The 25 best foundations of all time, tried and tested for every skin type, format and finish

When choosing the best foundation, there is no such thing as one-size-fits-all. Skin type, tone and texture all play a crucial role, as do personal preferences around coverage, finish and wear. Whether you're chasing a natural, second-skin glow or a full-coverage matte look, the perfect base is about finding the right match for you.

To separate the true performers from the pretenders, Vogue Scandinavia’s beauty desk road-tested more than 60 formulas through crowded trains, deadline sprints, bad lighting, skipped lunches, and the occasional after-work drink detour. The 25 bottles, sticks, and compacts below survived all of it without settling, sliding, or separating.

Organised by skin type, finish, and format, each pick solves a specific everyday headache. Shade range, ingredient transparency, and comfort were non-negotiable; so was the ability to apply quickly and wear quietly. And if you have a burning complexion query? We've got you covered with our short and sweet section of frequently asked foundation questions.

What it is: A fluid, oil-free foundation with glycerin and light-scattering micro-fil pigments. Offers buildable medium coverage with a softly luminous finish. Available in 40 shades across a broad undertone spectrum.

Why we love it: This is the most adaptable formula in the lineup. It layers cleanly, blends without tools, and wears evenly across skin types. If you want one foundation that does a little of everything (and does it well) this is it.

What it is: A water-based, fragrance-free foundation with hyaluronic acid and vitamin E. Medium coverage with a natural finish. Comes in 47 shades, with clear warm/cool/neutral undertone labelling.

Why we love it: Few drugstore foundations offer this level of precision. It’s easy to shade-match, wears longer than expected, and looks convincingly skin-like even when layered. The fact that it works just as well applied with fingers as with a brush makes it a rare everyday staple.

What it is: A silicone-based liquid foundation with medium-to-full coverage, infused with caffeine, hyaluronic acid, and blur polymers. Designed for oil control with a soft matte finish.

Why we love it: This one stands out for its formulation. It manages to feel weightless without compromising coverage, and it smooths visible texture better than most base products even in this bracket. The matte finish is present but not overpowering, which is especially rare at full coverage.

What it is: A full-coverage foundation formulated with replexium peptides, transfer-resistant polymers, and a menthol-derived “AirCool” complex. Claims up to 16 hours of wear.

Why we love it: Of all the options here, this one stays put the longest. It doesn’t rub off onto clothing, crease under the eyes, or shift around in high heat. The coverage is unapologetically full, but that’s exactly what makes it dependable when longevity is non-negotiable.

What it is: Medium coverage, skin-care hybrid with Hyaluronic Acid, aloe vera, and vitamins E and B5. Water-light texture, radiant finish.

Why we love it: Extremely forgiving on dry or textured skin. Glides over fine lines, hydrates throughout the day, and evens tone without caking. Especially suited for those who want a skin-first feel with subtle smoothing.

What it is: A sheer-coverage emulsion with 10 per cent squalane, glycerin, meadowfoam seed oil, and a creamy gel texture. Free from fragrance, alcohol, and silicone.

Why we love it: With a skin-first foundation like this, you could argue that hydrating prep work is (almost) unnecessary. The texture mimics a barrier-repair moisturiser more than a traditional tint, which means no tightness, no clinging to dry patches, and no need to thin it out with face oil.

What it is: A medium-to-full coverage liquid foundation with mattifying climate-adaptive pigments and a silicone base. Oil-free and non-comedogenic. Available in 50 shades.

Why we love it: For oily skin , this is the only matte foundation we tested that genuinely holds up over time without the frequent need to reapply powder. It controls oil without drying out the skin, and it stays balanced even in high humidity.

What it is: A long-wear, medium-coverage liquid formulated with micro-skin technology for flexible movement. Fragrance-free and waterproof. Natural finish.

**Why we love it: **Combination skin rarely gets both needs met at once. This formulation, however, provides the perfect two-in-one. It doesn’t exaggerate oily T-zones or cling to dehydration around the mouth. If your skin changes daily (or hourly), this is the safest bet.

What it is: A serum-texture, fragrance-free liquid foundation with amino acid-coated pigments, emollients, and silicone elastomers. Light-to-medium coverage.

Why we love it: This was the only formula we could apply immediately post-acid peel without triggering redness or stinging. The finish is soft and skin-like, and the coverage builds in thin, flexible layers. For reactive skin, it’s rare to get this much payoff without irritation.

