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Weve tested more than 100 (yes, 100) to find the best ones.
Byrdie / Photo Illustration by Kevin Liang / Photo by Alyssa Kaplan, Victoria Moorhouse, Saleam Singleton
A solid foundation is the foundation (pun intended) of any great makeup look.
Fromfull-coverageliquids to sheerpowder formulasandcreamy sticks, the right foundation enhances your natural beauty, he says.
Team Byrdie is here to help.
PHOTO: Sephora
Once it set, she noted that it felt hydrating but not greasy, and completely comfortable.
She also wore it in several weather conditions and noted that it looked beautiful every time.
The texture, finish, and coverage level make it an excellent option for people with various skin types.
She was also impressed with its lightweight feel, staying power, and natural, slightly matte finish.
All in all, she said it was one of the better matte foundations shes tried.
Particularly for under $20, thats a win in our book.
PHOTO: L’Oreal Paris
It’s also extremely lightweight.
A flawless finish that lasted a full eight hours without touch-ups or reapplication.
Be advised that this formula is water-based.
Can we get a round of applause?
But thats not the only reason we love it.
(Translation: Start slowly!)
PHOTO: Nordstrom
(He also reported that it didnt transfer, even when he performed a blot test.)
I didnt experience any settling into pores or fine lines.
Diors Backstage Foundation impressed us in this way and beyond.
He reported that its buildable, medium-to-full-coverage formula blended effortlessly onto his skin and lasted all day.
It’s a win-win all around.
Mikey, tester with combination skin:Diors Backstage Foundation is my new love affair.
PHOTO: Sephora
The tool was an absolute breeze, and it blended seamlessly into the skin.
Our tester, who has combination skin, was particularly impressed with this foundations staying power.
She also loved its lightweight feel and how well it toned down the appearance of her melasma.
But for a powder foundation made with clean, quality ingredients, we absolutely recommend it.
Ashley, tester with combination skin:I was really impressed with this foundations wear!
And it had staying power, too!
PHOTO: Ulta
Wed recommend this product to anyone who wants an easy-to-use foundation that doesnt skimp on coverage.
Overall, it blurred uneven skin texture and tone in a flash.
While we didnt have any issues with this formula breaking up on oily skin, several online reviewers have.
If you have oily skin, we recommend using aprimer for oily skinand setting the foundation with powder afterward.
Chelsea, tester with combination skin:This foundation covered my rosacea well.
I think the coverage is a perfect mediumnatural looking and doesn’t feel heavy or look streaky.
PHOTO: Ami Cole
Makeup Forevers HD Skin Hydra Glow Hydrating Foundation fits this bill and more.
It also layered exceptionally well underneath concealer, blush, and bronzer.
Its a super solid choice for those who want coverage without looking like theyre wearing much makeup at all.
Ashley, tester with combination skin:The finish and feel of this foundation are both exceptional.
Most of the time, I forgot I was wearing any foundation at all!
Below are the features team Byrdie and our testers evaluated over to determine our top picks.
PHOTO: Sephora
Before applying your foundation, prep your skin!
Maggiore recommends starting with amoisturizeras a base layer.
Setting the foundation allows for a flawless finish and a longer wear time, says Maggiore.
It also provides a smoother base for contour and blush software.
you’ve got the option to also apply a few spritzes of a long-wearing setting spray.
Those with aging skin might notice sun spots, fine lines, dryness, or lack of elasticity.
PHOTO: bareMinerals
She has been at Byrdie since 2022, where she covers all things beauty.
They reviewed testing insights from Byrdies lab to help create the list of top picks.
PHOTO: Sephora
PHOTO: Sephora
PHOTO: Sephora
Byrdie / Samantha Hunter
