I try every new foundation that launches - and these are my absolute favourites.

Your mega foundation guide for every budget, skin tone, undertone, age and many many more...

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Foundation that looks like real skin!

Once upon a time, the search for the perfect foundation was like finding the Holy Grail, except instead of immortality, you were just trying to avoid looking like a Madame Tussauds waxwork.

Now, we have thousands of options promising ‘airbrush perfection’ so how do you actually pick the right one? It feels like there are more questions than ever before. Are they all the same? What finish should you choose? And how the hell do you apply it? If you can clear your mind of everything you’ve learned about foundation thus far, then I guarantee that by the end of this column, you’ll be clued up on foundation in an entirely new way.

I want to caveat that nobody needs or should feel obliged to wear any kind of makeup - it’s entirely optional. But whether you’re 16 or 60, fair-skinned or deep-toned, oily-faced or dry as the Sahara, I’ve got you covered. Literally.

Everything you need to know about foundation…

Photo by Peter Kalonji on Unsplash

What's the difference between expensive and cheap foundations?
The best foundation is the one you like using the most - simple. But there are a few formulation aspects to consider when making a choice on foundations. Expensive foundations tend to have nicer scents and packaging, if those sensorial elements are important to you. They often have more inclusive shade ranges, and that doesn’t mean the biggest shade range, it means the better researched and formulated shade ranges. They also tend to have more skincare ingredients, if that’s important to you.

There are amazing high street and drugstore options these days. But generally speaking, cheaper ones can be a little flat and have a bit less depth than pricier foundations. And, don’t fall for the ‘they’re all made in the same factory’ thing either; they’re made completely differently, even if it’s in the same factory. So, of all the make-up products, I think foundation is worth spending on especially if you wear it often. But, I’ve got options for every budget - and application techniques that make ALL the difference.

How long can I keep my foundation for?
Water-based foundations (these tend to be liquid formulas) work for about a year, as water is a good carrier for bacteria meaning it’ll go off quicker. Cream, and oil-based foundations go off less quickly so you can get about 18 months from them. Powder foundations - if you wash the sponge regularly - are good for two years because powder doesn’t harbour bacteria in the same way liquid formulations do.

But with all of the above, if it gives you a rash, smells or looks off, then it’s gone to foundation heaven so let it RIP. There’s a sell by date on the back of the packaging too, which looks like the below.

How do I choose the right foundation shade? It’s overwhelming!
The best way is always in store rather than online. If you’re choosing from a shelf, use the tester bottles, pick the shade you think you are, and swipe a bit on your jawline. Then swipe the one above and one below too and see what matches the majority of your face and neck (which is often darker.) Don’t buy it yet - go outside and see what it looks like in natural light and how it lasts. Then go back and get it another day.

At a staffed make-up counter ask them to colour match you, and again look in natural daylight before you buy.

If you’re buying online, then use the colour matcher the brand provides, pick the colour you think you are, and google swatches to see who has tried it, and what the colour is like. When I bought the Tir Tir foundation (a viral cushion foundation that is actually very good…more on it below) I watched loads of reviews of it, and managed to work out my colour. I found mini versions and got two shades in the end - they both work tbh, so if you can get a tester version, definitely do that.

How do I know my undertone? And does it matter?
If you’re happy with your foundation shade, then it doesn’t matter at all. But if you’re not or suspect it could be wrong, then this is how you can work out your undertone. It’s not an exact science - so go to a pro make-up counter (one that hires trained make-up artists) like MAC or Bobbi Brown to ask them about your undertone ideally/

-Do the vein test
Check your veins. If they’re greenish, you have warm undertones. Blue or purple? You likely have cool undertones. If they’re neither - you could be neutral.

The white cloth test
Hold a white cloth next to your bare face and see what your skin looks like in comparison. Is it more yellowish? Then you’re warm. Blue or pinkish? Cool. neither? neutral

What jewellery do you like more?
Silver, platinum, and rose gold tend to suit cooler undertones most.
Gold jewellery tends to suit warm tones most.
And, neutral tones can do either.

One thing to note; not all dark skinned people are warm toned, just as not all light skinned ones are cool-toned. It’s a huge misconception.

Do I need different foundations for summer and winter?
Entirely personal choice. Our skin colour can shift with sun exposure so you may like a darker shade for the summer and lighter for winter. But you might also like a lighter formulation for summer and a more moisturising one for winter too - either way, there’s options below.

What’s the difference between the coverage types like sheer, medium, full?
Sheer, light and tints - these offers light coverage, letting your natural skin texture shine through. BB creams, CC creams, tints, tinted moisturisers all fall under this category usually.

Medium - offer some coverage, while maintaining a natural finish that you can build up and layer to become more full coverage if you like. Most people likely want this sort of finish.

Full/heavy - this is the heaviest finish and contrary to popular belief, is the hardest coverage to wear because it can flatten the skin, so you may need to use bronzer, contour, highlighter and more to give yourself facial contours again. It can mask blemishes, scars, and hyperpigmentations if that’s what you’re looking for.

