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What is your most used foundation?

For sure, Guerlain Parure Gold when I look at an “all time” record! Following that, I wore MAC Studio Fix Fluid for at least a couple of years long ago. Currently, Tarte Rainforest of the Sea has been my go-to since it debuted, and I don’t expect to give it up any time soon!

— Christine

131 Comments

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Katherine T. Avatar

For weekdays, my go- to is Marc Jacobs Re(marc)able Full Coverage Foundation as it hides a multitude of flaws and lasts all day at work. For weekends, I like the Tarte Rainforest of the Sea one, as I don’t need as much coverage, has supplemental SPF, and it’s an easier foundation to apply and wear since it’s not full coverage.

Kylie5 Avatar

I also Love this Marc Jacobs foundation and the lightest shade is so Perfect for me but I still have not found the right way to put it on Flawless. It always Looks unnatural. First Time I Took too much foundation but also with less foundation and a new brush I still have the Problem of looking unnatural.
Please help me

GloriaKate Avatar

Try mixing a little moisturizer with it to sheer it out a bit. A super duper full coverage foundation never looks natural (especially if it’s matte) because it takes away definition in your face and flatten everything out. With any full coverage matte foundation it’s important to add bronzer/blush/contour to add the definition and color back into the face.

Katherine T. Avatar

Kylie5, it’s so great you’ve found your perfect color match! I don’t know what your skin type is, but mine is normal/dry with some fine lines around under eyes and forehead, with some age spots and uneven pigmentation. I make sure my skin is exfoliated and well-moisturized, or it can look dry and cakey. I use 1 drop of the KVD Lock It Featherweight Primer on my face. Then I shake the MJ bottle really well, and put 1 drop on the back of my hand, and swipe my finger through it to put a few dots on my cheeks. Then I use an IT Cosmetics Velvet Luxe LBD Foundation brush to gently buff it in. It’s a fast-drying foundation, so I don’t dot my whole face with it all at once, I do my face in 3 sections (cheek, cheek, T-zone) . If I need extra coverage for specific area, I add more only to that area, not to whole face. I don’t have a lot of face fuzz, so I buff in circles, but I heard that if you do, to buff in downward strokes, or else foundation can look cakey. I only use about 1/2 to 1 dot for my whole face, but I’ve seen many You Tube videos where people are using 5-10 dots, and while it might work for them, I think it’s too much for my drier skin, and a little goes a long way. For areas with fine lines, I don’t dot or buff, but just gently press my brush in there. Then I use a powder brush and dot very lightly with a Translucent Powder (IT Bye Bye Pores, Laura Mercier Translucent Loose), focusing mostly on T zone. Then I spritz my face gently with MAC Prep+Prime to help set everything. If this isn’t working for you, check your primer if you use, one. I’ve heard that the MJ foundation is water based, so you shouldn’t use oil based primers with it, as water and oil don’t mix well. I’m not sure if any of that’s true, but worth a try. I’ve also heard of people using a slightly damp Beauty Blender to apply. He also came out with a primer (MJ Undercover Perfecting Coconut Primer) and a special brush (MJ Face III Foundation Buffing Brush) to use with this foundation, so that’s another thought. It will be pricey, but maybe worth it, if you’ve found an exact color match. Hope this helps. Let me know if any questions, and let me know how it goes!

Kylie5 Avatar

Thank you so much.
Now I have a lot of “homework” to Do. will try everything. I have also only a few Fine Lines under my eyes and on my forehead. And an oily combination Skin with my T Zone bring very oily.
Have some primers and will Check them. If nothing works the Last try will be buying the Marc Jacobs primer and brush. The brush seems to be very good.

Katherine T. Avatar

Hmm, I wonder if the oily skin is re-acting with the foundation? Another tip is to try the Wayne Goss method–use moisturizer/ sunscreen, primer, and a finely milled powder BEFORE foundation. The powder is suppose to soak up oil and help set your foundation, plus you use less foundation and less powder, so it looks more natural. Just another thing to try. Good luck and keep me posted!