What it is: A green-toned colour-correcting cream that adjusts to beige on contact, formulated with Centella asiatica, glycerin, and mineral-based SPF 25. Light coverage.

Why we love it: Most redness solutions mask, this one actually calms. It blends in like skincare, visibly tones down flushing without adding texture, and layers well under additional makeup (even though you probably won't need it).

What it is: A medium coverage, oil-free liquid foundation containing 0.5 per cent salicylic acid, laminaria saccharina extract (oil-balancing), and caffeine. Fragrance-free.

Why we love it: The salicylic acid content in this foundation is enough to reduce inflammation over time without irritating active breakouts. Better yet, the formula doesn’t clog pores or slide off during flare-ups.

What it is: A lightweight liquid with micro-blurring powders, clay for oil control, and a silicone-mattifying base. Non-comedogenic and fragrance-free.

Why we love it: Of all the pore-minimising claims in foundation, this one delivers the most visual difference. The finish smooths skin without looking artificial, and it’s light enough to avoid buildup in texture-heavy areas like the nose and chin. Easily one of the best-performing formulas under €15.

What it is: A melt-away light-to-medium coverage fluid foundation with just-enough coverage. Enriched with glycerin, meadowfoam-seed oil, and light-reflecting pigments for natural luminosity.

Why we love it: For your-skin-but-better results, this is your foundation. The subtle sheen mimics just-moisturised skin without tipping into heavy shine, and it layers beautifully with cream blush and highlighter. If you want your complexion to look freshly prepped all day, this holds the line.

What it is: A full coverage liquid with hyaluronic acid, oil-absorbing silica, and oxidation-resistant pigment suspension. Fragrance-free and water-resistant.

Why we love it: Most matte foundations prioritise oil control over movement, but this one manages both. It stays in place, doesn’t separate, and tones stay true through a long day. Especially strong on slip-and-slide skin types that want grip without heaviness.

What it is: A water-based sheer foundation with niacinamide, squalane, light-reflecting polymers, and a dewy finish. Fragrance- and silicone-free.

Why we love it: This is as sheer as foundation gets while still visibly improving skin tone. It smooths over blotchiness without flattening skin texture and keeps the skin hydrated throughout the day. If you're a swipe-and-go kind of person, this does the job better than most tinted moisturisers.

What it is: A pressed powder-cream hybrid with talc-free pigment, wild pansy extract (hydration), and a buildable matte-to-soft-satin finish. Refillable, compact, and available in 42 shades.

Why we love it: If you like a foundation that smooths without shine or flatness, this hits the middle ground. The texture is dry enough to mattify but still flexible enough to sit comfortably on drier areas. It’s portable, blends in seconds, and doesn’t create fallout or a cake-y finish.

What it is: A medium coverage liquid with niacinamide, caffeine, peptides, squalane, and non-nano mineral SPF 25. Fragrance-free, silicone-based.

Why we love it: The finish of this foundation is convincingly skin-like without falling into the usual traps of being overly radiant, matte, or “blurred.” It subtly evens tone without hiding texture, and with continued use, it helps calm minor congestion and redness. The skincare claims hold up, but the pigment payoff still feels like actual makeup.

What it is: A long-wear liquid with silica, flexible polymers, and a semi-matte finish. Fragrance-free, oil-free, and non-acnegenic. Available in 60 shades.

Why we love it: This is one of the few long-wear formulas that truly locks in place under sweat, friction, and SPF. It resists shine without fully mattifying and stays structured across the T-zone even in 30°C heat. When you need your makeup to outlast fickle weather changes (or a dance floor) it does.

What it is: A medium coverage liquid with Shiseido’s ActiveForce technology to resist oil and movement, plus SPF 30 and antioxidant wild thyme extract.

Why we love it: It settles fast but remains flexible, making it ideal for people who touch their face or need something to stay in place under glasses. The texture blends fast and sets down without stickiness. A standout when you want liquid payoff without babysitting your base.

What it is: A loose mineral powder with just seven ingredients, including non-nano zinc oxide for SPF and oil-absorbing mica. Fragrance-free, talc-free, and non-comedogenic.

Why we love it: This is the powder that never clumps, cakes, or builds texture. It leaves the skin matte but breathable and works especially well on acne-prone or sensitised skin during breakouts. Bonus: the jar lasts months, even with daily use.

**What it is: **A high-coverage Korean cushion foundation with niacinamide, adenosine, and a semi-matte finish. Housed in a sponge compact and featuring SPF 40 PA++.

