of ingredients in your makeup. A hydrating base boosts natural skin oil production and moisturizes your skin from the inside, giving it a healthy glow. Choosing hypoallergenic ingredients is also important for maintaining the pH balance of your skin. Look for ingredients like vitamin E and shea butter or other essential oils!
- Coverage
When choosing a foundation, considering the coverage is vital because it can alter the overall appearance of your makeup and offer exceptional results. Foundations are graded as sheer, medium, or maximum coverage, depending on the amount of coverage they provide. Medium to light coverage is ideal for dry skin as they are breathable. Foundations with a lot of coverage can make your face look cakey or drawn and can be avoided. A matte finish is most suitable for your skin if you are looking for a long-lasting foundation.
- Skin tone
It’s essential to pick the right foundation shade for your skin tone, as it may give you an uneven tone if you ignore this step. To avoid an unnatural complexion, make sure you choose the appropriate shade for your skin tone. You could always test the foundation on your jawline before buying it or simply select one that best suits your shade.
- Skin type
Consider your skin type when you’re headed to buy makeup, as each formulation caters to a specific skin type. If you have oily skin, you’ll notice that it has a general shine to it, as well as may be prone to breakouts. A mineral powder foundation or a water-based liquid foundation is also recommended for oily skin types. A non-comedogenic base is ideal when it comes to oily skin.
Dry skin, on the other hand, tends to feel tight and flakey. Your best bet could be a cream-based liquid foundation which will also keep your skin moisturized. For combination, skin, cream, or powder foundations could work well.
You will need to go the extra mile for aging skin and choose a formula with SPF or one that comes with anti-aging properties.
The Bottom Line
All your efforts to create a stunning makeup look will go down the drain if your foundation starts to crease after minutes of application. That is why the best long-lasting foundations for every skin type are crucial for every makeup enthusiast. They save you the embarrassment of fixing faded makeup and frequent touch-ups while attending an event. The long-lasting foundations are specially designed to keep your skin nourished under all the makeup you put and ensure a flawless, statement-making look. The products listed in our article have lightweight formulas that last up to 24 hours. Some of them are non-comedogenic and do not cause any irritation. The L’Oreal Paris Infallible Pro-Matte Foundation Makeup has a non-cakey, oil-free formula, the Estee Lauder Double Wear Stay-in-Place Makeup Foundation has a waterproof formula perfect for the summer, and the Fenty Beauty By Rihanna Pro Filt’r Soft Matte Longwear Foundation offers an inclusive shade range with non-comedogenic formulations. They control sebum production on oily skin and ensure full coverage. Their smudge-resistant and dermatologist-tested formulas suit all skin types. However, steer clear of foundations that have water consistency or ones that do not match your undertone. Additionally, check what reviewers have to say about the products and consider investing in tried-and-tested formulas.
Why Trust StyleCraze?
Srijani Roy Chowdhury, the author of this article, is a makeup enthusiast, and she believes that foundation helps provide flawless skin. However, she relies on foundations formulated without any harmful chemicals and is safe for the skin. So, she conducted deep research online to provide the best long-lasting foundation. The foundations listed above are transfer-resistant, oil-free, and cover your imperfections all day long.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can foundations cause acne/pimples or breakouts?
Know your skin type before investing in any makeup product. If you have oily skin and use an oil-based formula, your skin is likely to break out. Instead, take a look at the ingredient list before deciding and choosing a skin tone that matches yours well.
How can I make my foundation last all day?
Use a good primer before applying a long-lasting foundation to make it last all day.
How long should you let your foundation set?
Let your foundation set for 3-5 minutes straight for the best results.
What is the best way to apply a foundation?
Prep and prime your skin. Take some product onto a damp sponge or foundation brush and dab it onto the skin in a stippling motion.
Should I apply foundation – with a brush or with my hands?
Applying foundation with a brush offers flawless coverage and even finish. Applying it with fingers gives it a more natural look.
How long does a foundation last?
While an unopened foundation has a shelf life of 2-3 years, opened foundations should be used within a year.
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