I have a few that I’m currently cycling through: Tarte Rainforest of the Sea (my favorite), Dior Star Fluid Foundation (photographs really well and is forgiving when I have to remove/redo makeup frequently along the edges), and Lancome Teint 24HR (great wear, looks good in person). I use Real Techniques Expert Face Brush most of the time.
We're here to help you make better beauty purchases that you'll enjoy and love! We recommend signing up to take advantage of personalized features like tracking products you own, viewing dupes that you already have, and more!
Here are some useful resources for you:
Curious how two shades compare to each other? Type in the shades below to get instant side-by-side swatches!
Comments that do not adhere to our comment policy may be removed. Discussion and debate are highly encouraged but we expect community members to participate respectfully. Please keep discussion on-topic, and if you have general feedback, a product review request, an off-topic question, or need technical support, please contact us!
Please help us streamline the comments' section and be more efficient: double-check the post above for more basic information like pricing, availability, and so on to make sure your question wasn't answered already. Comments alerting us to typos or small errors in the post are appreciated (!) but will typically be removed after errors are fixed (unless a response is needed).
We appreciate enthusiasm for new releases but ask readers to please hold questions regarding if/when a review will be posted as we can't commit to or guarantee product reviews. We don't want to set expectations and then disappoint readers as even products that are swatched don't always end up being reviewed due to time constraints and changes in priorities! Thank you for understanding!
We try to approve comments within 24 hours (and reply to them within 72 hours) but can sometimes get behind and appreciate your patience! 🙂 If you have general feedback, product review requests, off-topic questions, or need technical support, please contact us directly. Thank you for your patience!
I’m currently on a no buy with foundations. I’m using up Loreal Infallible Pro Matte. I like it a lot and how it covers but you don’t feel it. I apply w a damp blender from Ulta. My favorite foundation however is the MAC Pro Nourishing Waterproof. Terrible name and you have to apply quickly before it dries. I applied it with a real techniques stippling brush.
Looove MAC Pro Nourishing Waterproof! The ONLY reason I still do not have it in my arsenal is I do not need that much coverage everyday and do not have occasions that require waterproof often enough to justify the purchase. Otherwise I’d be all over it.
Too Faced Born This Way for most days going to work in an office.
NARS Tinted Moisturizer or Estée Lauder Double Wear Light for weekends.
Marc Jacobs Re(marc)able Full Cover concentrate for special occasions or photographs.
My favourite tool for applying my foundation is my fingers!
I also meant to add that I have a couple of favourite foundations:
Rimmel Match Perfection in light porcelain 010 – the only problem with this foundation is that it doesn’t last all day. If you put a similar shade of BB cream underneath it increases its longevity.
Clarins Super Restorative Foundation in linen – and yes, the shade is discontinued. Why Clarins?
My current favorite is Cle de Peau Radiant Fluid in B10 which is the lightest cool toned shade. I apply it with an Artis #8 brush. I also like Marc Jacobs Remarcable Foundation in Ivory Light 10 which is again the lightest cool toned shade. I also apply it with the Artis brush. It is full coverage and drying on my already dry skin so I mix it with a moisturizer and use a spray before applying. In the winter when both of these are too light for me I add a drop or two of a white moisturizer. Currently I am using the NYX white foundation mixer although I have used Manic Panic’s before and like it a lot also. For light days when I don’t want to use a lot of makeup I use Boscia BB Cream in Light and I usually just use my hands to apply. I do apply a stronger SPF under the BB cream as it only has SPF 27 and I like at least 50.
I’m currently mostly wearing Diorskin Nude Air Serum foundation, as I felt like switching to a lighter coverage for the summer. The shade I have is currently a tad dark for me, which is weird because I wore it in the past and this is a fresh new bottle (I guess my IPL sessions really removed some pigment from my skin!), but it looks fine if a little bronzed when blended in. I apply it with my fingers, I’ve found it to be the best way to blend it without losing coverage due to its watery texture.
Lancôme Teint Idole 24HR Foundation! It wears like iron, even when it’s over 100°. Quite a feat! Plus, it looks like “me”. There is something about it being very effective at covering over flaws and discoloration in spots while still not looking cakey or too heavy. And then there is the fact that this line actually has shades that work beautifully with olive undertones, so I finally have a great match!
