The 11 Best Liquid Foundations Deliver an Airbrushed Complexion In a Bottle
So lightweight, too.
There's a foundation for everyone—powder, sticks, cream. You name it, it exists. Personally, I'll forever and always be in the liquid foundation camp. They feel the most lightweight on my skin, which is huge in my book, and they typically have the most natural-looking, second-skin vibe. They're finger-friendly, although I'll occasionally whip out a makeup brush or a beauty blender, and in my experience, they actually last me throughout the day without settling into a cakey separated mess.
I'm not in the minority either. "A liquid foundation has more versatility," says celebrity makeup artist Brandy Allen. She adds that these formulations mimic skin texture really well thanks to their superior blendability—and that's exactly why they work so well on so many different people and skin types. Whether I'm going for a fresh, barely-there no-makeup makeup or a full-on glam, liquid foundation moves with my skin instead of sitting on top of it, giving me a natural-looking, breathable finish every time.
The market is endless, too. Allen explains that liquid foundations come in a variety of finishes and coverage levels, so there's an option for every need and skin type. From acne-prone and oily to mature skin, there's no shortage of formulas that can do it all. But the real magic? Staying power. A solid formulation doesn't just look amazing when applied—it'll hold up against sweat, humidity, or an eight-hour workday. No settling, no oxidizing, and certainly no cakey finish.
The takeaway: liquid foundation is a no-brainer. So I picked out the best ones—and tapped Allen and Marie Claire editors for their input, too. Keep reading for our 11 favorite liquid foundation formulas this year that we tested, reviewed, and vetted.
The Best Liquid Foundations
- Best Overall Liquid Foundation: Giorgio Armani Luminous Silk Perfect Natural Glow Foundation
- Most Buildable Liquid Foundation: Haus Labs Triclone Skin Tech Foundation
- Best Liquid Foundation for Mature Skin: Clé de Peau Beauté Radiant Fluid Natural Foundation
- Most Natural-Looking Liquid Foundation: Chanel Sublimage L’Essence De Teint
- Best Blurring Liquid Foundation: Westman Atelier Supréme Bio-Complex Liquid Foundation
- Best Glowy Liquid Foundation: Makeup by Mario Surrealskin Luminous Hydrating Foundation
- Best Lightweight Liquid Foundation: YSL Nu Bare Look Tint Foundation
- Best Drugstore Liquid Foundation: Maybelline Fit Me! Dewy + Smooth Foundation
- Best Liquid Foundation for Oily Skin: Fenty Beauty Pro Filt'r Soft Matte Longwear Liquid Foundation
- Best Liquid Foundation With SPF: It Cosmetics CC+ Nude Glow Lightweight Foundation
- Best Full Coverage Liquid Foundation: Tarte Face Tape Full Coverage Foundation
Best Overall Liquid Foundation
Some foundations come and go, but Giorgio Armani Luminous Silk has stayed a staple for nearly 25 years—and for good reason. It's lightweight yet buildable, smoothing over skin without settling, clinging, or looking overly dewy. The finish? Just the right balance of natural and radiant. Whether you're after a lighter finish or more full coverage, it layers seamlessly every time. No guesswork, no fuss—just a foundation that consistently delivers.
Shades: 40
Coverage: Medium
Finish: Natural
What I Love: Lightweight, buildable coverage; Suitable for all skin types; Long-wearing; Wide shade range
What I Don’t: Slight fragrance
Review for MC: "As a beauty editor, I've tried so many formulas that I expect to be the next big thing. And while they may be good for different occasions, I haven't found another that outperforms this classic. My skin looks like real skin, just smoother, more even, and with the perfect touch of natural glow. Oh, and I never need to powder my nose, even though I have an oily T-zone." — Siena Gagliano, Contributing Writer
Siena Gagliano applies Giorgio Armani Luminous Silk Perfect Natural Glow Foundation on her face.