Chacha Avatar

I have the same problem before…Honestly before to buy it i was like “are you kidding me?” when i heard on reviews that you need only 2 drops for all the face…and at the first try i have to many foundation on my face because i dont want to do it! lol
After that i was so impressed by the coverage that i forget it because i havent time to play with it…
Then i use it only with other foundations to give them more coverage…And now since few days i try to wear it alone! I still try to put only 2 drops but i can help it i am on 3 or 4 drops lol
On my dry skin iam always afraid that look too cakey so i moisturize my face and just after i wear the foundation! i dont let time to my moisturise to dry…I used a big and dense brush(a dupe for the face 3 i think that i bough on ebay) and like that i have a beautiful coverage,a little radiance and not a really really matte finish…
Voila,thanks for reading 🙂

Nancy T Avatar

Since I almost never have more than one foundation and one bb/cc at any given time, I have been using MAC Pro Longwear Foundation NC40 since I got it. And on bb/ less coverage days, Lumene BB cream in Medium. I like the MAC foundation enough to use it up, but then I would like to try one by Tarts. Either formula would likely be more skin nourishing and less drying than MAC Pro Longwear, I’m thinking.

Donya Avatar

You MUST try the “Your skin but better” CC by It Cosmetics. I feel like I am putting on day cream and get med-full coverage. I still can’t believe it!

Katherine T. Avatar

Yep, for hydration, I also recommend the IT CC Cream SPF 50 (the regular one, haven’t tried the illuminating one), but it’s the most moisturizing and pigmented bb/cc cream I’ve ever tried, but it only comes in like 5 colors. I like it during the winter, when my skin is drier. It’s an American brand, but the product itself is made in Korea (says so right on the tube), and guess what? The 4th ingredient (after sunscreens and water) is snail secretion filtrate, that’s why it’s so darn moisturizing! I never knew those pesky snails would be my face’s bff!

Kukta Avatar

Love Lumene…got addicted living in Finland to the line. For me it’s light. Rarely wear foundation but if I do it’s Edward Best black sea mouse.

Anna Avatar

It would be Armani luminous silk foundation. I do like having another foundation as well though with lighter coverage to wear during day and used to wear YSL teint éclat but the reformulation does not look all that good on my skin so at the moment I alternate between Armani and UD naked foundation. Once I find a sheer foundation with luminous finish I will alternate between Armani and that instead of the naked one (which is good but too matte for my liking).

Jacqueline Avatar

Absolutely agree about YSL’s Touche Eclat foundation! I loved the original formulation and it was great on my dry skin. The new formulation though is just horrible on me. While it does bump up the coverage a lot it emphasizes any skin texture issues and dry patches. Plus it just lost that beautiful glowy finish it used to have.

Anna Avatar

The new formulation actually accentuates flaws on my skin and looks powdery. While I prefer if the foundation is sheer, I wouldn’t mind the new coverage if it looked flawless but it doesn’t. I am sure it works great on some though but they should have kept the original foundation as well.
I will try the LM Candlelight that you mentioned and see if it can replace YSL.

Christine J Avatar

Hi Anna! Ysl used to be my go to until the reformulated. I then found Armani Maestro Glow — it’s my go to foundation for days I want luminous and light coverage. While for days I want a medium to full coverage, I also use luminous silk.

Aviva Avatar

I agree with both! I love the Armani- it’s buildable coverage, perfect for my combo skin, and has “that Armani glow” without looking greasy or too nightclub-shimmer (I’m 32 with 2 kids, definitely over that as an everyday look!) And the Touche Eclat used to be great, but the new formula seems to make every pore larger, every fine line more pronounced, and even if I slather on moisturizer, it’s still so drying. It makes me wish I had stocked up on the original!

Jacqueline Avatar

My most used foundation would have to be the original Laura Mercier Silk Creme Foundation in Bamboo Beige. I used it for 4 years straight and loved the coverage it had. I stopped using it though (just to try something new) and haven’t tried out the new formulations, though I want to try the moisturizing one.

Currently, my go-to has been the Laura Mercier Candleglow Foundation in Dusk. The finish is so natural and beautiful; the most skin-like I have found that actually evens out my skintone and makes a difference. Not too glowy but the coverage is definitely light and I have to use concealer on any hyperpigmentation. Does not cling to any dry patches at all. Lasting power is just ok but improved with setting spray.

If I have to be out and about and need something with more lasting power I use GA Luminous Silk in 4. This is better coverage but can emphasize dry patches.

Gillian Avatar

I’d say Bobbi Brown Skin Foundation. It has such a natural finish but still covers well. It’s the only liquid foundation I’ve actually repurchased. Well, I say repurchased but actually I was given it for free! It was a brand new tester but this was when my shade was discontinued so the lady said it was no good to them!

Saying that I’ve been using Make Up For Ever Mat Velvet + Foundation recently. It’s better than the Bobbi Brown foundation at keeping the shine at bay and it’s probably a better colour for me as it’s a tad lighter. It’s not quite as natural looking but it has more coverage. I’m liking it so far. I’ve had it for over a year but never really used it that much so I’m glad that I’m getting some use out of it!

