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Cream foundations tend to provide medium to higher coverage finishes and are thicker and richer in texture than liquid foundations. They are a great foundation to turn to during the wintertime when you may prefer a thicker coverage and/or your skin is on the drier side and could use a more hydrating formula.
Below are a few great cream foundations of 2024 from familiar brands, both high-end and low. These foundations come in either a travel-friendly compact form with a handy sponge applicator to help sheer out the finish or in some type of glass jar for thicker formulations.
Some of our picks include a silky mousse-based formula, a lighter-weight BB cream, and some cream-to-powder options that will all give you a smooth, flawless finish. We have also included options that include SPF for broad-spectrum and anti-aging protection and their easy-to-blend out formulas are best applied with something you always have on hand – your fingers.
Compare the Top Cream Foundation of 2024
Maybelline Dream Matte Mousse Foundation — Best Overall
Maybelline’s Dream Matte Mousse is a cream-based foundation in a unique, air-soft mousse formula that leaves a weightless feel on the skin. This whipped, medium-to-full coverage formula provides a flawless matte finish and will keep your face shine-free for up to 16 hours. For ideal application and perfect skin tone, start by applying a small amount of the foundation and gently blend (do not rub) in thoroughly with your favorite brush, blending sponge, or even your fingers. Layer more if necessary in small amounts to achieve the coverage your want.
Pros
- This foundation is an allergy test and suitable for all skin types
Cons
- Application of this product is ideal with fingers or a sponge
IMAN Second To None Cream To Powder Foundation — Runner Up
Iman’s Second to None Foundation is ideal for getting a flawless look with a truly natural appearance. This cream to powder foundation can be applied with a sponge for a sheerer look or applied with your fingers to experience its maximum coverage and dries down to a velvety powder-like finish. Its creamy consistency helps it blend easily and in addition to flawless coverage, this foundation will help to reduce the appearance of large pores, hide discoloration, and works for all skin types.
Pros
- When using your sponge or blender to apply, make sure its damp for the best experience
Cons
- If you have very oily skin, another option might be better
Revlon New Complexion One-Step Compact Makeup — Honorable Mention
Revlon’s New Complexion One-Step Compact Makeup glides on like a cream and dries down to a powder-light finish. This 2-in-1 formula gives you completely undetectable, smooth, and even-toned skin that looks flawless and undetectable. This compact comes with a dual-sided applicator which helps to spread the foundation for a slightly more sheer look, then buffs the skin to perfection or you can use your favorite foundation brush to help blend it out evenly around the edges of your nose, eyes, and along the hairline.
Pros
- Available in eight shades, this foundation is oil-free, non-comedogenic and non-irritating
Cons
- The mirror in this compact might not be in the most ideal place
Neutrogena Healthy Skin Compact Cream Foundation — Contender
Neutrogena’s Healthy Skin Compact Foundation provides a flawless, natural look while also giving you amazing protection against the sun’s damaging rays. With an incredibly broad spectrum of SPF 55, this cream foundation provides the highest level of UVA-UVB protection in a compact foundation. This foundation also goes on silky, is lightweight, and provides buildable coverage without ever feeling heavy or greasy. This compact is convenient for on the go and is great for using as touchups throughout the day and contains antioxidants and calming properties.
Pros
- The sponge applicator that used to come with this makeup was removed for sustainability reasons
Cons
- This uses a chemical sunscreen
CATKIN BB Cream Air Cushion Foundation — Also Consider
Another cream foundation option is the BB Cream by Catkin. Also known as blemish balms, BB creams are a popular K-Beauty import and depending on the formula, usually provide light skin coverage while incorporating a few skincare benefits as well. This BB Cream also has a breathable makeup base that has incorporated a special powder to help absorb sweat throughout the day for long-lasting wear. As mentioned, some of its skincare benefits include improvement in skin elasticity, anti-aging properties, acne prevention, and brightening.
Pros
- The packaging alone is worth buying the product
Cons
- There are only two color options
e.l.f. Cosmetics HD Mattifying Cream Foundation — Editor's Pick
e.l.f.’s Cream Foundation is a silky, high-definition, and mattifying foundation that provides full coverage for all-day wear. Its hydrating formula fills fine lines for an even-toned complexion while effortlessly blending into the skin for a long-lasting finish. This popular formula is housed in a sleek compact that can be easily taken on the go and includes a blending sponge for easy and portable applications.
