25 Best Foundation for Every Skin Type, According to Makeup Artists, Derms, and Editors
Whether you’re gong for a full-coverage beat or a no-makeup make up look, knowing—and using—the best foundation for your specific skin type is always a good idea. If you’ve been leaning towards the latter, the past few years have seen a drastic rise in the fusion of makeup and skin care. Today, the best foundations are formulated with complexion-boosting ingredients targeted toward a specific skin care concern while also offering light- to full-coverage options. Ahead, see Glamour’s top picks for best foundation, featuring a selection of tried-and-true Glamour Beauty Award winners, dermatologist and makeup artist recommendations, and Glamour editors’ personal everyday must-haves.
The best foundations, at a glance
- Best Foundation for All Skin Types: Glossier Stretch Fluid Foundation, $34
- Best Foundation for Oily Skin: NARS Soft Matte Complete Foundation, $42
- Best Foundation for Dry Skin: Make Up for Ever HD Skin Hydra Glow Hydrating Foundation, $47
- Best Foundation for Combination Skin: Fenty Beauty by Rihanna Eaze Drop Blurring Skin Tint, $36
- Best Foundation for Sensitive Skin: Kosas Revealer Skin-Improving Foundation SPF 25, $42
Your foundation questions, answered
All products are independently selected by our editors. If you buy something, we may earn an affiliate commission.
- 1/28
Glossier Stretch Foundation
A 2023 Glamour Beauty Award winner, Glossier’s Stretch Foundation is the ultimate hybrid of makeup and skin care and therefore ideal for everyday wear and all skin types—and that’s whether you prefer light or full coverage (or something in between!). “The coverage is great and has the best of both worlds: buildable enough to wear for important events but a thin layer will create a sheer veil that looks like natural skin,” says Glamour senior beauty editor Ariana Yaptangco. “Plus, the skin-loving formula makes my face feel like it can actually breathe.”
Junior designer Channing Smith says the same. “Glossier’s new Stretch Fluid Foundation is the perfect amount of light coverage I’ve been searching for,” she says. “The love child of moisturizer and foundation, I’m left with that signature Glossier dewey that lasts all day and doesn’t feel heavy on my face. I can conceal all of my redness, dark circles, and blemishes, but none of my freckles!”
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- 2/28
L'Oréal True Match Super-Blendable Foundation
“I’ve finally found a foundation that achieves a natural, dewy look (thanks to hyaluronic acid, a powerhouse hydrator) while still offering weightless coverage,” Kate Sienko, Condé Nast's associate director, creative strategy, health, says of L'Oréal's Glamour Beauty Award–winning True Match Super-Blendable Foundation. “It’s blendable, it’s breathable, and it’s budget friendly—definitely worth a spot in your beauty routine. With 47 shades, you can definitely find the shade that’s truest to you.”
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- 3/28
NARS Soft Matte Complete Foundation
Adarsh Vijay Mudgil, MD, a board-certified dermatologist and founder of New York City’s Mudgil Dermatology recommends NARS Soft Matte Complete Foundation for oily skin types. “My sister and I are both extremely oily and have sworn by this foundation for years,” says Glamour associate beauty editor Danielle Sinay. "It’s full coverage and transfer-proof—my sister likes to says this foundation is so good it could cover a bullet wound.” Plus, it contains hyaluronic acid, micro-algae extract, and an anti-oxidation complex, so it keeps your skin hydrated while preventing oxidation and the production of excess oil and sebum.
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- 4/28
MAKE UP FOR EVER HD Skin Hydra Glow Hydrating Foundation
“For normal to dry or mature skin, try a foundation that has skin care properties like the HD Skin Hydra Glow Foundation,” says Eddie Duyos, a pro makeup artist and head of artistry and education at Make Up for Ever. “This lightweight, medium-coverage formula is great for added hydration and even smooths, plumps, and brightens your skin overtime. This formula is very buildable and does a great job at covering any blemishes and imperfections all while allowing your skin to still look like skin!”
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- 5/28
FENTY BEAUTY by Rihanna Eaze Drop Blurring Skin Tint
“My personal favorite foundation right now is the Fenty Beauty by Rihanna Eaze Drop Blurring Skin Tint,” says licensed esthetician and makeup artist Ivey Rogers. “I like this one as an everyday foundation because it blurs the pores of my nose and cheeks, yet is super lightweight so I don’t feel like I'm wearing a ton of makeup. The coverage is buildable and has ingredients like hyaluronic acid to help keep my skin balanced and hydrated. I love that the finish is natural; however, I still set it with a powder to increase the wear throughout the day.”
