10 Best High-End Foundations For Natural And Flawless Makeup
High coverage and premium formulations that feel as light as a second skin.
Savanah Norman is a full time professional makeup artist with six years of experience in the field. She originally started college studying fashion design but took a leap of faith to start accepting clients when she knew makeup was her passion. Since 2017, she has put her whole heart into becoming a better artist and business owner.
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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.
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Experience: 3 yearsRajeshwari is a dedicated fitness and lifestyle enthusiast, deeply committed to enhancing our readers’ well-being and vitality. She has a master’s degree in Journalism & Mass Communication from the University of Calcutta.
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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
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You may be hesitant to invest in the best luxury foundations, but it can be a smart decision as these products last longer and give satisfactory results. High-end foundations may be costlier than regular types of foundations, but they are also substantially improved. You can keep this luxury foundation for special occasions or for daily wear as per your choice. A better quality foundation comes with more pigments, active waterproofing ingredients, and emollients. They also have more antioxidants to elevate the overall quality of the product and give finesse to your makeup regime. However, the foundation is an art that can take time to master. Using too little may look inelegant, and using too much may make you look like a caked clown. Maintaining the perfect balance is essential to achieve that flawless, natural look.
So, how do you get that perfect model look that makes you look like you have just stepped out of a fashion magazine cover? To help you choose, we have curated a list of top-notch deluxe foundations or couture foundations. Check them out!
In This Article
10 Best Luxury (High-End) Foundations Of 2024 For Unblemished Skin
1. Best Semi-Matte Finish:Estee Lauder Double Wear Stay-In-Place Makeup Foundation
Have you been craving for that smooth, flawless finish for your skin that just seems to evade you? This celebrity-favorite, full-coverage, high-end foundation comes in a liquid form and has a semi-matte finish that’ll do the job. This luxury foundation has a longevity of 15 hours, even through heat and humidity, and gives your skin a flawless and natural coverage. This iconic foundation feels lightweight and comfortable on the skin and doesn’t change color, smudge, or stain your clothes. For a look that lasts through the day, do try out this exclusive foundation. Several reviewers have praised it for its exceptional results in terms of coverage and feel.
Pros
- Semi-matte
- Lightweight
- Oil-free
- Smudge-free
- Fragrance-free
Cons
- Some may find its texture gloppy and thick
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
It has received 101 reviews on Amazon and is a popular choice among shoppers.
2. Best Fragrance-Free:Dermablend Professional Cover Creme Foundation
Considered the holy grail of foundations, this high-end foundation for combination skin offers full-coverage and is ideal for a tan skin tone. This dewy high-end luxury foundation for dark skin tones comes with a mineral sunscreen with SPF 30 and provides all-day protection from the sun’s harmful UV rays, and is proven to help repair the skin barrier. This all-day hydrating foundation has a natural, flawless finish that’s never cakey. Made with high-performance pigments, it can be used as a cream foundation or a full-coverage concealer. Just warm the foundation between your fingers and apply it over the desired area for coverage that lasts up to 16 hours and covers uneven skin tone, scars, bruising, and hyperpigmentation. Don’t forget to finish it off with setting powder. Many users have confirmed that this allergy-tested formula is safe for sensitive and acne-prone skin.
Pros
- Fragrance-free
- Allergy-tested
- Paraben-free
- Non-comedogenic
- Non-acnegenic
- Suitable for sensitive skin
- Dermatologist-created
- Humidity-resistant
Cons
- May not work well on oily skin
Quick Tip3. Best Lightweight:Wunder2 Last & Foundation
Has the state of your skin left you near to tears just before your big night out? This high-end foundation for acne scars offers full-coverage, gives a dewy finish, and is ideal for medium skin tones. This luxury foundation for medium skin tones is lightweight, breathable, and gives your skin a flawless, natural glow. If this wasn’t all, it is also waterproof, transfer-proof, smudge-proof, and crease-proof. This long wearing foundation contains hyaluronic acid, which hydrates the skin like a tinted moisturizer. This lightweight, high-end glamorous foundation is available in 7 luxury foundation shades for every skin tone and contours to the skin for comfortable, long-lasting coverage for a gorgeous
Pros
- Lightweight
- Vegan formula
- Cruelty-free
- Waterproof
- Transfer-proof
- Smudge-proof
- Crease-proof
- Long wearing
- Full coverage formula
Cons
- Some may find the color too light
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
It has received over 707 rave reviews on Amazon, proving it is a mass favorite.