Most Buildable Liquid Foundation
In 2022, Lady Gaga's launch of the Triclone Skin Tech Foundation for her beauty brand, Haus Labs, had makeup lovers everywhere excited. It was touted as the "future of foundation" and reviewers raved about its blurring capabilities, extensive shade range, and good-for-your-skin ingredients. The latter is thanks to a patented ingredient composition that uses fermented arnica—i.e., a redness-reducing ingredient that's rich in antioxidant-protecting powers. It's gentle on your skin and offers medium coverage that looks airbrushed, and can be built up depending on how much you need.
Shades: 51
Coverage: Medium
Finish: Natural
What I Love: Inclusive shade range; Gentle on skin; Blurs skin to look airbrushed
What I Don’t: Dry skin types have noted that you'll need to properly prep and moisturize your skin so it doesn't settle
Review for MC: "I’ve said it before, but I will continue to do so until I’m blue in the face: Haus Labs has one of the best foundations on the market. It’s incredibly hard for me to find my perfect complexion match on a regular day —much less without having to mix two shades—and not only has Haus Labs managed to create my ideal shade on the first go, but the formula is immaculate. My acne marks are covered in one swipe, but if I have any particularly stubborn ones, just an extra swipe of foundation, and it’s invisible to the naked eye. If it’s not extremely obvious by now, this is my favorite foundation, and I will sing it’s praised forever." — Ariel Baker, Beauty Writer
Ariel Baker applies Haus Labs Triclone Skin Tech Foundation on her face.
Best Liquid Foundation for Mature Skin
As skin matures, cell turnover slows and collagen levels dip, leading to a duller-than-before complexion. That's where a glow-boosting foundation like this one from Clé de Peau comes in. Packed with skin-loving antioxidants and hydrating amino acids, it does more than just even out tone—it moisturizes, smooths, and softens the look of fine lines, all while delivering natural, breathable coverage. All essential components in a great foundation for mature skin.
Shades: 24
Coverage: Light-to-medium
Finish: Radiant
What I Love: Won't cake, even if you build it up; A little goes a long way
What I Don’t: The formula contains sunscreen, however for adequate skin protection, you'll need at least SPF 30
Review for MC: "As soon as I put this on my skin, I knew it was going to be my favorite foundation. It didn't disappoint throughout the day. I had three different people come up to me and compliment how great my skin looked. It's perfectly hydrating without being overdone, and it didn't settle, cake, or come off for a full 12 hours." — Heather Gagliano (56)
Heather Gagliano applies Clé de Peau Beauté Radiant Fluid Natural Foundation on her face.
Best Natural-Looking Liquid Foundation
Chanel Sublimage L’Essence De Teint is the kind of foundation that makes your skin look like your skin—just way more hydrated and even. The serum-like formula blends in effortlessly, smoothing over texture and adding a natural glow without feeling heavy or settling into fine lines. It's lightweight but still gives enough coverage to even everything out, making it perfect for anyone who wants their foundation to feel more like skincare.
Shades: 12
Coverage: Light-to-medium
Finish: Radiant
What I Love: Includes a foundation brush; Antioxidant ingredients protect against environmental aggressors
What I Don’t: Needs a more extensive shade range
Review for MC: "It's a serum-based formula, so it's no surprise that it bestows a gorgeous, hydrating glow to every inch of my face. It sinks into my skin and never looks cakey, but it still completely evens my skin tone and blurs texture. I genuinely can't get through a day without someone stopping to ask me what's on my face." — Samantha Holender, Senior Beauty Editor
Samantha Holender applies Chanel Sublimage L’Essence De Teint on her face.
Best Blurring Liquid Foundation
I always find that the true test of a foundation is the wear. Most formulas look great at the jump, but by around two or three in the afternoon, they’re fading, settling into my pores, emphasizing dry spots, or just looking a little crusty. This foundation does exactly the opposite—it truly looks better as the day goes on. It sinks into my skin so naturally that when I look in the mirror, I can’t tell if the makeup is working double time or just a really good skin day. It melts into my complexion and creates this bouncy, juicy texture gives me a plump, hydrated finish—somehow without the oil.
