Best Foundations of 2026

Lisa Bechard Avatar
Lisa Bechard
Last Updated: Jan 21, 2026

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Foundations are a staple in any makeup routine, providing a smooth and even base for the rest of your makeup. They come in a variety of formulas, including liquid, powder, and cream, and offer different levels of coverage, from sheer to full. Foundations also come in a range of shades to match different skin tones. They can help to even out skin tone, cover blemishes, and provide a natural-looking finish. With so many options available, it's easy to find a foundation that works for your skin type and desired coverage.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

Maybelline Fit Me Dewy + Smooth SPF 18 Liquid Foundation Makeup Cover #TOP 1
Maybelline Fit Me Dewy + Smooth SPF 18 Liquid Foundation Makeup
ftb score rating icon 9.8
Maybelline Fit Me Matte Foundation Cover #TOP 2
Maybelline Fit Me Matte Foundation
ftb score rating icon 9.7
wet n wild Photo Focus Dewy Liquid Foundation Makeup Cover #TOP 3
wet n wild Photo Focus Dewy Liquid Foundation Makeup
ftb score rating icon 9.5

Top 10 Foundations

Maybelline Fit Me Dewy + Smooth SPF 18 Liquid Foundation Makeup

K0869700
120 CLASSIC IVORY
1 Fl Oz (Pack of 1)
Maybelline Fit Me Dewy + Smooth SPF 18 Liquid Foundation Makeup Cover
Maybelline Fit Me Dewy + Smooth Liquid Foundation Makeup, Classic Ivory, 1 Count (Packaging May Vary)

Maybelline Dewy Foundation is a liquid foundation that is perfect for normal to dry skin. It hydrates and smooths skin texture for a natural-looking, luminous finish while also protecting with SPF 18. With a wide range of shades, you can find the perfect shade that fits your skin tone. Use it as a full face foundation with buildable coverage for a flawless, natural-looking, "I woke up like this" finish. Maybelline also has sheer, medium, and full coverage foundation in liquid and powder formulas, and a range of other products to help you create a perfect canvas. Whether you want to create any look, from a natural day look to a bold night look, Maybelline has got you covered.

What We Like
Natural, radiant finish
Hydrating for dry skin
Lightweight, blends easily
Buildable coverage
Affordable price
What We Don't Like
No pump dispenser
Medium coverage only

Maybelline Fit Me Matte Foundation

K1840700
112 NATURAL IVORY
1 Fl Oz (Pack of 1)
Maybelline Fit Me Matte Foundation Cover
Maybelline Fit Me Matte + Poreless Liquid Oil-Free Foundation Makeup, Natural Ivory, 1 Count (Packaging May Vary)

Maybelline Fit Me Foundation is a medium coverage liquid foundation makeup that comes in 40 shades to fit every skin tone. It is best for normal to oily skin types and refines pores for a natural-looking matte finish. The buildable coverage creates a flawless, "I woke up like this" finish. Maybelline New York Fit Me collection has everything you need to put your best face forward, including Matte + Poreless foundation or Dewy+ Smooth foundation with SPF 18, concealer, finishing powder, bronzer, and blush. From foundation to lip products, Maybelline has everything you need to create any look. Use Garnier Micellar Water as a gentle makeup remover at night, and as a facial cleanser in the morning to prep skin for Maybelline makeup.

What We Like
Natural skin-like finish
Lightweight, comfortable wear
Pore-minimizing effect
Long-lasting coverage
Excellent shade match
What We Don't Like
Slight color darkening
Wear time could be longer

wet n wild Photo Focus Dewy Liquid Foundation Makeup

1111522
Soft Beige
wet n wild Photo Focus Dewy Liquid Foundation Makeup Cover
wet n wild Photo Focus Dewy Liquid Foundation Makeup, Soft Beige (Packaging May vary)

wet n wild Dewy Foundation is a high-performing, skin-perfecting foundation that is designed to give you a radiant-looking complexion. Its light-diffusing complex helps prevent a white cast in photos, making it selfie-approved. This foundation is color-matched for all undertones with a matte finish that feels like a second skin. It delivers buildable coverage for a flawless-looking complexion in any kind of light. In addition, wet n wild Dewy Foundation is cruelty-free and vegan, which means you can enjoy the product while being kind to animals. It is the perfect foundation for those who want to put their best face forward.

