Foundation is a very personal choice for everyone who wears it, which makes it hard to put together a list of the best foundations. Some people like a foundation or skin tint that looks natural and has light coverage, while others like a formula that covers everything for a smoother finish.
The type of skin you have can also have a big effect on what foundations work for you. If you have oily skin or skin that is prone to acne, you might want to use mattifying and oil-control formulas. If you have dry skin, on the other hand, you might want to use hydrating and oil-based textures (see our list of the best glowing foundations) that nourish your skin while you wear them. You might also think that cheap drugstore foundations can’t compete with expensive ones, but there are still a lot of good (if not better) foundations that are easy on the wallet.
The good news is that there are a lot of foundations available, and many brands now offer a wide range of colours to help you find the perfect match. The bad news is that it can be hard to find a foundation that works with your skin type, fits your needs, and fits your budget. It can be very hard to find the right foundations for you.
In my ten years as a beauty journalist, I’ve been lucky enough to try almost a hundred foundations. A lot of people have come by my desk, and I’ve sat in the chair with makeup artists who have told me about the best foundations they use on set, backstage, and even on celebrities. But even though I’ve tried a lot of different formulas, I still stick with my favourites. Because I have combination skin that is prone to both acne and eczema, it’s hard to find a foundation that meets all my needs.
But everyone has different tastes when it comes to foundation. I asked the Who What Wear UK team to tell me about some of their favourite foundations. I also made a list of the best foundations for different skin types, budgets, and skin problems. We’ve tried a lot of foundations to find the best ones for you, whether you need one for large pores, mature skin, or one with SPF. Our editors at Who What Wear UK have tried and reviewed all of the foundations on this list. Scroll down to see our final list of the best foundations for all skin types.
Editors’ Picks for the Best Foundations
- Best Overall: CC Cream from IT Cosmetics (£39)
- Giorgio Armani Luminous Silk Foundation (£47) is the best luminous foundation.
- Ilia Super Serum Skin Tint (£42) is the best lightweight foundation.
- Saie Super Glowy Skin Foundation (£35) is the best radiant foundation.
- The Merit The Minimalist Perfecting Complexion Foundation and Concealer Stick (£34) is the best foundation stick.
1. CC Cream from IT Cosmetics
It Cosmetics + Your Skin But Better CC+ Cream With SPF 50 in Fair Light is the best overall.
It Cosmetics
Your Skin But Better CC+ Cream with SPF 50
30 shades
Finish: Bright
Coverage: Medium to full
Pros
- Provides a lot of coverage
- Offers protection with SPF 50
- Many good ingredients for skin care
Disadvantages
- Some people might think it’s too heavy.
Why we love it: I always go back to this foundation. I’d say it has the coverage of a foundation instead of a BB cream, but it always makes my skin look great. I just wore this, and my friend said my skin looked plump and glowing. I really like the original formula shown here because it gives my skin a dewy, glowing finish with medium to full coverage. But if you want a base that glows more or a finish that is more matte, you could try the Your Skin But Better CC+ Nude Glow (£39) or Your Skin But Better CC+ Natural Matte
Florrie Alexander, the shopping editor for Who What Wear UK, also says that It Cosmetics CC Cream is her favourite foundation. “A few months ago, I asked my group chat for foundation suggestions, and my phone blew up with the same brand: It Cosmetics. Both my male and female friends have suggested this affordable foundation that is easy to build up and gives a smooth finish,” she says. “It works as both a foundation and a concealer, and it even has hyaluronic acid and hydrolysed collagen to protect your skin while you wear makeup. I’ve even bought the mini version to take with me on vacation.” Florrie wears the shade Fair Light.
2. Luminous Silk Foundation by Giorgio Armani
Giorgio Armani Luminous Silk Foundation 13.5 Deep, Cool is the best luminous foundation.
Armani
Silk Foundation with Light
40 shades
Finish: Bright
Coverage: Medium
Pros
- There are 40 different colours to choose from.
- Smooths out rough spots and makes things look better.
Disadvantages
- Compared to other foundations, this one is quite expensive.
Poppy is wearing shade 1.5 of Armani Luminous Silk Foundation.
Why we love it: Armani Luminous Silk Foundation is another beauty industry icon. Makeup artists and beauty editors all over the world love it, and many brides choose it as their wedding foundation. It really is that good. This luminous formula, as its name suggests, makes skin look naturally radiant and never cakey. The silky formula blends in with your skin and gives you buildable medium-to-full coverage.
Poppy Nash, the managing editor of Who What Wear UK, says that Giorgio Armani Luminous Silk Foundation is a good choice. “I don’t usually wear foundation, but there are times when I need more coverage, so I tried this because so many people told me to. I really love it,” she says. “I like that it isn’t too heavy but still feels like it is a step up from my normal coverage, and it is not cakey at all!” Poppy wears the shade Medium 1.5.