For powder foundation I love Bobbi Brown Skin Weightless Powder Foundation. It’s a good colour for me and it works well on my oily skin. The coverage is very good too! I’d definitely recommend it if you’re looking for a new powder foundation as the colour selection is really good! It’s not as dry as other powder foundations so even if you have dry skin it’s worth trying it. ?

Mariella Avatar

Probably IT Cosmetics CC Cream, if that counts as foundation. If not, then it’s Clarins Skin Illusion foundation. I really need to try the Rainforest of the Sea one but I’ve sort of vowed not to buy any new foundations until I use up at least one of the ones I’ve got in my makeup cabinet (I really need to finish either MAC Pro Longwear or Matchmaster).

Julia Avatar

I am not much of a foundation wearer – they always feel heavy and I have constant issues with oxidization. I usually just apply concealer where needed and top with a powder to set/ get matte. However, I have had some luck with the Neutrogena Healthy Skin Enhancer (which I found out about on this blog! 🙂 ) I still don’t wear it often but I keep it around for occasions where I want a more full face of makeup.

Julie Avatar

I’ve been wanting to try out the IT CC cream…I’m concerned about the lack of shade range, though!! Can you compare the color Fair to MAC or NARS sheer glow? I’m between NW10 & NW13, and use Mont Blanc, although it is a tiny bit too pink…… Any info you have would be greatly appreciated!!

Maria Tanner Avatar

I am NC15 and use IT cosmetics CC cream, it’s light enough for my pale skin. I have yellow undertones and find it perfect. I also use Nars sheer glow in Gobi

WARPAINTandUnicorns Avatar

Fair is a perfect nude/neutral foundation which means it doesn’t lean too red, yellow, or orange. I wish more brands would do this!

I’ve seen a few other YouTubers that use Fair but they have a pink undertone and say they love it. I’m an olive (yellow/blue) undertone with general redness in the face….and I like it as well because I cut’s down on the redness being a neutral shade.

I’m like a NC05 really and this foundation is a touch to dark for me. Nars I match Siberia in foundation level. 😉

Julie Avatar

Thank you! I swatched ut today… Once it oxidized, Fair was actually pretty close to perfect in shade. Sounds like we are pretty similar in undertones–I would consider myself a cool olive (more of a grey green), with a lot of redness. It is such a challenge to find a good foundation that covers the redness, but doesn’t make me look sallow or orange!

Wednesday Avatar

I’m far too mad scientist to have one single product used significantly more than others. It’s my Achilles heel and the product I get most excited about trying yet frequently find myself utterly disappointed; totally love/hate. It also depends on season and what type of finish I want to wear in a given day.. I could name a handful of product which get higher marks, but purely as a result of finding one particular characteristic or feature which appeals, but absolutely zero get top billing or used the most.

chelsea Avatar

I need oil controlling foundation and am pretty happy with MAC Studio Fix Fluid. I also use Maybelline Fit Me Matte & Poreless which works well for oil control for a drugstore brand.

Tammy B Avatar

I have a few that I use, not one more than another: Estée Doublewear, Born This Way, Nars Luminous Weightless, MAC Studio Fix, and Giorgio Armani Luminous Silk. I love them all but I am currently really loving the MAC Studio Fix. NC 30 is a phenomenal color for my skin!

Michele @Binxcat4ever Avatar

For full coverage I reach for Dior Forever in Ivory. For quick, easy, light/medium coverage my new fav is UD One & Done (Light). I still considering looking for a good medium-full coverage foundation with a radiant finish as an alternative to Dior’s matte finish but I have yet to find one that doesn’t oxidize on me or make me oily after a few hours.

fancie Avatar

It’s a toss up between Armani Luminous Silk and Too Faced Born This Way. I’ve been wearing Born This Way almost everyday for about 2 months now but Luminous Silk has been my baby for months now. Both formulas are pretty similar to me so I’m gonna keep switching between the two until they’re gone I’m sure

Ginny Avatar

If we’re talking over the course of my make-up wearing life, Laura Mercier Mineral Powder in Soft Porcelain. Something that used to be absolutely perfect when I had normal skin. It really covers redness like a champ and it wore well throughout a long day when my skin was normal and *never* oxidized (and it’s the palest powder in the mainstream market that I’ve ever found). Now that my skin is super dry and parched, none of the foundations I used to like last on me anymore–they’re a brokedown patchy mess by lunchtime. Currently I’m going with my lighter coverage stuff – MAC Face and Body and/or MSF Natural powder – because when they breakdown later in the day it’s not as noticeable.

