The key to faking perfect skin — with or without other makeup — is finding the best foundation formula for your complexion and needs. But knowing where to start can be baffling, so we’ve made it easy for your with options based on your skin type (oily, combination, dry, sensitive, mature, acne-prone); preferred form, including liquids, creams, and loose and pressed powders; coverage level from light and sheer to medium to full; and finish, from matte to satin to radiant.
To find the best foundation formulas and brands, Good Housekeeping Institute Beauty Lab scientists and editors scan the market for bases across price points, which are then label-masked to eliminate bias. Professional makeup artist evaluators test the foundations on factors such as dispensing, texture, application (spreadability, blendability, buildability) and coverage look and feel. Formulas that claim moisturization benefits, like tinted moisturizers and BB and CC creams, are also tested for skin hydrating effects using the Lab’s Corneometer device.
Now, it’s time to find your perfect match among the best foundations you can buy, according to GH Beauty Lab testing and experts, including drugstore buys:
BEST OVERALL FOUNDATION
BEST VALUE FOUNDATION
- Coverage: Medium
- Shades: 11
- Formula: Cream
- Finish: Radiant
Swirled with skincare ingredients like brightening vitamin B3 and softening vitamin E, this GH Beauty Award-winning CoverGirl cream foundation goes on like face moisturizer and is pigmented enough to double as concealer. Unlike some cream bases can be heavy, this formula is lightweight yet provides great coverage that feels velvety and blends flawlessly, the GH Beauty Lab found.