| Estee Lauder Double Wear Stay-In-Place Makeup Foundation Best Semi-Matte Finish | Dermablend Professional Cover Creme Foundation Best Fragrance-Free | Wunder2 Last & Foundation Best Lightweight | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Skin Type | NormalColor | Combination, Oily Sensitive, NormalColor | AllColor |
| Dimensions | 1 x 1 x 2 inches | 2.31 x 2.31 x 2.5 inches | 1.46 x 1.46 x 4.21 inches |
| Weight | 1 Ounces | 2.4 Ounces | 1 Ounces |
| Rating | |||
| Reviews | 101 | 7,712 | 707 |
| Price | $34.23 | $40 | $29.95 |
4. Best Waterproof:Urban Decay Stay Naked Weightless Liquid Foundation
If the state of your skin has been the bane of your life, fret no more! This cruelty-free high-end foundation is a weightless, liquid foundation designed to create the feel of a second skin with no heaviness or caking. The expertly crafted breathable formula blends into your skin seamlessly to conceal an uneven skin tone and minimize the appearance of large pores. These features have garnered several positive reviews online for this liquid formula. This longwear liquid designer foundation is waterproof, sweatproof, and transfer-resistant with a natural matte finish that lasts up to 24 hours. This luxury foundation for fair skin tone is available in a range of shades for all skin tones that can suit warm undertones to cool undertones.
Pros
- Weightless
- Vegan
- Cruelty-free
- Waterproof
- Sweatproof
- Transfer-resistant
- Matte finish
Cons
- May dry the skin in some cases
"This foundation formula lasts through different weather conditions and is my year-round staple. It is lightweight and does not settle into lines. It blends seamlessly with my skin tone and the coverage is good too."
5. Best Sun Protection:Guerlain Lingerie De Peau Natural Perfection Foundation
Who wouldn’t like a prestige foundation with the added advantage of sunscreen? This high-end full luxury coverage foundation is long-lasting and has a luxurious texture, with SPF 20. It gives a natural look to your skin and offers light but even coverage. You don’t need to use a lot, and it provides a smooth and dreamiest luxury foundation finish without giving that cracked mask by settling into fine lines and wrinkles. It is super light and doesn’t give an overly chalky or greasy look.
Pros
- Long lasting
- Sunscreen SPF 20
- Great coverage
- Minimal amount required
Cons
- Some may find its texture a bit watery
"This foundation gives me a natural finish. I like its lightweight texture that blends seamlessly and gives me a no-makeup feel. It also gives me a youthful glow without the heavy makeup sensation."
6. Best For Sensitive Skin:Lorac Sheer Porefection Foundation
If you have always envied those models with their flawless skin, we might have just the answer for you! This high end foundation for sensitive skin has medium coverage and gives a natural, poreless, and smooth finish to your skin. This gorgeous foundation can be applied using a sponge, brush, or fingertips. It contains a blend of anti-aging antioxidants like vitamin A and E. It is also infused with olive leaf extract, lemon fruit extract, and papaya fruit extract to help soothe, nourish, and rejuvenate your delicate skin. The lightweight formula gives your skin a healthy, youthful, and radiant finish. It’s suitable for all skin types, and the best part is that it goes well with sensitive skin.
