The best foundations for all skin types

It doesn’t matter what the occasion; us ladies never need a reason to want to achieve silky smooth skin and a radiant glow. Luckily, with a little help from foundation, every skin type can now feel effortlessly flawless. But picking the right foundation can be tricky, which is why we are here to help you figure out what type of make-up will give you your desired coverage. 

There’s nothing worse than buying a foundation that looks bright orange on your face, or that becomes patchy throughout the day. The key to picking the right foundation is understanding your skin type and picking a product accordingly. When choosing your colour, always test up to 3 different shades on your jawline and/or neck and pick the one that matches your skin when in natural lighting. It is always best to opt for a shade lighter than your natural skin tone if you’re unsure. 

The most popular type of coverage is liquid foundation. This tends to cater to all skin types as it’s smooth and easy to blend. Liquid foundations also come in a variation of formulas such as oil-free, acne-fighting and long-lasting so that you can really tailor it to your lifestyle and feel confident in your skin 24/7.

If you find that liquid foundation irritates your skin, there is now a range of mineral and powder foundations on the market which are great for oily and spot-prone skin. Mineral foundations are a natural product that won’t clog the pores but will still provide the level of coverage you desire. Powder is great for banishing problematic shiny areas and will help you even out your skin tone if you tend to get irritation and red patches.  

Now that you’re equipped with the knowledge, take a look at our range of foundations we’ve picked out to suit all skin types and budgets – now every woman can feel fierce and flawless every day. 

Chanel Vitalumiere Aqua Skin Perfecting Makeup

A lightweight foundation that achieves effortless coverage

Specifications

Best for: Barely-there look
SPF: 15
Type: Liquid
Skin tone shades: Fair to Medium

Reasons to buy

+
Lightweight 
+
Hydrating

Reasons to avoid

-
A little pricey

If you hate the feel of foundation on your skin, we recommend trying Vitalumiere Aqua by Chanel. This is an extremely light liquid foundation that has a number of properties that benefit the skin. This product can hydrate and brighten tired looking skin while providing excellent coverage without feeling like your skin is being weighed down. You can blend this foundation seamlessly using just your fingers or a foundation brush if you prefer and it will adjust to your skin tone as you apply to create a smooth and even finish. Although the priciest on our list, this is one of the best high end foundations and it comes in a convenient travel-sized bottle; perfect for popping in your handbag. 

Clinique Even Better Makeup

A brightening formula that is perfect for mature skin

Specifications

Best for: Mature skin
SPF: 15
Type: Liquid
Skin tone shades: Fair to dark

Reasons to buy

+
Combats hyper-pigmentation
+
Oil free

Reasons to avoid

-
A little sticky 

For those who struggle with an uneven skin tone or pigmentation on the skin, the Clinique Even Better Makeup is a great way to revitalise your skin and keep it looking young and fresh. This formula has a wide range of shades and works to combat hyper-pigmentation so your skin appears smoother. It also contains SPF to help prevent further pigmentation from sun damage over time, keeping you looking younger for longer. 

M.A.C Studio Fix Fluid SPF 15 Foundation

Effortless full coverage for all skin tones

Specifications

Best for: Range of shades
SPF: 15
Type: Liquid
Skin tone shades: Fair to dark

Reasons to buy

+
Lots of shades
+
Matte finish

Reasons to avoid

-
A little cakey 

If you struggle to find the right shade for your skin tone, then you should give MAC a try. It has a range of shades to suit all skin tones from fair to dark and provides full coverage for a professional finish. Some users have said this product can be a little cakey, so if you have problematic skin, opt for a lighter formula, or ensure you apply a generous amount of moisturiser if you have dry skin.  

NARS Sheer Glow Foundation

Hydrates the skin for a soft and radiant glow

Specifications

Best for: Dewy finish
SPF: None
Type: Liquid
Skin tone shades: Light to dark

Reasons to buy

+
Hydrating 
+
Eliminates red blotches

Reasons to avoid

-
Can look a bit shiny 

Do you find your skin dry and dull? Then brighten your day with this NARS Sheer Glow Foundation. This formula contains anti-oxidants to revitalise the skin and it illuminates the skin to provide a radiant dewy finish. If you’re prone to oily-skin, this foundation could make you look a little shiny, but if you still want to brighten up your cheeks, team it with a compressed powder and you’re good to go. This foundation will keep you looking fresh-faced from morning to night while keeping your skin silky smooth.  

Max Factor Lasting Performance Liquid Foundation

Stay looking flawless with a foundation that stays put all day long

Specifications

Best for: Day to Night
SPF: None
Type: Liquid
Skin tone shades: Fair to medium

Reasons to buy

+
Stays put
+
Fragrance-free 

Reasons to avoid

-
Limited shades 

A good foundation shouldn’t have to be reapplied throughout the day, and this Max Factor Lasting Performance Foundation will keep you looking fierce all day long even if you touch or rub your face. It provides a matte finish which makes it one of the best foundations for oily skin, and is easy to blend with your finger or a brush. The only downside is this brand has limited shades, so if you really want to give it a go, always opt for slightly lighter to avoid tide marks on the neck.  

Maybelline Dream Pure BB Cream

A lighter alternative that is kind to problematic skin

Specifications

Best for: Acne-prone skin
SPF: 15
Type: BB Cream
Skin tone shades: Light

Reasons to buy

+
Affordable 
+
Treats acne

Reasons to avoid

-
Only one shade 

Foundation can be a nightmare for acne-prone skin, but if you still want a little helping hand with coverage, tinted moisturiser can be a great alternative. The Dream Pure BB Cream has ingredients that actively fight acne and help prevent further breakouts. It only comes in one light shade and won’t give the same full coverage as foundation, but it will certainly help to blur imperfections and even skin tone to boost confidence when you need it most.  

bareMinerals Original Foundation with Locking Sifter

A powdered foundation that doesn’t clog your pores

Specifications

Best for: Natural Look
SPF: 15
Type: Powder/mineral
Skin tone shades: Light to dark

Reasons to buy

+
Natural ingredients
+
Matte finish

Reasons to avoid

-
Less coverage than liquid 

Powdered foundation is another great alternative to liquid foundation that won’t clog your pores and irritate the skin. If you are prone to breakouts and shine, this bareMinerals powder foundation will provide you with the right level of coverage you need without irritating your skin further. You’ll also benefit from a barely-there feel and it’s really easy to remove at the end of the day. Although a little pricey for powder, the benefit on your skin will be worth the extra expense.