Top 10 Foundations
The Ultimate Guide To Finding The Right Foundation For Your Skin Type And Coverage Needs
When you’re short on time but still want to look polished, what makeup do you reach for first? For us, it’s the quick essentials: mascara, a tinted lip, brow gel, blush—and the real MVP—foundation.
Why foundation? Because out of all the staples in your makeup bag, it does the most heavy lifting. A great foundation evens out skin tone, blurs imperfections, and creates a smooth canvas for the rest of your routine. Even better, today’s formulas go far beyond coverage, often doubling as skincare with benefits like hydration, SPF, oil control, and long-wear performance.
That said, finding the one isn’t exactly easy. With hundreds of formulas promising flawless results, choosing the right foundation for your skin type, finish preference, and lifestyle can feel overwhelming.
That’s where we come in. Ahead, we’ve rounded up the best foundations available right now—based on popularity, expert praise, and real-world reviews. Whether you’re looking for a matte finish, an oil-free formula, or something lightweight and skin-like, this list makes it easy to compare and shop the most recommended foundations online.
All products and deals are sourced by the Rank & Style team using data and expert insights. If you shop through our links, we may earn a commission—at no extra cost to you.
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The Rankings
Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless Longwear Foundation
Overall Score
4.55
10
Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless Longwear Foundation
4.45
1394 User Reviews
4
Best Seller
4
Industry Recognition
3
Social Buzz
About Our Scoring System
To be featured on Rank & Style, a product must meet the requirements of our proprietary algorithm—a vetting process that analyzes data across the four pillars shown above. This system scores products based on consumer and industry performance to identify the market consensus for each category. We do not physically test products in-house. Instead, we ensure every recommendation is backed by real-world data and professional authority.
Best Filter-Like Finish Foundation
WHY YOU’LL LOVE IT
Known for its iconic “airbrush” effect, this foundation creates a soft-focus, flawless finish that blurs imperfections like a camera filter. With buildable coverage and a comfortable feel, it’s a favorite for special occasions and everyday glam alike.
WHO IT’S BEST FOR
Ideal for normal to combination skin types wanting polished, photo-ready coverage with a luminous yet refined finish.
Huda Beauty Easy Blur Natural Airbrush Foundation
Overall Score
4.6
09
Huda Beauty Easy Blur Natural Airbrush Foundation
4.55
8125 User Reviews
4
Best Seller
3
Industry Recognition
4
Social Buzz
About Our Scoring System
To be featured on Rank & Style, a product must meet the requirements of our proprietary algorithm—a vetting process that analyzes data across the four pillars shown above. This system scores products based on consumer and industry performance to identify the market consensus for each category. We do not physically test products in-house. Instead, we ensure every recommendation is backed by real-world data and professional authority.
Best Blurring Foundation With Niacinamide
WHY YOU’LL LOVE IT
This serum-like foundation combines pore-blurring silica with 1.5 % niacinamide to smooth texture and boost barrier health while delivering comfortable, medium coverage. Its weightless feel enhances a soft, natural complexion with minimal effort.
WHO IT’S BEST FOR
Great for anyone who wants a perfect-skin, airbrushed finish—especially those with texture concerns or uneven tone seeking a skin-friendly base.
Maybelline Fit Me Matte + Poreless Foundation
Overall Score
4.7
08
Maybelline Fit Me Matte + Poreless Foundation
4.46
27833 User Reviews
5
Best Seller
4
Industry Recognition
4
Social Buzz
About Our Scoring System
To be featured on Rank & Style, a product must meet the requirements of our proprietary algorithm—a vetting process that analyzes data across the four pillars shown above. This system scores products based on consumer and industry performance to identify the market consensus for each category. We do not physically test products in-house. Instead, we ensure every recommendation is backed by real-world data and professional authority.
Best Drugstore Foundation
WHY YOU’LL LOVE IT
Ringing in at under $10, this is definitely the most affordable foundation on our list—but that doesn’t mean it’s any less effective than its company. Lightweight and breathable, Maybelline created this liquid foundation to absorb oil and control shine, all while giving you a smooth, clear complexion.
WHO IT’S BEST FOR
This is a foundation formulated for oily skin. It's free of oils and the ingredient list includes clay, so you can trust that it won’t cause breakouts or clog your pores.
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Patrick Ta Major Skin Hydra-Luxe Luminous Foundation
Overall Score
4.7
07
Patrick Ta Major Skin Hydra-Luxe Luminous Foundation
4.48
4105 User Reviews
3
Best Seller
5
Industry Recognition
4
Social Buzz
About Our Scoring System
To be featured on Rank & Style, a product must meet the requirements of our proprietary algorithm—a vetting process that analyzes data across the four pillars shown above. This system scores products based on consumer and industry performance to identify the market consensus for each category. We do not physically test products in-house. Instead, we ensure every recommendation is backed by real-world data and professional authority.
Chanel Les Beiges Healthy Glow Foundation
Overall Score
4.75
06
Chanel Les Beiges Healthy Glow Foundation
4.52
672 User Reviews
4
Best Seller
4
Industry Recognition
5
Social Buzz
About Our Scoring System
To be featured on Rank & Style, a product must meet the requirements of our proprietary algorithm—a vetting process that analyzes data across the four pillars shown above. This system scores products based on consumer and industry performance to identify the market consensus for each category. We do not physically test products in-house. Instead, we ensure every recommendation is backed by real-world data and professional authority.