Should I use liquid, powder, or cream foundation?
This is entirely preference, although some suit certain skin types more. Generally speaking liquid foundations work for the majority of skin types. Powder foundations tend to be better on oily skins as the oil helps the powder diffuse a little and appear less cake-like. Cream foundation is great for skin that’s on the dry side as it contains more moisturising agents.

Can I use my concealer as foundation?
If your concealer offers very light coverage (ie, if you need to really build it up to cover a blemish for example) then you could use it in a bind. But economically, I’m not sure it makes sense to use it all over your face when it’s costly and small. But some products do work for both (like Merit Minimalist Perfection Stick which is ace!)

What’s the best way to apply foundation?
Personally I like brush but here’s the lowdown.

-Brushes - these give you more precision over where you apply your foundation.
-Sponge - this needs to be wet before you use it, or will soak up loads of foundation and waste it. This is my least favourite method TBH.
-Fingers - quick, but messy. And if you touch a wall you’re f*cked, which happens to me every time I use my hands.

It goes without saying, these need to be washed regularly - particularly if you have acne or rosacea because they harbour bacteria from the skin.

How do I make my foundation last all day?
This is where we need to take a tip from the experts. If you have your make-up done by a good make-up artist, they’ll spend ages prepping the skin. You don’t have to go that far, but do make sure you’ve used some skincare first. This gives the foundation something to adhere to and stops it looking cakey. To go the extra mile you can also:

-Use a hydrating sheet mask before you apply your skincare.
-Apply a long-wear primer after your skincare.
-Set your foundation with powder.
-Use a longwear setting spray.

If you want any recs for these let me know below….

Why does my foundation look cakey, dry and settle into fine lines?
The likelihood is that your skin needs more moisture, your foundation isn’t hydrating enough AND you’re using way too much of it.

Now, on with the show….

Find your new foundation bestie below….

Photo by Karly Jones on Unsplash

Best foundations for dry skin
Dry patches and flaky textures? You need hydration, my friend. Choose creamy, moisture-rich foundations with a more pearlescent finish. Oil based and cream formulas are ace here.

Light coverage:
-Ilia Super Serum Skin Tint, £48 - this is oil-based and works well in dry skins to add a little coverage and SPF protection without being greasy.

-Estee Lauder Futurist Skin Tint Serum Foundation, £39 - applies like a skincare serum and gives good coverage too.

- Tir Tir Red Mini Cushion foundation, £14 - the hype is real, this is ace. It looks incredible on the skin.

Medium-full coverage:
Armani Beauty Luminous Silk Foundation, £45 - this doesn’t contain oil, but it is glycerine based so is ace on drier skin types.

Elf Flawless Finish Foundation, £9 - also glycerine based so is hydrating for dry skins. It’s less luminous than the Armani, but is an excellent price.

Make Up Forever HD Foundation, £37 - one of my fave foundations. Offers coverage but isn’t drying or heavy at all.

The best foundations for oily skin
Does your skin tend towards oily? The trick here is to use skincare that balances your skin followed by a foundation that isn’t oil based.

Light coverage:
Fenty Beauty Eaze Drop Blurring Skin Tint, £27- light natural coverage that helps diffuse the shine of oily skin a bit.

Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturiser Oil Free Natural Skin Perfector, £24.50 - This gives good coverage and is the best oil-free tinted moisturiser I’ve used.

Medium-full coverage:
Maybelline Fit Me Matte + Poreless Foundation, £8 - This has micro powders that help control shine.

Estee Lauder Doublewear Stay In Place Foundation, £40- There’s a reason this is so popular - it stays in place even if your skin is mega oily.

Huda Easy Blur Foundation £32 - helps diffuse shine with a medium coverage finish - lovely stuff!

The best foundations for combination and balanced skins
This is skin that’s dry in parts, oily in others. So you’re after something that’s not too oily or too matte.If your skin is pretty chill, these are ace for you too.

Light coverage:
Chantecaille Future Skin Foundation, £80 - This is expensive, but as you’ll see from the number of reddit threads trying to find dupes for it, it’s brilliant. It blurs a bit, adds coverage and just seems to make your skin look magical.

Glossier Skin Tint £28 - Glycerine based to help moisturise, but doesn’t feel heavy at all.

Make Up By Mitchell £16 -Ultra light coverage that looks dewy and works for oily skins.

Medium to full coverage:
Merit Minimalist Complexion Stick, £40 - Use it to conceal and for foundation. The texture is ideal for combo/neutral skins.

Revolution Conceal and Define - £9.99 - Lasts all day, and is pretty full coverage. It doesn’t cake on dry areas as much as some others I’ve tried.

The best waterproof foundations
If you’re a sweaty betty (like me), a gym make-up wearer or live in a humid climate these work well on all skin types. They’re all medium-full coverage, so use a hydrating primer or more moisturiser first if your skin is dry.

Estée Lauder Double Wear Stay-in-Place Makeup, £38 - This lasts exceptionally well whatever you throw at it.

Giorgio Armani Power Fabric Foundation £46- Waterproof and sweat resistant, this foundation offers buildable coverage that feels super light on the skin.

L’Oréal Paris Infallible Matte Foundation- £11 - Water and transfer proof - closest to cheap alternative Doublewear I’ve tried, although the colour is a little bit flatter.

