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The best foundation forms the scaffolding of your make-up look. Whether you prefer a full-coverage finish or you’re looking for a blurring foundation for mature skin, your face base can seriously make or break the appearance of your skin.
According to make-up artist Mira Parmar (who’s tended to the faces of Joanna Lumley, Celia Imrie and more), the professionals routinely look to “foundations that suit the skin tone, are long-wearing for shows (or brides), can withstand humidity, and sit on the skin beautifully, blend beautifully and look flawless.” While she acknowledges that this is a big ask, she promises that it is indeed possible – if you know where to look.
With her tips in tow, I set about hunting down the very formulas she speaks of, and called on a trio of IndyBest experts to ensure my tests resonated with every complexion and skin concern. From Maybelline to Merit, these were the foundations we felt were a cut above the rest.
Read more: Best foundations for dry skin, tested by a beauty writer
The best foundations of 2026 are:
- Best overall – Lisa Eldridge seamless skin foundation: £44, Spacenk.com
- Best budget buy – Maybelline super stay up to 24H skin tint foundation + vitamin C: £13, Amazon.co.uk
- Best for dry skin – Code 8 radiate beauty balm: £43, Codeeight.com
- Best for oily skin – Clinique even better clinical serum foundation SPF20: £39, Boots.com
- Best for mature skin – Charlotte Tilbury beautiful skin foundation: £40, Charlottetilbury.com
Read more: 10 best concealers tested on different skin tones to hide blemishes
Lisa Eldridge seamless skin foundation
Best: foundation overall
Type: Liquid
Finish: Satin
Coverage: Buildable light to medium
Shades: 40
Skin type: Normal to oily, including acne-prone
Vegan and cruelty-free: Yes
Why we love it
- Blends with ease (best with a sponge)
- Natural, healthy finish with enough coverage to blur blemishes
- Inclusive shade range
- Doesn’t need lots of powder top ups throughout the day
After just a few brush strokes I could tell I was onto a winner with the seamless skin foundation – and it’s no surprise, given Lisa Eldridge’s two-plus decades of MUA experience. For those that don’t know, Eldridge has worked with stars including Dua Lipa and Cindy Crawford (to name a few) and launched her eponymous brand in 2019.
In 2021, the release of Eldridge’s seamless skin foundation proved hugely popular and, after wearing it for eight hours without needing to blot, I can certainly see why. It was easy to work into my skin with either a brush or sponge (though the latter was quicker in a pinch), and the coverage was universally flattering – buildable for those looking to conceal and light enough to showcase freckles and beauty marks. The finish is seamless, without any patchiness, and even managed to mask some of the fine lines developing on my forehead. Result.
The only way to stand the product up is via a small bevel on the side of the glass and, admittedly, I found this a little gimmicky. When getting ready at the crack of dawn, the bottle repeatedly rolled off my dresser and, while I’m all for a bit of aesthetic packaging, I might have preferred a more functional casing in this instance.
Rating: 5/5
– Lucy Smith
I love Lisa and her make up. Rich with squalane and skin-conditioning esters, this feels silky and hydrating without being greasy. It’s thin but pigmented, and glides on like a skincare make-up hybrid. It didn’t settle into my pores or fine lines, and it almost blurs them without heaviness. It wore beautifully for 10+ hours with minimal fading; if anything, it polished throughout the day. I have combination skin and my T-zone stayed controlled without looking too matte or chalky.
Rating: 5/5
– Ateh Jewel
This formula glides smoothly across skin, and while it’s lightweight, I saw medium coverage that lasted for several hours. It creates a natural finish, with gentle luminosity. It has a demi-matte effect, and – although I have dry skin – it doesn’t cause patchiness, or cling to fine lines and pores. This is because of its skincare-led ingredients, like hydration-promoting glycerin. Plus, there is no piling when layering it over skincare or adding further coverage.
Rating: 4.5/5
– Helen Wilson-Beevers
You can tell this is a foundation formulated by a make-up artist – it blended beautifully, providing just the right amount of coverage without completely masking my skin. It let my natural shine come through as the day went on, but didn’t leave my skin feeling oily. I found it settled into a couple of lines around my mouth, but this didn’t bother me too much.
Rating: 4.5/5
– Sabrina Sahota
Buy now £44, Spacenk.com
Maybelline super stay up to 24H skin tint foundation + vitamin C
Best: budget foundation
Type: Liquid/serum
Finish: Glowy
Coverage: Buildable light to medium coverage
Shades: 20
Skin type: Normal to oily
Vegan and cruelty-free: Vegan, but not cruelty-free
Why we love it
- Easy to blend
- Surprisingly good coverage from such a watery formula
- Rare to find a glowy foundation that sits well on oily skin
- Affordable
Take note
- Limited shade range
- Oxidises slightly with extended wear
I’ll admit it, I’ve been a bit of a snob about affordable foundations in the past and so, when I put this one to the test, I braced for disappointment. Instead, I found that Maybelline’s sub-£15 formula turned out to be more flattering on my skin than Clé de Peau’s £120+ offering. That’ll teach me.