Dior Forever Skin Perfect Foundation Stick
Overall Score
4.75
05
Dior Forever Skin Perfect Foundation Stick
4.51
3006 User Reviews
4
Best Seller
4
Industry Recognition
5
Social Buzz
About Our Scoring System
To be featured on Rank & Style, a product must meet the requirements of our proprietary algorithm—a vetting process that analyzes data across the four pillars shown above. This system scores products based on consumer and industry performance to identify the market consensus for each category. We do not physically test products in-house. Instead, we ensure every recommendation is backed by real-world data and professional authority.
NARS Light Reflecting Advanced Skincare Foundation
Overall Score
4.75
04
NARS Light Reflecting Advanced Skincare Foundation
4.37
8659 User Reviews
5
Best Seller
5
Industry Recognition
4
Social Buzz
About Our Scoring System
To be featured on Rank & Style, a product must meet the requirements of our proprietary algorithm—a vetting process that analyzes data across the four pillars shown above. This system scores products based on consumer and industry performance to identify the market consensus for each category. We do not physically test products in-house. Instead, we ensure every recommendation is backed by real-world data and professional authority.
Best Radiant, Skin-Perfecting Foundation
WHY YOU’LL LOVE IT
If your goal is natural-looking glow—not shine—this one delivers. NARS Light Reflecting Foundation uses light-reflecting technology to instantly brighten skin while helping improve clarity over time. The medium, buildable coverage smooths uneven tone, softens the look of texture, and gives skin a healthy, lit-from-within finish that still looks like skin.
WHO IT’S BEST FOR
This foundation is ideal for normal, dry, and combination skin types—especially anyone dealing with dullness or uneven tone. It’s a great pick if you want a radiant finish that lasts all day without settling into fine lines or feeling heavy.
Fenty Beauty By Rihanna Pro Filt'r Soft Matte Longwear Foundation
Overall Score
4.8
03
Fenty Beauty By Rihanna Pro Filt'r Soft Matte Longwear Foundation
4.21
30955 User Reviews
5
Best Seller
5
Industry Recognition
5
Social Buzz
About Our Scoring System
To be featured on Rank & Style, a product must meet the requirements of our proprietary algorithm—a vetting process that analyzes data across the four pillars shown above. This system scores products based on consumer and industry performance to identify the market consensus for each category. We do not physically test products in-house. Instead, we ensure every recommendation is backed by real-world data and professional authority.
Best Matte Foundation
WHY YOU’LL LOVE IT
You probably don’t need us to remind you that Queen RiRi is the founder of Fenty Beauty, but consider this your refresher. And like everything else Rihanna has her hand in, Fenty is considered a smashing success. Here’s our evidence: the Pro Filt’r Soft Matte Foundation is both a Sephora community favorite and an Allure Best of Beauty award winner.
WHO IT’S BEST FOR
This foundation comes in 50 shades, which means most should be able to find their perfect skin tone match. Its oil-free formula is designed to give you an instantly-smooth, pore-diffused finish, making it a great option for those with normal, combination, or oily skin.
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Cruelty Free
Estée Lauder Double Wear Stay-in-Place Foundation
Overall Score
4.85
02
Estée Lauder Double Wear Stay-in-Place Foundation
4.58
28616 User Reviews
5
Best Seller
5
Industry Recognition
4
Social Buzz
About Our Scoring System
To be featured on Rank & Style, a product must meet the requirements of our proprietary algorithm—a vetting process that analyzes data across the four pillars shown above. This system scores products based on consumer and industry performance to identify the market consensus for each category. We do not physically test products in-house. Instead, we ensure every recommendation is backed by real-world data and professional authority.
Best Foundation Overall
WHY YOU’LL LOVE IT
Estee Lauder describes their Double Wear Stay-In-Place Foundation as “makeup that keeps up with busy life.” So, what does that mean exactly? It means that this foundation will look smooth and well-blended even after 24 hours of wear in the heat and humidity—or just a normal day of work, chores, and taking care of the kids.
WHO IT’S BEST FOR
With 55 options to choose from, there should be a shade of this foundation for everyone. But because it’s made with an oil-free formula, it’s best for those with normal, combination, or oily skin types.
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Armani Beauty Luminous Silk Perfect Glow Flawless Foundation
Overall Score
4.85
01
Armani Beauty Luminous Silk Perfect Glow Flawless Foundation
4.66
5858 User Reviews
5
Best Seller
5
Industry Recognition
4
Social Buzz
About Our Scoring System
To be featured on Rank & Style, a product must meet the requirements of our proprietary algorithm—a vetting process that analyzes data across the four pillars shown above. This system scores products based on consumer and industry performance to identify the market consensus for each category. We do not physically test products in-house. Instead, we ensure every recommendation is backed by real-world data and professional authority.
WHY YOU’LL LOVE IT
A foundation that’s inspired by silk? Now that’s luxury. Formulated with Micro–fil technology, Armani’s Luminous Silk Foundation is meant to glide over your skin and leave you with an airbrushed, glowy look.
WHO IT’S BEST FOR
This oil-free foundation works best for normal, combination, and oily skin. And here’s a tip: if you’re not ready to commit to shelling out over $60 for a bottle of this foundation, it’s available in a more affordable mini size.
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