We Tried 32 Foundations—These Are the 15 That Deserve a Spot in Your Makeup Routine (2024)

The Lancome Teint Idole Ultra Wear Foundation offers the best of both worlds with its unique finish. We loved 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's also made to last for 24 hours, is resistant to oxidation, and is 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.

Coverage: Full | Finish: Matte | SPF: 15 | Shades: 50

Our testing revealed that the L’oreal Infallible Fresh Wear Foundation performed just as well as, or in some cases better than, its pricier counterparts. It felt very expensive for a drugstore option 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. We were so impressed with its buildable abilities that we would use this foundation specifically for special events.

We integrated this product into our makeup routine over a month-long testing period and found that we reached for it at least twice a week—it became a handy alternative to our CC creams, BB creams, and tinted moisturizers. While we appreciated the lightweight feel and natural coverage of the foundation, we wish the product was a bit less watery.

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.

Coverage: Medium to full | Finish: Matte | SPF: 25 | Shades: 40

In 40 shades, this medium-coverage liquid foundation blurs and covers flaws for up to 24 hours. It doesn’t settle in fine lines, it’s waterproof, and it looks like your skin but better. Whether you’re oily, dry, or somewhere in between, it’ll be your new favorite foundation.

"When it comes to foundation for combo skin, you want something that’s hydrating but lightweight," Hong says. "With a formula that’s inspired by a sheet mask, the featherlight texture sinks in instantly, feels like nothing on, and gives skin an 'I-woke-up-like-this' glow."

Coverage: Medium to full | Finish: Natural matte | SPF: None | Shades: 40

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.

Coverage: Medium | Finish: Natural | SPF: 20 | Shades: 27 shades

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 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.

Coverage: Medium | Finish: Dewy | SPF: None | Shades: 45

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 very lightweight overall, especially considering it was so effective at covering up facial imperfections. Not to mention, while wearing this foundation, it didn’t look like we were wearing any makeup at all.

Coverage: Light to medium | Finish: Dewy | SPF: None | Shades: 20

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 pigment technology that lays flat on the skin with virtually seamless blendability.

Because it's 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. We tested this product over three months on mature skin and were impressed that it melted into the skin incredibly seamlessly without any noticeable wrinkle lines or creases that we noticed with other foundations.

While the foundation comes at a higher price that initially caused some sticker shock, after using it for three months, it became a testament to the fact that a luxurious foundation can be worth the cost. It became our favorite everyday foundation for its smooth, silky finish, and we plan on repurchasing it.

Coverage: Medium | Finish: Natural| SPF: No| Shade: 40

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 has a solid medium to full coverage and is buildable.

We tested this product for three months and were happy to find that it held up well with a consistently blendable, buildable, and light coverage. The satin finish erased our pores and didn't sink into fine lines but still provided ample coverage over our problem areas.

The only thing we would improve is the addition of SPF for some added sun protection in this silky, barely-there formula. 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 this product is higher priced than other options, we think the quality and performance over time are well worth it—we will be using this for everyday looks and full-on glam alike.

Coverage: Full | Finish: Soft Matte | SPF: None | Shades: 35

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 dewyness, 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. Not only that, but it’s fragrance-free and made without any potentially harmful ingredients.

Coverage: Light | Finish: Dewy | SPF: 40 | Shades: 30

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. Because 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 of 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.

Coverage: Medium | Finish:Natural | SPF: No | Shade: 51

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, giving your skin a healthy, hydrated look.

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.

Because 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 before application. It's available in 20 shades that are all dermatologist-tested and non-comedogenic.

Coverage: Light to medium | Finish: Radiant | SPF: No| Shade: 20

The top concerns for mature skin are typically 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 gives you a breathable 16-hour wear time with a medium opacity and subtle glowing finish.

Coverage: Medium | Finish: Medium | SPF: No | Shade: 30

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 and gives 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.

Coverage: Buildable, full | Finish: Matte | SPF: No | Shade: 20

Cream foundations are notorious for feeling too heavy on the skin, particularly when they have 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.

Coverage: Medium | Finish: Natural | SPF: 25 | Shade: 24

Part foundation, part concealer, the Merit Minimalist Perfecting Complexion Stick is the multitasking base for your everyday routine. The product is 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.

After using this foundation for three months, it became a multi-functional product in our makeup arsenal, minimizing the need for additional products like powder and concealer. We loved that it provided ample coverage and blended in smoothly, making for an overall improvement in our daily makeup routine. We've repurchased the product several times and paired it with the Merit Brush No. 1, which made the application even easier (which was hard to believe considering it was already a seamless process).

This foundation is packed with fatty acids that condition the skin and help retain moisture, plus 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.

Coverage: Medium | Finish: Natural | SPF: No | Shade: 20

You can also consider your skin type while choosing a finish. Williamson 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."