The best foundations for rosacea, acne and eczema
There are great options for anyone with extra redness in their skin, who need an extra dose of bacteria control. The below are designed for this purpose…

Light coverage
Erborian BB Cream £21 - Part skincare part foundation, it adds a little coverage with skin soothing ingredients too. The CC red correct, £21 is also great for managing redness.

IT Cosmetics Your Skin But Better CC+ Cream, £36.50 - The founder of It Cosmetics suffered with rosacea which is what led to her creating the brand. It’s hydrating and helps even the skin tone is that’s what you’re looking for. Try the mini size before you buy.

Medium-full coverage
Clinique Even Better Clinical Serum Foundation, £37 - the salicylic acid helps with acne and it has ingredients to help minimise hyperpigmentation. The coverage is medium but it doesn’t feel heavy at all.

Oxygenetix Breathable Foundation, £66 - this is made for skin with eczema, acne, rosacea and other skin conditions. It helps to promote healing, and improve the barrier function of the skin. It’s also water resistant, fragrance and oil free.

The best foundations for heavy, tattoo and post surgical coverage
Seriously heavy foundations for specific purposes…

Estee Lauder Double Wear Maximium Cover Camouflage Foundation, £38.50 - designed alongside surgeons and dermatologists this can be used as tattoo coverage, scar coverage, post surgical coverage (as directed by your medical professional.)

Vichy Dermablend Leg And Body Make-up, £54 - this entire range is aimed at heavy coverage for whatever you’d want it for. It’s also transferproof. I used this to hide my tattoo from my mum when I was 18 - LOL.

Oxygenetix Breathable Foundation, £66 - this is made for skin with eczema, acne, rosacea and other skin conditions. It helps to promote healing, and improve the barrier function of the skin. It’s also water resistant, fragrance and oil free. It’s lighter than the two above but can be used post surgery when directed by your medical professional.

The lightest coverage foundations ever…

Chanel Les Beiges Water Fresh Tint, £44 - This legit feels like water on the skin, and adds the tiniest bit of coverage to the skin that is undetectable.

Rose inc Skin Enhance Luminous Tinted Serum - £39 - Gives slightly more coverage than Chanel, and a bigger shade range, but with a similar water-like texture.

MAC Face And Body Studio Radiance Foundation £35- the ultra light formula gives more coverage than the options above but has a very thin consistency so it never looks cakey, no matter how much you apply. That’s why it’s used so much on photoshoots and backstage at fashion week because it looks so natural.

Foundations for very light and very dark skin tones
This is another overlooked category - but there are now better options for very light skin tones than ever before. Although some brands still do this as a ‘tick box’ exercise so they’re not all created equally.

Lancome Teint Idole £35 - has an incredible shade range and their very pale and very dark shades are brilliant, especially the cool toned ones. Works on all skin types for medium coverage.

Haus Labs Skin Tech Foundation, £42 - if you want a super white foundation, Haus Labs has it - and pretty much every other shade you’d want. Especially cool toned and neutral ones.

Elf Satin Foundation, £9 - has some good ultra light and super dark shades at excellent prices.

MAC Studio Fix Foundation, £38 - MAC has colours for all skin tones, but if you want to warm up or cool down your undertone, then pick the opposite to what you have - NC stands for neutral cool and NW, is neutral warm.

Fenty Beauty Pro Filt’r Soft Matte Longwear Foundation, £30 - Excellent range of shades (especially for dark skins) with medium coverage.

Milani Conceal And Perfect 2 in 1 Foundation, £8 - excellent darker shades for good prices. They lack a little nuance in the colours but are good for high street buys.

Everything is in my shelf to make it easy for you to check everything out…https://shopmy.us/collections/1048988

The best foundations for olive, golden and yellow undertones.
This is another category that’s been underserved by the beauty industry. But many women with east Asian, south Asian and Mediterranean heritage in particular, have a yellow, golden or olive undertone to the skin that isn’t served by the traditional warm-toned foundation shades.

MAC Studio Fix Foundation, £38 - MAC has colours for all skin tones, but if you want to warm up or cool down your undertone, you pick the opposite to what you have - NC is neutral cool and NW, is neutral warm. This is a medium coverage foundation.

Brulee Beauty Skin Nectar, £35 - created by a South Asian founder, this is somewhere between a light foundation and tinted moisturiser. It looks beautiful on the skin and is designed for those with a golden undertone, and medium to medium dark skintones.

Charlotte Tilbury Flawless Finish Airbrush Foundation, £39 - there’s great options here for golden and olive skin tones.

Shiseido Synchro Skin Foundation £47, - those with a yellow undertone will definitely find something here. This is one of my favourite foundations ever incidentally.

NARS Sheer Glow Foundation £39 - a glowy light foundation that has options for yellow, golden and olive undertones.

Ok - you might need a lie down after that. I think I do anyway….but please do share this if it was helpful, leave me any foundation suggestions you like and if you do buy anything use the links above and on my digital beauty shelf here. It just means I get a wee kickback….

And if this was helpful, you’ll also be into my SPF and at home hair dye guides too!

Much foundation-shaped love…

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