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The 13 Best Foundations For Every Skin Type, According to Our Trusted Ipsters

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The right foundation is the building block to any look you create with makeup. Whether you prefer full coverage, a lightweight finish, or something in between, there’s certainly no shortage of choices when it comes to finding your perfect match, but not all foundations are created equal. In order to narrow down your options, it’s important to know what you’re working with.

“First, identify your skin type,” says Allyson Wisel, professional makeup artist in New York City. “Are you oily, dry, do you have combination skin?” It's important to select an option that will bring out the best of your complexion. “Then you need to identify what type of foundation texture you prefer,” says Wisel. Is a liquid foundation your best bet or do you prefer a powder or foundation stick for when you're on the go?

The level of coverage, what you want to conceal, and even the climate of your environment all come into play when it comes to picking the right foundation for your skin type-- but once you find the one, there's no denying the incredible base it creates as your skin looks flawless when you go about your day.

Decisions, decisions. If you dread the idea of standing at the counter at your local Sephora or Ulta trying to find your perfect match, you're in luck. We've rounded up the highest-ranking foundations from Ipsters who received them in past Glam Bags to take the guesswork out of finding the right foundation for your skin type-- and you don't even have to leave the house! It's basically like getting a trusted makeup recommendation from your BFF, (but in this case you have way more friends offering up their tips to help you find the right formula for your individual needs). Continue reading below to discover which might be the best foundation for you.


About the Expert:

Allyson Wisel is a professional makeup artist based in NYC that works in TV, film, editorial, and with private clients.

IT COSMETICS Bye Bye Foundation Full Coverage Moisturizer™ with SPF 50+ in Medium
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IT COSMETICS Bye Bye Foundation Full Coverage Moisturizer™ with SPF 50+

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Best foundation-sun protection combo

If you want a flawless finish that can keep up with your summer plans, reach for this full-coverage foundation and sunscreen that also serves up SPF 50 to keep your complexion protected against the sun’s harmful UV rays. It delivers full coverage yet it’s a lightweight, hydrating formula, made using the brand’s 3D Skin Flex technology, which allows for a super smooth application that won't crease or crack over time.

"This is the perfect foundation for when you're going to be out in the sun for a while," writes Ipster lyiair. "It has a high SPF for a foundation which would make someone think that the foundation is going to be oily but it's not! Apply it with a damp beauty blender for a dewy look or with a brush for more solid coverage. Either way, it applies great and lasts all day!"

ANASTASIA BEVERLY HILLS Luminous Foundation in 320N
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ANASTASIA BEVERLY HILLS Luminous Foundation

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Best for a dewy finish

This lightweight foundation lives up to its name and delivers a second-skin feel in a full-coverage formula that will mask redness, discoloration, and breakouts, leaving you with a glowing complexion. Not only is it water-resistant, but Ipsters rave about the way it keeps up with a busy day. “Love this! This has become my go-to foundation! It glides on, looks natural and stays on all day,” says one. “The formula is lovely and so fresh and luminous. Wears great throughout the day too,” adds another.

TARTE Amazonian Clay 12-Hour Full Coverage Foundation SPF 15 in Medium Sand
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TARTE™ Amazonian Clay 12-Hour Full Coverage Foundation SPF 15

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Best for oily skin

If you have oily skin, reach for this shine-free foundation that will leave you with a flawless matte finish, thanks to the oil-free formula that's made with Amazonian clay, an ingredient that evens out the skin tone and tightens pores. All in all, this foundation will help regulate oil production for up to 12 hours without leaving the skin feeling cakey or dry. It is full coverage, but if a first pass isn't quite enough for you, it's also buildable. Simply layer up whenever you need a little extra love.

"Great, great product," writes heathera7950. "I love the shade and the product stays on my face all day. It really is full coverage. It covered all my blemishes and left a smooth complexion." Cotysweirdo adds: “I have oily/dry combo skin. What I really liked was how smooth it was and how it really helped even out your skin tone.”