Pros
- Oil-free
- Paraben-free
- Fragrance-free
- Natural and smooth finish
Cons
- Some may find the consistency watered-down
"This Lorac foundation gives me smooth coverage. It stays for a long time and makes my skin appear rejuvenated. I like that it enhances my skin's natural look without feeling heavy."
7. Best Vegan:Kat Von D Lock-It Foundation
If flawless skin seemed a distant dream, we might make it a reality! This good high-end foundation is 100% vegan and is entirely free of animal-derived ingredients. It’s highly effective in covering any blemishes, redness, dark circles, discoloration, or other skin imperfections. A little bit goes a long way with this foundation as very little is required at a time, and it goes on quickly and doesn’t feel like it’s clogging your skin. The best part is that it’s long-lasting, so you don’t have to end up reapplying it every couple of hours. This foundation has a fine texture and consistency and is not chalky, runny, or light as other foundations and is definitely worth the cost. Many people have tested the product and lauded its easy-to-use formula in their reviews online.
Pros
- 100% vegan
- Cruelty-free
- Easy application
- Long staying
Cons
- People with sensitive skin should avoid it
"The foundation seamlessly covers imperfections without feeling heavy or greasy. It stands up to the daily hustle, especially as a mom on the move. It's quite adaptable and suits my skin regardless of whether it feels dry or a combination type. The alluring packaging is a bonus!"
Quick Tip8. Best Long Wear:Laura Mercier Flawless Fusion Ultra-Longwear Foundation
A great high-end matte foundation, this one is a must-have beauty essential. It provides all the wear and coverage without compromising on comfort or breathability. This matte foundation gives your skin flawless full-coverage up to 15 hours of wear as it is sweat, humidity, water, and transfer-resistant. The color that comes from coated pigments glides on, stays true all day, and doesn’t oxidize. It beautifully evens out your skin tone and camouflages large pores and imperfections. This foundation controls oil immediately on application and throughout the day, giving your skin a natural matte finish that is never dull, flat, or cakey. Its weightless, feather-light texture makes it feel like a second skin, and its skin-fusion technology makes this a long wearing foundation that is very comfortable and breathable. What are you waiting for?
Pros
- Medium to full color
- Long wear
- Matte finish
- Weightless texture
- Dermatologist-tested
Cons
- Some find it doesn’t stay on the face, especially the nose
9. Best Natural Finish:Giorgio Armani Luminous Silk Foundation
This foundation from the celebrity-endorsed brand glides on seamlessly, giving your skin a natural and luminous finish, and is considered one of the best high-end foundations. It has long-lasting wear throughout the day and creates a smooth, radiant, and flawless complexion. Feather-light and oil-free formula with micro-fil technology provides buildable coverage from sheer to medium. This luxury foundation for natural-looking skin is excellent for camouflaging blemishes and skin imperfections and forms an ideal base for your makeup. Suitable for all skin types, this high-end foundation is definitely worth a try.
Pros
- Oil-free
- Lightweight
- Natural finish
- Long lasting wear
- Suitable for all skin types
Cons
- Can look cakey if overdone
"This product is a value buy and it's worth every penny! I've had a consistent experience using this foundation, it offers a lightweight feel and buildable coverage without settling into lines, especially for mature skin. It imparts a natural, dewy glow, and the seamless blend and enduring wear make it my go-to."
10. Best Hydrating:Chanel Vitalumiere Aqua Ultra-Light Skin Perfecting Foundation
This high-end foundation offers you an unprecedented sensory experience with its new generation texture and soft and ultra-fine fluid texture. Although exceptionally delicate and light, this hydrating formula goes on to your face like a second skin. It does wonders if you need to keep your skin hydrated and leave your skin moist without ever drying it out. This lightweight foundation glides onto your face smoothly and offers excellent coverage. Do try it out if you want to create celebrity-inspired looks without looking made-up.