When it comes to affordability, Maybelline has absolutely nailed it with the super stay skin tint. The texture is runny but sinks in quickly, making for a fuss-free, fool-proof blend. You’ll likely use more than expected (I went back for a second pipette), but the payoff is worth it: a blurred, non-cakey finish that even helped offset the fact I chose a shade slightly too dark. While it won’t replace a full-coverage concealer for breakouts, it does a decent job of softening surrounding redness and irritation.
The finish? A sheer, dewy warmth that lifts dull skin without looking like makeup – it could easily fit for bare skin. It plays well with both powder and cream products and, although it oxidized slightly on contact with my natural oils, it held up impressively all day, even through the heat and grime of the London Underground.
Rating: 4.5/5
– LS
Infused with vitamin C, Maybelline’s skin tint feels like a breathable second skin. It brightens instantly and gives a healthy, softly perfected finish without looking overdone. Its longevity is impressive for the price – I got more than 10 hours of wear, before noticing slight fading and it wears evenly, rather than patchy. Coverage is light to medium, so it won’t fully conceal, but it smooths tone and keeps skin looking alive and fresh. Comfortable, flexible and easy to apply, it’s brilliant value and ideal for everyday errands, school runs or quick glam. The price point feels wonderfully democratic.
Rating: 4.5/5
– AJ
This lightweight foundation is presented in a serum-style bottle with pipette, which makes for mess-free application. As it’s very natural on skin, there is a subtle glow rather than a complexion-smoothing finish. While I found the coverage was a bit uneven, I did like its breathability and the fact I couldn’t feel it on my skin throughout the day. That gentle coverage layer (and the radiance) lasted for a few hours, too.
Rating: 4/5
– HWB
This is my favourite affordable foundation, thanks to its lightweight formula that’s easy to blend and versatile coverage that can be built. It doesn’t have the staying power of more premium foundations, with it fading on some oilier areas, such as the centre of my face, but it’s a reliable, reasonably priced foundation.
Rating: 4/5
– SS
Buy now £13, Amazon.co.uk
Clinique even better clinical serum foundation SPF 20
Best: foundation for oily skin
Type: Liquid
Finish: Satin
Coverage: Buildable light to medium
Shades: 42
Skin type: Normal to oily, including acne-prone
Vegan and cruelty-free: No
Why we love it
- Easy, fuss-free blending
- Jam-packed, nourishing ingredients list
- Obscures redness
- Leaves oily skin shine-free, without sapping its glow
- Sits well atop moisturisers and serums
Take note
- Not enough stretch or moisture for dryer skin
- Slight powdery finish on dehydrated skin
Over the past decade, foundation prices have steadily climbed. I was thrilled to find one of Clinique’s premium offerings – the even better clinical foundation – for less than £40, despite its impressive list of active ingredients, from salicylic acid to brightening vitamin C.
This foundation delivers some serious bang for your buck. Although its packaging lacks the glamour of Chanel and Charlotte Tilbury, there’s a quiet charm to the bubble-like bottle. The formula itself is exceptional: it glides on effortlessly without dragging and, while it’s not overtly moisturising, it doesn’t dry out the skin either thanks to hyaluronic acid and niacinamide. Plus, it blurs rosacea and sun spots without masking your skin’s natural nuances.
Blending is relatively easy and the finish holds up well throughout the day, with no patchiness or oxidation. After eight hours, a touch of dewiness appeared around my T-zone, but it felt fresh and flattering. While it may not be nourishing enough for very dry or flaky skin, it stood out as the best performer among all the formulas I tested.
Rating: 5/5
– LS
Clinique’s foundation feels weightless on the skin– think serum, not mask. Infused with hyaluronic acid and vitamin C, it hydrates and brightens while evening out your skin. It melts in quickly and doesn’t accentuate texture and although it contains SPF 20, it doesn’t pill under other products. It wore beautifully under heat and humidity, while I ran around London getting sweaty, fading very gently at the very end of the day rather than becoming patchy.
Rating: 4.5/5
– AJ
This foundation is quite thick, with a little bit going a long way. White it’s worth noting that the formula creates a matte effect, I did see even coverage. It also blurs imperfections brilliantly, from redness to dark circles. As the name suggests, it contains skincare ingredients and I saw a smoothing, long-lasting finish which didn’t budge during a rainy dog walk (or for hours afterwards). It’s worth noting that this formula on dry skin can feel and look a bit heavy and powdery.
Rating: 4/5
– HWB
I was impressed with the extensive shade selection on offer with this foundation, with a range of undertones available for medium/warm skin tones. It has a lovely satin finish and lasts throughout the day, with subtle fading by the end of the day, but unfortunately on my combination skin it accentuated some texture.
