Makeup
12 Best Foundations
We put tons of foundations up to a face-to-face challenge -- see which makeup is the reining champ
Sometimes, when testing and reviewing face makeup, like foundations, it can feel like we're acting as referees in the ring of the WWF -- that's "Women Wear Foundation", of course. We have to make sure each match is a fair fight between the products. That each foundation being tested gets equal face time and is compared ounce-to-ounce and price-to-price. Why? Because the makeup you spend your hard-earned money on should put up a good fight and make you look flawless. That's why our editors put them face-to-face to see which ones were the clear winners before you give any of them a go.
Skip to see the best foundations, according to us, now.
We have to admit, the competition between all of the relatively new foundations we tested got intense. Right when we thought one foundation would be a clear winner and make it on our list of faves, it turned cakey when applied after moisturizer (a below-the-belt blow). Or, one product that we thought to be an underdog, surprised everyone and came out on top by staying put all day long. Some threw combination punches, which in boxing means a series of jabs in a row, but in makeup it means a multi-tasker that does many things like prime and conceal at the same time. Some were just good ol' one hit wonders and worked like magic too. Bottom line: The 12 best foundations that made the list of our favorites had a lot to prove, and totally delivered.
But, before you give them a go, keep these important expert foundation tips in mind:
• Apply foundation to the center of your face and blend outward. Always use powder sparingly, and to conceal or brighten dark circles, select a concealer with a pink undertone then gently pat it on. -- Jane McKay, makeup artist for MAC
• "Always prep with a moisturizer before applying foundation. The extra bit of moisture helps makeup slide on smoothly and evenly." -- Barbie Laurino, a global makeup artist for Laura Mercier
• Ideally, your makeup should allow your natural skin to show through, not blanket it. "To get the lightest, most sheer layer of coverage, use a damp sponge or synthetic brush instead of using your fingers." -- Makeup artist Sonia Kashuk
SEE NEXT PAGE: Physicians Formula Mineral Wear Talc-Free Mineral Illuminating Powder Duo SPF 16, $13.99
Skip to see the best foundations, according to us, now.
We have to admit, the competition between all of the relatively new foundations we tested got intense. Right when we thought one foundation would be a clear winner and make it on our list of faves, it turned cakey when applied after moisturizer (a below-the-belt blow). Or, one product that we thought to be an underdog, surprised everyone and came out on top by staying put all day long. Some threw combination punches, which in boxing means a series of jabs in a row, but in makeup it means a multi-tasker that does many things like prime and conceal at the same time. Some were just good ol' one hit wonders and worked like magic too. Bottom line: The 12 best foundations that made the list of our favorites had a lot to prove, and totally delivered.
But, before you give them a go, keep these important expert foundation tips in mind:
• Apply foundation to the center of your face and blend outward. Always use powder sparingly, and to conceal or brighten dark circles, select a concealer with a pink undertone then gently pat it on. -- Jane McKay, makeup artist for MAC
• "Always prep with a moisturizer before applying foundation. The extra bit of moisture helps makeup slide on smoothly and evenly." -- Barbie Laurino, a global makeup artist for Laura Mercier
• Ideally, your makeup should allow your natural skin to show through, not blanket it. "To get the lightest, most sheer layer of coverage, use a damp sponge or synthetic brush instead of using your fingers." -- Makeup artist Sonia Kashuk
SEE NEXT PAGE: Physicians Formula Mineral Wear Talc-Free Mineral Illuminating Powder Duo SPF 16, $13.99
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