Top 10 Department Store Foundations
We Ranked The Top Foundations From Department Stores—Here Are The 10 Best
A good foundation is not something that should be overlooked or taken lightly. Foundations quite literally lay the base for the rest of your makeup, so it only makes sense to find a foundation that fits all of your needs and can be relied upon to complete your look. While we love a good drugstore find, department stores bring the best of the best in terms of trusted, higher end makeup brands. Finding a tried-and-true foundation to add to your routine is certainly a process, which is why we’ve used our data-driven algorithm to round up the best department store foundations for you to peruse and take your pick from right now. Each foundation on this list is highly rated and raved upon by users just like you, whether it’s for the coverage, application, natural shade, or flawless finish. Shop our Top 10 department store foundations to find your perfect match for a flawless face. Opening image: @lauramerciercosmetics
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July 26, 2019
Top 10 Lists serve as unbiased shopping guides to the most trusted product recommendations on the internet. Products are scored and ranked using an algorithm backed by data consumers find most valuable when making a purchase. We are reader-supported and may earn a commission when you shop through our links.
The Rankings
Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer
WHAT IT DOES: This multitasker provides the skin with a soft wash of color to enhance it without hiding it so you can still let your best features shine through.
USERS SAID: "I never thought that I could find something more perfect for my skin complexion! I have some minor blemishes on my skin and I hate wearing full foundation because it's often heavy and takes so much time to put on. This tinted moisturizer is super easy to apply with your hands (don't forget to wash after you apply) in a minute! It's also so lightweight that I forget that I have it on. If I add this with a bit of powder foundation powder I feel like a goddess :)"
Hourglass Vanish Seamless Finish Foundation Stick
LOVED FOR: The 12-hour waterproof formula that seamlessly blends into the skin—plus, the convenient stick applicator.
FUN FACT: This vegan-friendly product is free of parabens, sulfates, phthalates, fragrance, gluten, synthetic dyes, and GMO.
bareMinerals Original Foundation Broad Spectrum SPF 15
LOVED FOR: This buildable foundation looks natural no matter how much you apply.
USERS SAID: “I've been using this foundation for five years and I love it! It's light, but provides full coverage and always makes me look refreshed and put together. It's also done wonderful things for my skin! I have combination skin with a tendency toward acne, and this has helped to clear it up so that I don't break out as often or as badly.”
Dior Diorskin Airflash Spray Foundation
USERS SAID: "Made my skin look FLAWLESS. I have a few small scars from acne around my chin, larger pores across my cheeks, and an oily t-zone, but this took care of all of that. Also, my makeup still looked exactly the same 12 hours later! I could not believe it. It’s definitely one of the pricier foundations I've bought, but it’s so worth it."
COMPLETE THE LOOK: After application, lock in your look and give your skin a little glow with the Airflash Radiance Mist Primer & Setting Spray.
Clinique Even Better Makeup
BEST FOR: Developed by dermatologists, the oil-free formula is perfect for those with combination or problem skin and gives you moderate coverage with a totally natural finish.
USERS SAID: "After years of cakey, full coverage makeup, I decided to go for something more hydrating and natural. I LOVE the way this foundation looks on me. It doesn't cake up or pull on dry patches. I have combination oily skin, so if I don't set this with a touch of setting powder, it gets oily. If Clinique ever discontinues this, I'm suing."
MAC Studio Fix Powder Plus Foundation
LOVED FOR: With four different undertones to choose from across shades, you'll never end up with a weird yellow cast.
BEST FOR: A powder option!
La Mer Soft Fluid Long Wear Foundation
BEST FOR: La Mer’s color capsule technology helps color stay put all day—even in humidity—so it’s great for long wear.
USERS SAID: “I've tried SO many different brands and this is forever my go-to. I have highly sensitive and acne-prone skin. Since using this, my skin has cleared up! The coverage is light, but can be layered if needed.”
Giorgio Armani Luminous Silk Foundation
BEST FOR: Those who want a light look for the summer as this provides sheer to moderate coverage
USERS SAID: “The foundation goes on like a dream. You only need a small amount to achieve full coverage, so it looks very natural. Wonderful shade selection too.”
Lancôme Teint Idole Ultra Long Wear Foundation
BEST FOR: This pick is perfect for oily skin. It'll flawlessly cover existing blemishes, prevent new ones from forming, and keep oil at bay for hours.
LOVED FOR: Lancôme made this formula for those ultra-long days where makeup touchups aren't an option. It provides 24 hours of cake-free, crease-free, transfer-resistant color.
Estée Lauder Double Wear Stay-in-Place Makeup
BEST FOR: This highly-rated best seller lasts for a full 24 hours, so those who don’t have time for touch-ups can rely on this trusted foundation.
WHY YOU NEED IT: If you prefer a matte finish for your face, then this natural matte formula will be just what you’re looking for.
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