What We Like
Natural dewy finish
Lightweight, non-cakey texture
Good for mature or dry skin
Buildable medium coverage
Affordable price
What We Don't Like
Chemical scent for some users
May not suit very dry skin
#TOP 4

Maybelline Super Stay Lumi-Matte Foundation

0041554094756
220 - Warm
1 Fl Oz (Pack of 1)
Maybelline Super Stay Lumi-Matte Foundation Cover
Maybelline Super Stay Lumi-Matte Foundation, Lightweight and Buildable Full Coverage Foundation Makeup For Up To 30HR Wear, 220, 1 Count

The Maybelline Lumi-Matte Foundation offers a lightweight feel that lets your skin breathe while providing buildable full coverage for a flawless look. It stays fresh and comfortable on your skin for up to 30 hours, so you don’t have to worry about touch-ups throughout the day. The formula is designed to give you a natural matte finish with a subtle glow, making your skin look radiant without being shiny. Plus, it’s long-lasting and resistant to sweat, water, and transfer, ensuring your makeup stays put no matter what your day brings. Available in 24 shades, it blends easily to match your skin tone perfectly.

What We Like
Long-lasting wear
Lightweight texture
Buildable coverage
Natural skin-like finish
Excellent color match
What We Don't Like
Dries quickly
Limited shade range

e.l.f. Soft Glam Foundation

84942
21 Light Neutral
1 Fl Oz (Pack of 1)
e.l.f. Soft Glam Foundation Cover
e.l.f. Soft Glam Foundation, Medium Coverage, Long-Lasting & Buildable Foundation For A Smooth, Satin Finish, Vegan & Cruelty-Free, 21 Light Neutral

The e.l.f. Soft Glam offers a perfect balance between full and minimal coverage, making it ideal for any makeup look. With its medium buildable coverage, you can easily customize your finish to suit your needs, whether you prefer a subtle look or something more polished. The breathable formula, enriched with hydrating hibiscus and fruit extracts, ensures that your skin feels comfortable all day without any heaviness or caking. Plus, it's suitable for all skin types, including dry, oily, and combination skin, so you can enjoy a smooth, satin finish no matter your complexion.

What We Like
Natural satin finish
Lightweight texture
Buildable medium coverage
Good shade range
Affordable price
What We Don't Like
Coverage lighter than expected
Packaging less premium

Maybelline Fit Me Matte Foundation

K1840802
115 IVORY
1 Fl Oz (Pack of 1)
Maybelline Fit Me Matte Foundation Cover
Maybelline Fit Me Matte + Poreless Liquid Oil-Free Foundation Makeup, Ivory, 1 Count (Packaging May Vary)

Maybelline Matte Foundation is a medium-coverage liquid foundation that comes in 40 shades to match every skin tone. It is best for normal to oily skin and provides a natural-looking matte finish that refines pores. With its buildable coverage, you can achieve a flawless, natural-looking finish. Maybelline Matte Foundation is part of the Fit Me collection, which includes other makeup products such as concealer, finishing powder, bronzer, and blush. With Maybelline, you can create any look you want, from natural to show-stopping. Use Garnier Micellar Water to gently remove Maybelline makeup at night and prep your skin for the next day.

What We Like
Natural skin-like finish
Lightweight and comfortable
Buildable coverage
Minimizes pores
Controls oil
What We Don't Like
Color may oxidize
Wear time could be longer

tarte Face Tape Full-Coverage Matte Foundation

tarte Face Tape Full-Coverage Matte Foundation Cover
Tarte Face Tape Foundation – Coverage Matte Finish Foundation with Snow Mushroom & Hyaluronic Acid for Hydration, Waterproof, Vegan & Cruelty-Free

The tarte Face Tape Foundation offers full coverage that helps even out your skin tone, hiding redness, blemishes, and age spots for a flawless look. It provides a natural matte finish that keeps your skin looking fresh without dryness, perfect if you want a smooth, shine-free appearance. Thanks to its unique tape technology, this foundation blurs pores, fine lines, and wrinkles, giving your skin a softer, more refined texture. Plus, it’s designed to last all day, resisting transfer, sweat, and water, so you can feel confident your makeup will stay put through your busy day.