I rotate between NARS Sheer Glow and Pure Radiant Tinted Moisturizer (love!!!) and Shiseido Sheer and Perfect Foundation. I find that with Sheer Glow I like the effect the RT sponge gives (although it is a bummer to clean it after 🙂 ). With the moisturizer I use whatever brush is alike to the RT expert face or stippling brush. Same with the Shiseido foundation.
That Shiseido foundation has been discontinued, which I find upsetting I really love it and I’m sort of jealously doling out what I have left of mine.
Hi Mariella, thanks for letting me know! I might consider getting a backup if this is the case, but my eyes are set on MUFE Ultra HD stick 🙂 currently 🙂 I dunno.. I love this foundation, it is soo good for the lighter coverage! I still see it on shiseido.com site, though, so, hopefully everyone will be able to snatch one before it’s gone.
Hourglass Immaculate foundation, Maybelline Matte Poreless foundation – I apply it with the Hourglass No 2 brush. I use the Nars tinted moisturizer aswell and apply it with my fingers. I’m looking to try/purchase a new foundation as I am bored with the Maybelline and almost out of the Nars TM.
Mac Studio fix fluid ( I love the formula but it’s not longwearing on me) mixing with EL Double Wear (this one is very longwearing).
First I aplly the foundation with the real techniques sculpting brush and than I’m buffing to the skin with my beauty blender.
I second this combo. It’s my daily go to applied with my fingers and softened with a damp beauty blender.
Interesting! I have double wear and I’m curious about MAC’s Studio Fix Fluid. Maybe I’ll try it!
Live and learn! 🙂 I must try this technique with only using the sponge as a finishing step when applying my foundation! Why did not I think of this myself? Thanks for the tip, Anna!
My go to favorite is Giorgio Armani power fabric foundation. It feels very light weight and gives medium coverage. 🙂
La Roche Posay Effaclar Duo plus Tinted and my fingers. It has been r,eally hot around here and that is as much as I tolerate on my face.
For me, it’s still IT Cosmetics CC Cream and the Shiseido foundation brush. I love that little brush – it works with every foundation I own.
Nars Velvet Matte Skin Tint mixed with the Tony Moly Banana Sleeping Pack. I always use my beauty blender for application
I love the bourjois healthy mix serum foundation ! It looks freat in person and i like tonuse it during the day. For the night time, I use something heavier and i am loving the milani conceal and perfect.
Urban Decay One & Done…applied with a damp beauty sponge.
I’m fair with cool undertones (NW13ish):
Dr Jart’s Premium Beauty Balm SPF 45 (lightened w/Body Shop Lightening Drops) and I use both an Aucoin foundation brush and a Beauty Blender. I’ve started using the brush so the BB doesn’t absorb as much foundation, and then press it in with the BB.
No7 Stay Perfect foundation with a beauty blender.
How’s that? I think that is one I eyed at Walgreens now that they carry No 7 and have testers. I’m on no foundation buy so I didn’t pick it up but I’m stilling trying to figure out what foundation to buy when I use all my others up!
Smashbox Camera Ready Water SPF 30 has been my go to for a couple of years now. Since that’s rather sheer, when I need more coverage, I mix in Guerlain Lingerie de Peau (I still have a bottle of original formula). Tools of choice — fingers; I like the effect of a brush to buff it out but daily reality is that I rarely have time for this step so do it for special occasions.
NARS All Day Luminous Weightless Foundation
Sigma F80 Brush
I have mature skin and find brushes pull off foundation from my red areas (esp. nose and chin), so I beauty blender all the time. It also allows me to apply more layers in areas where I need the coverage
Mix 1 part IT cosmetics CC in light, 1 part Bourjois 123 Perfect CC cream in 32 light beige, and one drop MAC NC20 pro longwear concealer. I hate simple.
“I hate simple” is me all the way. So funny. I kind of like mixing and matching so I frequently Doctor my foundations trying different combinations and have hit upon some good ones. I don’t have trouble matching my skin tone per se since I need the lightest cool undertone shade of every foundation. Some just are not light enough and I add lightening drops. My daughter is of mixed heritage and she has yet to find her perfect match. On top of that she has acne prone, super oily skin. She has always had to mix her foundations and she doesn’t enjoy that the way I do so she would really like some companies to expand their ranges. A lot of brands think that medium to darker skin means you have orange undertones and you end up walking around looking like an oompa loompa. I think that foundation choice is the most personal of all makeup products as there is so much to consider and for people who are not cookie cutter it is difficult to find the right choice.
Couldn’t agree more. Well said!