Several Glamour editors tested the Fenty Beauty by Rihanna Eaze Drop Blurring Skin Tint and loved the perfect color match. It’s also a favorite 2023 purchase of Glamour editorial assistant, Monique Wilson who says, “it provides the perfect amount of coverage while feeling lightweight.”
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- 6/28
Best Foundation for Sensitive Skin: Kosas Revealer Skin-Improving Foundation SPF 25 With Hyaluronic Acid and Niacinamide
“Between its buildable coverage, its beautiful finish, and how much my very oily, acne-prone, and sensitive skin seems to love it, this has become my go-to face makeup when doing a full beat. I’ve worn it to the beach, at elegant dinners, and everywhere in between,” says Glamour's Sinay. Glamour contributor Bella Cacciatore agrees. “It has a light serum texture that doesn’t feel drying or heavy. In fact, it feels like I’m applying a hydrating serum instead of makeup, so I love it for days when my skin is really dry, or if I’m working from home but want a little something for a Zoom,” she says in her Kosas Revealer foundation review.
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- 7/28
Dior Forever Foundation
A Glamour Beauty Award winner for best foundation, Dior’s Forever Foundation is beloved by pretty much everyone who tries it, especially Glamour’s Yaptangco, who says it’s the only foundation formula that’s been able to control her “midafternoon grease.” She says: “Full-coverage fans will love the blurring and matte finish," adding that it has survived 90-degree weather and 10-hour workdays without budging an inch. Another plus? Its 86% concentrated skin care base, which improves your complexion over time.
Makeup artist Sabrina Bedrani applied Dior Forever Foundation on Michelle Yeoh for the for a flawless base in her 2023 Oscars makeup look.
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- 8/28
Huda Beauty GloWish Multidew Skin Tint
Want medium coverage and moisture? Look no further than Huda Beauty GloWish Multidew Skin Tint. “It’s so, so hydrating and comfortable to wear,” says Glamour beauty contributor Sarah Y. Wu. “I reach for this on days when I want a little skin-smoothing action that I can easily apply with my fingers.”
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- 9/28
Smashbox Always On Skin-Balancing Foundation with Hyaluronic Acid + Adaptogens
Rogers also points to Smashbox Always On Skin-Balancing Foundation as a fantastic option for more coverage. “It’s a 16-hour wear, and I love that it looks natural while hydrating the skin yet provides medium to full coverage,” she says. “Over the years, I’ve worked to even out my skin tone with facials and skincare products from USRx, so foundations like this one that provide skin care ingredients to help support my skin’s needs are a plus!”
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- 10/28
Chanel Ultra Le Teint All-Day Comfort Flawless Finish Foundation
If you want a matte finish that won’t dry you out, check out Chanel Ultra Le Teint All-Day Comfort Flawless Finish Foundation. “I normally stay away from matte foundations because I have super-dry skin, but I love how this one wears,” says Allure shopping director Shanna Shipin. “It’s weightless and goes on so smooth—whether I use a brush, a Beautyblender, or my fingers. The coverage is a pretty light to medium, which I don’t mind, because with flakiness, more isn’t more. There’s also a subtle, luminous glow to the formula, which means everything to me and my Mojave Desert skin.”
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- 11/28
Makeup For Ever HD Skin Undetectable Longwear Foundation
Get ready for your close up with Makeup for Ever HD Skin Undetectable Longwear Foundation. “When I need more coverage or to wear makeup to be photo-ready, I opt for this one,” says Rogers. “It’s great for photos and videos and gives skin a natural matte finish. I love that it is buildable and long-wear so touchups aren’t necessary especially if I apply their Mist & Fix Makeup Setting Spray! It works really well to ensure your makeup is transfer-proof.”
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- 12/28
Armani Beauty Luminous Silk Perfect Glow Flawless Oil-Free Foundation
“This has been my absolute favorite foundation for years,” says Wu of Armani Beauty’s cult favorite Luminous Silk Perfect Glow Flawless Oil-Free Foundation. “It covers everything it needs to cover but still gives my skin that luminous finish so it never looks cakey or heavy.” Also of note? This is the only foundation my grandma has used since I have known her (which is obviously my entire life). It’s a classic for a reason!
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- 13/28
Juvia's Place I Am Magic Natural Radiance Foundation
Glamour editorial assistant Monique Wilson points to Juvia’s Place I Am Magic Natural Radiance Foundation as a pretty much perfect foundation formula for a radiant finish. “I love this foundation because it’s lightweight but offers full and buildable coverage, unlike other foundations that are too matte or heavy on the face,” she says. “I also like that it’s a easy liquid product that isn’t hard to get out.”
