Top 10 Foundations
The Ultimate Guide To Finding The Right Foundation For Your Skin Type And Coverage Needs
When you’re in a rush but want to look fresh, what are the five makeup products you reach for? For us, it would be mascara, a tinted lip, brow gel, blush, and most crucial of all, foundation.
What’s our point? That out of all the essential makeup products, foundation might be the most essential. It subtly covers flaws and creates a uniform complexion. Plus, if you find a really great one, it might also function as a moisturizer, sunscreen, astringent, or base layer for additional cosmetics and makeup.
But finding a really great foundation isn’t an easy task. With hundreds of products on the shelves and even more online to choose from, it’s a challenge to determine which one will work with your skin type and beauty routine. Don’t stress, though, because we’re here to help with that.
Ahead, we've rounded up the best foundations on the market today. From matte finishes to oil-free formulas to lightweight options, this guide is yours to help you easily shop and compare the most recommended foundations online.
How We Found The Best Foundations
Foundations are finicky. The wrong formula can lead to cake face, breakouts, or an oil slick on your t-zone. In order to avoid all of the above, we knew what we had to do: use our data-powered, unbiased algorithm to find and rank the internet’s best foundations. Factoring in social buzz, best-seller lists, user reviews, and more, this tool turned up the 10 best foundations out there. From Maybelline to Fenty, there’s a wide variety of beauty brands in the list below we think you’re going to love.
April 18, 2024
Written By:Sierra Rogers
Product Expert:Georgia Jones
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
Maybelline New York Fit Me Matte + Poreless Liquid Foundation
Overall Score
4.85
10
Maybelline New York Fit Me Matte + Poreless Liquid Foundation
4.4
21623 User Reviews
5
Best Seller
5
Industry Recognition
4
Social Buzz
About Our Scoring System
In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.
Best Drugstore Foundation
WHY YOU’LL LOVE IT
Ringing in at under $10, this is definitely the most affordable foundation on our list—but that doesn’t mean it’s any less effective than its company. Lightweight and breathable, Maybelline created this liquid foundation to absorb oil and control shine, all while giving you a smooth, clear complexion.
WHO IT’S BEST FOR
This is a foundation formulated for oily skin. It's free of oils and the ingredient list includes clay, so you can trust that it won’t cause breakouts or clog your pores.
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Lancôme Teint Idole Ultra Long Wear Foundation
Overall Score
4.85
09
Lancôme Teint Idole Ultra Long Wear Foundation
4.42
17173 User Reviews
5
Best Seller
4
Industry Recognition
5
Social Buzz
About Our Scoring System
In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.
Best Longwear Foundation
WHY YOU’LL LOVE IT
One reviewer puts it best: “Lasts all day with perfect coverage.” So, if you’re planning on partying all night long or you have an extra-long day of work to get through, you’re going to want this 24-hour foundation on your side.
WHO IT’S BEST FOR
If you have normal, combination, or oily skin, this foundation should leave you with an even, matte finish.
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Rare Beauty By Selena Gomez Liquid Touch Weightless Foundation
Overall Score
4.9
08
Rare Beauty By Selena Gomez Liquid Touch Weightless Foundation
4.65
3662 User Reviews
5
Best Seller
5
Industry Recognition
4
Social Buzz
About Our Scoring System
In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.
Best Lightweight Foundation
WHY YOU’LL LOVE IT
Selena Gomez is the mastermind behind Rare Beauty, and if you need any convincing of her credibility when it comes to skincare, here’s a fact: the Liquid Touch Weightless Foundation has over 2,000 5-star reviews on Sephora, and it’s only been around since 2020.
WHO IT’S BEST FOR
Best for oily, combination, and normal skin, a little goes a long way when it comes to this product. In fact, Sephora suggests using the doe-foot applicator to “dot” the face with small amounts of foundation and blend from there.
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Cruelty Free
Bobbi Brown Skin Long-Wear Weightless Foundation
Overall Score
4.9
07
Bobbi Brown Skin Long-Wear Weightless Foundation
4.47
7254 User Reviews
5
Best Seller
5
Industry Recognition
4
Social Buzz
About Our Scoring System
In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.
Best Foundation With SPF
WHAT IT DOES
Introducing a silky emulsion foundation that contains skin-loving ingredients, oil-controlling actives, and skin-true pigments. It glides on smoothly to give you a second-skin feel and natural matte finish.
WHO'S IT FOR
This foundation is perfect for those with combination skin as it delivers medium coverage that is comfortable and breathable for up to 16 hours. Enjoy a flawless and long-lasting matte finish with this foundation.
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Fenty Beauty By Rihanna Pro Filt'r Soft Matte Longwear Foundation
Overall Score
4.9
06
Fenty Beauty By Rihanna Pro Filt'r Soft Matte Longwear Foundation
4.15
29440 User Reviews
5
Best Seller
5
Industry Recognition
5
Social Buzz
About Our Scoring System
In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.