My daughter has the same issue. She’s fair but not so fair. Yellow undertones but not too yellow. Due to her Mexican/Spanish heritage. I being fair and of English/German heritage can pretty much go anywhere look at the color and know it will work for me. She on the other hand has to mix foundations bc they are too light or not light enough. Too yellow but the next shade down is too light and the shade up is too dark etc. I would skip foundation flaws and all if I had to mix my foundation like a chemist. Too high maintenance. Why bother lol Have fun though!
Tarte Rainforest of the Sea (super light-weight, skin-like and nice coverage, but don’t care for the dropper) , Bobbi Brown Skin Foundation Stick (for quick easy application on weekdays), Giorgio Armani Power Fabric foundation (good shade match for me, long-lasting, new love)
Beauty Blender (original) is always my go-to foundation application tool!
i go back end forth at the moment using estee lauder double wear in the lightest shade but as i am super pale i have to add in white foundation – the body shop lighting drops, i use a damp sponge to apply or i got bb cream – the moment i am using rimmel London radiance one in very light great coverage and the colour match is spot on and i ether use my fingers or a damp sponge again or i will use BYS serum foundation in ivory and a cushion sponge i got off eBay and i love the light weight feel, with any of these though i use a little rimmel London match perfecting loose powder to set and then go in with a press or loose tinted powder at the moment the press powder i am using is by savy and in translucent and the loose is the sheer loose powder by w7 which i had to mix with a little baby powder to lighten so it was not to dark and that is in the colour ivory. i sometimes use the powders on them own too if i just want a really quick to go look just to slightly even out my redness on my face.
Morning All! Love this question and enjoyed reading all the responses.
(Christine – you didn’t mention your tool of choice. Would love to know!)
I’ve fallen in love with the large green Eco tools blender (it comes in a pack of two with a smaller lime green sponge as well that I use for baking) that has just come out. I was using a Makeup Geek face buffer brush before, but I’m digging this sponge instead – more flawless and natural.
For everyday – Nars Pure Radiant Tinted Moisturizer
For special occasions and nights out – Too Faced Born this Way
I’ve been using the mac face and body foundation with an artis-style brush.
I’m currently using Loreal Pro Matte in 104 Golden Beige (Which is too peach for my liking! It comes out of the tube a nice light yellow shade, but as it dries it morphs to a peachy shade, against my light/medium yellow neck!) dotted all over the face, and then blend out with Wet n Wild’s flat top foundation brush. I use this foundation for every day, or low maintenance days. Because I find I get shiny pretty quickly with it!
For longer days where I wont be able to touch up as much. I’v been using MAC Studio Fix Fluid in NC20. I’v found this foundation oxidizes at least 2 and a half shades. I’m around NC23, so I figured I’d be safe with NC20. This oxidizes even darker than my neck!! So I’m pretty cheesed about that. But the undertone is pure yellow. Which is what my banana neck needs!! I like to dot it around my face and then smooth out with my fingers then finish buffing it with a real techniques expert face brush!
After correcting and concealing, I always set my face with MAC Loose Set powder everywhere, then I’ll dust Sephora Brand Matt perfection Powder Foundation in 18 Golden Linen over my cheeks, and the center of my forehead!
Went back to my old school foundation which is Prescriptives Flawless because it was color matched back when they sold it in stores and no matter what brand I try I cannot seem to find any other foundation that leaves me looking like I have a nice complexion. I use an Urban Decay Optical Blurring brush, but I just purchased a Real Techniques blending sponge to see how that works.
I have been working with DS foundations lately. I am using L’Oreal True Match Lumi in n4 buff beige some days and L’Oreal Magic Nude Liquid Powder, also in buff beige, on days when I am very oily and shiny. I prefer a damp BB for the Lumi. L’Oreal says to apply the Magic Nude with the fingers and I do that but then I buff it in with a dupe of the Artis oval brush because it is too powdery otherwise.
I recently purchased a Japanese foundation, Kate Secret Skin Maker Zero, but it just arrived yesterday. I applied it this morning with the damp BB and it looked great but tomorrow I will try it with a brush.
I had a DS of YSL Touche Eclat foundation from Sephora and it worked very well for me. I will probably buy that for my next splurge.
MUFE Water Blend for most things, NARS TM, VM, SG, and HST for the majority of the rest. I do like Tarte ROTS and Hourglass HST but I don’t own full sizes. I apply some with fingers and some with a BB or RT EFB.
It depends on how good my skin looks: Peri-menopausal hormones can wreak havoc and make my skin type change, though usually I’m oily. Now warmer weather is also factoring into the equation.