Linda Avatar

Urban Decay Naked Skin, I’m on my 5th bottle. I swear it has skin care in it that makes my skin better, just wish it had more warm/yellow tones in the range as the one I’m using for the winter is a tinge too peachy for me, but it tends to oxidize to close-enough anyway.

Carolyn Avatar

This has been my dilemma lately. I was trying the Becca Aqua Luminous foundation but it would break up so bad on my forhead so No. Then I tried their matte foundation and it just made my skin look incredibly dull. I’m all for matte but this was too much. Now I’m trying the Clinique foundation/concealer and it seems ok so far. I still love my Clinque Acne Solutions BB cream. I also picked up the Loreal cushion foundation this week and so far I’m really loving it. I think it’s become a tie now between the Acne Solutions BB cream, which is so lightweight but gives surprisingly full coverage, and the new Loreal cushion. Although some days I’m super lazy and just go with concealer, blush and mascara.

Claire L Avatar

It’s It Cosmetics Your Skin but Better CC+ cream in Fair. Easy to put on with the Heavenly duo ended foundation brush and suits my sensitive skin. I also don’t have to worry about SPF as it’s SPF 50, so that’s a step I don’t have to add. It can look a little heavy so when the occasion calls for it I will wear Max Factor’s Miracle Match foundation which has a lighter finish but I can only wear it from time to time as it does break me out if I wear it 2 days in a row. It’s cheap though and Ivory suits my fair skin.

Chacha Avatar

Thanks for your answer and i completely understand what do you mean! I was in love with the old formula and i was BD50 the perfetc match for my skin tone and i was so exciting by the launch of the new formula…BUT i bought BD50 in the new one and it was too too dark!!(Hopefuly you can see exactly the color in the bottle because you know i bought it in France from Marionnaud so if you use it you cant return it for a refund)
Then i call the YSL customer service for ask for the shade&they told me that for the BD50 the shade havent change! Whaaaaaaaaaaaaat?? Are you serious? Its like i received a liquid bronzer and they told me that the shade havent change?? lol 🙂
Anyway i repurchase the foundation in BD40 who supposed to be lighter But this time again is darker than the BD50 from the old formula! And i still have the BD40 from the old formula at home and its absolutely not the same shade! like 2 tone up! Thats crazy!
I was so disapointed 🙁 And guess what?? The shade BD30 doesnt exist! They only have a BD25 so i need to buy it and mixed it with the BD40 that i kept and we will see…
So finally i have it but because its little too dark i can appreciate the finish,and i cant say if i love it or no?
Thanks for reading 🙂

Sherri Avatar

MAC Matchmaster. The color match is perfect, it’s long-lasting, doesn’t cause breakouts, and doesn’t separate on my face. It’s my Holy Grail, although I continue to keep searching.. just in case.

Celia Avatar

All-time it’s Bobbi Brown’s foundation stick in Porcelain as I’ve been using that one since middle school Bar/Bat Mitzvah season at least. Probably longer since I think that was one of my earliest stage kit standbys when I was picking items for work on my own a bit. And it’s still my preferred foundation stick (though sometimes I use Alabaster instead of Porcelain). Following that it’s Guerlain Lingerie de Peau (since…late high school maybe?) in Beige Pale (which I used to have to import since that shade wasn’t commonly available in the US then), Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer (not a foundation but I use it as one), and then most recent favorite of the last year or so Tom Ford’s Traceless Perfecting creme/liquid in Cream. One day I’ll try out the stick which I’ve heard great things about, but the Bobbi Brown one is obviously less money for a great product that fits my skin tone twice over so not super motivated when I already love the cream pump.

V Avatar

I was a long term bare minerals believer then they changed. Now im very much in love with clinique even better foundation cant be for $27 for 1 fluid ounce. It comes in a variety of shades including shades for us neutral undertones.

Mo Merrell Avatar

My most used is Dior DiorSkin in 070 – it’s like my face in a bottle. On the days i don’t want to use the expensive Dior I use NYX, or Black Opal Suede Stick, Kiko Cosmetics, Black Opal liquid or Maybelline Dream Mousse…oh and Clinique LOL

Flaky Avatar

I thought I was the only one who likes the Maybelline Dream Mousse! No matter where I go, someone always complements my skin when I wear it. I prefer to wear it with just a tiny dab of the Maybelline BB cream underneath as a primer.