Shades: 30
Coverage: Medium-to-full
Finish: Radiant
What I Love: Blurring finish; Never separates
What I Don’t: Pump can be faulty
Customer Review: "I haven't even touched my former foundation since getting my hands on this. I genuinely have not tried another formula that is as blurring, as lightweight, or as natural-looking. It’s scentless (a huge win for people like me who found that the foundation drops smelled a bit funky), wears beautifully throughout the day, and has buildable coverage. It’s the missing piece in my Westman Atelier routine, and I’m incredibly confident I’ll be going through multiple bottles." — Samantha Holender, Senior Beauty Editor
Best Glowy Liquid Foundation
Makeup by Mario's foundation is basically a glow filter in a bottle. It blends in so seamlessly, giving skin that fresh, dewy look without feeling greasy or heavy. The formula hydrates thanks to glycerin, while grapeseed oil adds a little extra brightness. And the best part? There's a barely-there pearl finish that makes skin look lit from within—no highlighter needed.
Shades: 32
Coverage: Medium
Finish: Natural-radiant
What I Love: A barely-there sheen due to the pearlescent pigment; Won't oxidize throughout the day
What I Don’t: Ester in the formula creates a lot of 'slip', so you'll need to prime for it to stay in place all day
Customer Review: "The consistency is neither overly thick nor excessively runny. I have combination skin that tends to be oily with some dry patches, and this foundation performs exceptionally well on my complexion. It offers a semi-dewy finish without appearing overly glowy. Although I was initially apprehensive about the micro glitter visible through the glass bottle, I need not have worried. The foundation enhances my skin beautifully without giving the impression that I have stepped into a glitter-filled event. It provides a subtle illumination that is not overpowering, closely resembling natural skin and proving to be very flattering." — Sephora
Best Lightweight Liquid Foundation
YSL Nu Bare Look Tint is proof that a foundation can feel barely there while still delivering serious coverage. The lightweight, flexible formula melts into the skin, evening out redness and blurring discoloration without ever looking heavy. It's buildable too—one layer gives a fresh, natural look, but you can easily amp it up for more coverage without caking or settling. Plus, with hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid and glycerin that pull water into your skin resulting in plumpness, it keeps your complexion feeling smooth and comfortable all day.
Shades: 20
Coverage: Light-to-medium
Finish: Radiant
What I Love: Totally buildable formula; Plumps and hydrates skin with hydrators
What I Don’t: Heavily fragranced; Shades are often sold out
Customer Review: "This product has become a daily staple in my routine. I have repurchased many times and will continue to do so. Coverage is light but certainly buildable, finish with a setting powder and voila! This product just leaves my skin looking even toned and gives you a fresh face for everyday wear. I do have acne prone skin and wearing this almost everyday has given me no breakouts so that is a win in my books. I hope they never discontinue this holy grail product." — Sephora
Best Drugstore Liquid Foundation
Here's a bold, but true statement: You don't need to spend a ton of money to get a quality foundation anymore. Sure, some of the best options are up there in price, but this formula from Maybelline rivals those high-end foundations. Let's break it down: The ingredient profile is rich in antioxidants and emollients, offering both protection against free radicals and all-day moisture. It's also fragrance-free, meaning sensitive skin types won't have to worry about reactions, and its lightweight texture won't feel heavy on your skin or result in cakiness. Drugstore beauty, for the win!