*If my skin is looking good reasonably good and it’s not super-hot outside, e.l.f. Flawless Finish Foundation in Light Ivory (recently added to the line) or Natural (formerly Porcelain), applied with a Real Techniques sponge or the e.l.f. Ultimate Blending Brush.
*If I’m having a cystic acne breakout, I always use Lancome Teint Idole 24H Long Wearing Foundation in 140 Ivoire (N). In fall/winter I mix in some Manic Panic Dream Tone in White (Virgin). This foundation covers everything and stands up to all temperatures and weather, even when my skin is really oily. I use myTarte Maracuja Miracle Foundcealer Brush to apply it.
*I have oily skin, so if it’s super-hot outside, I use either BareMinerals Original Foundation SPF 15 in Fair or Everyday Minerals Semi-Matte Base in Fair 0N. I apply them with a flat kabuki brush.
I recently discovered Marc Jacobs Genius Gel and I’m going to stock up. It’s as if it was made for me. It matches perfect so I get a very natural look. I don’t need much coverage, mainly on my cheekbones and across nose from sun damage, so I can apply there and blend and it’s invisible.
Right now I’m using a cheapie foundation brush, simple flat top, but have an eye on a Kevyn Aucoin one. Just can’t justify the money though.
Did find that an It’s Cosmetics blush brush that has a brush end then a small end (almost shadow size) is perfect for using with my new Bobbi Brown Desert Rose Cream blush.
Right now I am into the MJ Re(marc)able. Trust me, I can understand why people struggle with this foundation, but I like it a lot. I had to get used to the application, and no implement work — not any brush I owned or BB. But my fingers work perfectly. I get just the finish I want and it’s super easy to do.
I am back to my love of many years MAC Studio Fix Powder Plus Foundation.
Lancôme Regergie Lift in 310 Bisque or Clinique Even Better in Cream Chamois. Want to try the EL Doubkewear and the UD Naked skin .
My favourite foundation, and recently most used, is MUFE’s ultra HD foundation stick in Y225 applied straight onto my face and blended with MAC’s 196 dense flat top brush, nice medium to full coverage and natural healthy finish! However I have recently bought L’Oréal’s Nude Magique cushion foundation for a lighter and cheaper option and I love it! I use a damp Real Techniques Miracle Complexion Sponge.
I like the Rainforest of the Sea foundation too, surprisingly I ordered online and got the right shade (medium tan sand) I use my UD optical blur foundation brush, I find that it buffs the foundation out really well. I have previously used Clinique Even Better foundation, but I like the Tarte one better.
At the moment this is a really hard question. I have loads of foundations and I go back and forth, using most of them.
The one(s) I’ve used most of the time the past week or two are The Ordinary ones. I have four of them, as I wan’t sure of the colours or the finish. I have 1.1N and 1.2N in both the Serum Foundation and the Coverage Foundation. I’m testing them with various primers, and without to see what I think.
If I dont use any of them I use Chanel Pérfection Lumière Velvet, Guerlaine Lingerie de Peau and MAC Matchmaster.
I got the smallest sample of Kat von D Lock It foundation, and I love it, but I must finish at least two of the ones I have before buying a new one, or I’ll need to get an extra room just for foundtions, OK, it’s not that bad, just almost.
I use fingers, Sephora Multitasker Complexion Brush and Beauty Blender. I almost always use the Beauty Blender to even the foundation when I apply ti with fingers or brush.
I had been using It cosmetics in medium for a while but it is still a little too yellow-ish for me. I found my holy Grail and it is Giorgio Armani crema nuda in color# 3 . I know it’s technically not a foundation or a moisturizer but is the lightest thing that can make your skin look perfect and it is so so expensive! I thought I would treat myself to one bottle and hopefully I don’t love it is much is I think I do. I had been using samples before
I’m loving the MUFE Water Blend in Y315 right now with the Real Technique’s Sculpting brush but the its sponge/Beauty Blender also works wonderfully with this foundation. Giorgio Armani’s Luminous Silk in #4 is still my favorite but now I reserve it more for (nah, still wear it every day) events because it has a little more coverage. Both foundations are quite skin-like finish (satin-esque?) and I set them both with LM’s translucent setting powder. Those two are my favorite. 🙂 Bonus that I do not break out in them either.
