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Finding an ideal foundation can be a harrowing experience, however, if you know your skin type and/or an idea of your specific foundation needs, it can be as easy checking out the list below.
We have curated a few tried and true drugstore-famous foundations that are all highly rated and come in a variety of different formulas.
Most of our options include medium to full and full coverage matte finishes that have a lightweight formula and will last all day on the skin. Even though they are matte or demi-matte, these formulas are all hydrating and won’t give you the dreaded cakey, dry feeling when wearing them.
Lastly, for all your selfies or Instagram videos, we have thrown in a camera-ready, skin-perfecting option with light-diffusers to give the skin a filter-like perfection.
The Top Foundation, Compared
Maybelline Fit Me Foundation — Best Overall
This foundation has a cult following for a reason: it provides an ideal matte and poreless finish that never looks cakey and will last all day. Ideal for normal-to-oily skin types, this formula provides medium coverage and is formulated with clay and micro-powders to blur pores and stop shine all day. This foundation comes in an amazing 37 shades and applies easily with a brush, beauty blender, or even your fingers for a flawless finish.
Pros
- This foundation is dermatologist and allergy tested and non-comedogenic
- This foundation is available in 40 different shades
Cons
- If you have really dry skin, another option might be better
JUNG SAEM MOOL Foundation — Everyday Wear
Experience the magic of JUNG SAEM MOOL Foundation, created by Korea's top celebrity makeup artist, Jung Saem Mool. With over 30 years of experience in achieving "natural glowing skin" makeup, JSM brings you a groundbreaking product for your everyday youthful glow. The Skin Nuder Cushion in this foundation is a game-changer when it comes to enhancing and boosting a lasting natural glow. It leaves your skin looking radiant and fresh like you're lit from within. The Hue Balancing Powder included acts as a complexion corrector, brightening your skin tone and giving it a youthful appearance that lasts all day long. Say goodbye to fading makeup!
Infused with the know-how of K-beauty professional Jung Saem Mool, this foundation's innovative texture delivers flawless skin. It provides perfect coverage, leaving you with a smooth and even complexion that looks naturally beautiful. To top it off, the JUNG SAEM MOOL Foundation comes with a handy makeup blending tool. With this tool, you can easily adjust and blend different makeup products, creating a texture that suits you best. It allows for customized application, ensuring you achieve your desired look effortlessly.
Pros
- Timeless and natural glow
- Complexion correction and brightening
- Flawless coverage with innovative texture
- Customizable makeup blending tool
Cons
- Shade range is limited
Covergirl & Olay Foundation — Runner Up
If aging skin is a concern, this 3-in-1 foundation has partnered with a skincare giant to merge science and makeup for a product that will reduce wrinkles, even skin tone, and deliver firming hydration. A special hyaluronic complex and vitamin C work to hydrate and keep your skin healthier while a generous shade range allows you to choose your perfect color.
Pros
- This brand is certified cruelty-free
- It contains hyaluronic complex and Vitamin C for firmer-looking skin
Cons
- If you prefer a heavier coverage foundation, another option might be better
Wet 'N Wild Foundation — Honorable Mention
This high-performing foundation is formulated with a matte, light-diffusing complex to help prevent white cast in photos to deliver a radiant-looking complexion. This foundation also provides a second-skin finish that is buildable for a flawless complexion in any kind of light, has a matte finish, and comes in 20 different color options.
Pros
- This foundation is 100% cruelty-free
- It has a light-adjusting complex so you are always selfie-ready
Cons
- There is a faint scent to the foundation
Revlon ColorStay Foundation — Best Value for Money
If you want a full coverage foundation that lasts up to 24 hours, this is a great option. It provides an amazing, perfected look with a matte finish that easily glides onto the skin and blends seamlessly. Even though the finish is matte, this foundation also has a unique velvety texture that will provide all-day hydration to leave your skin feeling moisturized and looking fresh.
Pros
- This foundation is made to withstand heat and humidity
- It is transfer-proof and will last all-day
Cons
- There is a minimal shade selection
L'Oreal Paris Foundation — Also Consider
Similar to the option above, this foundation provides medium-to-full, buildable coverage that can last up to 24 hours. It has a demi-matte finish that feels light as air, won’t fall flat throughout the day, and will create a smooth, clear complexion, without feeling heavy. Apply this foundation sparingly with your fingers, makeup sponge, or foundation brush depending on preference and build to desired coverage without worry of cake face.
Pros
- This formula is oil-free
- It can be used for contouring if you order one or two shades darker than your complexion
Cons
- This foundation does not contain sunscreen
Buying Guide: Foundations
It all begins with a strong base when it comes to beautiful makeup. Foundation is the most difficult cosmetic product to get right, which is why purchasing a foundation is so difficult. Not only will you have to pick the best composition, texture, thickness, and components for your type of skin and issues, but you also have to find out the correct shade, which is a challenge in and of itself. Choosing the correct foundation might feel like a challenging task when you realize how many foundation items are developed. If you are looking for the finest foundations in 2024, our purchasing guide is a great place to start.