Shades: 15
Coverage: Medium
Finish: Natural radiant
What I Love: Super inexpensive with high-quality ingredients; Protects against environmental aggressors
What I Don’t: Needs more shade options for deeper skin tones; SPF 18 is not adequate sun protection
Customer Review: "From the moment I applied this foundation, I was impressed by its lightweight yet buildable formula. Unlike some heavy-duty foundations that can feel suffocating on the skin, the Fit Me Foundation effortlessly glides on, providing just the right amount of coverage to conceal imperfections without masking my natural beauty. It strikes the perfect balance, offering a flawless finish that looks and feels like a second skin. What truly sets this foundation apart is its ability to blur the appearance of fine lines and pores." — Ulta
Best Liquid Foundation for Oily Skin
Listing liquid foundations without mentioning Fenty Beauty's popular longwear option would be a disservice. It has a soft-matte finish that makes wearers' skin look totally even—almost airbrushed-like—and it comes in a wide variety of shades and undertones that make it easy to find the perfect match. It did pave the way for inclusivity in makeup, after all. A not-so-known feature about the iconic formula? It has been designed to adapt to your climate—so whether you're in peak humidity, or freezing temps, your skin will stay looking as fresh as it did when you first applied.
Shades: 50
Coverage: Full
Finish: Matte
What I Love: Natural finish; Award-winning; Wide range of shade options
What I Don’t: Slightly drying, so ensure you prep with a moisturizer beforehand
Customer Review: "It is full coverage but blends beautifully, it layers well and works with every product I’ve put over or under it. Once it’s set with powder it’s extremely resilient to any conditions. It’s got more of a skin like finish than [my other favorite foundation] I’d say and requires less of a skin prep regimen if you have dry skin. The shade range is excellent, too." — Sephora
Best Liquid Foundation with SPF
Want a foundation—er, CC cream—that does it all? Enter the IT Cosmetics CC+ Nude Glow. Not only does it provide impressive coverage, but it also packs in broad-spectrum SPF 40 to protect your skin from the sun's harmful rays. Oh, and not to mention, the formula is infused with niacinamide, a skincare MVP known for its brightening and smoothing powers. Translation? The foundation not only makes your skin look amazing on the spot, but it also has active ingredients that work to improve your complexion in the days that follow.
Shades: 22
Coverage: Medium
Finish: Radiant
What I Love: Contains brightening niacinamide; SPF 40 offers adequate sun protection
What I Don’t: Can feel oily throughout the day, may need to blot or powder
Customer Review: "Every time I run out of foundation, I try a new brand, and every time I end up returning to this one. Nice medium coverage, a very subtle, glowy finish, and stays put. Doesn’t settle in creases or fine lines, and I find it even plays down my pores. Can’t beat it." — Sephora
Best Full Coverage Liquid Foundation
The Tarte Face Tape is my favorite full coverage foundation of all time. It offers such great blurring that I often skip concealer, even if I'm dealing with hyperpigmentation or a breakout. Because it's so robust, a little goes a long way, so the formula lasts for ages. Finally, and perhaps most importantly, it never breaks out my combination skin or irritates sensitive areas. And FYI, if you want even more camouflaging, check out the Shape Tape Concealer—i.e., the beauty community's holy grail high-coverage concealer.
Shades: 50
Coverage: Full
Finish: Matte
What I Love: Editor-approved; Full coverage; A little goes a long way; Suitable for acne-prone skin
What I Don’t: Some users find it too rich
Customer Review: "I am absolutely delighted with the Shape Tape foundation. It's so lightweight and it can be as sheer or as full coverage as you like to wear it. I am not a full coverage girl because I like to still see my freckles and because I like a natural makeup look. I had given up wearing foundation for a long time because I found any brand I used accentuated my wrinkles making me look older. But this foundation just looks like my skin, but with a more evened out tone." —Ulta
What Should I Look For In a Liquid Foundation?
Skin Type
"Water-based or silicone-based foundations are perfect for those with oily skin," says Allen. Silicone helps blur and smooth texture to create a more even surface. She personally prefers water-based foundations for oily skin, as they're gentle and dry down to a matte finish. "They aren't packed with oils, so they dry, set, and can be paired with a setting powder."