Rating: 4/5
– SS
Buy now £29, Boots.com
Merit Beauty the minimalist perfecting complexion stick
Best: foundation for travel
Type: Stick
Finish: Satin
Coverage: Buildable light to medium
Shades: 30
Skin type: Normal to combination
Vegan and cruelty-free: Yes
Why we love it
- Quick and mess-free to apply
- Non-greasy
- Blends quickly and seamlessly
Take note
- Slightly separates on the skin by the end of the day
Merit, a brand that launched in 2021, has quickly become a favourite in the beauty industry. The minimalist perfecting complexion stick, a two-in-one concealer and foundation, can even double as a contour if you choose a shade or two darker than your skin tone.
The formula is relatively dry yet not dehydrating, gliding on easily without dragging. About 10 swipes provided light to medium coverage, and blending with a fluffy brush was quick and effortless, leaving a smooth, streak-free finish. It evened out redness, while allowing my natural skin to show through.
As a concealer under my eyes, it diffused dark circles well. However, by the end of the day, I noticed some mascara smudging under my lower lash line, possibly due to the moisturising caprylic/capric triglyceride included. There was also a slight breakdown in the finish around my forehead, likely from this ingredient loosening the makeup. That said, the separation was minimal, and I often experience mascara fallout due to my oily skin.
Rating: 4.5/5
– LS
Packed with shea butter and jojoba seed oil, Merit’s complexion stick feels nourishing on contact as it’s creamy, comfy, and easy to blend with fingers. It has a lighter coverage but it’s perfect for quick, skin-loving wear. On a long day it gently faded into a second-skin finish; it didn’t crease but also didn’t have hardcore longevity. If you need camouflage for serious pigmentation, you’ll need concealer. But for even, fresh, barely-there days, it feels like a luxury skin hug.
Rating: 4/5
– AJ
Being a stick foundation and concealer hybrid, this blends well with a brush, creating an even, smoothing finish. I saw a silky-soft sheen on my skin with application, which brings a gentle blurring effect. It creates a lightweight foundation layer, which did fade after a couple of hours on my skin. But, being so buildable, it’s easy to add more of the formula. Plus, the handy stick shape hugs face contours for quick coverage and concealer top-ups.
Rating: 4/5
– HWB
This is perfect for those who don’t like the feeling of a heavy foundation. It has just enough coverage to even out your skin, but don’t expect it to completely cover any blemishes or pigmentation. Its lightweight formula also meant that I was able to use it as an under-eye concealer, without experiencing any creasing. Its multi-purpose, stick formula makes the Merit complexion stick one of the best foundations for travel.
Rating: 4/5
– SS
Buy now £34, Sephora.co.uk
Westman Atelier vital skin foundation stick
Best: foundation for a satin finish
Type: Stick
Finish: Satin
Coverage: Buildable light to medium coverage
Shades: 20
Skin type: All
Vegan and cruelty-free: Yes
Why we love it
- Sleek packaging
- Sensitive skin-friendly
- Leaves a gorgeous glow
Take note
- Takes a little longer to blend
- Clings to dry patches
Housed in a ceramic-style baby pink casing, this luxe formula is fragrance-free and the best foundation for a satin finish that we tested. It slid onto my skin with ease and, with a larger circumference than the Merit stick above, took only nine swipes to adequately cover my face and neck. Like Merit, the product is a two-in-one foundation and concealer and, using a rounded fluffy brush, distributed across the skin with ease. In terms of blending, the formula left a few streaks so it took a little longer to buff these away. I found using a second, dry make-up brush the best way to do this.
The finish of Westman’s vital foundation is truly gorgeous. My skin appeared baby soft and lit-from-within. What’s more, the product wore well throughout the day and I saw no signs of separation nor any excess shine as the hours passed. Though, the shade range is perhaps a little lacking, with the darkest shade likely not deep enough for some.
Rating: 4.5/5
– LS
This is a rich creamy dream with squalane and coconut oil that conditions your skin as you wear it. On dry areas it’s gorgeous and glow-boosting, and it doesn’t cake. Its medium buildable coverage lasts all day and for me, through London humidity and long hours, it kept my skin texture looking soft and glowy without sliding off. Oily individuals may need a light powder, but it never felt heavy or like a mask, more like skin that’s had a great night’s sleep. For quick make-up days, a stick is also super easy to apply.
Rating: 4.5/5
– AJ
Because this foundation stick has quite a thick consistency, the formula is less spreadable, so I needed to rub some patches in – even after using a brush for application. However, it creates impressive foundation coverage for a stick formula. The foundation lasted on my skin for a full day, too, and it didn’t budge until I removed it with cleanser and a cloth in the evening. While it clung to some drier areas of skin, I found the full-coverage effect useful for concealing redness and dark circles.
Rating: 4.5/5
– HWB
This is the foundation I keep reaching for as my everyday base. The creamy formula is mostly easy to blend but some areas needed a little more effort, however there’s no denying that the final finish is beautifully radiant. The coverage is buildable and it’s just as effective for minimal make-up days as it is for days where I need more coverage to mask my pigmentation.