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- 14/28
Bobbi Brown Intensive Serum Foundation SPF 40/30
If you have dry or mature skin, Dr. Mudgil recommends Bobbi Brown’s Intensive Serum Foundation SPF 40/30. Infused with 75% skin-boosting ingredients like cordyceps and ginseng, this serum-foundation hybrid replenishes moisture levels to plump and soften the skin while diminishing the appearance of fine lines.
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- 15/28
YSL All Hours Foundation
“YSL’s foundation checks all the boxes and then some,” says Glamour senior West Coast editor Jessica Radloff. “SPF, 24 hour-coverage, hyaluronic acid, and 40 shades, which ensure you’ll find the perfect match. It goes on so smooth and 12 hours later, my skin still feels so supple and hydrated. Bonus: The packaging design is so gorgeous you won’t want to put this in your medicine cabinet.” It's also a favorite of Glamour senior commerce editor Jenifer Calle who likes to use it for special events when she needs a more long-lasting foundation.
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- 16/28
Best Luxury Foundation: Pat McGrath Labs Sublime Perfection Foundation
Look, Pat McGrath Labs Sublime Perfection Foundation is a cult favorite for a reason. With an inclusive shade range (it offers 45) and proprietary vita-serum complex and diamond core powder technology, this foundation, that allegedly stayed completely intact on Taylor Swift's face throughout a thunderstorm, offers medium-to-full coverage and a beautiful, skin-like finish. Glamour contributor Kirbie Johnson tested this Pat McGrath Labs foundation and said it transformed her acne-prone skin.
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- 17/28
Best Long-Wear Foundation: Estee Lauder Double Wear Stay-in-Place Foundation
Estée Lauder’s Double Wear Stay-in-Place Foundation promises to last for 24 hours, despite heat, humidity, and sweat, and whatever else life throws your way. That said, it’s still super lightweight and buildable, so it doesn’t feel heavy, clog your pores, or start to cake throughout the day. Translation? No matter how oily your skin might be, it has nothing on the mattifying and long-lasting power of this foundation.
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- 18/28
Rare Beauty by Selena Gomez Liquid Touch Weightless Foundation
“I absolutely love this foundation,” beauty contributor Bella Cacciatore says in her review of Rare Beauty’s Liquid Touch Weightless Foundation. “It’s a weightless serum formula that truly feels like nothing on your skin, and while it doesn’t give much coverage right away, it can easily be built up to cover my acne scars without looking caky. I would almost say it’s a dupe for my beloved Pat McGrath foundation, thanks to the luminous airbrushed finish.”
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- 19/28
Fenty Beauty Eaze Drop Stick Blur + Smooth Tint Stick Foundation
“I was already a huge fan of the original Eaze Drop Blurring Skin Tint, but once I heard it was launching in stick form, I jumped at the chance to get it,” says Glamour commerce writer Andrea Navarro. “I use a beauty blender to apply it, and I kid you not, it blends in seamlessly almost immediately. The consistency isn’t heavy at all, but you can build it to the point of full coverage. Some days, I don’t even feel the need to add concealer with this because it makes everything look so even on its own. It’s my new go-to everyday foundation.”
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- 20/28
Make Up Forever HD Skin Matte Velvet Powder Foundation
“For combination to oily skin, foundation formulas that are ‘oil-free,’ waterproof, and/or a powder formulation might be a better option,” says Duyos. “For these specific skin types, I recommend HD Skin Matte Velvet Powder Foundation.”
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- 21/28
Guerlain Terracotta Le Teint Healthy Glow Foundation
“I’m really picky about my foundation, because if you don’t use the right shade or formula, the rest of your makeup application suffers,” says Glamour’s Radloff, who was blown away by how much she loved Guerlain’s Terracotta Le Teint Healthy Glow Foundation. “I had no idea just how obsessed with it I would be. It’s a liquid to-powder formula that really does last all day and offer medium coverage, which is the sweet spot. It evens out any dark spots or acne scars, goes on seamlessly, and leaves me with a beautiful glow. Argan oil is the secret weapon here, so my skin never gets too dry or matte-looking, and with 30 shades, you’re destined to find your perfect match. 10/10. I can’t recommend enough.”
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- 22/28
Dermablend Liquid Camo Foundation
Having blemished skin doesn’t mean you can’t or shouldn’t use makeup; it just means you should choose your products wisely. When it comes to foundation in particular, Dr. Mudgil recommends Dermablend’s Liquid Camo Foundation, which offers medium-to-full buildable coverage that lasts up to 16 hours without smudging or transferring.
