11 Best Long-Wear Foundations of 2020
The Best Long-Wear Foundations That Won't Stain Your Face Mask (or Fave White T-Shirt)
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There are a handful of reasons you want a good, long-wear foundation in your makeup collection. It's a must if you work long hours, have a big event coming up, live in a hot and humid climate, or just want to wear a white T-shirt without running the risk of your base makeup smudging onto your collar. (It's safe to say we have all been there and can mutually agree it's the worst.)
Smudge-proof, long-lasting foundation formulas not only keep your makeup from sliding off your face when you sweat or your complexion gets oily around 3 p.m., but they also allow for maximum coverage hours after you apply them — like up to 24 hours after. That means your makeup is more likely to look like it did when you put it on at 8 a.m. (read: pure perfection).
No matter your reasoning for seeking a foundation with a long-wear claim, there are ample options at both your local drugstore and beauty retailers at a wide range of price points. From a top-rated formula from Nars to one of our favourite Maybelline New York options, we rounded up the best long-wear foundations ahead.
Maybelline New York Super Stay Full Coverage Foundation
One of the best drugstore options for long-wear foundations is the Maybelline New York Super Stay Full Coverage Foundation (£10). The lightweight formula offers buildable coverage, is oil-free, and won't clog pores.
Lancôme Teint Idole Ultra Long Wear Foundation
The Lancôme Teint Idole Ultra Long Wear Foundation (£34) is an oil-free liquid formula that boasts up to 24 hours of wear. It leaves your complexion with a natural, soft-matte finish and is suitable for all skin types. And we have proof that it passes the face-mask test.
Fenty Beauty Pro Filt'r Soft Matte Longwear Foundation
When Rihanna debuted her first makeup product, the Fenty Beauty Pro Filt'r Soft Matte Longwear Foundation (£27), not only did she want it to have a vast and inclusive shade range, but she also wanted it to withstand hot, humid climates, like in her home country of Barbados. The result was an innovative, oil-free formula that's so lightweight and comfortable to wear it's mind blowing, especially since the foundation lasts for hours — whether you're in the West Indies or on the tube in London wearing your mask.
Nars Natural Radiant Longwear Foundation
Long-lasting foundations don't have to be matte — the Nars Natural Radiant Longwear Foundation (£35) is buildable and gives you 16 hours of fade-resistant wear. Fruit extracts in the formula help give your complexion a radiant look over time.
Estée Lauder Double Wear Stay-in-Place Foundation
As its name suggests, the Estée Lauder Double Wear Stay-in-Place Foundation (£34) doesn't budge after it's applied. It offers 24 hours of full, matte coverage and is suitable for combination and oily skin types.
L'Oréal Paris Infallible Fresh Wear 24HR Foundation
For a natural, barely there look, the L'Oréal Paris Infallible Fresh Wear 24HR Foundation (£34) is a great option. It's waterproof and transfer-resistant, and it holds up against sweat without sliding or fading.
Urban Decay All Nighter Liquid Foundation
Not only is the Urban Decay All Nighter Liquid Foundation (£30) built for long wear, but it's waterproof, too. The liquid formula is best for combination and oily skin types and gives you comfortable matte coverage.
KVD Vegan Beauty Lock-It Tattoo Foundation
The KVD Vegan Beauty Lock-It Tattoo Foundation (£29) gives you flawless, matte full coverage with just a small amount of product. It's transfer-resistant so you can trust it won't end up anywhere it's not supposed to and suitable for all skin types.
Smashbox Studio Skin Full Coverage 24 Hour Foundation
For weightless full coverage, try the Smashbox Studio Skin Full Coverage 24 Hour Foundation (£29.50). It's waterproof and sweat-resistant, and it helps control oil with kaolin clay.
Too Faced Born This Way Matte Foundation
The differences between the original Born This Way foundation and the Too Faced Born This Way Matte Foundation (£29) are down to the finish and the wear time. Whereas the original offers a "natural", ever-so-slightly luminous finish that mimics the texture of natural skin, Born This Way Matte is well, like the name suggests: matte. Although it's not heavy-duty or dusty-looking; in fact the texture of your skin still comes through to some degree.
When it comes to longevity, the brand promises 24-hour wear with the Born This Way Matte Foundation, and while we wouldn't recommend anyone wear foundation for that long, the formula lasts an impressive amount of time for how lightweight it feels, something echoed by Too Faced global beauty director Elyse Reneau. "Born This Way Matte is an incredible innovation in long-wear foundation because even though it lasts for 24-hours it feels virtually weightless on the skin, never breaks apart in oily areas, won't clog your pores, and is sweat/humidity and transfer resistant," Reneau told POPSUGAR over email. "It looks as good at the end of the day as it did when you put it on!"