What is the Purpose of Foundation?
Foundation smoothes out your skin complexion and reduces any discoloration since it is used on your whole face in a color that complements your complexion. It may even out your skin by covering pores and tiny wrinkles, based on its consistency.
Foundation may help greasy skin stay shine-free all day or give drier skin a natural glow in order to help your face seem more uniform. Foundation may also be used to color balance skin tone concerns including sallowness or sunburn.
What Are the Types of Foundation?
Liquid
The most common type of foundation is the liquid formulation. This formula has a watery texture, as the name suggests.
Powder
Powder foundation is identical to face powder, with the exception that it includes more pigmentation and so gives better coverage.
Mineral
Mineral foundation is often a fine powder consisting primarily of naturally occurring materials. It is especially good for delicate and acne-prone skin.
Cream
Cream foundation is often hydrating, making it suitable for dehydrated, aged, and regular skin.
Stick
Stick foundation is often a lighter version of cream foundation, making it suitable for all skin types. Those with greasy or acne-prone skin, on the other hand, should opt for an oil-free solution.
Spray
Because spray foundation is so thin, it is an excellent choice if you have delicate skin.
What Kind of Finishes Are Available in Foundations?
Foundation comes in a range of finishes, each of which corresponds to your skin type.
Matte
Matte foundation is devoid of shine, making it an excellent choice for oily or mixed skin.
Satin
Demi-matte or natural are terms used to describe satin foundation makeup. It is somewhere in between matte and radiant foundations, since it is not fully plain like matte foundation but also not as shiny as a radiant foundation. The end product is a foundation with a smooth, skin-like finish, perfect for normal skin.
Radiant
Vibrant or glossy foundation is another term for a radiant foundation.
How Much Coverage is Available in the Foundation?
The term "coverage" relates to how dense a foundation is.
Sheer
Because sheer-coverage foundation is so light, it is excellent if you like to level out your skin complexion and do not have any pimples or other flaws to hide. It is also a wonderful option for hotter weather.
Light
Foundation with a light layer conceals slight discoloration and imperfections.
Medium
For the most part, a medium-coverage foundation is a smart choice. Irregular skin and other imperfections are all covered by this foundation.
Full
A full-coverage foundation is the best choice if you would like a completely perfect look. It may be a little heavy on the skin, despite the fact that it masks most pigmentation and breakouts. Most people save full-coverage foundation for formal days, but you can apply it every day if you so choose.
Take into account that many foundation beauty products are feasible, meaning you may build depth with two or more coats. In fact, you might choose 2 levels of a light-coverage foundation over a thicker, medium-coverage solution to conceal your blemishes.
How Should I Choose the Right Shade for My Foundation?
Choosing the proper foundation color is typically the most challenging process. To acquire the right blend, you must first identify your skin's undertone.
Warm
If your complexion contains predominantly golden or yellow tones, you have a warmer tone. Examine the veins on your wrist by turning it over. You have warmer skin if they seem greenish.
Cool
If your complexion is predominantly rose or pink, you have a cold tone. You have cooler skin if the capillaries in your wrist seem blue.
Neutral
You have a balanced undertone if your skin has both pinkish and golden tones. You have a neutral complexion if you cannot distinguish if your lines are blues or greenish.
What is the Price Range of Foundations?
You should anticipate paying anywhere from $5 to $120 in most circumstances.
Liquid
Liquid foundations with lower-quality components can cost anywhere from $5 to $20. A liquid foundation that is manufactured with high-quality components costs between $20 and $50. Luxury liquid foundation ranges in price from $50 to $120.
Powder
Powder foundation with lower-quality components costs between $5 and $15. A powder foundation that is manufactured with high-quality components costs between $15 and $35. Luxury powder foundation ranges in price from $35 to $70.
Mineral
Mineral foundation with lower-quality components costs between $7 and $15. High-end mineral foundation that is manufactured with high-quality components costs between $15 and $25. Premium mineral foundation ranges in price from $25 to $45.
Cream
The cost of a cream foundation produced with lower-quality components ranges from $6 to $18. The cost of a good-quality cream foundation ranges from $18 to $36. Premium brands of cream foundation range in price from $36 to $55.
Stick
Stick foundation with lower-quality components costs $6 to $15 on average. Stick foundation with high-quality components costs between $15 and $40. Luxury stick foundation ranges in price from $40 to $85.
Spray
Spray foundation with lower-quality components costs between $10 and $20. Spray foundation with high-quality components costs between $20 and $40. Luxury brands of spray foundation range in price from $40 to $62.
