Top Foundation Picks by Our Editors Who’ve Tested Them All

Best Overall

Two of our editors enthusiastically recommend Tower 28’s SunnyDays Tinted Sunscreen Foundation. Kate Geraghty, our vice president, highlights its flawless finish on dry skin. “My skin is as dry as a desert, and most matte foundations tend to separate and make me look unwell,” she explains. “A friend suggested Tower 28’s Tinted Sunscreen, and now I’m completely sold. It offers medium, buildable coverage and delivers a radiant, glowy finish.”

Its standout feature is the National Eczema Foundation’s seal of approval, thanks to calming ingredients like aloe vera and centella, which are ideal for sensitive skin. Additionally, the inclusion of SPF 30 offers sun protection benefits. However, it’s worth noting that it’s currently offered in only 17 shades, a narrower range compared to other foundations on our list.

Coverage: Light to medium | Finish: Natural | SPF: 30 | Shades: 17

Best for Dry Skin

I’ve relied on Ilia’s Super Serum Skin Tint for years—it’s my everyday foundation, offering light coverage that’s perfect for daily use. As someone with fair olive skin, I often struggle to find foundations that aren’t too yellow or pink. The Sombrio ST2.5 shade is ideal for me, as it’s light with warm olive undertones.

The finish is a radiant, dewy glow, which is a major plus for my dry skin—it never cakes or highlights dry patches. However, those with oily skin might find it too shiny as the day progresses.

What sets this product apart is its blend of hydrating skincare ingredients, such as hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, and squalane, combined with a serum-like texture. It’s gentle on my sensitive skin, never causing irritation or breakouts, and the added SPF 40 is a fantastic bonus.

Coverage: Light | Finish: Radiant | SPF: 40 | Shades: 30

Best for Oily Skin

For those with oily skin, dewy foundations can quickly turn overly shiny, leading to uneven coverage and patchiness. This Estée Lauder foundation, however, features a matte finish designed to stay flawless all day. It’s oil-free, controls excess oil, and resists sweat, humidity, and water, making it perfect for hot summer days or any occasion requiring long-lasting, full-coverage makeup.

Editor Nusrat Sultana tested this foundation at a friend’s summer wedding and raved, “It was incredible. It didn’t oxidize at all, and I didn’t need to blot my face despite being constantly on the move as a bridesmaid. I wore it from noon until 3 a.m., and it still looked amazing.” The only downside? It’s one of the pricier options on our list.

Coverage: Full | Finish: Matte | SPF: None | Shades: 57

Best for All Skin Types

Whether your skin is sensitive, acne-prone, combination, or mature, this foundation has you covered—literally. Its semi-satin finish strikes the perfect balance between matte and dewy, avoiding the dryness or accentuated lines of matte finishes and the excess shine of dewy ones. This makes it an excellent choice for combination and mature skin types.

“I’m not typically a foundation person—I usually opt for tinted moisturizer—but when I need more coverage, the Exa High Fidelity Foundation is my go-to,” says senior editor Taylor Rock. “It’s buildable, feels lightweight, and leaves my skin looking hydrated. I also appreciate that it meets strict clean beauty standards.”

Those with acne-prone skin will especially benefit from its skin-loving ingredients, such as aloe vera juice and hyaluronic acid, which soothe, hydrate, plump, and protect the skin. With its extensive shade range, natural finish, and buildable coverage, it’s a versatile option for nearly every skin type and concern.

Coverage: Buildable | Finish: Semi-satin | SPF: None | Shades: 43

Best Cushion

For those new to cushion foundations, this one comes highly praised by Sultana: “The Tirtir Mask Fit Red Cushion is fantastic—it delivers excellent coverage while feeling incredibly light (as its name suggests). The expanded shade range is also a big plus, with multiple shades matching my skin tone perfectly.”

As a leading K-beauty brand, this cushion foundation is a best-seller in Japan, renowned for delivering the coveted radiant glass skin effect. It’s more moisturizing than powder foundations and provides full coverage to conceal redness or scars. The cushion format is perfect for those seeking shine control, quick and mess-free application, and easy touch-ups throughout the day.

