The Best Foundations for Every Skin Type, Concern, and Coverage

Start your makeup routine off right.

best foundations
(Image credit: Future)

Experimenting with lipstick, mascara, or eyeshadow is all pretty low-lift. I swap those beauty products in and out of my routine without a care in the world. Complexion on the other hand? I will jump into a deeply researched, highly opinionated debate about the best foundations to ever exist. Choosing the right product is very personal—foundations are now tailor-made to suit different skin types and tones, address specific concerns (think: dullness, acne, longwear), or provide varying levels of coverage. “Sheer is very lightweight, transparent and dewy, medium offers a more airbrushed finish to the skin, while full coverage is the most amount of coverage you can achieve,” notes makeup artist Pat McGrath, who was responsible for the runway looks seen at Maison Margiela, Anna Sui, and Yves Saint Laurant. 

There is no shortage of elegant formulations—this year alone I’ve personally tested well over a dozen launches. While some of the newer releases, like Laura Mercier’s Real Flawless Weightless Protecting Foundation or Saie’s Glowy Super Skin Tint Foundation, have made a big impact on the industry (and onto this list), the majority of the best foundations of all time have been around for years. There’s a reason Giorgio Armani’s Luminous Silk, Charlotte Tilbury’s Airbrush Flawless, and YSL’s All Hours are best sellers across every single retailer; they’re that good. The finishes across the board are impeccable, there’s no separating, pilling, or fading, and the shade selections ensure that there is an option for everyone. 

Whether your skin is oily, dry, red, dull, or textured (the list goes on!), there is a foundation out there that will address your concerns and work with your skin type. To help kick start your search, I’m sharing the best foundations of all time—according to editors, makeup artist, and celebrities—below. 

The Best Foundations

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How to Choose the Best Foundation for Your Skin Type

It’s nearly impossible to name one, universal best foundation. Reason being: The foundation that will work best for you largely depends on your skin type. “For example, those with dry skin may prefer dewy or radiant finishes to add luminosity and hydration to their complexion. On the other hand, individuals with oily skin may opt for matte or semi-matte finishes to control shine and maintain a long-lasting look,” explains makeup artist Benjamin Puckey. Those with combination skin may find that combining foundations is the best option, or they can choose a balance with a natural or satin finish to get a little glow without excess oil or dryness.

What Coverage Level Is Best?

There are three main coverage options: Sheer, medium, and full coverage. “Sheer is very lightweight, transparent and dewy; medium offers a more airbrushed finish to the skin, while full coverage is the most amount of coverage you can achieve,” explains McGrath. As important as these labels are, it’s worthwhile to note that how much product you use and the tools at your disposal will affect the final finish. “It is easy to build up formulas and layers for added coverage just like it is easy to sheer out formulas by mixing in a drop of your favorite serum or moisturizer,” advises makeup artist Jasmine Ferreira

giorgio armnai

The Giorgio Armani Luminous Silk Foundation has dozens of celebrity fans, including Kim Kardashian, Maude Apatow, and Meagan Markle.

(Image credit: Giorgio Armani)

What Are the Best Application Tools for Foundation?

As McGrath so eloquently explains, “Application is its own form of alchemy.” Using your fingers to apply product provides warmth and sheer-to-light coverage, whereas a brush provides more control and a fuller coverage finish. “Using a fluffy brush with a buffing motion will result in a more airbrushed look. Using a traditional flat foundation brush or a dense brush to stipple on the foundation will always result in maximum coverage,” adds Ferreira. That all said, don’t be afraid to combine methods. Use your fingers or a sponge on spots where you prefer lighter coverage, and a stippling brush to build up product around blemishes or discoloration.

How to Apply the Best Foundations

All our top makeup artists are aligned: Pump your foundation onto the back of your hand before applying the product to your face. This will give you precise control over the quantity of foundation being blended onto your skin. “I always start by applying foundation in the center of the face and blend outward for even coverage,” explains Puckey. “Work in thin layers to avoid a cakey finish.” Foundation does not need to go everywhere, either. “Foundation should not be wall to wall carpeting. Be purposeful with your application,” says Ferreira. You can always build up in areas that require spot coverage or a heavier finish, but your natural skin should shine through. 

One final (very important) tip: Make sure you’re applying foundation in good lighting to ensure your neck is blended and the color match is accurate.  

Meet the Experts

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Pat McGrath

Pat McGrath is the world’s most influential and in-demand makeup artist. For over 25 years, McGrath’s creative vision has made her a tour de force whose legendary and creative power has transformed both beauty and fashion on a global scale.Throughout her illustrious career, Pat McGrath has been recognized around the world with some of the most prestigious honours and accolades, including The CFDA - Council of Fashion Designers of America Founder’s Award - the first Makeup Artist in history selected for their highest honour, The British Fashion Council 2017 Award for Fashion Creator and Time Magazine’s 2019 100 Most Influential People, as a “Titan” of the fashion industry.In the Queen's New Year 2021 Honours List, Queen Elizabeth II awarded Pat McGrath, D.B.E. Dame of the British Empire for services to the Fashion and Beauty industry and Diversity - the first Makeup Artist to achieve such recognition.Each season, Pat McGrath conceptualizes and creates the beauty looks for over 60 ready-to-wear and couture shows in Milan, Paris, London and New York for the world’s most prestigious luxury brands and designers: Prada, Miu Miu, Dior, Burberry, Givenchy, Gucci, Lanvin, Louis Vuitton, Versace, Maison Margiela, Yohji Yamamoto, Valentino, Bottega Veneta, Balenciaga, Calvin Klein, Loewe, and McQueen, to name a few.In addition to her many shows and hundreds of shoots around the world including every cover of Italian Vogue for twenty years, McGrath is also Beauty Editor-at-Large for British Vogue since 2017.While setting the global beauty trends and elevating the art of makeup for decades within the fashion industry’s most demanding environments – backstage at runway presentations for the most iconic couturiers and coveted international brands – Pat McGrath has been formulating and perfecting her must-have collection of high-performance cosmetics, culminating in the launch of her eponymous brand, PAT MCGRATH LABS.

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Benjamin Puckey

Benjamin Puckey is a New York-based makeup artist. Born in London and raised in Amsterdam, Puckey’s visionary talent grew from a lifelong love for fashion and art. Puckey’s conceptual approach to makeup has since launched his career into high fashion titles and leading designer brands around the world. Since his breakthrough fashion spread with W Magazine in 2011, Puckey’s work has appeared across international editions of numerous publications such as VogueDazediDW MagazineAllure, and Harper’s Bazaar.

He has also worked with brands including Ralph Lauren, Versace, and Oscar de la Renta, as well as jewelry houses David Yurman and Van Cleef & Arpels. Puckey’s trademark approach to enhancing natural beauty and his pursuit of uncompromising quality resonates deeply with Clé de Peau Beauté, where he now serves as the brand’s Global Color Director.

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Jasmine Diane Ferreira
Samantha Holender
Beauty Editor

Samantha Holender is the Beauty Editor at Marie Claire, where she reports on the best new launches, dives into the science behind skincare, and keeps up with the latest trends in the beauty space. She has previously written for Us Weekly, Popsugar, Makeup.com, Skincare.com, and Philadelphia Wedding. Follow her on Instagram @samholender.