Rating: 4.5/5
– SS
Buy now £62, Cultbeauty.co.uk
Il Makiage woke up like this flawless base foundation
Best: foundation for shade range
Type: Liquid
Finish: Velvet/satin (depending on primer/moisturiser)
Coverage: Buildable medium to full coverage
Shades: 50
Skin type: Normal to oily
Vegan and cruelty-free: Yes
Why we love it
- Shade match quiz is incredibly effective
- Doesn’t pill or separate
- Non-greasy
Take note
- Can appear a bit grainy on the skin if not blended
- Might be drying if not paired with a rich moisturiser
Il Makiage launched in the UK in 2020, quickly gaining attention for its impressive foundation shade range and matching algorithm. The algorithm, a quick quiz, considers factors like age, skin type, undertone, coverage preference, and more to recommend your perfect shade. It takes less than two minutes and uses your responses to the above (plus a series of skin tone reference photos) to provide you with a match.
I was skeptical about its accuracy, but my shade (#20) was pretty much an exact match, with a sheer and hydrating formula, thanks to hyaluronic acid. I was surprised to find I needed three full pumps to cover my face, but I appreciated the buildable coverage. The foundation blends easily and gives you adequate time to buff before drying, though I needed a second, dry brush to avoid a granular finish.
The final result is a matte-to-satin finish, and my oily skin felt quenched all day. However, those with dry skin might need a primer, as the formula focuses more on hydration (water) than nourishment (oil/moisture).
Rating: 4/5
– LS
This is full power coverage, thanks to silicone polymer tech that sits like a veil over skin. It doesn’t feel too heavy on the skin and stays put through sweat and humidity, but can look slightly matte and photo-ready rather than skin-like. It doesn’t contain many skincare actives, so if you’re chasing nourishment with make-up, pair it with a good moisturiser. Overall I was impressed with its longevity and it barely budged on me after 12+ hours.
Rating: 4/5
– AJ
This foundation has a demi-matte, lightweight finish that creates a medium amount of coverage. Applied straight after a thick layer of moisturiser, it went onto my skin smoothly, but with less skincare I saw some dryness. The foundation also settled in fine lines an hour or so after application. But, this is a long-lasting base, with decent coverage that stays put for several hours on end.
Rating: 4/5
– HWB
For a medium to full coverage foundation, I was surprised how quickly this foundation blended into my skin. I was really impressed with the range of medium to dark skin tones on offer and the shade I chose from the online shade matcher (#130) was the perfect match. The final finish is matte, but there’s a slight hint of radiance, too, and there’s no denying that it’s long lasting.
Rating: 4.5/5
– SS
Buy now £39, Ilmakiage.com
Clé de Peau Beauté radiant fluid foundation natural
Best: luxury foundation
Type: Liquid
Finish: Sheer satin
Shades: 31
Skin type: Normal to oily
Vegan and cruelty-free: No, neither
Why we love it
- Packed with skin-loving ingredients
- Japanese influence means skin soothing is central to the formula
- Leaves skin looking youthful and healthy
Take note
- Expensive
- Hard to achieve a true seamless blend
As a fan of Asian beauty, I was excited to try Clé de Peau’s radiant fluid foundation, especially after discovering from Lily Collins’s make-up artist that the actress wore it on the set of Emily in Paris season 3. Applying it for myself, the formula brightened my complexion and alleviated dullness, while allowing my natural skin tone to shine through.
After using about three pumps and buffing with a brush, the finish was a beautiful, barely-there veil. However, blending was trickier than expected, and I saw some grainy-looking texture in more porous areas, which I fixed with a dry brush. Despite the learning curve, I can see why make-up artists (with all their blending expertise) reach for it.
The foundation kept my skin shine-free all day, with my imperfections blurred thanks to the included silk and shell proteins. While it does contain moisturising argan oil, I wouldn’t say it’s ideal for dry skin, as I saw some separation in dehydrated areas, even with my oily skin.
As the best luxury foundation we tested, you get a formula packed with amino acids and antioxidants, plus luxurious packaging. Though there are more affordable options that provide similar results, this foundation is a treat for those with the budget, delivering that coveted ‘celebrity skin’ finish.
Rating: 4/5
– LS
This is unapologetic luxury with the price tag to prove it. The fluid silky texture melts into skin with almost imperceptible weight. Enriched with pearl essence and light-reflecting complexes, it creates that elusive internal glow rather than overt shimmer, which is great for midlife skin. On textured areas it doesn’t settle or emphasise; instead, it softly diffuses light, lending a smooth, refined finish. Wear time is exceptional and the sheen evolves into warmth rather than oiliness as the day goes on. It genuinely feels like perfected skin rather than makeup sitting on top. Pricey, yes, but the elegance and performance justify the splurge. I enjoyed it.