Why we love it: The coverage is closer to a concealer than a tint, yet it spreads like skincare. It doesn’t cling to dry patches or shift in humid conditions, and the compact is ideal for quick, mess-free touch-ups. Particularly strong when you need full coverage that travels well.

What it is: A sheer, dewy serum foundation with non-nano zinc oxide SPF 30, niacinamide, hyaluronic acid, and plant-based squalane. Silicone- and fragrance-free.

Why we love it: This works best as a one-step morning product with hydration, sun protection, and a hit of coverage in a single dropper. It leaves skin glowy but not greasy, and blends cleanly over uneven texture. Especially useful on makeup-optional days where skin still needs polish.

What it is: A medium coverage cream-stick foundation infused with camellia oil, coconut oil, and vegetable-derived squalane. Clean formulation, no added fragrance.

Why we love it: The texture is forgiving, blending out evenly with fingers, brushes, or a damp sponge without dragging. Great for travel or on-the-go touch-ups, it adds structure in seconds and plays well with cream blush or highlighter layered on top. A utility player that never looks overdone.

What it is: A full-coverage liquid foundation with a matte finish, SPF 35, and a 45-shade range. Oil-free, transfer-resistant, and formulated with perlite and silica to absorb excess sebum throughout the day.

Why we love it: This holds up better than most under long hours and warm lights without going flat or tight. It keeps oil in check without clinging to dry areas and stays colour-true, even after 10+ hours. The texture sits comfortably on the skin, making it an unusually wearable long-wear option.

What it is: A hybrid BB–foundation with broad-spectrum SPF 50 (octinoxate + titanium dioxide), medium buildable coverage, and a skincare base of niacinamide, adenosine, and peptide complex. Fragrance-free; two flexible shade ranges designed to self-adjust within a tone band.

Why we love it: The UV protection here is serious, a full SPF 50, yet the texture behaves like lightweight foundation rather than sunscreen. It evens tone, soft-focuses pores, and stays colour-true for eight-plus hours without the chalky flashback mineral filters can cause. Ideal for days when sun defence is the priority but you still want camera-ready coverage.

How do I find the right foundation shade?

Always test three stripes – on the jawline, neck and décolleté – in natural light, leaving the store if you have to. The one that melts into the skin is your perfect foundation match. If you’re between two shades, opt for the slightly lighter; bronzer can always add warmth, but a too-dark base is harder to fix.

Should I use primer before foundation?

Primer isn’t mandatory. That said, a silicone-based formula can blur pores and extend wear on oily skin, while hydrating primers stop flaking on dry or mature complexions. Be wary of the bade ingredient of your products, though, as the wrong combination of water and silicone can cause dreaded pilling.

How do I make foundation last all day?

Work in thin layers, topping your base with a light dusting of translucent setting powder and then a long-wear setting spray. Blot, don’t re-powder, mid-day to avoid cake-up.

How can I stop my foundation looking cakey?

Over-application in combination with dry patches is a recipe for cake complexion disasters. Use a damp sponge to press product in, switch to sheer, buildable formulas and mist with hydrating spray once everything is set.

Why does my foundation oxidise and turn orange?

Natural oils in combination with oxygen can sometimes deepen pigments. Use oil-free skincare underneath, blot T-zone before application and try shades half a tone lighter in brands that run “warm.”

Is liquid or powder foundation better for oily skin?

Liquids now come in oil-absorbing, soft-matte finishes, but powders still win for on-the-go touch-ups. Layer a matte liquid first, then keep a pressed powder for mid-day shine emergencies.

Can I wear foundation when working out?

While we would never recommend it, it can (in theory) work as long as it’s a non-comedogenic, sweat-resistant foundation and removed ASAP post-class.

Do I need SPF under foundation with sunscreen?

Short answer: yes. Even the best SPF foundations rarely reach the dermatologist-approved quarter of a teaspoon needed for full protection, meaning it is best to apply a separate broad-spectrum SPF of at least +30 first and keep a spray or powder version on hand for reapplication throughout the day.

What’s the best way to apply foundation, brush, sponge or fingers?

Finding the right foundation tool for application can be a bit more complicated than expected. In general, brushes give polished coverage, sponges sheer things out and melt product in, while fingers warm sheer tints. That said, we could speak in length on the many bristle options out there and what shape suits what skin type... But if you're in a bind, reach for the tool that matches your finish goal.

How long does foundation last once opened?

Most liquid formulas are good for 12 months, while powders can last you up to 24. Dump anything that smells off, has separated, or changed colour.