What We Like
Long-lasting coverage
Smooth and blendable texture
Wide shade range
Oil control
Non-cakey finish
What We Don't Like
May appear dull on some
Expensive compared to drugstore options

COVERGIRL + Olay Simply Ageless 3-in-1 Liquid Foundation

10037
220 Creamy Natural
1 Fl Oz (Pack of 1)
COVERGIRL + Olay Simply Ageless 3-in-1 Liquid Foundation Cover
COVERGIRL & Olay Simply Ageless 3-in-1 Liquid Foundation, Matte Finish, Hyaluronic & Vitamin C Formula, 220 Creamy Natural, 1 Count

Covergirl Ageless Foundation is an anti-aging foundation that instantly reduces the appearance of wrinkles, evens skin tone, and blurs the look of dark circles and other imperfections for a smoother, more youthful-looking complexion. Its hydrating formula contains hyaluronic complex and vitamin C that can make your skin firmer and healthier. This foundation is available in multiple shades so that you can find the perfect match for your skin tone. Plus, it is cruelty-free and never tested on animals. With Covergirl Ageless Foundation, you can achieve a more youthful appearance while keeping your skin looking and feeling healthy.

What We Like
Smooth, even coverage
Lightweight and hydrating feel
Minimizes fine lines
Long-lasting radiant finish
Affordable price
What We Don't Like
Shade matching may require trial
Light coverage for some users
#TOP 9

L'Oreal Paris Infallible 32 Hour Foundation

071249382127
405 Porcelain
1 Fl Oz (Pack of 1)
L'Oreal Paris Infallible 32 Hour Foundation Cover
L'Oreal Paris Makeup Infallible Up to 32 Hour Fresh Wear Lightweight Foundation, 405 Porcelain, 1 Fl Oz, Packaging May Vary

The L'Oreal Infallible Foundation offers a lightweight and breathable formula that provides buildable medium to full coverage, giving you a natural and healthy complexion. Its advanced formula includes three oil absorbers that help resist sweat, water, and transfer, so your makeup stays fresh for up to 32 hours. With SPF 25 included, it also protects your skin from sun damage. Whether your skin is oily, dry, or somewhere in between, this foundation comes in 40 shades and different formulas to match your skin type and tone perfectly, ensuring a flawless finish all day long.

What We Like
Natural, skin-like finish
Buildable medium to full coverage
Long-lasting wear
Wide shade range
Lightweight and breathable
What We Don't Like
May fade in oily areas
Can dry quickly during blending
#TOP 10

L'Oreal Paris True Match Super-Blendable Foundation

0071249671795
N3, Light Medium
1 Fl Oz (Pack of 1)
L'Oreal Paris True Match Super-Blendable Foundation Cover
L'Oreal Paris True Match Super-Blendable Foundation, Medium Coverage Liquid Foundation Makeup, N3, Light Medium, 1 Fl Oz

L'Oreal True Match Foundation is a medium coverage liquid foundation makeup that comes in 47 shades to match your undertone - cool, neutral, or warm. The foundation formula is blended with 6 pigments for the most precise match, and 99% of women found their true match in a consumer test of 312 women. It locks in moisture and provides a natural finish that adapts to any skin color and texture. The formula is vegan, alcohol-free, oil-free, and fragrance-free, which makes it perfect for all skin types, including sensitive skin. The foundation comes with an easy-to-use pump, and it is part of L'Oreal Paris' full line of makeup products, including foundation, concealer, highlighter, brow pencils, eyeshadow palettes, and lipsticks.

What We Like
Natural skin-like finish
Easy shade matching
Lightweight & buildable coverage
Blends seamlessly
Long-lasting wear
What We Don't Like
Thin and slightly runny texture
Occasional shade mismatch
Buying Guide Image

Best Foundations to Fullfill Your Needs

Introduction

Foundation makeup is a cornerstone of any beauty routine, providing the perfect canvas for the rest of your makeup and helping to even out your skin tone. With so many different options on the market, it can be overwhelming trying to choose the right one. Here are a few key things to consider when selecting foundation makeup.

Skin Type and Undertone

One of the most important factors to consider when choosing foundation makeup is your skin type and undertone. Foundation that is too heavy or oily can clog pores and cause breakouts, while a formula that is too drying can make your skin look flaky and patchy. To determine your skin type, wash your face and wait an hour without applying any products. If your skin feels tight and looks shiny, you have oily skin; if it feels normal and looks healthy, you have normal skin; and if it feels dry and looks dull, you have dry skin.

To determine your undertone, look at the veins on the inside of your wrist. If they appear blue or purple, you have a cool undertone; if they appear green, you have a warm undertone; and if they appear blue-green, you have a neutral undertone. Choosing a foundation that matches your skin type and undertone will ensure that your makeup looks natural and stays put throughout the day.

