If you are looking for a new foundation, check out these foundations that are approved by professional makeup artists.
Out of all the different makeup items, the one that you have to make sure you buy the right one is foundation. As we have learned from our makeup mistakes, nothing is more obvious than a foundation that is wrong for your complexion. You need one that matches your skin tone exactly, and you need it to work with your face, whether it is dry or oily. Searching for a new foundation can be daunting, so we asked makeup artists what their faves are to help make it a little easier for you. Once you choose your perfect foundation, you can also check out their picks for the best lipsticks and mascaras.
(Related: These Are the Best Mascaras You Can Buy, According to Professional Makeup Artists)
Take a look at these makeup-artist approved foundations:
1. All Day Luminous Weightless Foundation, NARS
Makeup artist and Artis brush founder Matthew Waitesmith is a fan of this long-wearing foundation. He states, “It is important to use a small amount and blend/apply with a brush like an Artis Oval 6 or Oval 8 to distribute it evenly across the skin. If you do that combination of formula and brush, the results can be remarkable.”
2. Smooth Finish Cream To Powder Makeup, Milani
Some foundations can look like a mask if you try to touch them up, but this one doesn’t look cakey. Taraji P. Henson’s makeup artist Ashunta Sheriff chose it as her favorite. Ashutna states, “This foundation gives amazing coverage and feels ultra-lightweight. It comes in a vast shade range from fair to deep, dark skin tones. It’s also great for midday touch-ups without building too much or looking heavy.”
3. Sensual Skin Fluid Foundation Kevyn Aucoin
This foundation isn’t cheap, but Forward Artists makeup artist Samuel Paul loves the coverage. He explains, “[It has] silky fresh coverage that melds into the skin.” The super-light formula also makes it seem like you aren’t wearing any makeup.
4. Ultra HD Invisible Cover Foundation, Make Up For Ever
Makeup artist and lash designer Monika Crouch likes to choose different foundations depending on the season, but she likes this one year-round. She elaborates, “For summer and fall [my picks] are totally different but Make Up For Ever HD Foundation is good for warm and cold weather. It works well with most complexions because of the oil-free formula. It photographs beautifully and doesn’t leave the possibility of a white cast from flash photography.” Remember that for your selfies.
5. Luminous Silk Foundation, Giorgio Armani
If your complexion is looking a bit dull, Forward Artists makeup artist Kathy Jeung has a foundation to perk it up. She explains, “[It] imparts a beautiful glow and finish to the skin.” What more could you ask for?
6. HD Glamour Creme Super Palette in Warm, Graftobian
If you want to feel like a proper makeup artist, Jose Corella’s pick is perfect. It doesn’t matter how tan you are; you can mix your perfect shade with this palette. Jose explains, “[This is] my go-to. The 18-shade warm color range makes it impossible NOT to have a flawless finish for women of a variety of skin tones.” FYI: It is available in cool and neutral shades too.
7. Sheer Glow Foundation, NARS
Makeup artist Lauren Napier also chose a NARS foundation. Lauren explains, “I love it because it’s lightweight, comes in a wide variety of shades, and makes my skin look flawless!” You can also build up the coverage.
8. Luminizing Moisture Tint, Jouer
Makeup artist Birchbox Brand Ambassador and vlogger Tati Westbrook chose this lightweight moisture tint as her pick. She states, “[It] gives you coverage while still looking like natural skin, and it adds just a little kiss of radiance.”
9. Diorskin Forever Foundation, Dior
Makeup artist Jade Marie likes tinted moisturizers for less coverage, but this liquid foundation ranks highly for when she wants a bit more coverage. She says, “If you need less coverage, go with a sheer tinted moisturizer to let your skin shine through. If you need to amp up the coverage, I always love a liquid or cream foundation, using a colorless or pale powder to set.”