Finding the right foundation is already a daunting task. Add in having oily or dry skin, needing full coverage, SPF or a brand that even has a shade to match you, it feels like an impossible task. There’s hundreds of foundations on the market and while it’s a time and energy consuming part of your beauty routine, it’s also necessary. So GoodGirlGoneFab has a break down on my favorite foundations — from cost effective to full coverage, these are the foundations that I’ve found that are worth it to me.
Favorite Everyday Foundation
If you’re looking to invest in a foundation that will provide an everyday look and feel, that also lasts all day, this is it. Lancôme’s Teint Idole Ultra Long Wear Foundation provides the most shade range that I’ve ever seen with 40 shades available, for $47. Now almost 50 bucks for a foundation isn’t cheap, I know. However, for something that is: comfortable, long lasting (up to 24 hours), not thick/greasy, provides medium to full FLAWLESS coverage, has SPF15 protection, evens skin tone, provides a matte yet-lumionous look, and is transfer-resistant, I know this is worth it. For an everyday look, you need a foundation that provides coverage yet still looks “natural,” and if there was one makeup splurge I would recommend it would be this. I’ve repurchased this foundation about 4 times, over the course of two years because I truly think it may be the most useful product I’ve ever had. (I wear shade 500 Suede W.)
Favorite Affordable Foundation
The NYX Total Control Drop foundation is a great foundation for anyone looking for build-able coverage that they can really control. It’s available at Ulta however, I did find that the shade range IN-STORE is terrible. The brand offers 24 shades however, when shopping in-store there were about 8, two of which were for women of color……But you can possibly find your shade at a drug store or local beauty supply, I did find most of the available shades there. NYX also offers a foundation shade matcher system on their website, which can help you find a color for you. As for the actual foundation, the formula is very liquid based, and is applied with the dropper tool. The finish is velvety-matte, and for $14 it can cover blemishes very well! I would recommend the foundation over most drug store foundations but the bottle is super small. I consider this foundation a favorite because you can use it as an everyday foundation or add more drops for a more full coverage look. (I wear shade Cappuccino.)
Favorite Full Coverage Foundation
Kat Von D’s Lock-It Tattoo foundation was one that I was skeptical about at first. It’s a very thick formula but that formula is unlike any other I’ve ever seen. It’s thick, yet creamy and soft on the skin! This foundation is a full coverage, matte foundation that has a claim of 24 hour wear. Please don’t wear a foundation for 24 hours for your skin’s sake– but I can say this foundation will last all day or all night. It’s indeed waterproof, fade-proof, and transfer-resistant and with a good primer, this foundation will last and cover ANY blemish. What makes me love this foundation the most: it’s “only” $35 (cheaper than other high end brands), one pump is enough for a full face of FULL COVERAGE, one bottle will last you months, and it’s matte but non drying, which is why I would recommend it to any skin type. (I wear shade 74 Deep.)
Favorite “No Makeup Look” Foundation
Technically, the NARS Pure Radiant Tinted Moisturizer isn’t even a foundation but it does provide some coverage so it makes the list. NARS is an all around great brand and this products is a great option for anyone looking for something simple, moisturizing and great for the skin over time. While this is a moisturizer, you apply this like a foundation to provide a sheer luminous coverage. It’s essentially a product that evens skin tone and has SPF 30 to protect your skin from the sun. It’s a great product that does the work of skin care yet but can be used in place of makeup. It’s lightweight and oil-free, but I would mostly recommend it to those with dry or combination skin. It’s $45, but if you’re a person that doesn’t wear a lot of product and want to do some work for your skin, it’s a great purchase. (I wear shade Polynesia.)
These are recommendations based on what has worked for me, but there are always other options that you may find better suited for you. Feel free to comment the foundations that you love and recommend! We’re all learning together.