Coverage and Finish

Another important factor to consider when choosing foundation makeup is the level of coverage and the finish you want. Some foundations offer sheer, light coverage that is ideal for everyday wear and for people with clear, even skin. Other foundations offer medium or full coverage, which can help to conceal blemishes, dark spots, and other imperfections. The finish of a foundation refers to the way it looks on the skin, with options ranging from matte to dewy. A matte finish is ideal for oily skin, as it absorbs excess oil and leaves a smooth, velvety finish. A dewy finish is ideal for dry skin, as it adds moisture and radiance.

Ingredients

In addition to considering your skin type, undertone, and desired coverage and finish, it is also important to pay attention to the ingredients in your foundation makeup. Some common ingredients to avoid include fragrances, parabens, and sulfates, as these can irritate sensitive skin and cause allergic reactions. Instead, look for foundations that are formulated with natural, nourishing ingredients like vitamin E, aloe vera, and jojoba oil. These ingredients will not only help to improve the health and appearance of your skin, but they will also ensure that your foundation feels comfortable and lightweight.

Testing and Sampling

Finally, it is important to test and sample different foundation makeup before making a purchase. Most makeup stores and beauty counters offer samples of their foundations, so you can try them out before committing to a full-size bottle. When testing, be sure to apply the foundation to your jawline and blend it well to ensure that it matches your skin tone. You can also ask for help from a sales associate or a beauty expert, who can provide personalized recommendations based on your skin type, undertone, and desired coverage and finish.

In conclusion, choosing the right foundation makeup is an important step in achieving a flawless, natural-looking makeup look. By considering your skin type, undertone, desired coverage and finish, and the ingredients in the foundation, you can find a formula that will work for you and help you to feel confident and beautiful.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I watch Foundation on Amazon Prime?

It is not streaming anywhere else, so the only way to watch “Foundation” is by subscribing to Apple TV+.

2. Can I watch Foundation without Apple TV?

All episodes of Foundation will be exclusively available on the Apple TV+ streaming service. (Apple TV Plus shouldn't be confused with the Apple TV streaming device.)

Editor's Notes

During our foundation research, we found 48 foundation products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 1,796,747 customer reviews through our big data system to write the foundations list. We found that most customers choose foundations with an average price of $13.36.

The foundations are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of foundations, including MAYBELLINE, wet n wild, e.l.f., tarte, COVERGIRL. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 384 consumers with an average rating of 4.7.

Written by
Lisa Bechard Avatar

Lisa Bechard is a skin therapist with 12 years of working experience in the beauty industry and also an experienced beauty writer who has expertise in skincare, medical aesthetics and cosmetic surgery, and wellness. Her writing skills are excellent and all her content is very persuasive and insightful.

Foundations Comparison Table

#TOP1
#TOP2
#TOP3
#TOP4
#TOP5
#TOP6
#TOP7
#TOP8
#TOP9
#TOP10
Brand MAYBELLINE MAYBELLINE wet n wild MAYBELLINE e.l.f. MAYBELLINE tarte COVERGIRL L'Oreal Paris L'Oreal Paris
Item Form Liquid Liquid Cream Liquid Cream Liquid Liquid Liquid Liquid Liquid
Color 120 CLASSIC IVORY 112 NATURAL IVORY Soft Beige 220 - Warm 21 Light Neutral 115 IVORY 16N fair-light neutral (fair to light skin with a balance of warm & cool undertones) 220 Creamy Natural 405 Porcelain N3, Light Medium
Skin Type Dry; Normal Normal; Oily All All, Oily All Normal; Oily All Dry All All, Sensitive
Material Type Free Non-comedogenic Oil Free Gluten Free Fragrance Free Paraben Free, Phthalate Free, Sulphate Free Oil Free Formaldehyde Free, Oxybenzone Free, Paraben Free, Phthalate Free, SLS Free cruelty free Non-comedogenic Fragrance Free,Alcohol Free
Recommended Uses For Product Face Makeup face makeup Face Makeup Liquid Foundations Face Makeup Foundation - appearance of smoother skin, full-coverage foundation Face Makeup Face
FTB Score
ftb score rating icon 9.8
ftb score rating icon 9.7
ftb score rating icon 9.5
ftb score rating icon 9.4
ftb score rating icon 9.4
ftb score rating icon 9.4
ftb score rating icon 9.2
ftb score rating icon 9.1
ftb score rating icon 8.9
ftb score rating icon 8.7
Where to Buy