Okay look, not everyone can be perfect all the time, and furthermore, wearing foundation can give a major confidence boost. Foundation doesn’t just cover blemishes, it evens out the tone of your skin, adds radiance to your complexion, and acts as a base for the rest of your makeup. Also, many foundations contain sunscreen which acts as a defense against aging and skin cancer. However, there is one problem—the internet is overwhelmed with various types of foundations, and finding genuine reviews becomes more difficult every day. Well, I’m here to help you out.
Remember to cleanse your skin, exfoliate as needed, and wash your hands before beginning your makeup routine. Many people need to exfoliate weekly but people who wear foundation daily or often should definitely do so to help prohibit any skin problems such as breakouts caused by clogged pores. I recommend doing a double cleanse. Check out my post about double cleansing here.
Don’t forget to moisturize and prime your skin (priming is optional) before putting on your foundation and be careful to buy a shade that matches your skin tone. Need help knowing how to match your foundation? Companies like Ulta and Sephora have “Shade Finder” options on their websites if you’ve already found your perfect match before. For those that haven’t (and those of you who are curious), check out this article from Beauty Blender and learn how to find the correct foundation for you.
Now that we got that out of the way, read on to see my top 10 favorite foundations.
10. Shiseido
Synchro Skin Self-Refreshing Foundation
At number 10, she’s a little pricey coming in at $47, but she is fabulous. This is an oil-free, self-refreshing foundation that includes a broad spectrum SPF 30 sunscreen. I would categorize it as medium-full coverage, which I don’t typically go for, however, this foundation is formulated with ActiveForce™ technology that synchronizes with the skin, making it feel weightless and comfortable for all-day wear. Snag your own below!
9. bareMinerals
Original Loose Powder Mineral Foundation Broad Spectrum SPF 15
So this is probably the most unique foundation on my top 10 list. A buildable foundation, this is made with five mineral ingredients that swirl from a powder to a silky cream and melt into the skin for a natural, luminous finish. If you’re not into the radiant look, you might want to skip this one but if you have sensitive skin or you’re looking for a gentle foundation with an SPF, I would definitely recommend checking this one out!
8. Too Faced
Born This Way
Ah, an oldie but a goodie. The Too Faced Born This Way foundation costs $39, is medium coverage and has a natural finish. It’s a dream for my fellow combination skin girls. It’s vegan, cruelty-free, and includes ingredients like coconut water, alpine rose, and hyaluronic acid to support your skin’s health and give your foundation a smoother appearance.
7. Laura Mercier
Tinted Moisturizer (Oil-Free)
So I’m aware this isn’t technically a foundation, but we all like and need no-makeup makeup days and this is perfect for that. Coming in at $46 (don’t come at me, bro, come at Laura Mercier), this formula has an SPF 20 sunscreen and is perfect for all of my dry skin people out there. It contains vitamins C and E that act to protect the skin from the harmful effects of the environment, and is non-comedogenic and dermatologist- and allergy-tested. In other words, it’s perfect for all skin types, especially dry ones, if you’re willing to shell out the cash.
6. Smashbox
Studio Skin 15-Hour Wear Hydrating Foundation
If you have fair skin and an olive undertone, you understand how difficult it is to find a foundation match. Luckily, for $36, Smashbox has a shade for all of my fair olive girls and guys (specifically shade 1.05). Oil-free and transfer-resistant, Studio Skin evens skin tone and doesn’t settle into pores and lines. Find your perfect match among their pretty extensive shade range (40 shades!) that don’t oxidize. It has also been proven to last 24 hours!
5. IT Cosmetics
CC+ Cream
Forgive me once more, as I know this is (again) not technically a foundation, but a CC cream. And again, no-makeup makeup days and so on. Yeah, I know it costs $39.50 and I know their shade range is quite abysmal, but (!) the way that this wears on the skin is so natural, so flawless, I couldn’t help but include it on my list. Great for evening out the skin and covering light blemishes, it has SPF 50, it has collagen, it has peptides, it has hyaluronic acid, and color-correct it does. If you can find your match, I say try it out.
4. Clinique
Superbalanced Silk Makeup
Silk-enriched? Yes. Feels like you’re not even wearing foundation? Yes. Super affordable? Yes! Coming in at only $19.95 (non-sale price $28.50), Clinique’s Superbalanced foundation has a light but decently buildable coverage, a natural-matte finish, protects with SPF 15 and is designed to be suitable for all skin types. This is one of the few foundations that has never caused me to breakout, hence why it’s #4 on my list.
3. Dior
Airflash Spray Foundation
At $62, you may be surprised that this is not the most expensive foundation on my list (ahem, see #1). Coming in at number 3, it’s the notoriously good Dior Airflash Spray Foundation. It comes in an unconventional spray can which can be a little tricky to navigate but once you’ve figured out how you like to apply it, this foundation truly delivers nothing short of airbrushed perfection. Enriched with light-diffusing pigments, this foundation smooths the look of skin and gives the complexion a radiant, perfected look that lasts all day. The unique micro-diffusion spray system delivers a fine mist of foundation to provide a soft, velvety complexion.
2. Laura Mercier
Flawless Fusion Ultra-Longwear Foundation
For those of you who know, you know. This has been one of my favorite foundations for years. Ideal for my combination skin in the summer months when I tend to be more on the oily side, this foundation is medium-to-full coverage, long-lasting, and matte. It has a $48 price tag but for me, it’s well worth it. If you’re a combo or oily skin girl, you’re going to love this one.
1. Giorgio Armani (Armani Beauty)
Luminous Silk Foundation
Dun da da dun! The queen has arrived! A Kardashian favorite, this award-winning, oil-free foundation delivers a medium, buildable coverage and has a luminous finish that leaves skin looking natural and flawless. It is made with patented Micro–fil™ technology. Unlike other foundations, which are made with round pigments that can cause separation on the skin, Micro–fil™ technology pigments lay flat for seamless blending and layering for a flawless, second-skin effect (hashtag science). Not ready to commit to the $64 price tag? They have a mini size also available for $42.
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