Your guide to finding the best foundation for your age and skin type: tried and tested formulas for long-lasting, natural coverage that’ll take years off, from viral Charlotte Tilbury to new-in at No7

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Finding the perfect foundation can be a thankless task, there are thousands of options out there from liquids and sticks, to semi sheer creams.

What’s more, much like finish the right concealer or blush, picking a foundation formula that works with your skin can be like finding a needle in a haystack, products can often be too cakey, too dry or too greasy.

Skin tints, CC creams, full-coverage foundations, there are a whole range of options to suit your skin type.

That’s where I come in. To help you find your ideal match, I have been testing the most hyped foundations, from luxury cult favourites to affordable high-street brands.

You can see my quick list below with links to my top picks or carry on reading for my reviews of the best foundation you can buy right now, as well as the viral products you MUST avoid if you don’t want your make up to age you.

Be sure to also check out our roundups of the best lip gloss, mascaras and brow gels to complete your look.

Best foundations: Quick list 

How we test

When testing beauty products, we incorporated each product into our routine so we can assess its longevity dat to day, as well as its compatibility with other products.

For foundation, this includes keeping all additional make-up steps such as concealer, eyeshadow, powders etc as control variables, so we can attribute any changes to our look specifically to the foundation. 

We compare how they get on against a face of makeup in the morning versus a second image at night to determine durability, movement – and ultimately if we think it’s worth the associated price tag.

The best foundation to buy right now 

 

For me, there was no way I would be able to put together a best foundation article and not include the Holy Grail – the Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless Foundation. It has been a long time favourite and one I have always recommended to friends of varying skin types and tones.

This foundation is a rarity, it is one you don’t really need to put powder or anything else on if you don’t want to. If you are in a rush to get to work or go out, I genuinely believe you could get away with using this one product and looking like you have a flawless glow.

It’s long lasting, a little goes a long way and even if you are using it everyday, the product lasts up to two months if not more. It is also one of the most versatile foundations I have tried, you can wear it for the office or a night out on the town and it will last. It won’t leave you looking oily, regardless if you have combination, dry, mature or any other type of skin, I can guarantee if will leave you with a flawless, slightly matte finish.

 

Don’t let the name fool you. Although it is a tinted moisturiser, this gives great coverage and is perfect if you are heading on a night out. I also liked that is was very buildable.

It is definitely one to buy if you want a foundation that works all day. One you can quickly put on for work for a natural look, or if you want to build more layers for drinks with the girls.

Like all of Lush’s beauty range, I enjoy the fact it is made from vegan-friendly ingredients and is animal friendly. It really feels like you are giving your skin a treat rather than clogging up your pores.

 

A foundation that has been in the game for three decades, L’Oreal’s True Match has not only stood the test of time, but is a consistent staple that will rarely – if ever – let you down.

Enriched with hydrating hyaluronic acid, as well as several pigments to make sure it is a sure match with your skin, this foundation is a great fit for young people and those with more mature skin.

The consistency was slightly runny, however it did sit well on the skin and had a weightless feeling, while also providing a good amount of coverage. I also appreciated that it was a dewy finish without looking oily and was not disturbed by other products on my face.

MCoBeauty’s Flawless Glow is another foundation I have long recommended to friends. The best way to describe it is that it’s a budget friendly version of Charlotte Tilbury’s Hollywood Flawless Filter – not to be mistaken with the Airbrush foundation reviewed above.

It gives a ‘luminous filter’ finish and is incredibly buildable, making it great if you want sheer to medium coverage.

It is also another product on this list that is incredibly versatile and can be used not only as a light foundation, but a primer or an underneath-foundation highlighter. It always leaves me feeling glowy and lightweight.

I unexpectedly fell in love with this product while on my quest to find the best foundations – and this is a great option for summer or dry skin.

By Terry Brightening CC Serum is not only weightless, but provides you with an effortless glow that came as a pleasant surprise. The four-vitamin complex, as well as the tea rose and Japanese rose extract, leaves your skin feeling smooth and hydrated.

This is a perfect buy for those with slightly more dry skin who are looking for the perfect glowy base this summer and spring.

A little goes a LONG way with this Kevyn Aucoin foundation and it’s perfect for those who have more mature skin.

It is very versatile too and can be used beyond being just a foundation. I have used it as a concealer and a corrector, as well as to touch up imperfections throughout the day. It’s compact size makes it easy to fit in a purse while you are out and about too, which is a nice bonus.

Although I do enjoy its dewy, non-cakey finish, I do think it is one for beauty lovers who prefer a more fuller coverage look with staying power.

I was pleasantly surprised by the No7 Pro Artist Weightless Silk Sheer Foundation, and I can honestly see why it gets so much hype.

It feels incredibly lightweight on my skin and gives me that natural, ‘skin-like’ glow that I love. It’s super breathable and really easy to apply, whether I’m using my fingers or a brush.

I also like how buildable it is – I can keep it sheer for everyday wear or layer it up to a light-to-medium coverage when I want a bit more polish. It’s perfect if you’re after that effortless, natural finish without feeling like you’re wearing a lot of makeup.

This foundation is also a great option for those who have mature or dry skin due to its effortless non-drying finish, however it is not one for those who prefer a fuller base.

Verdict

With a so many great foundations on the list it is honestly a real challenge to pick one as it all boils down to your skin and what type of coverage you prefer. 

For makeup lovers across the board, I do believe Charlotte Tilbury’s Airbrush Flawless Foundation is a great choice, for a long lasting natural look for any event. 

However for those with more dry skin I would recommend the No.7 Pro Artist Weightless Silk Foundation, as well as By Terry Brightening CC Serum. Both are a great choice, especially if you would prefer to build up your coverage. 

My favourite two formulas with a high-street price tag were MCoBeauty’s Flawless Glow as well as the L’Oreal Paris True Match Foundation. 

Both are very light on the skin, but provide a base that will stay put at a fraction of the cost of some on the list – and as a believer that beauty should not break the bank, they are two product I can get behind.

Viral product to avoid

‘Cult’ makeup products are everywhere. From the latest must-have skin tints to retro 60s make up products you can still buy today.

However, not every hyped product is worth it. From foundations to that make you look cakey to blushers that go patchy – these are the viral products that sers say aren’t worth the hype.

Many users claim Estee Lauder Double Wear makes their face looks dry, patchy and heavy, despite lots of hype online. Similarly, Milk Makeup Jelly Tints have been known to be drying and staining, rather than giving the ‘flushed’ look they claim.

Elf Halo Glow blush, hailed as an affordable alternative to Charlotte Tilbury’s Light Wand, has been describes my many users online as thick and pore clogging, nothing like the orginal.

FAQs   

Why does your foundation look flawless at home but awful outside?

Different lighting can completely change how your makeup looks. What seems perfect indoors can turn patchy, orange or dull in natural light. The best way to get around this is to do your makeup in natural light where possible or if its’ darker, invest in a ring light.

Is your foundation making your skin look older?

Heavy or drying formulas can sink into fine lines and emphasize texture -adding years to your appearance without you realising it. Instead, pick a foundation with a finer, sheer formula like By Terry CC brightening Serum.

Why won’t my foundation stay on all day?

From oily skin to poor prep, there are several reasons your base disappears by lunchtime and it’s not always the product’s fault. Good, long lasting coverage requires good prep – a hydrating primer and setting spray can make all the difference.