Natalia Avatar

After searching high and high-ish (not low, cause I am a self-proclaimed foundation snob, guilty), I came to a conclusion that I like NARS complexion products on my face the best. I mean Sheer Glow Foundation and Pure Radiant Tinted Moisturizer SPF 30 (this one I love soo much that I’m afraid I jinx it and it will stop working for me 🙂 ). So these two I’ve been gravitating to a lot lately. To be honest, I love them so much, I decided to reduce the already small number of foundations/tinted moisturizers I have to 3, cause what’s the point in having more if these two work so well. The third will probably be either MAC Studio Waterweight SPF 30 or Pro Longwear Nourishing Waterproof one.

Monica Avatar

Hands down, MAC Face & Body. As someone who has dry skin and loves a light, dewy foundation, this (and MUFE Face & Body) are my 1st and 2nd most used foundations.

Lea Avatar

Weekends, I can vary between the new La Mer tinted moisturizer and the Armani Crema Nuda tinted moisturizer. Crema Nuda is fantastically expensive, but amazing on the skin and that jar will last forever for what I need on my skin.

Annie Avatar

Giorgio Armani Luminous Silk (4.5) and L’Oreal Lumi Cushion foundation (C3). The Lumi Cushion is great for everyday for dry skin. Love the convenience of the cushion format which makes application easier and quicker and also good for touch-ups. It really helps my dry skin to look hydrated all day and prevent any dry patches from coming through. I was hesitant to try it for a while worried it might break me out, but I love it! I first got one of the neutral (N) shades and couldn’t believe how warm it was! Then I got C3 which is a great match for me – in this line the “cool” C shades are really more like true neutrals, the N shades are still quite warm, and the W shades I assume are just super warm. FYI!

Juni Avatar

Estée Lauder Double Wear in Amber Honey. This is definitely my holy grail. Perfect shade, brightens my skin, lasts most of the day. For color reference, I am a MAC Studio Fix NC50.

The Double Wear formula was reformulated a couple of years back. Somehow it doesn’t last as long as the prior formulas but I like the new color range.

Kylie5 Avatar

I mix Astor mattitude (discontinued in this formula) with the matte foundation from Becca.
The Becca makes me not to shine so much but it is even in the lightest shade too yellow and a Little bit too dark so I mix in the lightest shade of the Astor mattitude which they discontinued some years ago. They recently brought back the mattitude but the shades are not the Same and the lightest shade is now also too yellow and too dark.
Because of this I am sesrching for a new foundation for a while now because my Backups of the old formula Astor mattitude won’t Last forever.
When I Do not go to work I use Mac Studio fix mostly followed by Bobbi Brown Long wear Even finish foundation
I recently tried the make up for Ever Hd foundation and I think if I find the right shade It Could become my new Number one.
I tried the old formula hd, can anyone Tell if if the new formula is as good as the old one and which colour of the new hd would be the Same als 107.
I have 110 but it is a Little bit too dark
Thank you.

Jenny Avatar

Laura Mercier Silk Creme Foundation is my GO TO!!! I love love love that foundation. Currently, I’ve been using too faced bored this way foundation also! I tried urban decay’s one and done and it made me break out. I would love to try Giorgio Armani’s luminous silk foundation eventually and tarte’s new foundation!

Gayle Gorman Avatar

“GERDA SPILLMANN BIO-FOND CREAM MAKUP”
The best!
Available on line @ gerdaspillmann.com or at selected stores.
Hypo-allergenic, easy smooth application, cream to powder and large selection of colors.

LaMaitresse Avatar

By Terry Cover Expert or CHANEL Vitalumiere Cream Compact. I also like the Natasha Denona Face Glow foundation for special events with a decent cc cream underneath, it’s a bit to glowy for work or day for my age or comfort level.

Marie Avatar

I rotate daily depending what I need my makeup to do (e.g., every day office makeup has to stay 8-12 hours, weekend makeup has to look natural and dewy, more coverage when I have zits or dark circles, etc.). Plus I have lots of slightly different shades bc my complexion tans easily even with sunscreen.

Long wearing and full coverage: Marc Jacobs Re(Marc)able Concentrate or Kat Von D Lock-It

Sheer weekend: Smashbox BB Water, Tarte Rainforest

Medium coverage and medium wear: Too Faced Born This Way, NARS Velvet Mat, MatchCo custom foundation, Smashbox BB Cream

Marie Avatar

Honestly, no. They are VERY similar in texture and wear. Smashbox BB Water has better SPF 30 compared to Tarte SPF 15. And the Smashbox has a MAC dupe with same formula, slightly cheaper.

