All products featured on Self are independently selected by our editors.
However, we may receive compensation from retailers and/or from purchases of products through these links.
The challenge of naming the best foundation of all time is that youre never going to yo everyone.
Caroline Tompkins / Refinery29 for Getty Images
Its not the foundation thats changedits you.
Looking for your new holy grail foundation?
This comprehensive list spans the full spectrum of foundation types and coverage, fromlightweight tinted moisturizersto full-coverage foundation sticks.
Most brand websites have a shade finder tool or consultation that can guess your best foundation match.
Or, you’re free to use it as a spot concealer or more natural contour shade.
If you have dry skin, pick a more wet foundation.
For moreoily skin, reach for something more magnifying and less liquid-based, like a cream or a powder.
We broke it down below by best liquid foundations and best stick foundations.
This is one of the best user-friendly foundations, says Cherbonnier.
You cant mess it up.
you could blend it in with your fingers and itll still look good.
Maybelline Fit Me Matte + Poreless Liquid Foundation
Target
This is adrugstore foundation gem.
It looks flawless, says Cherbonnier.
It went viral on TikTok, with users raving about the glowy, natural finish and impressive 16-hour wear.
It feels like a tinted moisturizer but with the coverage of a buildable foundation.
The longer you have it on, the better it wears.
If you have oily skin, it may look shiny.
I wouldnt recommend it for photoshoots, because it reflects a lot of light.
The best thing about this foundation is that its buildable.
It feels like a tinted moisturizer but it has the coverage of a liquid foundation.
It also has SPF 50, so you get the protection of asunscreenwith a flawless finish.
L’Oreal Infallible Fresh Wear 24HR Foundation
This liquid foundation is almost too good to be true.
It leaves a natural finish, giving the skin a fresh and hydrated appearance.
If youre looking for a beautiful all-arounddrugstore foundation, this would be our top pick.
Euphorias head makeup artist Donni Davy is amajor fanof its naturally radiant finish.
Its the best foundation ever made, says Cherbonnier.
I have it in my kit, I use it for photoshoots, and I use it on myself.
I love the deeper shades in this range.
Its a rich, nourishing cream that provides flawless, lightweight coverage in a luminous finish.
For a natural foundation, this is a beautiful foundation and definitely one to try, says Cherbonnier.
Its water-based and has a gel-like formula, so its super unique.
Made with 60% water, this foundation is gorgeous on mature skin.
Its both lightweight and long-lasting, which is rare to find in a tinted moisturizer.
The beauty brand is founded by Amy Lui if youre looking to support anAsian American business.
Similar to MAC, Diors Backstage Face and Body offers buildable light-to-medium coverage in a watery, gel-like formula.
Theyre very similar, obviously, but this one is a touch more dewy than MACs version.
It looks just like skin, says Cherbonnier.
Its a go-to in many makeup artists kits.
you’re able to cover a tattoo with it, says Cherbonnier.
The foundation is full coverage but still leaves behind a natural, radiant finish.
It looks beautiful and hydratedlike skinbut performs really well, she says.
It gives a full coverage but still looks natural.
Nars Natural Radiant Longwear Foundation
ThisNars foundationbrings the coverage without the cake.
Its extremely versatile, as it flawlessly applies over dry, combination, or oily skin.
The skin appears smooth and shine-free, while blurring pores and delivering all-day wear.
Our Health Beauty Awards featured the Fenty Pro Filtr Soft Matte Powder Foundation as thebest powder foundation of 2021.
Ilia True Skin Serum Foundation
Ilia Beauty
This foundation is a nourishing skin-care-makeup hybrid.
On the skin, it looks smooth, hydrated, and dewy.
Blend a few swipes directly into just-moisturized skin for ultra-light coverage, or apply more for a flawless-looking complexion.
Great for spot concealing, this stick feels weightless on the skin and delivers customized coverage.
Use as a spot concealer or as an all-over foundation, depending on your preferences.
It feels smooth on the skin, almost like youre wearing nothing.
KVD Beauty Lock-It Foundation
Want next-level full coverage?
This foundation delivers all that and then more.
The brand warns you to use just a droplet, and youd be wise to heed that warning.
Less is more with this foundation, as too much can make it turn cakey.
Its transfer-resistant and long-wearing and looks the same at the beginning and end of the day.
Jones Road The Face Pencil
Jones Road
This handy dandy pencil redefines no-makeup makeup.
Its not as heavy as a cream foundation, but its more natural than a liquid foundation.
We love how easy it is to useyou seriously cant mess it up or apply too much.
It blends away into nothingness, leaving behind a smooth, even complexion.
We recommend popping it in your purse for touch-ups on-the-go.