****Combination skin that leans a little more oil in the t-zone and sensitive****
Lancone Teint Idole 24 hr. The shade and coverage is perfect. I own other foundations, but always go back to this one. I apply with my fingers. I find it frustrating to use a brush or blender, probably just because I’ve used my hands for so long anything else makes the process really tedious.
MAC Matchmaster
Shiseido Synchro Skin
Tom Ford Traceless Perfecting
MAC Next To Nothing
Estee Lauder Double Wear
Giorgio Armani Lasting Silk UV
MAC Studio Sculpt
Kevin Aucoin Sensual Skin Enhancer
I rotate these daily and I use my fingers to apply. I don’t like the beauty blender because I feel like I have to wash it every day (I don’t like how it looks after I use it) and I don’t really care for brushes (though I do like the MAC 140). I like the versatility of my fingers for pressing, dabbing and patting.
I’m currently rotating through some drugstore foundations I bought when my luggage was ‘delayed’ in Macau-
Rimmel Lasting Finish 25 hr with Comfort Serum in 103 True Ivory- This is an amazing dupe for Estee Lauder Double Wear foundation! I usually wear EL’s Double Wear Light during the Summer because it’s the only foundation that stands up to the heat & humidity here in South Asia. Shade 103 has a yellow undertone (most Rimmel foundations have been too pink for me), goes on smoothly with no streaking, has exactly the same semi-matte finish as EL DWL, and looks great for about 8-10 hrs on my skin. This Rimmel long wear foundation doesn’t make my face feel tight or dry like ELDWL either! I apply with my fingers & buff streaky bits with a cheapie oval brush from Gosh or my RT foundation brush.
Catrice Nude Illusion in Nude Ivory 010- Beautiful dupe For Armani’s Luminous Silk. Not streaky or oily feeling like ALS too. Sets to a gorgeous & truly soft focus luminous matte. Hides a multitude of texture issues. Does slightly darken after applying. When set with powder lasts for a good 8 hrs (does break up a bit on my shiny schnozz though.) Apply with fingers & buff streaky bits with a cheapie oval brush from Gosh or my RT foundation brush.
Gosh Foundation Plus Cover + Conceal in shade 002- Like most ‘cover & conceal’ foundations this one has high medium coverage but isn’t opaque enough to truly conceal IMHO. Average wear when set with powder, finish is slightly satiny, undertones neutral, applies beautifully with no streaking or other issues. Meh. It’s a good basic foundation that’s about all I can say for it. You could do a lot worse at this price point, that’s for sure. Apply with fingers & buff streaky bits with a cheapie oval brush from Gosh or my RT foundation brush.
I am a foundation combiner. (Usually just to use up foundations i’m not thrilled with)-
Rimmel Lasting Finish 25 hr with Comfort Serum + Catrice Nude Illusion + Gorgeous, best of both, soft focus with long wear & comfortable too! I get a lot of compliments on my skin wearing this combo.
Gosh Foundation Plus Cover + Conceal + anything- Meh. Not sure how I’m going to use up this stuff.
Lately it’s been the NARS Tinted Moisturizer and I either use my fingers or the Zoeva 110 Face Shape brush.
I love Guerlain’s Lingerie de Peau and I’m now trying out the new Givenchy Matissime Velvet (I don’t like it as much as the Guerlain so far). I also have a Laneige BB cushion which I love because it makes my skin glow, but it doesn’t look oily (important distinction when you have oily skin). Next foundations I want to try are: The Ordinary, Tarte’s Rainforest of the Sea and definitely another BB cushion (they’re so practical!!).
When I have more time to apply, I love using the beauty blender; when I’m in a rush I just use the Real Techniques stippling brush or their foundation brush.
Still totally loving my Chanel Sublimage cream foundation. My favourite brush to apply this is Marc Jacobs Face 2, or for a more sheered-out finish, a damp BeautyBlender.
fit me from maybeline or double wear from estée . For the tool, Oval 7 from Artis.
MUFE HD Ultra, mainly because it’s the only one I have in a shade light enough for me right now, and also because it’s so reliable. I use a beauty blender. I try brushes and they never work as well.
I currently use Sisley Le tint foundation and sometimes add Giorgio Armani Luminous silk on top for more coverage and glow. My favourite foundation brush to use the above mentioned foundations is the Marc Jacobs face III brush.
My go-to foundation is MUFE Face & Body (the old formula – I just so happened to buy a new bottle before MUFE announced and began selling the new Water Blend Foundation), and I apply it with the Sonia Kashuk Synthetic Buffing Brush.