Rating: 5/5
– AJ
I immediately noticed this foundation’s fresh, uplifting scent, which is due to the inclusion of rose extract. On my skin, it creates heavy coverage, without any cakiness or clinging to dry areas. I also noted a gently smoothing finish. The formula doesn’t slide off skin and instead creates a long-lasting effect. While the coverage faded as the day went on, I could still see a dewiness nine hours after application.
Rating: 4.5/5
– HWB
If you like a lightweight, glowy foundation, this ticks those boxes. It’s the kind of foundation that I’d take on holiday when I want that ‘no make-up, make-up’ look, but I don’t think it’s worth the £126 price tag. I also found it tricky to choose my shade and the shade I landed on was too warm for my skin tone.
Rating: 4/5
– SS
Buy now £126, Cultbeauty.co.uk
Shiseido revitalessence skin glow foundation SPF30
Best: Japanese foundation
Type: Liquid
Finish: Sheer glowy
Shades: 30
Skin type: All, though perhaps worth a patch test on sensitive skin
Vegan and cruelty-free: No, neither
Why we love it
- Let’s natural skin shine through
- Packed with goodness
- Layers well with other products
Take note
- Majority of shades skew towards caucasian skin tones
- Takes some blending
Much like Clé de Peau, Shiseido is a Japanese beauty brand (from Tokyo) uses soothing rice, vitamin E and antioxidants in its revitalessence foundation to help nurture healthy skin from within. While many foundations serve to mask the skin, Shiseido’s reflects the Japanese philosophy of wabi-sabi; the idea that we should embrace our natural imperfections. It elevates what’s already there using skin-loving ingredients and, with a sheer and glowy finish, allows the subtleties of freckles and fine lines to shine through – in a way that’s flattering!
As is often the case with J and K-beauty brands, the shade range needs an extension for darker skin tones. My shade match was good and the foundation layered well with my subsequent make-up products. It didn’t grow patchy throughout the day and, while I struggled to blend it with my foundation brush, a beauty sponge made quick work of any remaining streaks. The finish was a healthy and youthful upgrade on my bare skin.
Rating: 4/5
– LS
This is hydration-first makeup and it behaves almost like a serum-tint hybrid. The texture is lightweight and luminous, buffing out seamlessly without caking or catching on dryness. My skin felt fresh and comfortable throughout the day, and the SPF 30 layers well with skincare underneath. It holds up nicely through meetings and everyday wear, though it’s not built for ultra-long-haul glam. Instead, it delivers youthful radiance with a refined glow. If you love breathable, skincare-led foundation, this is a beautiful everyday option.
Rating: 4.5/5
– AJ
The consistency of this foundation is slightly runny, so I was surprised to find the formula took a bit of blending in to create even coverage. For that reason, I’d recommend using a brush or sponge for application. However, after it was effectively worked into my skin, I did see a smooth finish. The midweight foundation offers a natural, fresh effect and I found coverage gently faded as the day went on. I also liked that it didn’t cling to pores or fine lines.
Rating: 4/5
– HWB
This was a surprising standout foundation for me. It ticks all the boxes - it doesn’t feel heavy on my combination skin, it has enough coverage for my pigmentation and most importantly, it looks like skin. It didn’t require any touch ups throughout the day and the shade 360 was the perfect match for my medium, warm skin tone.
Rating: 5/5
– SS
Buy now £51, Lookfantastic.com
Charlotte Tilbury airbrush flawless foundation
Best: matte foundation
Type: Liquid
Finish: Sheer matte
Coverage: Buildable light to medium coverage
Shades: 44
Skin type: Normal to combination
Vegan and cruelty-free: Yes
Why we love it
- Anti-ageing ingredients
- Super easy to blend
- Prevents excess shine
- Natural finish
Take note
- Looks flat on dry skin
One of the most popular foundations on the market, Charlotte Tilbury’s airbrush flawless foundation does exactly what it says on the tin. Thanks to the blurring function of nylon, the formula effectively airbrushes areas of dullness and discolouration, leaving a natural and healthy-looking skin veil. Requiring only one pump for a full face of coverage, it also stretches well when applied with a brush, making it easy to apply and blend flawlessly – without skill.
If you wear make-up every day, you can enjoy the formula’s anti-ageing benefits with two types of peptides and collagen-boosting amino acids. While the inclusion of alcohol can (on paper) cause dryness for some, this wasn’t my experience and, for that extra ounce of hydration, I even found that the formula layered beautifully atop my plethora of moisturisers and hydrating primers.
It’s the best matte foundation we tested, as it still manages to enhance the skin beneath instead of hiding it under cakey make-up.
Rating: 5/5
– LS
This Charlotte Tilbury foundation has a soft matte finish, with some blurring. It feels velvety on application with medium-heavy coverage that covers imperfections without feeling like a mask. It stays put but can feel a touch dry on areas of dehydration, so good prep is key. It lasts for a long time and doesn’t oxidise badly. On a long filming or event day, it was reliable, although I touched up with a tiny bit of translucent powder.