MAKE UP FOR EVER Ultra HD Invisible Cover Foundation in Y425
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MAKE UP FOR EVER Ultra HD Invisible Cover Foundation

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Best medium-coverage foundation

If you're after that no-makeup makeup look, you'll love this natural finish foundation that leaves skin looking soft and dewy. Use this medium-to-full coverage foundation to cover up blemishes, fine lines, and redness while still allowing skin to look like skin. Think: perfecting and polished over poreless.

P.S. This formula is a favorite among makeup artists because it was created to photograph well. If you're planning your makeup look for a big life event where lots of pictures will be taken, this is a top-notch choice. "I don’t usually wear foundation but this one is really good," writes Ipster jjocelyn. "My face is super oily and this one made it look dewy instead of oily!"

PÜR 4-in-1 Pressed Mineral Makeup Broad Spectrum SPF 15 in Light
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PÜR 4-in-1 Pressed Mineral Makeup Broad Spectrum SPF 15

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Best on-the-go foundation

If liquid foundation isn't your thing, try this powder foundation that offers buildable medium coverage. Powder foundation is often easier to wear during the warmer months when skin is more prone to sweating. It also comes infused with SPF 15, making it an even more convincing option for your summer makeup bag.

Additionally, this powder is packed with hydrating shea butter and nourishing vitamin E. Together the two protect against dry skin and even work to reduce the look of fine lines and dark spots over time. "This is the best all in one powder I’ve ever used," one Ipster says. "I’m pretty low maintenance, so it’s been great to just brush it on, add blush, lips, and a little shadow and go! This is going to be my go-to base from now on."

SMASHBOX COSMETICS Studio Skin Foundation in 2.16 Golden
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SMASHBOX COSMETICS Studio Skin Foundation

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Most long-wearing foundation

Looking for something with serious staying power that delivers both hydration and coverage?

Look no further than this longwear foundation that's proven to last for up to a whopping 24 hours and it’s transfer-proof, which means it won’t rub off on your clothes. It also won't oxidize over time–the shade you see when you first apply it is how it will look all day long. Every great foundation should also feel good. That's why this matte foundation includes hydrating hyaluronic acid and breathable polymers to keep the foundation feeling flexible and looking flawless all day long. Ipsters “love the formula” and the way it doesn’t budge throughout the day. “Stays put, doesn't sink into pores and lines, LOVE IT,” says one satisfied Ipster.

MAKE UP FOR EVER Matte Velvet Skin Blurring Powder Foundation in Y315
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MAKE UP FOR EVER Matte Velvet Skin Blurring Powder Foundation

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Best for covering up redness

If you want to mask redness, reach for this water-resistant pressed-powder that evens out your skin tone, keeps excess oil in check, and reduces the appearance of redness and large pores thanks to a unique, blurring technology and full-coverage pigments that won’t settle into fine lines or wrinkles that serves up 12 hours of coverage. “Good for fast makeup days to cover redness,” says one Ipster. “Amazing powder, like a magic eraser over my skin,” adds another.

YENSA BEAUTY SKIN ON SKIN BC Foundation in Medium Warm
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YENSA BEAUTY SKIN ON SKIN BC Foundation

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Best for brightening

Brighten up a dull complexion with this light coverage foundation that falls somewhere between a BB cream and a CC cream. Made with a superfood-focused formula, this foundation also works as a tinted moisturizer as it reduces redness, fights free radical damage, and improves skin texture while also serving up SPF protection to leave you with a balanced complexion that’s instantly brighter. "I loved this sample so much that I bought the full-size tube as soon as I was done with it," one Ipster says. "It made my skin feel super soft and it gave me the nicest glow with a fresh, dewy look.