Coverage: Full | Finish: Semi-matte | SPF: None | Shades: 40

Best Long-Wearing

When it comes to a foundation that’s waterproof and sweat-, humidity- and transfer-resistant, this one from Lancome checks every box. It’s super long-wearing, making it a great pick for those who need something reliable to get them through a long shift, event, or anything where inclement weather might be a concern.

For those worried about the full coverage level and finish, our beauty editor Hana Hong is here for reassurance. “The finished texture won’t look like you have foundation on; it’ll just look like you were blessed with poreless skin,” she says. 

The formula contains hyaluronic acid, vitamin E, moringa seed extracts, and prebiotics, which are great for nourishing the skin, boosting hydration, and supporting a healthy skin barrier. Plus, chromium oxide green pigments make for shades that aren’t too yellow or orange for olive skin tones, and ultramarine blue pigments make for shades without a gray cast for darker ones. With 55 shades to choose from, it has one of the most expansive shade ranges on our list, so you can rest assured you’ll find the perfect fit for your unique skin tone.

Coverage: Complete | Finish: Matte | SPF: None | Shades: 55

Top Choice for Shade Diversity

There are times when you need a foundation that adapts to any look, from full glam to a subtle, natural finish. The Huda Beauty Easy Blur Foundation excels in this regard. Our beauty director Heather Muir Maffei praises its adaptability: “It can be sheered out for a light touch or layered for full coverage. It also effectively masks redness and delivers a radiant, flawless look.”

This versatility is partly thanks to niacinamide, a skincare component that gradually evens out skin texture and tone, and silica, which instantly minimizes pores for a smooth, airbrushed effect. It’s an excellent choice for anyone dealing with enlarged pores and seeking a natural yet polished appearance. Additionally, Maffei notes that despite its buildable nature, the formula feels light on the skin. 

Coverage: Medium to buildable | Finish: Natural | SPF: None | Shades: 30

Final Thoughts

The Tower 28 SunnyDays Tinted Sunscreen Foundation is our top choice for the best overall foundation, endorsed by two of our editors for its radiant finish and versatile medium-to-buildable coverage. It’s also National Eczema Foundation-approved, ensuring it’s free from common irritants and allergens, and it offers added SPF protection.

Expert Tips for Choosing the Perfect Foundation

Coverage Options

When selecting a foundation, you’ll encounter three coverage options: light, medium, and full. “For me, the coverage level depends on the client and the desired look,” explains makeup artist Kevin Kodra.

Light coverage foundations, such as the Ilia Super Serum Skin Tint or the Tower 28 SunnyDays Tinted Sunscreen Foundation, are perfect for achieving a natural, “no makeup” appearance or simply smoothing out skin tone. While these can be layered, they’re not ideal for concealing significant blemishes.

For a more adaptable option, consider medium coverage foundations like the Exa High Fidelity Foundation or the Huda Beauty Easy Blur Foundation. These provide substantial coverage without feeling heavy and can be layered for a fuller look when needed. They’re excellent for daily use and come in various finishes to suit different preferences.

For maximum coverage to hide every imperfection, opt for full coverage foundations like the Lancome Teint Idole Ultra Wear Foundation or the Estée Lauder Double Wear Stay-in-Place Foundation. These are perfect for long-lasting wear during special events, such as weddings or other significant occasions.

Finish

Each foundation offers a unique finish, determining how your skin appears post-application. The ideal finish often depends on your skin type and personal preference. For dry skin, a dewy or radiant finish works wonders, imparting a luminous, hydrated glow. Oily skin types benefit from a matte finish, which minimizes shine and blurs the look of pores. 

Combination skin types have more versatility and typically fare well with a balanced finish. A satin or semi-satin finish offers a middle ground between matte and dewy, while a velvet finish leans slightly more matte. Many foundations also feature a natural finish, which suits all skin types and replicates the skin’s authentic look.

"I prefer radiant, glowing finishes as they are universally flattering, especially for textured or mature skin,” Kodra shares. “If I aim for a matte look, I’m comfortable using powder to achieve it."