Maggie Avatar

Thank you so much for responding! After your tip, found that the Mac water weight foundation is the smashbox dupe.

I have to say, surprised that the smashbox bb water and the tarte rainforest are that similar–I thought the tarte might have higher coverage but sounds like both are far more similar than anticipated.

Georgina Avatar

My most used one is Chanel Vitalumiere and MAC Mineralized liquid foundation, love both but recently I purchased Becca luminous foundation and I like it a lot too

Bon Bon Avatar

Elizabeth Arden mousse I love but not heavy enough for winter color. I wear it from March-September and Becca liquids during fall/winter. The mousse is like wearing nothing and goes on so clean. No streaking or clumping. Use with my UD foundation brush.

FUCHESS Avatar

Oh goody, I love this question, and am definitely looking for a new one. Forever I have been using Bare Essentials original in Golden Tan, which was perfect!! I’m older now, 62, and despite the fact that my skin is perfect, no wrinkles, or fine lines, except accentuation lines, I’ve read I should be using fluid foundation to make me look younger, more Dewey, or glowey?? Gone are the days where I spend a fortune on makeup, so I’m very much interested in the L’oreal ones. My worry is that I’ll have to buy several to match like BE did, and I hate that!!!

Chacha Avatar

I have so many foundations that i havent used a foundation quickly expect my love the:
Parure de Lumiere from Guerlain! 2nd bottle and soon 3rd!
Even if i have so many differents coverage and textures for my foundations i can say that i love it so so so much!
The second finished its
Le Teint Touche Eclat from YSL
( iam talking about the old formula!! the new is calling Touche Eclat Le Teint sames words but in different order lol 🙂 I bought it, but because the colors have changed its terrible! Mine its little too dark so i cant appreciate the finish! so i cant say if the new formula is good because of that,but the old…Really really pretty 🙂

Rachel R. Avatar

Of all time, bareMinerals Original Foundation SPF 15 in Fair. For about 15 years it was the only thing I could wear because of how excessively oily my face was. I’m still pretty oily, and I still wear it frequently. However, perimenopausal hormones now make my skin change type frequently, so I have a little wardrobe of foundations for my skin du jour.

This last year my most worn was e.l.f. Moisturizing Foundation Stick in Ivory, until a couple months ago. I hit pan on my Too Faced Cocoa Powder Foundation in Fair, so I’ve been wearing it almost every day to get it used up. I love it and would repurchase, but I have some other ones I want to use up first.

Lesley A. Avatar

Shiseido Radiant Lifting Foundation is perfect — full coverage but very lightweight with natural finish, and very soothing for dry skin.

Lisa Avatar

LaPrarie. It’s a relatively new foundation for me, only a few weeks old and I am so very impressed. With a $200 price tag not many will have made this investment ( the top contains the concealer). It is highly pigmented and a little goes a long way. It looks and feels like my skin. Looksa as good aafter a 12 hour shift as it did when I left the house i the morning! Wow!

Kekeli Avatar

Sleek skin revive foundation 🙂 I’m in the shade Earth and it evens my skin tone beautifully. It’s the right undertone and shade and it has a glowy finish to it. There’s 30 shades in the line I believe, which is insanely awesome because it covers everyone. As someone with dry-normal skin the silicone base is awesome, it doesn’t feel too dry on my skin or irritating. Love love love it. Sleek is pretty awesome.

Ruth Avatar

I tried Make Up Forever HD last fall and I love it. It’s build able and gives a nice natural finish. I wear R115. So a little to the pink. I am thinking of trying a drugstore brand for the first time in my whole life. I’m 60. But research is telling me neutrogena healthy skin or Loreal true match lumi might be good for a lighter summer weight and glowing look.

Nora Avatar

As a collector of foundations, I love this question 🙂 As a new mom I don’t have the time to apply foundation these days (or any makeup really!), but if I do get a few extra minutes to myself, I have been reaching for either my Dior Nude BB Cream or the Bare Minerals Complexion Rescue gel.
If my husband and I are going out for a date night or if I have a girls night, I most likely will wear Dior Airflash in 200. I have tried to play around with a few other high end foundations such a GA Luminous Silk, YSL Touché éclat (love combining a pump from GA and YSL, gives you an extra glow/dewiness!), Chanel Perfection Lumiere and Guerlain Lingerie de Peau – while I have enjoyed all of these and happily own them, there’s just something about Dior that makes my skin look amazing, the color match is perfect, and it lasts all night. I was hoping one of the aforementioned foundations would work equally if not better because I just hate how quickly the Airflash seems to disappear, and at $62/pop it’s heartbreaking!