Rating: 4.5/5
– AJ
Although this formula is thick, it’s still spreadable. I applied it with both a brush and fingers, but the foundation left a heavy, cakey finish on my skin – probably due to its dryness. I also found it settled in pores and dry patches, and left my skin looking a bit flat. Ultimately, the effect was too matte on my dry skin. However, this is a long-lasting formula, which didn’t budge, and I think would be well suited to those with combination or oily skin.
Rating: 3.5/5
– HWB
I was expecting this semi-matte foundation to make my skin look flat, but I was pleasantly surprised to see it had a hint of radiance, while still maintaining flawless coverage. It lasted incredibly well and didn’t budge, even after a workout. If you like a sheer weightless foundation, this isn’t for you. But if you want an excellent full coverage base, I’d certainly reach for this.
Rating: 4.5/5
– SS
Buy now £40, Johnlewis.com
Chantecaille future skin gel foundation
Best: foundation for sheer coverage
Type: Gel
Finish: Sheer glowy
Coverage: Buildable light coverage
Shades: 15
Skin type: Normal to oily, plus most sensitive skin types
Vegan and cruelty-free: Yes
Why we love it
- Blends in a few swipes
- Minimises shine without dullness
- A little goes a long way
Take note
- Disappointing shade range
- Very expensive
Given its ultra-luxe price point, I really didn’t want Chantecaille’s future skin foundation to fulfill the old adage of ‘you get what you pay for’ – but it genuinely is that good.
Initially, I was intrigued by the pot packaging but, after discovering how little was needed to cover from the neck to forehead, I’ve since decided it minimises waste. In fact, I used less than a pea-sized dollop, where I’d normally need more than an almond’s worth with a pump.
After applying with a fluffy brush, the foundation stretched easily across my cheeks and I wowed at the instant blur it gave my redness-prone complexion. Specifically, it evened out the blue/pink tinges around my nasolabial folds and worked well with my visible pores and bumpy texture, neither sinking into the former nor drawing attention to the latter. And, for those fond of a hefty dose of skincare pre-foundation, I found that the future skin gel took like a duck to water atop all my serums and layers of hydration.
The finish is very natural and allows freckles to shine through, while the sheen is glowy without the appearance of grease. I loved how the dewiness remained flattering as the day wore on and, though I have a very oily complexion, the silica kept my shine at bay. If it weren’t for the price and limited shade range, this formula might have been my best buy.
Rating: 5/5
– LS
I’m a long time OG Chantecaille fan. This gel-based formula, enriched with botanical extracts, feels closer to tinted skincare than traditional foundation. The texture is cooling and fresh, gliding on with weightless ease. The finish is luminous but never shiny, offering sheer-to-light coverage that evens tone while allowing skin to look like skin. It layers beautifully over moisturisers and creams without pilling. I wore it through long days and it stayed comfortable and flexible, never flaking or separating. If you prefer barely-there bases and a natural, hydrated complexion, this is quietly luxurious and incredibly wearable.
Rating: 4.5/5
– AJ
Presented in a little pot with an internal plastic disc to help prevent spillage, care is needed to avoid messiness when opening this foundation. While applying the formula, it was cooling and fresh with a feeling of slight wetness (due to its water-based composition). On my skin, the foundation has a natural, softening effect and creates a lightweight look. With wear, it did settle in my skin’s fine lines and creases a little. But, I liked its hydrating coverage and the subtle luminosity created.
Rating: 4.5/5
– HWB
Chantecaille’s gel foundation provides a lightweight, glowy finish and is a solid choice if you don’t like the feeling of a heavy foundation. However I don’t think it’s special enough to warrant its £83 price tag. The options for medium to dark skin tones are limited and I found the packaging a bit messy.
Rating: 4/5
– SS
Buy now £83, Harveynichols.com
Haus Labs by Lady Gaga triclone skin tech foundation
Best: foundation for medium coverage
Type: Liquid
Finish: Satin
Coverage: Buildable medium coverage
Shades: 51
Skin type: All
Vegan and cruelty-free: Yes
Why we love it
- Inclusive shade range
- Easy blending, especially for a medium coverage formula
- Weightless feel
Take note
- Not transfer-proof
With lots of buzz around Haus Labs’s foundation, I wasn’t shocked to see it transform my skin in real time. Often, medium coverage foundations can leave my complexion cakey and without depth, but Haus Lab’s triclone formula was akin to airbrushing – like a seamless, blemish-busting veil.
Granted, it didn’t fare well when nudged by my superglue-esque brow gel and, likewise, it was quick to migrate onto the collar of my shirt. Still, I’ve never found a formula as featherlight and concealing as this and, in that sense, it’s the best foundation for medium coverage. Bonus points for the sleek packaging and avoidance of alcohols and fragrance for sensitive skin types.