For combination skin, Allen advises looking for similar ingredients but considering the "dominating skin texture," whether oily or dry. For dry skin, she recommends water-, oil-, or serum-based foundations for their hydrating and moisturizing benefits. "These foundations often contain minerals and natural oils for a healthy glow and dewy finish." And when it comes to ingredients, she suggests hyaluronic acid all around as it helps retain moisture, leaving skin smoother and plumper.
Coverage
Coverage level refers to the opacity of your foundation. Full-coverage formulas are thicker and more pigmented, likely to conceal acne, hyperpigmentation, redness, and freckles. Lightweight coverage, on the other hand, is thinner, evening out the skin while still allowing its natural texture to show through. And as you can probably guess, medium coverage strikes a balance. The best coverage for you depends on your personal preference and skin needs, but keep in mind that the more full coverage a formula is, the heavier it may feel on your skin.
Finish
A radiant finish lends itself to the glowy-skin effect, while a matte finish "has a powder-like finish with no shine," says Allen, noting that the latter may be best if you're planning on taking pictures. For a more natural, skin-like look, she recommends a satin finish. Just remember that other products like setting powders or highlighters can take a full makeup look from radiant to matte depending on what you use.
How Do I Apply Liquid Foundation?
When it comes to applying foundation, the key is to start with thin dots around the face, paying extra attention to areas with redness or pigmentation you want to even out. How you apply the foundation is a preference—whether you reach for a makeup brush, sponge, or just your fingers, the goal is always the same: a smooth, even finish. The method you choose can impact the coverage and texture, so experiment with what feels best on your skin. Just remember, starting with a light hand and building up where needed better ensures a natural look without the risk over over-applying.
Is Liquid Foundation Better for Mature Skin?
Sonia Ramos—a beauty content creator who previously spoke to Marie Claire about foundations for ages 40 plus—says liquid foundations are ideal for mature skin because they "blend like butter." When choosing a foundation for mature skin, it's key to find a formula that builds seamlessly, helping you target areas like dark spots or redness without becoming cakey.
The goal is to find a formula that enhances your skin with a natural, dewy finish while offering hydration and skincare benefits—all key components in a liquid foundation. Just make sure to avoid matte finishes and stick to more natural, luminous ones as moisture levels decrease with age.
Why Trust Marie Claire
Siena Gagliano is a New York-based beauty editor and writer specializing in digital features, trend stories, and shopping roundups. In her prior role, she was an editor at Cosmopolitan, focusing on beauty commerce and SEO-driven content. She spoke with makeup artists about the newest and trendiest in the beauty space to compile this list of the best liquid foundations on the market.
When it comes to the products Marie Claire recommends, we take your faith in us seriously. Every product that we feature comes recommended by a Marie Claire writer or editor, or by an expert we've spoken to. Learn more about how we review products.
How We Tested
Marie Claire beauty contributor, Siena Gagliano—along with a few editors and contributors—went through a vigorous testing period where they reviewed dozens of liquid foundations. After determining the top picks alongside makeup artists, they each tested the liquid foundation on their skin considering how long it lasts, how it applies, the ingredients, and how it feels to compile this list of the 12 best liquid foundations.
Meet the Experts
Brandy Allen is a celebrity makeup artist who specializes in making skin look flawless, no matter the client's concerns. She has worked with Keke Palmer, Janelle Monae, Yara Shahidi, and others. She is currently bicoastal, splitting time between New York City and her native Los Angeles.
Sonia Ramos, a 47-year-old content creator, aims to shift beauty standards with her no-filter approach. Through her honest reviews, makeup tutorials, and skincare tips, Ramos empowers her audience to embrace their natural beauty. Her content resonates with people of all ages, particularly those seeking real, relatable advice on enhancing their skin and makeup routines. Ramos recently spoke to Marie Claire about the best foundations for mature skin.
