Choosing the best foundation for your skin type is such an important step to attaining flawless makeup. Whether you have oily, dry, combination or “normal” skin, finding what works best for you can be an overwhelming process. With so many options at such different price points, it’s normal to feel a little lost while in search of a foundation. But, we’re here to help!
Here are the best foundations for your skin type and budget.
Oily Skin
Too Faced’s Born This Way Matte 24 Hour Foundation costs $40, comes in 35 different shades and has oil controlling properties that keep your skin looking flawless and on-point all day long. Formulated with coconut water, Alpine Rose and hyaluronic acid, the foundation not only covers blemishes and smooths texture, but it improves skin’s health and moisture levels as well.
Promising review: Amber says, “Love, love, love this foundation! I have oily skin, and this does wonders to keep my oiliness at bay for hours.”
For just $13.99, Revlon’s Colorstay Makeup is perfect for oily skin! The matte foundation comes in 16 different shades, lasts for 24 hours and will leave you with a smooth, glowing complexion. Its lightweight formula is buildable for those who prefer full coverage and a matte look. Not to mention, it’s oil-free, contains SPF 15 and keeps skin hydrated with its added hyaluronic acid.
Promising review: Cat says, “This is the ONLY foundation that works on my oily skin. I’ve been using it for years and nothing else I’ve tried compares. It stays in place all day.”
Dry Skin
Laura Mercier’s Tinted Moisturizer Natural Skin Perfector is great for those who have dry skin and are looking for some added moisture. Not only does it protect your skin with SPF 30, but it provides a natural finish and extra hydration as well. At $47 a bottle, the foundation has 20 different shade options that will leave you with a dewy and effortless look.
Promising review: Brianna says, “The formula of this product is very smooth and cooling. It makes my skin feel refreshed and hydrated while evening out my skin tone at the same time.”
For just $16.99, Neutrogena’s Hydro Boost Hydrating Tint is another great option for those with dry skin. It applies easily, lasts 24 hours and will leave your skin soft and supple even after removal. It comes in just 10 different shades that blend easily and don’t settle into fine lines. Plus, its oil-free formula makes skin look and feel fresh all day long.
Promising review: Frances says, “I absolutely love this! I have older skin that tends to be on the dry side. Hydro Boost adds moisture and color without looking fake. It gives me a dewy look without looking greasy. Highly recommend.”
Sensitive Skin
For those with more sensitive skin, the Flawless Creator Liquid Foundation Drops from Dermablend are everything. With 20 different shades, the liquid foundation has a silky texture that provides full coverage without being cakey or settling into fine lines. It’s super comfortable, lasts all day and costs $40. Not to mention, it’s cruelty and fragrance-free!
Promising review: Marie says, “This is a great, lightweight and natural matte foundation. It lasts through sweat and is beautiful. Plus, there’s no fragrance and not many ingredients. I will definitely repurchase.”
A cheaper alternative for sensitive skin is Physicians Formula’s Silk Foundation Elixir, which costs $15.99. Made with jojoba oil, Aloe Vera, coconut oil and botanical Cactus Flower, the foundation evens out skin tones, improves skin’s appearance and locks in moisture. Not to mention, it’s a weightless formula with just 7 shade options that are buildable and deliver the perfect dewy finish.
Promising review: Bailey says, “This is now one of my favorite foundations! It goes on so well and is the perfect blend of medium coverage! It stays on throughout the day and leaves a dewy finish, which I love.”
Combination Skin
It Cosmetics’ Bye Bye Foundation Full Coverage Moisturizer is a hydrating foundation that will target pesky dry spots to create a flawless, silky finish. It has SPF 50+ to protect skin against the sun as it improves the appearance of redness, pores, dark spots, breakouts, fine lines and wrinkles. The moisturizing product costs $39.50, comes in 12 different shades and lasts all day.
Promising review: Val says, “I love this product. I have used Bye Bye foundation for years. I love the coverage and the feel. Plus, it doesn’t break me out. It’s foundation, moisturizer and sunscreen all in one!”
The True Match Super-Blendable Foundation from L’Oréal Paris is another product those with combination skin will love. It only costs $10.99 and will leave you with a natural look and a smooth finish. Perfect for every skin tone, the medium coverage foundation comes in 37 different shade options, hydrates skin and is packed with vitamins.
Promising review: Lisa says, “I love this product! I love the way it feels on my skin. It’s not oily, drying or sticky. It dries very quickly and allows other products to easily blend.”
Normal Skin
For those with more “normal” skin, the Skin Long-Wear Weightless Foundation from Bobbi Brown is everything. Its medium coverage, matte formula comes in 42 different shades, lasts up to 16 hours and glides on beautifully! For $49, the lightweight formula is comfortable on the skin, shine-free and delivers a crease-free, flawless complexion.
Promising review: Mari says, “I love this foundation. It has taken me many years to find, and I am so happy I finally got it. It’s light on the skin but has great coverage and blends perfectly with my skin tone.”
Last but not least, Glossier’s Perfecting Skin Tint is breathable, smoothing and moisturizing. The lightweight formula comes in 12 shade options and provides the perfect amount of coverage for a glowing, natural-looking complexion. For just $26, you will be left with flawless, dewy skin that’s light and airy. Not to mention, the foundation is vegan and cruelty-free.
Promising review: Anna says, “The Perfecting Skin Tint is the perfect liquid foundation that doesn’t feel too heavy, evens all of my skin tone and doesn’t clog my pores. It’s perfect for everyday wear!”
Reviews have edited for length and clarity.
Which foundations do you swear by? Share with us in the comments!