Deborah S. Avatar

I think that I am a foundation junky and am always looking for that next, best, perfect foundation. I really like Chanel Vitalumiere Velvet and Nars Sheer Glow in Siberia which I lighten with a white base and a little pink base since I have cooler undertones. I have used Nars Sheer Glow in Mont Blanc which is cooler than Siberia and I just lighten that one but something about it gives me a slight greyish cast as the day wears on?? Anyway, for the past 3 or 4 months I have been using Chosungah 22 C & T Luminous Blend Foundation which has a peachy undertone and I am really loving it. It has a serum/moisturizer side and the foundation side and I can control the serum to foundation ration which allows me to make it as luminous/sheer as I like. I have now discovered why no other foundation was really knocking my socks off. I am not yellow or pink under-toned but peach. Who knew!! It is not the most convenient to carry around but they make a similar formula and same color in a “hidden compact” which I carry for touch ups. This company is a Korean company and I learned about from a YT channel. The foundation is available at Sephora so I think my foundation hunting days are over. Now watch, they will discontinue it or Sephora will stop carrying it because that is my luck!

Stephanie Avatar

Right now, I use Tarte Rainforest of the Sea and UD Naked Skin most of the time. When I’m lazy, in a hurry, or want less coverage, I’ve been using UD One and Done.

What’s sad is that I have at least 6 kinds of foundation and BB/CC cream right now. And yes, I use them all!

RMW (Rose) Avatar

I actually have two! Benefit Oxygen Wow, Hello Flawless Brightening Make-up… and Rimmel Lasting Finish 25 Hour Foundation. LOVE, LOVE, Love, Love!!!! 🙂

Jenny Callahan Avatar

Highend- definitely Estee Lauder Double Wear is #1. Then KVD lock it tattoo foundation. Followed by Lancome teint idole ultra 24hr. Or a combo of any of those.

Drugstore- Covergirl outlast stay fabulous 3 in 1 (closest dupe to my beloved Estee Lauder Double Wear). Then, L’Oréal infallible pro matte which is a very close 2nd (actually pretty much tied with the CG). Followed by Revlon Colorstay and Rimmel Lasting Finish 25hr.

P.S. I noticed a lot of you are using the Tate Rainforest of the sea, is the other one out yet? I saw they were going to release two different foundations. What is the difference between them? Also anyone who uses the MJ re(marc)able does it last through a whole day?

Debbie Avatar

Clinique SuperBalanced Makeup in Cream Chamois is my number one. Sometimes I will use NYX BB Creme in Natural, and I just bought It Cosmetics Your Skin But Better CC Cream with SPF 50+ in Light, and the Celebration Foundation Illumination but have not used them yet.

Naomi Avatar

I loooooove the loreal pro matte foundation!! I wet my real techniques sponge with Mac fix+ and apply it with the sponge and it looks so natural but full coverage! and with my becca ever matte primer on my t-zone it lasts all day and keeps me shine-free for my whole work day (almost 14hours long)! this foundation is my most used in the past 7 months or so.

for lighter coverage I love the garnier bb cream for oily/combo skin in light/medium.

as far as what foundation I’ve used most in my whole life, it would have to be the loreal true match. I used to be so tan that I wore the shade w4 but then I stopped wearing makeup for a while and I switched to the shade n3 but that was still too dark. n2 is just the tiniest bit too light for me but still works!!

I recently got the it cosmetics CC cream and I love it but I have to set it with the revlon nearly naked pressed powder. I think it’s a foundation I’ll like more in the winter or in a drier climate (I’m going to college soon in a dry area)

Karen Avatar

I have been pretty faithful to my GA Luminous Silk since I got it a few months ago. I was actually in the market for a BB cream when a MUA applied this using a damp sponge and just one pump for my entire face. The effect was exactly what I was looking for, light coverage to even out skin tone and a natural, but luminous (of course!) finish. It helps that 5.25 matches perfectly. Since I use so little of this I don’t consider the price to be out of line either, although I do wish they sold my shade in the smaller, less expensive, size. Definitely not full, or even medium, coverage but with some undereye concealer for dark circles, it is all I want from a foundation.

