If there’s one thing I’ve tried an absolute truck-load of, it’s foundations. Over my seven years as a beauty journalist, I have been in constant pursuit of the ONE. That perfect coverage, long-lasting formula, glow-boosting finish, and easy-to-blend texture: it’s what makeup dreams are made of.
You might think I’m asking for the world, and maybe I am. It can be difficult to find a foundation that encompasses all of my aforementioned criteria, and that’s before you throw in the temperamental seasonal weather in this country that can completely alter your skin’s needs almost overnight.
Most people can tell the seasons by the changing of the leaves and the drop in temperature, but I swear my suddenly dry and flaking skin is the first true sign that winter is coming.
I’d say over the years I have sampled literally hundreds of products; some bad, others brilliant, and many just forgettably average. But there are a select few that have stuck by my side no matter what, which I will always have in my kit and know I can always depend upon.
These include OG heroes such as foundations by Charlotte Tilbury and Armani, along with newer iterations to the market that have utterly wowed me, like Ciate’s Skin Tint, and Fenty’s hydrating formula, which for me is superior to its original matte one.
How I chose the best foundations
I should probably put out a disclaimer here to explain the type of foundation I really love. I am definitely a glowy finish kinda gal rather than someone who prefers something matte. I like a lit-from-within radiance, but one that’s never greasy or overly shiny. That said, I need something that lasts all day without needing too much touching up, and that has a medium level of coverage.
My best foundation hall of fame definitely speaks to my preferences, but also, I feel, offers something for everyone. You truly can trust these six formulas, all of which come heavily recommended both by myself and other beauty editors, as well as makeup artists and industry professionals.
Side note: if you are looking for a specific foundation for your skin type, read our guide to how to choose the right foundation for you, or if you are after a more lightweight alternative, try our edit of the best lightweight foundations or BB creams.
6 of the best foundations, hall of fame style:
1. Jones Road What The Foundation, £42
Finish: Dewy
Coverage: Light-medium
Let me tell you, this foundation totally floored me; I love Jones Road for its approach to natural, glowing makeup, and the What The Foundation balm covers all bases (pun intended). It’s described as a ‘tinted balm’ and I think that’s the best description for the texture, which feels slightly thicker to the touch. Once it’s blended in however, it melts into your skin for a natural, luminous tint which conceals and evens out skin tone. It combines a nourishing blend of skincare ingredients too, such as jojoba oil and sodium hyaluronate, and I have a sneaking suspicion that it’s these, coupled with the unique texture and coverage, which are the secret to achieving that ‘your-skin-but-better’ glow.
2. Armani Luminous Silk Foundation, £45
Finish: Natural glow
Coverage: Medium-high
Let’s be honest, you probably can’t find a single ‘best foundation’ roundup without mention of this hero product, which has a ridiculously long list of celebrity fans, from Kim Kardashian to Meghan Markle. In fact, the foundation is often a bridal favourite thanks to its finish and coverage, along with the fact it prevents flashback in photos like a dream. It feels hydrating, silky, and comfortable, will last all day with little need to touchup, and comes in 40 shades. An industry icon for a reason!
3. Shiseido Synchro Skin Self-Refreshing Foundation SPF 30, £40
Finish: Natural glow
Coverage: Medium
If you’re after a long-lasting foundation without a heavy feel or finish, this is the option for you. Shiseido’s niche with its formula is that it ‘self-refreshes’ over the course of 24 hours to ensure skin is always looking fresh. Now, can I assure you it’ll stay put for 24 hours? No, because this is an unrealistic promise for any base product. But will it last for a long day at work followed by an evening out after a quick touch up? Absolutely. There are 30 shades, a handy pump, and an added SPF 30.
4. Fenty Pro Filt’r Hydrating Longwear Foundation, £30
Finish: Natural
Coverage: Medium-high
Fenty really set the standard when it comes to inclusivity within the foundation field with its bestselling Pro Filt’r Soft Matte Longwear Foundation, which is perfect for anybody who prefers a matte finish. The brand’s newer formula instead features a natural finish with a hydrating formula that contains Grape Seed Oil and Sodium Hyaluronate to keep the complexion feeling comfortable all day long. It does still come in an incredible 50 shades, and it suits all skin types. I prefer this one, but seriously rate the brand’s entire base range very highly.
5. Laura Mercier Flawless Fusion Ultra-Longwear Foundation, £38
Coverage: Full
Finish: Matte-natural
Beauty insiders may have you believing that Laura Mercier’s tinted moisturisers are the only base products you need to know at the brand, but (while they are brilliant) I think its foundations are highly underrated. As I’ve already explained, matte foundations on the whole pretty much make me run a mile, but this is one of the most enjoyable I’ve used as it’s ultra-lightweight, never feels heavy, and doesn’t look cakey or over the top. It has an impressive long-wearing feature that makes it ideal for long days (or nights), and comes in 29 shades for warm, cool, and neutral undertones.
6. Charlotte Tilbury Beautiful Skin Foundation, £39
Finish: Luminous
Coverage: Medium
I was heartbroken when Charlotte Tilbury discontinued its Magic formula Foundation, but luckily the brand quickly came along with a replacement which has become another favourite of mine: the Beautiful Skin Foundation, £39, Sephora. This hydrating formula is like a tall drink of water for thirsty, dry skin. Although it has a lightweight dewy finish, this foundation can be built to achieve an impressive medium coverage which keeps skin looking fresh and healthy through the day, without the need for touch-ups. The lightweight texture doesn’t cling on to dry patches either and gives a natural glow boost to my appearance without the need for multiple illuminating products. I love that I can wear this foundation everywhere from the office to a night out, and it always fits the bill.
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