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- 23/28
Phyto-Teint Perfection Foundation Sisley Paris
If you want a full-coverage foundation that blurs all your imperfections and lasts all day, looks and feels like a second skin, and doesn’t clog pores or make you breakout, Sisley Paris’s Phyto-Teint Perfection Foundation is your foundation match made in heaven. But the best part? It does all of the above without budging, or, more importantly, getting all over your hands and clothes. It’s really, truly transfer-proof.
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- 24/28
about-face Skin-Focused Foundation
A nearly brand-new release, About-Face’s Skin-Focused Foundation—which comes in 45 different shade in varying undertones—is already considered a staple. “One foundation that I’ve tried and fallen hard for is About-Face’s new Performer formula,” says Glamour's Navarro. “It’s on the lighter side and has a serum-like texture to it, so it sits super-comfortably on skin. My favorite feature is the doe-foot applicator, because it makes it easy to apply across my face without overdoing the amount. I normally apply two layers followed by a concealer for more coverage on my stubborn acne scars. Unlike a lot of other foundations, this range has plenty of options for olive undertones, which made shade matching a breeze.”
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- 25/28
MAKEUP BY MARIO SurrealSkin Liquid Foundation
Digital director Perrie Samotin swears by Makeup By Mario’s breathable, luminous, and buildable Surreal Skin Liquid Foundation. Formulated with grape seed oil, vegetal squalene, and perfecting powders, it hydrates and smooths the skin while offering a radiant yet long-lasting finish that won’t dry your skin out despite being smudge-proof.
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- 26/28
What is foundation, and how does it differ from other products?
“Foundation is a subcategory of makeup that is usually either a liquid, a cream, or a powder that matches skin tone with the intention of providing a more even-looking tone,” says Rogers. “Coverage can vary depending on brand and formula and is ideally chosen based on your skin tone for the most optimal wear and finish.”
It’s also quite literally the foundation for the rest of your glam, says Duyos. “Just like the foundation of a house, there needs to be a primal structure or base before building and decorating. Foundation creates a proper and uniform canvas to the skin before any additional makeup is applied,” he explains. “When you have an even application of foundation on the skin, it creates a balanced canvas that allows for the rest of the make up to be ‘supported’ or to enhance the other features of the makeup design.”
- 27/28
How to find the best foundation for your skin type
While there are some universally beneficial ingredients to seek out in all foundations, Dr. Mudgil says that finding your perfect makeup match largely depends on your skin type.
For skin with acne scars or blemishes, a foundation with a wide shade range that can be used to conceal underlying pigment and textural irregularities is key, says Dr. Mudgil.
For dry skin, Duyos suggests formulas with ingredients like hyaluronic acid and jojoba oil for that extra boost of hydration, and for combination to oily skin, he recommends waterproof formulas. A waterproof foundation usually contains some sort of polymer ingredient to keep it in place and prevent caking from natural oils throughout the day, he says.
Other factors to consider is your preferred finish and coverage level, as well as types of foundations. “Generally, oily skin types do best with powders; however, if you wear a liquid foundation, mattifying formulas are ideal for that natural matte finish,” Rogers says. “If your skin tends to be on the dry side, liquids or creams would be best as they usually provide a bit more hydration, making the skin appear more glowy.”
If your skin is somewhere in between oily and dry however, choosing a foundation may just come down to preference depending on the look you’re going for and the convenience of the application.
- 28/28
How to apply foundation
First, prep your skin accordingly. “Typically, foundation is applied or used after your skin care regimen onto clean skin,” says Duyos. “If a makeup primer is being used, the order would be: skin care, primer, then foundation.”
Application technique also depends on your desired level of coverage. “Tools can greatly impact how your foundation is applied, so if you prefer a more natural look, consider applying your foundation with a damp sponge so that the formula can be applied more ‘skin-like,’ and set with a lightweight or translucent powder,” says Rogers. “Applying with your fingers will give you a sheer to light coverage; brush application tends to give medium coverage; and sponge application, in a tapping motion, usually gives full coverage,” Duyos adds.
Just remember: A little often goes a long way. “Because foundation is supposed to help even out the look of your skin, I find that the ‘less is more,’ approach is best,” says Rogers. “Once you get your exact shade, applying it where you need it first is best.” If you’re not sure where to start, Rogers and Dr. Mudgil suggest the center of your face and blending outward towards the cheeks. “Most foundations are buildable, so start with a small amount first before adding more where coverage is needed to make the skin appear more even.”