Arpita Avatar

Undoubtedly…. Mac Face and Body foundation. I just love it; more so since they started making the 50 ml versions. I do sometimes use bb/cc creams; or some sheer foundations when they r newly launched; but I always come back to my all time favorite and most used mac f&b. Have finished so many bottles of it.

SHAR WITH CHANGING FACES MAKEUP ARTISTRY Avatar

I have used Estee Lauder”s Rich Chestnut Double Wear Stay-in place makeup for years. Before I became a makeup artist I use to wonder why my makeup looked so masked until I started wearing this makeup and applying it with brushes. The coverage was flawless. I now apply it with my beauty blender and I contour now and the look is stunning. I am a huge fan of Mac NC 45 Studio Fix and also dabble in Sephora”s 10hr wear perfection foundation from time to time. It is a bit thicker than I care for but the coverage is good, but a little oily, so I always tend to go back to Estee Lauder. I have used the Queen Collection foundation but they are too watered down so I leave them alone. Nars is too heavy and oily for my skin tone/zone. I just started using Estee Lauder Matte perfecting primer and am even more in love with their foundation with in. I guess I am an Estee Lauder fan for life.

Helene Avatar

Right now I reach for MAC Matchmaster in 1.0. I rotate it with Chanel Perfection Lumière Velvet in 10 and EL Doublewear and Doublewear Light. I have a few I love the texture of, but they have turned out to be too warm for me. Will have to try to see if I can get a more neutral tone in them. (Marc Jacobs and MUFE.)
I also use Benefit Big Esy quite a lot, in 01, fair.

Laura Haslam Avatar

My favourite so far definitely has to be Dermacol Makeup Cover. I know people think of super heavy, thick stage makeup when they hear it but I honestly need a tiny bit for natural looking full coverage. It doesn’t feel heavy or caked on at all. I have dry skin and most foundations cling to or exaggerate dry flakes but Dermacol seems to cover them like a film, rather than mingle in with them and make it look terrible. I have tried a few high end foundations but always go back to this.

Justine Avatar

I used to only wear powder foundation (I still do half of the time), but I am almost finished with my second tube of the Tarte Amazonian Clay Foundation in Fair Beige. It’s definitely my favorite of all time. It doesn’t break me out, has good medium to full (but not cakey coverage), and wears well on my combo skin. For powder foundation I used to wear Bareminerals original and matte in fair, but both oxidized and were never truly light enough. I don’t know if it counts as most worn, but im about to finish the Tarte Double Duty Powder foundation and I love it! I can see it becoming a most worn since it’s great alone and works as a setting powder for a bit of extra coverage. The lightest shade is surprising light enough, especially since the same shade is way to dark in the liquids.

Dianne Avatar

Is Tarte Rainforest of the Sea meant primarily for dry skin?

My HG foundation is Lancome Teint Idole 24H. I also use Clarins Everlasting, Kat Von D Lock It, and MAC Studio Fix powder foundation.

Michelle Avatar

As a makeup artist, I’ve been fortunate enough to try most of the foundations on the market. For clients I use RCMA cream foundation or Face Atelier Ultra. For me personally, my go-to foundations are Illamasqua Skin Base and MUFE Face & Body.

Artemis Avatar

Urgh, I seem to be on a never ending quest for ‘the one’. I want pale, full coverage that won’t brake me out.
My kind of top one to beat has to be Estee Lauder Double Wear. It goes on, it stays on, it doesn’t brake me out it covers pretty darn well. HOWEVER they just don’t do my shade! 1C0 Shell is light enough but so annoyingly pink (I’m just straight neutral but would rather be yellow than pink!) and the next one up 1N1 Ivory Nude is too dark so I have to add lighter which is just a faff!

I hoped I would find my solution with Born This Way but even their new shades were too dark. I am very very tempted to try the Marc Jacobs remarcable but am worried that the lightest on would be too pink and the yellow toned one too dark! One day I will find the one….

PrNoir Avatar

Lancôme Teint Idole Ultra 24H Long Wear Foundation in 250 Bisque W. I always thought I hated foundation until I found this one. It’s perfect. It wears beautifully on my skin, doesn’t break me out and matches my skin.

Julia Avatar

Mine is Josie Maran’s Vibrancy Argan Oil Foundation. It applies easily and it stays on all day. Plus, it feels lightweight on skin.

I also like Cover FX but not as much as Maran’s.

Bonnie Avatar

Armani Luminous Silk. When that runs out, if I don’t have the $$ to get more right away, my drugstore fave is Maybelline Better Skin Superstay. I get lots of complements on my skin when I wear that, so it is living up to its name, but Armani rubs off less.

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