Last year, we discussed my four favorite foundations on the market. From Lancome to NYX, there was some great choices for every budget! This year, my favorites have changed completely. That’s the fun part about being a makeup enthusiast- you may think you have a fave foundation but these companies will kick it up a notch every year!
When picking a foundation there are a few things I look for; medium or full coverage, all-day wear, great shade range and a formula that will work for my skin type. Having normal to oily skin, I live for matte foundations so my list will feature a few matte formulas for my GoodGirls who shine a bit brighter.
CoverFX- Power Play Foundation
CoverFX was never a brand I ran to when shopping in Sephora but since using this product my eyes have been opened. While this brand may have been slept on by me, it’s a staple in the community and their Power Play Foundation is a key reason why. With 40 shades, this foundation is the epitome of a full-coverage matte formula. It has a “trio” of ultra-fine powders that help control shine and visibly blur imperfections on the skin. I rely on the Power Play foundation during the summer heat, as it’s staying power is impeccable.
It’s $44 but it’s worth a splurge if you’re looking for the ultimate matte coverage. The great thing about CoverFX is that they have a Shade System that is cohesive across all of their foundation formulas. Along with their Shade System they also incorporate undertones into each shade, making finding your perfect match easier. Find out more about the Power Play Foundation here.
I wear shade “G100” in CoverFX Power Play.
Fenty Beauty- Pro Filt’r Foundation
If you know me, then of course you knew Fenty Beauty would be on this list. This foundation helped bring more awareness to the lack of shade range in foundations for WOC. While they weren’t the first to have a diverse shade range, they did an amazing job of marketing it for us- thanks for the slaying power of Rihanna herself.
Getting in this foundation formula though, it’s almost perfect. This formula gives me the a perfect complexion without looking like a foundation. It’s a soft-matte formula, which means it diffuses pores and creates a smooth finish. It’s my go-to everyday foundation because it truly makes me feel even more beautiful. It’s $34 and available in 40 shades. Find out more about the Fenty Pro Filt’r here.
I wear shade “420” in Fenty Beauty Pro Filt’r.
NYX- Can’t Stop Won’t Stop Foundation
I knew when Youtuber, Alissa Ashley, announced her role in creating this foundation that it would be a banger. She’s a perfectionist who has a true gift of creating high-quality products and content. So it goes without saying, her and NYX created my favorite drugstore/affordable foundation of the year.
At $15, this foundation has a lightweight yet buildable coverage formula which comes in 45 shades. It has a claim of having 24 hours of wear, and although I have not tested it for 24 hours, it has indeed lasted me at least 10 -12 hours. I love this foundation because it gives me a flawless matte finish that controls oil and hides imperfections. Find out more about the NYX foundation here.
I wear the shade “Cappuccino” in NYX Can’t Stop Won’t Stop Foundation.
This foundation would be a great alternative for the Cover FX Power Play Foundation if you’re looking for something more affordable.
NARS- Natural Radiant Longwear Foundation
This foundation is the most expensive in the list, but before you keep scrolling it’s worth the coins. If you want a longwear formula but not necessarily matte, you need this. Yes, it’s $49 but you get a foundation that has an incredible staying power that is also transfer-proof and radiant. You don’t have choose between the two anymore because NARS figured out a way to make it easy for us.
NARS is one of my favorite brands because they have a product for everyone and this foundation solidified that. I love my matte finishes but sacrificing radiance was always hard to give up. Using this product, I have a glow without looking shiny or oily and I love it. It’s available in 33 shades as well. Find our more about the NARS foundation here.
I wear the shade “Macao” in the NARS Natural Radiant Longwear Foundation.
Too Faced- Born This Way Foundation
Jackie Aina helped develop a line of shades within the Born This Way foundation line. Luckily, my shade fell within her curated shades so I had to support her. I love Too Faced’s Better Than Sex mascara so I had high hope for this foundation as well. This foundation is also great for those with drier skin types, since it’s also not matte it hydrates the skin! But it’s also oil-free so anyone with oiler skin can also enjoy his foundation too.
Available in 35 shades (9 created by Jackie) at $39, this foundation is a great foundation for a medium-to-full coverage finish. It does hide imperfections and is incredibly photo-friendly. Find our more about the Born This Way foundation here.
I wear shade “Chai” in Too Faced- Born This Way Foundation.