It’s no secret that a good foundation can completely transform the way you look and level up how the rest of your makeup sits on your skin. That’s why it’s super important to find a foundation that’s not only well-suited to your skin type and tone, but also has a long-lasting finish so that you don’t have any awkward makeup slip-ups throughout the day. But the reality is, if you are not a makeup expert, finding the perfect foundation match can be quite the challenge – especially since there are more make-up options on beauty shelves now than ever before.
Whether you are looking for full coverage or a more sheer finish, foundations tend to look the best when they seamlessly blend in with the natural texture of your skin. So, the first step when foundation shopping would be to identify your skin type and any major problem areas to help you pick a product that caters to your needs as best as possible.
Next, you need to think about when you would use this foundation. For instance, is it for daily use or special occasions only? Finally, we would recommend reading reviews online before buying a new foundation to give you a better idea of what to expect. A pro tip here would be to read reviews from people with a similar skin type or tone to help you narrow down your search.
To give you a head start to finding the foundation of your dreams, here are the best foundations for all skin types with plenty of 5-star reviews from real shoppers.
1. L’Oreal Paris Infallible 24HR Freshwear Foundation, £12.99 here
If you are looking for a full-coverage foundation for less, L’Oreal Paris Infallible 24HR Freshwear Foundation is one to have on your radar. Made with oxygen technology for a skin-like finish, this brilliant buildable foundation feels super lightweight, is completely transfer-free and promises to last for up to 24 hours without budging. Plus, this price-friendly product is available in a wide range of shades to suit all skin tones from light to dark.
What one LookFantastic reviewer says: “This is such a good foundation! Gives all of my expensive ones a run for their money at half the price. Lasts all day and I always get asked what foundation I’m using when I wear it.”
2. Monika Blunder Beauty Blunder Cover, £45 here
Foundation balms are a great alternative to liquid formulas that can be tricky (read: time-consuming) to blend. Founded by make-up artist to the stars, Monika Blunder, Beauty Blunder Cover is a multi-purpose balm foundation that can be used to build a beautiful base, colour correct, conceal and contour (depending on the shade you choose). What’s more is this clever foundation is packed with skin-nourishing ingredients – such as antioxidant-rich Rosemary oils, Vitamin E and Aloe Vera – to make your skin glow on no-makeup days too.
What one Cult Beauty reviewer says: “I adore the Monika Blunder Beauty Blunder. I have shades 2.5, 3 and 3.5 and swap between them each depending on whether I have a bit of tan. The application is best with a short, dense brush (I like the Chanel.one that comes with the water base) or the MB brush itself. It's really adaptable and easy to use a bit more sheer or heavier if you want. It also lasts forever. I've had compliments from friends who ask if I'm wearing any foundation as it looks so natural yet provides lovely cover.”
3. Revolution Conceal & Define Foundation, £9.99 here
Made to suit every skin type and tone, Revolution’s Conceal & Define Foundation comes in 50 skin-like shades that boast a semi-matte, full-coverage finish. Designed with a built-in make-up sponge stick for easy application, this super versatile, oil-free foundation can be used all over or directly on blemishes for a more even complexion.
What one Boots reviewer says: “I bought the foundation when looking for a full coverage drug store foundation. It makes my skin look flawless and doesn’t make my skin look cakey with product! I think the applicator is a good idea as you don’t need multiple dips with the product. I think this is amazing value for your money. Would definitely recommend.”
4. Huda Beauty Glowish Multidew Skin Tint, £34 here
Perfect for achieving a ‘no-make-up make-up look’, the Glowish Multidew Skin Tint from Huda Beauty is ideal for those who are after lightweight base that doubles up as skincare. Infused with light-reflective pearl pigments, this tinted moisturiser promises to instantly brighten and hydrate your complexion while effortlessly blurring blemishes and/or imperfections.
What one Sephora reviewer says: “I am in Love with this Skin Tint! I used to be a full-coverage gal, but I’ve recently noticed that the heavy foundations were accentuating my fine lines. During my mission to find a product that didn’t seem to age me, I stumbled across Huda Glowish. I was a little nervous about going from full coverage to light coverage but I decided to give it a try. I am so glad that I did! My skin looks like skin instead of makeup and it gives such a beautiful healthy glow.”
