Finding a good foundation [1] can make or break a makeup look. After all, foundation is the base of your whole complexion. Finding the right choice that complements your skin type and needs is a must. Getting something that's too matte when your skin leans dry can make
your complexion appear cakey. If you have oily skin and wear a foundation that has a dewier finish, your base makeup will look greasy as the day goes on. To help you shop, we rounded up the best foundations Ulta [2] has to offer, so you can choose the best fit for your skin and apply it like a pro [3].
From full coverage to light coverage and everything in between, you'll find your match in one (or a few) of these top-rated picks — and we're not just talking about shade range. Some of these beloved foundations are longtime fan favourites, and others are underrated finds, including picks from Fenty Beauty, It Cosmetics, L'Oréal, Nars [4], and more. Shop our range of options in matte, natural, and luminous finishes, plus powder or liquid foundations, ahead.
Best Mineral Foundation: BareMinerals Original Foundation Broad Spectrum SPF 15
If you have sensitive or acne-prone skin, opting for a mineral foundation can help your skin feel less irritated and clogged. The bareMinerals Original Foundation Broad Spectrum SPF 15 [5] ($33) has been a fan favourite for years. It is lightweight, goes on smoothly, and has a buildable coverage with a natural, skin-like finish. It comes in 30 shades.
Best Long-Wearing Foundation: Estée Lauder Double Wear Stay-in-Place Foundation
If you want something that won't budge from 8 a.m. to 11 p.m., the Estée Lauder Double Wear Stay-in-Place Foundation [6] ($46) is beloved by generations. The long-wearing foundation is buildable with a natural matte finish. It's lightweight and comfortable on the skin. Plus, it's transfer resistant. It comes in 56 shades with cool, neutral, and warm undertone options as well.
A Hydrating Foundation: It Cosmetics Your Skin But Better Foundation + Skincare
The formula packed inside the It Cosmetics Your Skin But Better Foundation + Skincare [7] ($40) is so airy in texture that it's almost velvety to the touch, but its results are even better: with one swipe, skin looks brighter, more even, and not cakey. It's a hydrating option with a natural yet radiant finish for healthy-looking skin. It's buildable with medium coverage. The foundation comes in 40 shades. We even reviewed it [8].
A Buildable Foundation: Too Faced Born This Way Undetectable Medium-to-Full Coverage Foundation
The Too Faced Born This Way Undetectable Medium-to-Full Coverage Foundation [9] ($40) is a great buildable option that's hydrating, oil free, and long wearing. The foundation has a skin-like, natural finish that has a skin-blurring effect. It's a foundation that is photo friendly as well. It comes in 30 shades.
The Best Matte-Finish Foundation: Fenty Beauty Pro Filt'r Soft Matte Longwear Liquid Foundation
The Fenty Beauty Pro Filt'r Soft Matte Longwear Liquid Foundation [10] ($38) has had a huge cult following ever since it came out — and for good reason. It comes in 50 shades and is resistant to sweat and humidity, so retouches throughout the day will no longer be necessary. It has a soft matte finish, perfect for those with normal to oily skin types.
Best Drugstore Foundation: L'Oréal Infallible Fresh Wear 24HR Foundation
The L'Oréal Infallible Fresh Wear 24HR Foundation [11] ($16) offers medium to full coverage at a great price. It is buildable, blends well, and works great for those with sensitive and acne-prone skin. Not only is it lightweight with a natural finish, but it's also waterproof and transfer resistant! Plus, it comes in 40 shades.
A Lightweight Foundation: Lancôme Teint Idôle Ultra 24H Long Wear Matte Foundation with SPF 15
The Lancôme Teint Idôle Ultra 24H Long Wear Matte Foundation with SPF 15 [12] ($47) has been a go-to for years for those who want a natural matte foundation. It's a buildable, medium- to full-coverage foundation that's transfer resistant and humidity resistant. It's lightweight and breathable, perfect for those who want coverage without the cakey feel. It comes in 50 shades.
For Oily Skin Types: Urban Decay Cosmetics Stay Naked Weightless Liquid Foundation
If you have oily skin, the Urban Decay Cosmetics Stay Naked Weightless Liquid Foundation [13] ($39) feels lightweight and flexible. It has a matte finish to balance out your skin's needs. The foundation has a buildable, medium to full coverage that's long wearing and even waterproof! It comes in 50 shades in a variety of undertones.
Best Powder Foundation: Pür 4-in-1 Pressed Mineral Powder Foundation SPF 15
The Pür 4-in-1 Pressed Mineral Powder Foundation SPF 15 [14] ($30) is a mineral-based, pressed-powder foundation that'll give you a smoother-looking complexion. It's a medium-coverage foundation that's buildable. You can use it as a foundation, concealer, setting powder, or SPF touch up. It feels lightweight and comes in 25 shades.
A Medium-Coverage Foundation: Anastasia Beverly Hills Luminous Foundation
With 50 shades, the Anastasia Beverly Hills Luminous Foundation [15] ($38) is a great option for those who want something that has a second-skin-like feel and appearance. It has a medium, buildable coverage with a natural finish for a my-skin-but-better look. It's lightweight, water resistant, and long wearing as well.
Best Full-Coverage Foundation: KVD Beauty Lock-It Foundation
If you want something truly full coverage, the KVD Beauty Lock-It Foundation [16] ($41) is your best bet. With a matte finish and an all-day wear, this foundation will look fabulous in pictures and stay put. It comes in 44 shades. All you need are two to three drops; a little goes a long way.
A Skin-Blurring Foundation: Nars Light Reflecting Advanced Skincare Foundation
If you want something that blurs your skin for a filtered effect, the Nars Light Reflecting Advanced Skincare Foundation [17] ($49) is something that'll let your radiance shine through. It's a breathable, medium-coverage foundation that contains skin-care ingredients like oats and peptides to hydrate the skin. We even reviewed it [18]. It comes in 36 shades.
A Velvet Matte Finish: Juvia's Place I Am Magic Foundation
If you want something that can take you from brunch to happy-hour rooftops, the Juvia's Place I Am Magic Foundation [19] ($20) has a velvety matte finish that makes your complexion look flawless without feeling cakey. It comes in 42 shades as well.