The 15 Best Foundations of 2023, Tested & Reviewed
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For a flawless, perfected finish.
Real Simple / Tamara Staples
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.
"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."
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.
Best Overall Foundation: Lancôme Teint Idole Ultra 24H Long Wear Matte Foundation
What Stands Out
This full coverage foundation is right in the middle of a matte and dewy finish, making it supremely versatile.
What Could Be Improved
It may be too matte for those with dry skin.
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.
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.
Price at time of publish: $57
Coverage: Full | Finish: Matte | SPF: 15 | Shades: 50
Best Drugstore Foundation: L'Oréal Paris Infallible 24-Hour Fresh Wear Foundation
What Stands Out
This affordable pick has buildable coverage that resists transfer.
What Could Be Improved:
The finish is super matte, and may not look as natural as some of our other selections.
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.
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.
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.
Price at time of publish: $17
Coverage: Medium to full | Finish: Matte | SPF: 25 | Shades: 40
Best Foundation for Dry Skin: La Mer Soft Fluid Long Wear Foundation SPF 20
What Stands Out
This lightweight foundation provides great coverage without drying out the skin.
What Could Be Improved
This is one of the most expensive picks on our list.
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 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.
Price at time of publish: $145
Coverage: Medium | Finish: Natural | SPF: 20 | Shades: 27 shades
Best Foundation for Oily Skin: NYX Professional Makeup Born to Glow Naturally Radiant Foundation
What Stands Out
This affordable, vegan foundation resists shine.
What Could Be Improved
It may be challenging to achieve a full-coverage finish with this foundation.
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.
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.
Price at time of publish: $10
Coverage: Medium | Finish: Dewy | SPF: None | Shades: 45
Best Lightweight Foundation: N°1 De Chanel Revitalizing Foundation
What Stands Out
Despite being lightweight, it can still effectively cover blemishes and discoloration.
What Could Be Improved
This product has a smaller shade selection to choose from.
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.
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.
Price at time of publish: $75
Coverage: Light to medium | Finish: Dewy | SPF: None | Shades: 20
Best Foundation for Acne-Prone Skin: Giorgio Armani Beauty Luminous Silk Foundation
What Stands Out
The radiant finish isn’t too greasy or glittery on the skin.
What Could Be Improved
The pump can get messy with consistent use.
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.
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.
Price at time of publish: $69
Coverage: Medium | Finish: Natural | SPF: No | Shade: 40
Best Matte Foundation: Chanel Ultra Le Teint Flawless Finish Foundation
What Stands Out
This foundation lasts all day.
What Could Be Improved
It may be too dry for some skin types.
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.
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.
Price at time of publish: $65
Coverage: Full | Finish: Soft Matte | SPF: None | Shades: 35
Best Foundation with SPF: Ilia Super Serum Skin Tint With SPF 40
What Stands Out
This ultra lightweight foundation contains a high SPF.
What Could Be Improved
This pick doesn’t offer full or buildable coverage.
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.
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.
Price at time of publish: $48
Coverage: Light | Finish: Dewy | SPF: 40 | Shades: 30
Best Foundation for Redness: Haus Labs Triclone Skin Tech Medium Coverage Foundation
What Stands Out
The formula has a serum texture and feels weightless on the skin.
What Could Be Improved
It can pill when applied over oil-based products.
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.
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.
Price at time of publish: $45
Coverage: Medium | Finish: Natural | SPF: No | Shade: 51
Best Foundation for Sensitive Skin: Westman Atelier Vital Skincare Dewy Foundation Drops
What Stands Out
This foundation blends just as well with fingers as it does with a brush.
What Could Be Improved
The formula can be too oily for some.
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.
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.
Price at time of publish: $68
Coverage: Light to medium | Finish: Radiant | SPF: No | Shade: 20
Best Foundation for Mature Skin: Charlotte Tilbury Beautiful Skin Liquid Foundation
What Stands Out
The packaging features an ergonomic pump.
What Could Be Improved
Some of the lighter shades may oxidize.
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.
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.
Price at time of publish: $49
Coverage: Medium | Finish: Medium | SPF: No | Shade: 30
Best Powder Foundation: L'Oréal Infallible 24hr Fresh Wear Foundation in a Powder
What Stands Out
The texture is incredibly smooth compared to most other powder foundations.
What Could Be Improved
The shade range is skewed towards lighter skin tones.
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 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.
This affordable compact comes in 20 shades that work for all skin types and is non-comedogenic and dermatologist-tested.
Price at time of publish: $13
Coverage: Buildable, Full | Finish: Matte | SPF: No | Shade: 20
Best Cream Foundation: Cle de Peau Beauté Radiant Cream Foundation SPF 24
What Stands Out
This foundation has impressive coverage with a natural finish.
What Could Be Improved
The shade range is limited to only 24 tones.
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.
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.
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.
Price at time of publish: $130
Coverage: Medium | Finish: Natural | SPF: 25 | Shade: 24
Best Stick Foundation: Merit The Minimalist Perfecting Complexion Stick
What Stands Out
It is safe for people with acne-prone skin.
What Could Be Improved
The shade's undertones run a bit yellow, which might not suit all skin tones.
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.
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.
Price at time of publish: $38
Coverage: Medium | Finish: Natural | SPF: No | Shade: 20
Best Eco-Friendly Foundation: Beautycounter Skin Twin Featherweight Foundation
What Stands Out
The foundation doesn’t settle into fine lines or wrinkles.
What Could Be Improved
The formula includes ingredients that might trigger acne for some skin types.
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.
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.
Price at time of publish: $52
Coverage: Medium | Finish: Natural | SPF: No | Shade: 27
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.
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.
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.
Related: The 10 Best Makeup Brush Cleaners
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