Pros
- This foundation formula is ideal for all skin types including dry, oily, and sensitive
Cons
- There is a small color range
Dermablend Cover Creme Cream Foundation — Another Option
Dermablend is known for its high-coverage, professional formulas that include a high concentration of high-performance pigments to cover a variety of skin conditions. Their best-selling Cover Creme Foundation provides this maximum coverage for up to 16 hours of consistent, smudge, and transfer-resistant wear. In addition, this foundation feels lightweight, glides on evenly, and delivers all-day hydration, leaving the skin feeling fresh, soft, and smooth.
Pros
- This formula includes broad-spectrum, mineral SPF 30 for skin protection
Cons
- If you prefer a sheerer coverage another option might be better
Finding Your Next Cream Foundation: A Buyer’s Guide
The right foundation can make the difference between a flawless complexion and one that looks totally botched. However, choosing a cream foundation can be tricky, and you might not know exactly which one is right for you. Do you want a lighter shade? A more natural look? Stay matte or have some glow? To solve this puzzle, we've compiled a detailed buying guide that'll help you with the buying decision.
Benefits of Wearing a Cream Foundation
Cream foundations have buildable coverage that feels light on the skin and blends easily. Dry skin can often appear lifeless if it lacks moisture, so a cream foundation can also help to add radiance and provide a dewy finish that makes the skin look supple and youthful, especially if it contains light-reflecting particles or shimmering pigments.
Cream foundations have a thicker consistency, which helps them cover imperfections and conceal blemishes, scars, and other marks on the face more effectively than a liquid formula would. They are also long-lasting, making them ideal for special occasions such as weddings or nights out with friends or your partner.
How to Choose the Right Cream Foundation?
Finding the right foundation is certainly not easy, but there are things to keep in mind when you're shopping:
Coverage
There are many different types of cream foundations such as full coverage or a semi-matte finish. Light coverage foundations are more blendable, but they don't provide as much coverage as the full-coverage types and can look cakey if you apply too much product. On the other hand, a full-coverage foundation can be a little too heavy on the skin. It might be a huge advantage if you already know what type of coverage you want before purchasing. If you are confused, opt for a medium coverage foundation to achieve both full glam or natural makeup look.
Undertone
It's important to pick a foundation built to match your skin tone as closely as possible. If it's too light or too dark, you may end up with a patchy or uneven look. While that can be fixed by adding some color correctors and/or concealers, that step is better left to someone with extensive makeup experience.
If you're fair or light-skinned, try a pink-toned foundation. A pink shade provides enough coverage to hide redness, blemishes, and uneven coloring while also showing off bright highlights in your face that might otherwise become hidden by darker foundation shades.
For those with darker complexions, try a yellow-toned foundation that's lighter than your skin tone like a light honey shade. It will create an even color balance and hide skin imperfections such as dark spots or sun damage while giving you a nice glowing finish.
Ingredients
It's easiest to determine whether a product is suitable for your skin type by looking at the ingredients list. Pick a product that has ceramides, hyaluronic acid, and vitamin A and C listed on its label, as they are extremely beneficial for the skin. Ensure it doesn't contain synthetic ingredients like fragrance and parabens since they can be harmful and damage the skin.
Difference Between Cream and Liquid Foundation
The cream foundation has a thicker consistency than the liquid one. It conceals better than liquid foundation and gives an even-toned skin along with a flawless finish. These foundations are usually free from oils, thus making them ideal for all skin types. They can also be used on mature skin or on anyone who wants to moisturize their skin or create an even base for the rest of their makeup.
On the other hand, a liquid foundation is easy to apply and offers light coverage, but it tends to create streaks and more blemishes owing to its oily content. Liquid foundations can also clog the pores and cause breakouts. Additionally, they can highlight the fine lines and wrinkles if you wear them for a longer time.
Tips for Applying Cream Foundation
If you want a natural, glowy makeup look, a cream foundation is your best friend. When applied correctly, it gives a beautiful finish that looks like you're not wearing any makeup at all. The tricky part is the application process. Cream foundations require a certain technique and the right tools to ensure a flawless application. Here are some tips to help you master the art of applying cream foundation.
- Wash and moisturize your face first before applying anything else. This will help in making the application smoother, especially if you have dry skin. You can also apply a primer before putting on the cream foundation to make it last longer.
- Squeeze out a small amount of cream foundation on the back of your hand or palm.
- Dip a sponge or brush into the foundation and then apply it to your face gently by dabbing it onto your face, taking care to cover all parts evenly.
- Use one layer as you don't want to look cakey. Blend it in until there are no streaks left on your skin, especially around the jawline and hairline.
- Finish by setting the foundation with makeup setting spray. This will help keep the dewy finish without foundation rubbing off easily throughout the day. If you have oilier skin, then set with a translucent powder instead of makeup setting spray to achieve a matte look.