Best Matte Foundation
WHY YOU’LL LOVE IT
You probably don’t need us to remind you that Queen RiRi is the founder of Fenty Beauty, but consider this your refresher. And like everything else Rihanna has her hand in, Fenty is considered a smashing success. Here’s our evidence: the Pro Filt’r Soft Matte Foundation is both a Sephora community favorite and an Allure Best of Beauty award winner.
WHO IT’S BEST FOR
This foundation comes in 50 shades, which means most should be able to find their perfect skin tone match. Its oil-free formula is designed to give you an instantly-smooth, pore-diffused finish, making it a great option for those with normal, combination, or oily skin.
More Colors
Cruelty Free
Dior Backstage Face And Body Foundation
Overall Score
4.95
05
Dior Backstage Face And Body Foundation
4.4
5199 User Reviews
5
Best Seller
5
Industry Recognition
5
Social Buzz
About Our Scoring System
In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.
Best Foundation For Face And Body
WHY YOU’LL LOVE IT
This liquid foundation is formulated to give you a flawless, natural-looking finish. Lightweight and waterproof, Dior’s Backstage Face and Body Foundation won’t look cakey or uneven, even if you’re hitting the gym or heading out for a hike.
WHO IT’S BEST FOR
According to Sephora, this foundation works best for a wide range of skin types including normal, dry, combination, and oily skin. Plus, it comes in 40 different shades, so there’s a good chance you’ll be able to find a perfect match for your skin tone.
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Cruelty Free
Too Faced Born This Way Foundation
Overall Score
4.95
04
Too Faced Born This Way Foundation
4.25
52637 User Reviews
5
Best Seller
5
Industry Recognition
5
Social Buzz
About Our Scoring System
In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.
Best Oil-Free Foundation
WHAT IT DOES
This foundation is oil-free and lightweight, and it seamlessly blends with the skin for an undetectable coverage. It contains key ingredients such as coconut water, which helps to replenish the skin's moisture levels, alpine rose, which supports the skin's health and resilience, and hyaluronic acid, which provides a smoother and more youthful appearance. Overall, it is a great choice for anyone looking for a foundation that offers both coverage and skincare benefits.
ADDITIONAL DETAILS
In case you were wondering, this foundation is photo-friendly, meaning is won’t cause flashback and is 100% selfie approved.
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Ilia Super Serum Skin Tint SPF 40 Foundation
Overall Score
4.95
03
Ilia Super Serum Skin Tint SPF 40 Foundation
4.27
23280 User Reviews
5
Best Seller
5
Industry Recognition
5
Social Buzz
About Our Scoring System
In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.
Best Natural Foundation
WHAT IT DOES
Foundations are great for covering imperfections, but they may not always be the best for your skin. Luckily, Ilia's formula contains skin-friendly ingredients that offer dewy coverage, mineral SPF, and moisturizing and smoothing benefits. If you need a foundation that minimizes the appearance of pores, blemishes, redness, and wrinkles, you can choose from one of the 30 easy-to-blend shades.
REVIEWER HIGHLIGHT
"After using the product for the last week, I am impressed with the results. The older I get, the less heavy coverage I want on my face. This skin tint provides the right amount of coverage, while being lightweight. The first time I used it, it settled into my pores, but I have started applying with a brush and then blending with a sponge and it works great. This leaves my skin looking luminous and it looked great after several hours. I would recommend this to someone who has dry skin."
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Cruelty Free
Clean Beauty
Armani Beauty Luminous Silk Perfect Glow Flawless Foundation
Overall Score
5
02
Armani Beauty Luminous Silk Perfect Glow Flawless Foundation
4.42
12252 User Reviews
5
Best Seller
5
Industry Recognition
5
Social Buzz
About Our Scoring System
In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.
Best Illuminating Foundation
WHY YOU’LL LOVE IT
A foundation that’s inspired by silk? Now that’s luxury. Formulated with Micro–fil technology, Armani’s Luminous Silk Foundation is meant to glide over your skin and leave you with an airbrushed, glowy look.
WHO IT’S BEST FOR
This oil-free foundation works best for normal, combination, and oily skin. And here’s a tip: if you’re not ready to commit to shelling out over $60 for a bottle of this foundation, it’s available in a more affordable mini size.
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Estee Lauder Double Wear Stay-In-Place Makeup
Overall Score
5
01
Estee Lauder Double Wear Stay-In-Place Makeup
4.58
27494 User Reviews
5
Best Seller
5
Industry Recognition
5
Social Buzz
About Our Scoring System
In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.
Best Foundation Overall
WHY YOU’LL LOVE IT
Estee Lauder describes their Double Wear Stay-In-Place Foundation as “makeup that keeps up with busy life.” So, what does that mean exactly? It means that this foundation will look smooth and well-blended even after 24 hours of wear in the heat and humidity—or just a normal day of work, chores, and taking care of the kids.
WHO IT’S BEST FOR
With 55 options to choose from, there should be a shade of this foundation for everyone. But because it’s made with an oil-free formula, it’s best for those with normal, combination, or oily skin types.
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