AP Buyline Feature: The best foundations, as recommended by expert makeup artists including Charlotte makeup artist, Caitlyn Dominic
Originally posted on AP Buyline by Jenna Clark | June 14, 2024
When it comes to makeup, foundation is one of the most essential products and should always be part of your makeup routine if it’s not already included. “Foundation can be a great way to even out skin tone, whether that be redness, discoloration, acne scarring, melasma, etc.,” says Caitlyn Dominic, Charlotte-based professional makeup artist and owner of Makeup by Caitlyn Michelle. “Investing in the right foundation can help someone feel more confident if there’s something they don't love about their skin.”
That said, foundation shopping may feel overwhelming. Not all foundations are created equally, as some contain different ingredients or are better suited for certain skin types and conditions than others. That’s why I set out to create this list of the best foundations, so you can spend more time doing your makeup and less time looking for high-quality products.
To find the best foundations, I consulted with Dominic as well as Natalie Dresher, a Miami-based celebrity and bridal makeup artist, about their foundation recommendations and what people should keep in mind regarding coverage, finish and shades when shopping.
What to consider when buying a foundation
Coverage
Every foundation differs when it comes to the level of coverage it provides. With this in mind, you must know your skincare goals and the type of look you’re hoping to achieve with your new foundation, to ensure you purchase one that meets your expectations. Dresher recommends asking yourself how often you plan on using the foundation, when and for what type of events you plan on wearing it, and how transparent you’d like it to be to determine whether light, medium or full coverage is best for you.
“Foundation, just like all makeup, hair, skin and fragrance products, is very much a personal preference product,” explains Dominic. “If someone has amazing skin, they may just want something lightweight, whereas if someone has skin they’re a bit more self-conscious of, due to acne or scarring, for example, they might want a more medium- to full coverage foundation.”
Finish
It’s also important to take note of your preferred finish when foundation shopping, as different finishes are typically compatible with different skin types. "The most common foundation finishes are natural, satin, radiant and matte,” explains Dominic. She adds that if you have dry skin, you might want to consider a radiant finish. However, if you have oily skin, a matte finish may be more suitable.
Shades
It’s best to know your shade before purchasing a foundation, as the last thing you want is to buy a foundation that looks extremely off from the color of the rest of your body. Fair, light, medium and deep are the common foundation shade categories. However, foundation shades are more nuanced when it comes to their undertones. “Knowing your undertone and skin tone will help you pick your general shade,” Dresher says.
Top picks for the best foundations
Best Longwear Foundation
Specifications:
Coverage: Medium.
Finish: Natural.
Shades: 51.
Lasting power: Not listed (but long-lasting).
Price on publish: $45.
The takeaway:
This long-lasting natural-finish foundation from Haus Labs contains fermented arnica, which helps prevent skin sensitivities and redness.
Best Luxury Foundation
Specifications:
Coverage: Medium (buildable).
Finish: Satin.
Shades: 36.
Lasting power: 12 hours.
Price on publish: $69.
The takeaway:
Pat McGrath’s Sublime Perfection Foundation is worth the investment for its buildable coverage feature and ability to set itself.
Best Transfer-Proof Foundation
Specifications:
Coverage: Medium.
Finish: Natural matte.
Shades: 40.
Lasting power: Up to 24 hours.
Price on publish: $40.
The takeaway:
Face Bond Self Setting Waterproof Foundation from Urban Decay is suitable for active people or those who come into contact with many people throughout the day, since it’s waterproof and transfer-resistant.
Best Lightweight Foundation
Specifications:
Coverage: Lightweight.
Finish: Radiant.
Shades: 18.
Lasting power: All day.
Price on publish: $49.
The takeaway:
Because Hourglass Cosmetics Veil Hydrating Skin Tint Foundation is lightweight, it’s the perfect fit for those seeking an option with a “no feel” feel.
Best Stick Foundation
Specifications:
Coverage: Light.
Finish: Natural.
Shades: 25.
Lasting power: Not listed (long wear).
Price on publish: $36.
The takeaway:
The Eaze Drop Stick Blur + Smooth Tint is a foundation stick from Fenty Beauty that makes it easy to apply foundation as you see fit, without carrying any extra tools.
Best Full Coverage Foundation
Specifications:
Coverage: Full.
Finish: Natural matte.
Shades: 40.
Lasting power: 24 hours.
Price on publish: $47.
The takeaway:
Those looking for a full coverage foundation will appreciate Make Up For Ever’s lightweight and waterproof HD Skin formula that provides all-day coverage.
Best Mature Skin Foundation
Specifications:
Coverage: Medium.
Finish: Natural.
Shades: 43.
Lasting power: Not listed.
Price on publish: $43.
The takeaway:
Dior’s Backstage Face & Body Foundation is a solid choice for mature skin. It’s ultra-light and seamlessly blends into the skin.
How we selected the best foundations
Expert advice and online research
I selected the best foundations after interviewing makeup artists Caitlyn Dominic and Natalie Dresher. I added some of their recommendations to this list, and used their insights regarding coverage, finish and shades to help inform my online research when selecting additional picks, as well as reading reviews from real customers.
What ingredients should you watch out for in foundation?
The ingredients you should watch out for in foundation may depend on your skin type. However, “if you have sensitive skin, look out for mica, silica, talc and fragrance,” says Dominic.
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
Can foundation be applied over sunscreen?
Yes, foundation can be applied over sunscreen. That said, Dresher notes that you want to ensure your sunscreen won’t pill under your foundation. “I wear Naturium Dew Glow SPF 50 under my foundation when I wear makeup and when I don’t,” says Dresher. Furthermore, Dominic advises wearing sunscreens without tint if you plan on using a foundation afterwards, unless the two products offer the same or similar tint.
What is the best foundation for full coverage?
According to Dominic (and myself), the best foundation for full coverage is the Make Up For Ever HD Skin Undetectable Longwear Foundation.
How do you know which shade of foundation to get?
There are a couple of methods you can use to know which shade of foundation to get. If you’re someone who prefers to physically test a new makeup product before wearing it, many brick-and-mortar makeup stores have testers and professional makeup artists or associates available to help you swatch and test out the product. If you’d prefer to shop online as I do, online retailers have services available that help you find your perfect match by way of uploading a photo of yourself, so you can see how different products would look on you. It’s also important to be familiar with your skin tone, or the skin tone of the person you’re shopping for, to know which shade family is the best fit.
Which is the best foundation to hide pigmentation?
According to Dresher, the best foundation to hide pigmentation is the Make Up For Ever Ultra HD Foundation Stick.