Rating: 4.5/5
– LS
Formulated with avocado oil and shea butter, this foundation feels nourishing yet surprisingly stable on the skin. The finish sits between dewy and matte, a soft satin that reads polished but believable. Coverage is medium and buildable, and it was good at covering uneven tone without heaviness. It wore exceptionally well through humidity and long hours, with minimal oxidisation and no slipping around the T-zone. The texture stayed smooth and intact well into evening. This is a dependable work-to-event performer that balances skincare comfort with serious longevity.
Rating: 4.5/5
– AJ
A serum-style foundation, this formula spreads really easily across skin – I saw a smoothing, even finish that also felt softening. The medium coverage created offered a radiant finish, and this made my skin look brighter on a particularly tired day. While it sat well on my skin, the formula wore off slightly in some areas throughout the day. But because of its lightweight consistency, this foundation is buildable and I found further top-ups to be quite seamless.
Rating: 4.5/5
– HWB
This is everything I want in a foundation. Firstly, the shade match is perfect for my warm skin tone, with no hint of orange. It covers my pigmentation, while still letting the natural glow of my skin peek through, and it wore beautifully throughout the day with no touch-ups needed.
Rating: 5/5
– SS
Buy now £42, Sephora.co.uk
Charlotte Tilbury beautiful skin foundation
Best: foundation for mature skin
Type: Liquid
Finish: Glowy
Coverage: Buildable light coverage
Shades: 30
Skin type: Normal to combination, might work for some oily types
Vegan and cruelty-free: Yes, both
Why we love it
- Hydrating and softening
- Leaves a natural skin-veiling finish and lets skin breathe beneath
- Doesn’t cling to dry patches, nor sink into pores
- Lasts surprisingly well despite oil-based ingredients
Take note
- Not oil-free for those who are shine-prone or suffering with acne
Having loved Tilbury’s airbrush flawless foundation, I didn’t expect as impressive results from the brand’s lighter coverage beautiful skin foundation. While the brand describes airbrush flawless as having a natural matte finish, it calls beautiful skin’s naturally radiant. After applying, it took my skin from redness-pocked and dull to a bright, blank canvas-like state.
It’s best paired with a bronzer and blush to maintain the skin’s natural depth and colour, but there’s no denying the subtle lift it gives to tired, sun-starved skin. As someone who’s 28, it really succeeded in its promise of natural radiance, transforming my textured and dehydrated skin to a swiftly glowy and – to use the brand’s terminology – ‘beautiful’ state.
Meanwhile, as a fan of the formula herself, my 66-year-old mother-in-law enjoys how it’s easy to apply with her hands and still avoid any unwanted creasing into fine lines. She finds the level of hydration ample atop her existing moisturiser and wasn’t daunted by the level of coverage for either day or nighttime wear.
Beginner-friendly blending, strong eight-hour staying power and non-age specific suitability. What more could you ask for?
Rating: 5/5
– LS
Infused with hyaluronic acid and collagen peptides, this foundation feels bouncy and hydrating from first application. Coverage sits comfortably at medium, with a dewy glow that looks juicy rather than greasy. It smooths texture beautifully without masking, and over long days it becomes more luminous rather than breaking down into shine. The finish leans toward glass-skin energy but with enough pigment to even tone. It’s flattering in natural light and forgiving on drier patches. For anyone who loves glow with substance, this strikes a lovely balance.
Rating: 4.5/5
– AJ
The beautiful skin foundation brings a tinted moisturiser-style smoothness to skin upon application, while offering medium coverage and a radiant finish. The inclusion of hydration-boosting hyaluronic acid adds to the luminosity it creates – a colleague complimented me on my skin looking extra glowy on the day I was wearing it. A little bit goes a long way, too. While the coverage faded a bit as the day went on, that welcome radiant effect on my skin lingered for a few hours.
Rating: 5/5
– HWB
This weightless foundation applied effortlessly with a brush, leaving a sheer finish that evened out my skin tone. It didn’t have quite enough coverage for my pigmentation but I’d certainly reach for it on a good skin day. My mum, who has dry, mature skin, nabbed this from my make-up stash and has been wearing it everyday since.
Rating: 4/5
– SS
Buy now £40, Spacenk.com
Code 8 radiate beauty balm
Best: foundation for dry skin
Type: Liquid
Finish: Glowy
Coverage: Light
Shades: 11
Skin type: Dry to combination, might work for some oily types
Vegan and cruelty-free: Yes, both
Why we love it
- The glow lasts all day, even through hot weather
- Feels undetectable on skin
- Great for everyday wear
Take note
- Won’t provide enough coverage for some
- Need a few pumps to cover full face
Code 8’s beauty balm is full of surprises and unlike anything I’ve tried before. It effortlessly balances ultra-lightweight coverage with a flawless skin blur and impressive longevity. Usually, long-lasting formulas go hand in hand with high coverage ones, but this balm is evidence to the contrary.