WANDER BEAUTY Nude Illusion Liquid Foundation in Rich Deep
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WANDER BEAUTY Nude Illusion Liquid Foundation

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Best for dry skin

Here's a liquid foundation that perfectly walks the line between makeup and skincare. Hyaluronic acid helps to keep skin moisturized and glowy while niacinamide reduces redness and minimizes the appearance of pores. Apply one coat for velvety medium coverage and build wherever you want more. Expect a natural, radiant, skin-like finish that leaves your face looking flawless on the outside and nourished on the inside, with a natural-looking tint that compliments your complexion. "This foundation is lightweight but offers great coverage," writes Ipster stacyt38. "It is non-greasy and wears well throughout the day. Plus, I love the applicator!" Sophielacey2308 says “it works great for my dry skin.”

HONEY JARRET Clean Cover Cushion Foundation in Tan Cocoa
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HONEY JARRET Clean Cover Cushion Foundation

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Best for combination skin

If you have combination skin it can be tough to find a foundation that checks all the boxes-- that is, until you try this cushion compact that camouflages dark spots and redness without clogging pores or irritating your complexion, making it suitable for even sensitive skin and acne-prone skin, too. If you’re weary about a cushion compact you might be pleasantly surprised-- just listen to the Ipsters: “I have never used this type of foundation but now I'm hooked,” says one review. “Loving this cushion foundation! The coverage is buildable which is always a plus. It glides on smoothly and looks natural. I wore it to Downtown Disney in 90 degree weather and it stayed on! I was pleasantly surprised by this,” says another.

ILLAMASQUA Skin Base Foundation in 4.5
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ILLAMASQUA Skin Base Foundation in 4.5

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Best for mature skin

If you’re looking for a matte finish that won’t crease or cake into wrinkles, reach for this formula that delivers natural-looking coverage that lasts. Makeup artists, beauty editors, and influencers are all major fans. Ipsters call this foundation their “go-to” for everyday and can’t get enough of the lightweight, blendable formula that covers everything from hyperpigmentation to breakouts and even redness. “I LOVE this foundation so much. It blends easily, the coverage is amazing, and a little goes a long way. I will keep using this forever,” says one Ipster.

PÜR Love Your Selfie™ Foundation in TG7 Honey
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PÜR Love Your Selfie™ Foundation

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Best for blue light protection

If you spend all day in front of the computer screen, (Zoom fatigue, anyone?), you want a foundation that not only perfects your complexion but protects it from the impact of blue light. That’s where this four-in-one foundation comes in to conceal, correct, and blur imperfections. It also serves up ginseng, antioxidant-rich green tea, vitamin B, and lingonberry extract to invigorate your complexion and AHAs, (a powerful anti-aging ingredient), to exfoliate the upper layers of your skin. “Phenomenal coverage without feeling caked,” says one Ipster. “Smooth invisible coverage. Seriously photo worthy,” says another.

M·A·C Studio Fix Powder Foundation
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M·A·C COSMETICS Studio Fix Powder Foundation

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Best powder foundation

Before Rihanna came along and expanded upon traditional shade ranges with Fenty Beauty, MAC was the first to create inclusive shades and undertones, and this cult-favorite foundation is no exception. This buildable powder foundation has a matte finish and delivers medium-to-full coverage for a velvety-smooth look that lasts without streaking or caking. “Would have never bought powder foundation but now I love it,” says one Ipster. “I don't typically wear foundation but I like how smooth this one goes on and blends,” adds another. Bonus: you can also use it as a concealer.

To try all of the best beauty products you have to subscribe for the IPSY Glam Bag. Take our Beauty Quiz now to get started. Already an Ipster? Refer your friends to earn points, which you can use toward products. Either way, don’t forget to check us out on Instagram and Twitter @IPSY.

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About the author
Katrina-Mitzeliotis-headshot
Katrina Mitzeliotis Lanza
Katrina is a freelance writer and on-air correspondent with over a decade of experience covering beauty, fashion, and entertainment. When she isn't freelancing, you can catch her on QVC or chasing after her two-year-old son.
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Article Last Updated July 24, 2023 12:00 AM