Pros
- Hydrating
- Lightweight
- Very fine texture
- Great coverage
Cons
- Contains BHT, a preservative that may not be suitable for all skin types
"This is my staple makeup investment that takes care of more than half my makeup needs. After all, a good base is half the job done! I like the light, soft texture that lends a natural finish. It provides a seamless creamy blend for an effortless look."
Now that you have been through our review of the top 10 high-end foundations, let us give you a few pointers on what to look for while picking one for yourself to achieve that perfect makeup look with smooth and flawless skin.
How To Choose A High-End Foundation
- Your skin
Always pick a foundation that is suitable for your skin type. For red pigmentation or shiny skin, a creme-to-powder foundation works excellent. Liquid or cream-based foundations work well on normal to dry skin, while stick foundations are a good option for normal to oily skin. If you have acne-prone skin or sensitive skin, always use an oil-free foundation.
- SPF
As we are all aware, the sun’s harmful rays can be damaging to the skin. It can cause dark spots, wrinkles, and fine lines. Hence, be careful that the product you choose contains SPF to prevent premature skin aging and dullness.
- Prepping
Hydrate your skin thoroughly before applying any foundation. This prevents your skin from looking too dry and flaky. Always use a face oil or heavy moisturizer below your foundation. Also, apply your base makeup in the proper order – color correction, foundation, and, last of all, concealer.
- Right shade
This might seem like a no-brainer, but you might be surprised how many people forget this crucial point. Choose a shade of foundation that is as close to your skin tone as possible. If you do not get that, you can choose a shade warmer than your skin.
Infographics: Key Ingredients In High-End Foundations
High-end foundations are truly worth the splurge, especially if you want to cover imperfections while nourishing your skin and making it appear naturally radiant. The foundations can do this all because of the ingredients found in them. From hydrating glycerin to skin-protective olive extracts, they work to make your skin radiant and healthy. Check out the infographic below to learn more about these key ingredients.
Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team
The Bottom Line
Applying the right foundation is essential when you want to achieve a flawless makeup look. There are many high-end foundations that elevate your look while taking care of your skin. Long-lasting and effective, these foundations offer natural coverage and provide exceptional results in making your skin flawless. They don’t change color, or smudge and you can wear these foundations without worrying about their texture. These foundations are mostly lightweight and don’t feel greasy on the skin. For full-coverage and a semi-matte finish opt for Estee Lauder Double Wear Stay-In-Place Makeup Foundation, for uneven skin tone and pores try the Urban Decay Stay Naked Weightless Liquid Foundation, and for a sweat, humidity, water, and transfer-resistant formula, choose the Laura Mercier Flawless Fusion Ultra-Longwear Foundation. However, while purchasing the right high-end foundation for yourself, it is important to check whether the foundation has been dermatologist-tested or not. Moreover, some of these foundations can also be applied as concealers. Steer clear of products that don’t cover your face scars, acne, or unnecessary marks.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can we use the foundation regularly?
Yes, you can select an expensive foundation for everyday wear if you use a high-quality product from a reputable brand.
Does wearing a foundation age your skin?
No, while foundation does not directly age your skin, certain ingredients in foundation and skin care products can irritate the skin and cause allergic reactions.
How long does the foundation last?
A foundation usually lasts six months to a year.
Can we reuse the foundation?
Yes, you can reuse a foundation.
Are high-end foundations good?
Yes, high-end foundations are good because they are made with good-quality ingredients, leaving your skin looking smooth and natural.
Why Trust StyleCraze?
Srijita De, the author, enjoys makeup and has the lowdown on the luxurious foundations you should have in your vanity. Her guide has all the deets about a high-end foundation and how it will help you achieve the best results. She compiled a comprehensive and detailed list of the top products after surveying every product specification and user feedback. These formulas contain rich pigments, active waterproofing ingredients, and emollients that help keep it smooth and long-lasting.
Read full bio of Savanah Norman
Read full bio of Srijita De
Read full bio of Rajeshwari Das
Read full bio of Srijani Roy Chowdhury
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