The 10 Best Foundations For All Skin Types, Shades And Concerns

Hunting out the perfect foundation is pretty much as hard as finding the perfect boyfriend these days. There's just so much flippin' choice! Find the right fit, though, and it's a real game-changer. You might not be able to resist a fling with any of the gimmicky new products that enter your beauty consciousness on the daily via Instagram and YouTube, but your love for that holy grail foundation is so unshakable that you know you'll always come back when you want to be your most flawless self.

The best way to find that holy grail foundation? Start with the crème de la crème; those tried-and-tested classic foundations which have long stood at the top spot – and for good reason. To set you on the right course, we've selected the 10 best-performing foundations to meet the needs of women with a wide variety of skin types, shades and concerns.

 

Giorgio Armani Maestro Fusion Foundation

Skin type: All

Coverage: Medium or full

Finish: Natural

Shades: 9

SPF: 15

 

A real industry favorite, this buildable sheer-coverage foundation is ideal for oily skin, absorbing oil, blurring imperfections and protecting the skin from sunlight and air pollution with SPF 15.

Shop it here for $64.

 

Clinique Even Better Makeup

Skin type: All

Coverage: Medium or full

Finish: Natural

Shades: 31

SPF: 15

 

Perfect for sensitive skin and amazing for all skin types, this foundation has been dermatologist developed to improve your skin's condition even when you aren't wearing makeup. Not only does the creamy textured, oil-free SPF 15 product immediately brighten and even out the skin tone with naturally luminous minerals when applied, but in four to six weeks you'll see improved clarity and tone in your natural skin as well.

Shop it here for $28.

 

Estée Lauder Double Wear Foundation

Skin type: All

Coverage: Full

Finish: Natural

Shades: 50

SPF: 10

 

It's really no surprise that Double Wear has a cult following when you consider its huge color range, great coverage and long-lasting results. The 24-hour formula stays looking fresh and natural through eat, humidity and non-stop activity. It's lightweight, oil-free, fragrance-free and buildable and doesn't change color through wear. It's also dermatologist tested and does not aggravate acne.

Shop it here for $42.

 

Bobbi Brown Long-Wear Even Finish Foundation

Skin type: Oily or combination

Coverage: Medium or full

Finish: Natural

Shades: 19

SPF: 15

 

This lightweight, oil-free SPF 15 formula is comfortable and hydrating with a 12-hour medium-to-full coverage that mimics the look of naturally even skin. Glycerin and shea butter keep skin feeling moisturized, while a gel base creates a color-true lightweight finish that lasts through even the most humid conditions and protects the skin from sun damage.

Shop it here for $50.

 

Yves Saint Laurent Touche Éclat Foundation

Skin type: Normal, combination or dry

Coverage: Medium or full

Finish: Radiant

Shades: 22

SPF: 22

 

A bestselling product, now in an advanced formula, the foundation version of YSL's famous Touche Éclat really does what it says on the tin: true luminosity, flawless coverage and lightweight application. The formula is enriched with stimulating Ruscus Extract, an anti-fatigue ingredient that energizes skin by stimulating micro-circulation and targeting dullness. Vitamin E protects against free radicals whilst SPF 22 provides superior sun protection. The foundation is available in a wide selection of shades and best suits normal, combination or dry skin.

Shop it here for $58.

 

Charlotte Tilbury Magic Foundation

Skin type: Normal, combination or dry

Coverage: Full

Finish: Matte

Shades: 15

SPF: 15

 

Created by legendary makeup artist Charlotte Tilbury, this product is jam-packed with industry know-how. Described as a “miracle in a bottle,” this crowd-pleasing SPF 15 foundation offers good coverage with a lightweight feel, concealing imperfections and keeping skin soft and smooth all day with its hyaluronic formula. A real skincare foundation, its collagen-boosting properties reduce the appearance of age spots in four months and acne after just four weeks.

Shop it here for $44.

 

Chantecaille Future Skin Foundation

Skin type: All

Coverage: Medium or full

Finish: Radiant

Shades: 14

SPF: No

 

This unique gel-like formula is composed of 60 percent charged water which transfers moisture into the skin without the use of oil. It gives an airbrushed, medium-to-full coverage and is loaded with reflective pigments and natural botanicals including aloe, chamomile and arnica to calm any irritation and soothe sensitive skin. Rosemary, green tea and rice bran help prevent environmentally caused oxidation.

Shop it here for $78.

 

Chanel Les Beiges Healthy Glow Foundation

Skin type: All

Coverage: Light or medium

Finish: Natural

Shades: 11

SPF: 25

 

A near-invisible foundation, this smooth, hydrating formula creates a fresh and radiant complexion whilst defending the skin from environmental aggressors with broad spectrum SPF 25 sun protection.

Shop it here for $60.

 

Guerlain Lingerie De Peau Natural Perfection Foundation

Skin type: All

Coverage: Full or medium

Finish: Natural

Shades: 14

SPF: 20

 

Uh, lingerie for your skin? Sounds appealing. This SPF 20 foundation enhances the complexion for a flawless, long-lasting and natural-looking result on all skin tones and types. The glide-on formula is fresh, light and hydrating, made with Guerlain Technology and Bio-Fusion micro-mesh which creates perfect affinity with the skin.

Shop it here for $63.

 

Nars Sheer Glow Foundation

Skin type: Normal or dry

Coverage: Medium or sheer

Finish: Satin

Shades: 20

SPF: No

 

This lightweight and buildable foundation enhances, without masking, your natural complexion. It contains powerful free radical-fighting antioxidants while glycerin, known as one of the most effective and well known humectants, attracts and holds moisture. A vitamin C derivative helps to brighten while turmeric extract improves skin radiance and evens tone.

Shop it here for $47.

 

Now that you've got your foundation sorted, here are the five staple makeup brushes everyone should own.

 

Top image via sephora.com