SPF

Kodra expresses a strong preference for tinted SPF products as a makeup base. If you’re seeking a foundation with SPF for added sun protection, consider our top picks: the Tower 28 SunnyDays Tinted Sunscreen Foundation or the Ilia Super Serum Skin Tint. However, Rea Ann Silva, CEO and founder of Beautyblender, notes that the SPF in foundations alone isn’t sufficient for all-day protection. For complete coverage, layer a dedicated face sunscreen beneath your foundation.

Skin Concerns

When choosing a foundation, consider not only your skin type but also any specific skin concerns. For sensitive skin, steer clear of foundations containing potential irritants like fragrance. Our top choice, the Tower 28 SunnyDays Tinted Sunscreen Foundation, is notable for its approval by the National Eczema Association.

If acne is a concern, opt for a non-comedogenic foundation that won’t block pores. Oil-free formulas are ideal for managing excess oil and are suitable for acne-prone skin. For a reliable acne-safe option, we recommend the Estée Lauder Double Wear Stay-in-Place Foundation, our top pick for oily skin, as it’s dermatologist-tested, non-comedogenic, and non-acnegenic (meaning it won’t trigger breakouts). 

"Foundation can cause breakouts if it’s comedogenic or if you have blemish-prone skin," Kodra explains. "My top advice to clients after a makeup session is to always double cleanse at night to remove all traces of makeup."

Common Questions Answered

How do you find the right foundation match?

To match your foundation, start by identifying your undertone. Examine the veins on your wrist—are they green, blue, purple, or a mix of blue and green?

Makeup artist Anabelle LaGuardia explains that green veins indicate a warm undertone, blue or purple veins suggest a cool undertone, and blue-green veins mean a neutral undertone. Once you know your undertone, select a shade that aligns with your skin tone (light, medium, or dark) and undertone.

While this process often requires some trial and error, it’s rarely a one-time task. A common mistake is testing foundation on your hand instead of your jawline. "The shade should blend effortlessly with your face or neck," advises LaGuardia.

Additionally, ensure the product dries completely before deciding. "Many foundations oxidize, turning darker or warmer as they dry," explains makeup artist Jonet Williamson. "Skipping this step means you won’t see the true color."

What types of foundation do dermatologists recommend?

Dermatologists often recommend foundations labeled as dermatologist-approved or dermatologist-tested, such as the Estée Lauder Double Wear Stay-in-Place Foundation, the Exa High Fidelity Foundation, and the Ilia Super Serum Skin Tint. Hybrid skincare-foundation products, hypoallergenic formulas, and non-comedogenic options are also excellent choices. For instance, the Tower 28 SunnyDays Tinted Sunscreen Foundation is endorsed by the National Eczema Association, which includes dermatologists on its panel.

What foundation does not settle into wrinkles?

When selecting a foundation for mature skin, prioritize a radiant or glowing finish over a matte one. Matte foundations can emphasize fine lines and wrinkles due to their lack of moisture. "I prefer radiant finishes as they are more forgiving on textured or mature skin,” Kodra explains.

Mature skin types often benefit from foundations suitable for dry or all skin types, such as the Ilia Super Serum Skin Tint or the Exa High Fidelity Foundation. Opt for liquid or serum formulas over powders, as powders can accentuate dryness and settle into wrinkles. Lightweight or buildable formulas, like these, provide coverage without appearing heavy or cakey.

Trust Our Expertise

This article was crafted by Camryn Dilger, an associate editor at Mytour with extensive experience in researching, testing, editing, and reviewing countless products. While she enjoys experimenting with new beauty items, she remains devoted to her tried-and-true favorites, including the Ilia Super Serum Skin Tint, which she has used for years. 

To curate this list, she combined her personal experience as a foundation user with insights from fellow Mytour editors. Each foundation featured was rigorously tested in real-life situations and selected for its consistent performance across various skin types and preferences.

Rachel Center and Grace Parsons also contributed to this piece, interviewing makeup artists Kevin Kodra, Anabelle LaGuardia, and Jonet Williamson, as well as Rea Ann Silva, the CEO and founder of Beautyblender.