5. MAC Studio Fix Powder Plus Foundation, £29 here
While liquid foundations feel like a first choice, there are many other options out there that you may have not considered. Cue MAC Studio Fix Powder Plus Foundation – a powder foundation that is easily applied using a fluffy makeup brush for light coverage or a makeup sponge for a more made-up look. This product works especially well on oily to combination skin and is available in over 30 shades.
What one Boots reviewer says: “This product applies very smoothly and lasts a good while. I do touch it up if I need to, but it generally stays put during my workday. I like the feel, coverage and very natural look it provides. I am back to work in person and am still using this instead of liquid foundation. I would recommend it.”
6. Rimmel London Lasting Finish 25HR Foundation With Comfort Serum SPF 20, £9.99 here
For an affordable foundation that is sweat-proof and lasts all day long, Rimmel London’s Lasting Finish 25HR Foundation is an unbeatable choice. This medium-coverage foundation works wonders on oily to combination skin types and is super easy to blend. Plus, this bargain beauty buy has been infused with hydrating hyaluronic acid and SPF for added skincare benefits.
What one Boots reviewer says: “I have used this for many years and always keep stocked up in fear of it being discontinued! It applies smoothly, has buildable coverage and doesn't dry or cake on my skin. I really hope this is around for years to come as I prefer it over more expensive brands.”
7. Charlotte Tilbury Charlotte’s Beautiful Skin Foundation, £39 here
If your skin is feeling and looking duller than usual, you need to get your hands on Charlotte Tilbury’s Beautiful Skin Foundation ASAP! Formulated with brightening rose complex and hydrating hyaluronic acid to improve the look of your skin with each wear, this miracle-working foundation will give you an instant radiance boost while offering medium to full coverage depending on your application method. Plus, it is available in 30 stunning skin shades.
What one FeelUnique reviewer says: “The Charlotte Tilbury Beautiful Skin foundation is amazing! It goes on so smoothly, blends easily and looks flawless. It is buildable to a medium coverage but doesn’t look cakey. I absolutely love it.”
8. Fenty Beauty Pro Filt’r Soft Matte Longwear Foundation, £30 here
If one thing is for sure, Rihanna is a pro when it comes to formulating foundations that look unbelievably good on every skin type and tone. Much like the rest of the Fenty Beauty make-up range, Rihanna’s Pro Filt’r Soft Matte Longwear Foundation does not disappoint. This buildable foundation offers medium to full coverage, is sweat/shine proof and promises to last for up to 25 hours. In true Fenty Beauty style, this flawless foundation is available in up to 50 inclusive skin shades.
What one Boots reviewer says: “Perfect for my skin and I love the formula. You can use more/less according to the coverage you’re after. I’ve been using this for years now and will never go back to anything else. Also perfect match for my Asian skin tone.”
9. NARS Cosmetics Natural Radiant Longwear Foundation, £37 here
For a gorgeous, glowing, luminous skin finish, NARS Cosmetics’ Natural Radiant Longwear Foundation ticks all of the right boxes. Made with micronised pigments and shimmering mineral powders to help mimic your natural skin tone, this clever foundation feels super lightweight and visibly blurs imperfections. In addition, you can expect medium to full coverage and up to 16 hours of long-lasting wear.
What one LookFantastic reviewer says: “I have never used this brand before I have always stuck to MAC, but I have seen so many people rave about this foundation and I can see why…it’s stunning, it goes on so easy and the coverage is amazing!”
10. Maybelline Fit Me Matte & Poreless Liquid Foundation, £5.99 here
When it comes to oily or acne-prone skin types, it’s important that you pick a foundation that is mattifying so that it doesn’t clog your pores in the process. Dermatologist-approved and great value for money, Maybelline Fit Me Matte & Poreless Liquid Foundation offers medium coverage and a natural finish without looking cakey. If this sounds like what you are looking for, you can shop this dreamy drugstore foundation in 40 shades now.
What one Boots reviewer says: “I really like this foundation! I bought shade 112 and it blends in nicely with my skin tone, evens everything out and gives a nice matte look. I also found that this worked on my dry-normal skin, which I wasn't expecting! It also gives quite decent coverage but will not cover spots like beauty marks for example. Overall, I recommend this product! I think it's nice to use for an everyday look if you like to do a full face.”
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