The name radiate perfectly captures its effect: with each stroke, my complexion looked noticeably brighter and more lifted. If you have dry skin, you’ll appreciate the nourishing feel of argan oil and, for those dealing with flaking or scaling, this balm can even double as a smoothing primer to prep your skin for further make-up.
I did use more product than expected (about three to four pumps for face and neck), but it blended seamlessly without any streaks. The best part? The finish only improved with time. By evening, my complexion looked healthy, glowing, and hydrated, even with my oily skin.
Rating: 4.5/5
– LS
The Code 8 balm feels creamy yet breathable, like a soft hydrating veil rather than traditional foundation. Infused with antioxidant blends, it delivers light, flexible coverage that gently smooths tone and boosts radiance without masking skin. I wore it through a long rehearsal day and it faded subtly, never settling into lines or clinging to texture. The finish is fresh and subtly luminous, very “your skin but better.” It’s not designed for heavy concealing or high-glam moments, but for healthy, hydrated complexion days it’s effortless and flattering. A polished, grown-up glow product that respects real skin.
Rating: 4/5
– AJ
When applying this foundation, I wasn’t sure the shade was right at first – but it seemed to adapt to my skin tone while rubbing it in. The formula is a balm-cream hybrid so it spreads well across skin, smoothing over any dryness and not settling in fine lines or pores. Creating light to medium coverage and a natural-looking finish, my favourite part was the noticeable, smoothing radiance it created. While the coverage had faded a bit by this point, I could still see the brightened, glowy effect a whopping 10 hours after first applying it.
Rating: 5/5
– HWB
This has a lightweight, blendable consistency that works just as well with fingers as it does with a foundation brush. While it didn’t mask my blemishes, it nicely evened out my skin tone. I was disappointed by the shade selection, particularly for medium-warm skin tones. The shade I chose was slightly on the orange side, so I would have appreciated more variety.
Rating: 3.5/5
– SS
Buy now £43, Codeeight.com
Your foundation questions answered
What is the best foundation?
If there’s one thing this test made abundantly clear, it’s that there’s no such thing as a universally perfect foundation. While Lisa Eldridge’s seamless skin foundation performed the best on average across our testers, with its blendable formula, healthy finish and inclusive shade range, it still didn’t earn a clean sweep of 5/5 ratings from everyone.
The reality is, foundation is deeply personal. Skin type, texture, hydration levels and even day-to-day changes (hello, hormones and weather) all play a huge role in how a formula will hold up. What looks like a flawless, skin-blurring dream on oily or combination skin can cling to dry patches or feel flat on dehydrated complexions – and vice versa. That’s exactly why, even with four testers covering a range of skin types, opinions still varied across the board.
So, rather than chasing a one-size-fits-all formula, I’d say you’re more likely to find your perfect match by shopping with your skin’s needs in mind. If you’re on the drier side, look to more nourishing, glow-boosting formulas such as Code 8’s radiate beauty balm, while oily complexions may prefer something balancing and longer-wearing, like the Clinique even better clinical foundation.
How we tested the best foundations
Foundation isn’t a one size fits all formula, so I called on three additional IndyBest reviewers to help put these formulas through their paces. Between us, we covered a range of skin tones, a mix of skin types – dry, oily and combination – and skin ages from 28-49 to ensure our testing covered all bases, fine lines included.
Each foundation was worn for a full day (at least eight hours), tested with different application methods (fingers, brushes and sponges) and layered over our usual skincare to see how well it mingled among our day-to-day products. We assessed the state of wear from first application through to the end of the day (or night, in some cases) and paid close attention to the following:
What should you use to apply foundation?
Foundation can be applied using your hands, a foundation brush or a sponge, Parmar tells me. Specifically, she advises following these steps:
Why you can trust IndyBest reviews
As a senior shopping writer, Lucy Smith is often speaking to make-up artists and dermatologists to inform her expert testing. This means that, whether she’s reviewing the reformulated Charlotte Tilbury airbrush flawless foundation or the new Giorgio Armani luminous silk, she’s constantly backing up her findings with professional learnings. Lucy is 28-years-old and has oily skin.
Sabrina Sahota is IndyBest’s deputy editor and balances her time between testing – for instance, the best blushes – and overseeing a large portion of the beauty content that goes live on site. As such, she’s not only garnered a breadth of personal review experience, but she’s constantly checking in with everyone else’s reviews, be they from industry experts or the team’s own testers. Sabrina is 29-years-old and has combination skin.
Helen Wilson-Beevers has been reviewing products for IndyBest for the better part of a decade, and in that time has covered both foundation launches – such as the Laura Mercier tinted blur balm – and time-honoured formulas (in her guide to the best foundations for dry skin). Helen is 42-years-old and has dry skin.
Ateh Jewel is a beauty expert with heaps of experience product testing and, following the launch of her own brand in 2023, formulating, too. In 2025, Ateh guided the team on the best beauty advent calendars. Ateh is 49-years-old and has oily skin.
These are the best tinted moisturisers, tried and tested for a hydrated glow
