When it comes to foundation, no one-finish-fits-all approach can suffice. Some mornings call for shine-free elegance, others demand a dewy glow that mimics fresh, just-hydrated skin. And then there are the creamy, skin-like bases that blur imperfections while whispering, “I woke up like this.”
With the beauty market saturated by hundreds of options promising everything from 24-hour wear to serum-level skincare benefits, the search for the perfect foundation can feel more daunting than dazzling. This guide takes a deep dive into some of the most talked-about (and tested) foundations of the year — spanning the spectrum from oil-controlling matte formulas to radiant, lit-from-within textures.
Whether you’re building a beauty wardrobe or simply looking to switch up your base routine, consider this your definitive edit.
MATTE FOUNDATIONS: Sophisticated, Oil-Resistant & Red Carpet-Ready
Estée Lauder Double Wear Stay-in-Place Foundation
Finish: True Matte
Coverage: Full
Price: €54 / 30ml
Shade Range: 55+ shades
A cult classic with staying power. This foundation is ideal for long days, special events, or humid climates. It sets quickly and delivers a flawless, pore-blurring finish that stays put through heat, sweat, and even mask-wearing. Best applied with a damp beauty sponge for a less cakey finish. Oil control is exceptional — but prep with hydrating primer if you’re on the drier side.
Best for: Combination to oily skin, all-day events.
Fenty Beauty Pro Filt’r Soft Matte Longwear Foundation
Finish: Soft Matte
Coverage: Medium to Full
Price: €39 / 32ml
Shade Range: 50 shades
This is matte, reimagined. Fenty’s Pro Filt’r doesn’t flatten the face — instead, it subtly mattifies while maintaining depth and dimension. The texture is lightweight yet buildable, perfect for those who want flexibility between day and night looks. It does require solid skin prep if you have texture or dry patches.
Best for: Oily skin or anyone seeking a breathable matte finish.
L’Oréal Infallible 24H Fresh Wear Foundation
Finish: Semi-Matte
Coverage: Medium to Full
Price: €18 / 30ml
Shade Range: 30+ shades
A drugstore favorite that punches far above its price tag. The “fresh wear” claim is accurate — it feels weightless and slightly luminous, despite leaning matte. Sweat- and transfer-resistant, it wears comfortably for hours without oxidizing. If you’re on a budget but crave performance, this is it.
Best for: Budget-conscious buyers, humid climates.
CREAMY & SKIN-LIKE FOUNDATIONS: Your Skin, But Elevated
Giorgio Armani Luminous Silk Foundation
Finish: Luminous Satin
Coverage: Light to Medium
Price: €63 / 30ml
Shade Range: 40+ shades
This one doesn’t just blur imperfections — it elevates the skin. With a silky-smooth texture, it glides over the face like second skin. There’s a reason this foundation is a backstage staple: it offers a believable radiance and photographs beautifully. Though not designed for oil control, a touch of powder in the T-zone keeps it looking fresh for hours.
Best for: Normal to dry skin, soft glam looks.
NARS Light Reflecting Foundation
Finish: Natural Radiance
Coverage: Medium
Price: €54 / 30ml
Shade Range: 36 shades
Formulated with skincare-grade ingredients, this hybrid base is where glow meets care. The light-diffusing effect is real — your skin appears more even, pores less visible, and redness slightly neutralized. It’s ideal for those who want coverage and comfort without sacrificing breathability.
Best for: Sensitive skin, skin-care lovers, and daily wear.
Lancôme Teint Idole Ultra Wear Care & Glow Foundation
Finish: Radiant Creamy
Coverage: Medium
Price: €50 / 30ml
Shade Range: 30+ shades
Lancôme reinvented its longwear foundation with a glow-forward version — and it delivers. With hyaluronic acid and mandelic acid, it treats while it perfects. The creamy consistency doesn’t settle into fine lines, making it ideal for more mature skin or those looking for a nourishing base.
Best for: Dry, mature, or dull skin types.
DEWY FOUNDATIONS: That Glass Skin Effect, Bottled
Charlotte Tilbury Beautiful Skin Foundation
Finish: Dewy
Coverage: Medium
Price: €49 / 30ml
Shade Range: 30+ shades
True to its name, this foundation enhances skin in the most flattering way. Infused with skincare benefits like hyaluronic acid and rose complex, it hydrates while adding a radiant sheen. Best of all, it doesn’t slide off by noon — a rare feat for dewy finishes.
Best for: Dry to normal skin, winter months, “no makeup” makeup.
Glossier Perfecting Skin Tint + Stretch Fluid Foundation Combo
Finish: Sheer Dewy
Coverage: Light
Price: €28–€34
Shade Range: 32 shades combined
For those who live in minimalist territory, Glossier’s updated Stretch Fluid pairs beautifully with their OG Skin Tint. Worn alone or layered, they offer breathable dewiness that evens tone without masking skin texture or freckles. Not for full coverage fans — but a joy for weekend wear.
Best for: Bare-faced beauty lovers, makeup beginners, minimalists.
Chanel Les Beiges Healthy Glow Foundation
Finish: Radiant Satin
Coverage: Medium
Price: €65 / 30ml
Shade Range: 35 shades
This foundation embodies Parisian beauty philosophy: effortless, elegant, luminous. The formula melts into skin, leaving a “your skin but rested” finish. The soft floral scent and glass packaging complete the luxurious experience. While not long-wearing on oily skin, a good primer can help extend its staying power.
Best for: Normal to dry skin, luxe foundation lovers.
Application Is Everything
A great foundation can underperform if paired with the wrong tools. For matte finishes, opt for a damp beauty sponge or flat-top kabuki brush to diffuse coverage. Creamy and dewy textures shine best when applied with fingers or dense brushes that buff, not drag. Always consider your primer and setting method — hydration-first prep works wonders for all finish types.
And remember: skin prep is as vital as the product itself. Exfoliate, hydrate, and let your skincare absorb before reaching for your base.
The Foundation You Choose Reflects More Than Just Your Skin Type
It reflects your mood, the weather, your plans for the day — even your self-perception. One day you might crave a velvet-matte finish that withstands anything; another, you might gravitate toward a barely-there glow that lets your freckles peek through.
The beauty of foundation today lies in its diversity. With so many textures, finishes, and formulas available, your skin story can change as often as you like — and still feel like you.
So go ahead, explore. There’s a finish out there waiting to become your new signature.