The best foundations for all skin types, tried and tested by 220 women

Score: 86/100

If you’re looking for a foundation that blends seamlessly into skin, call off the search. This one scored full marks for delivering a natural, dewy finish. bareMinerals did the most when it came to coverage too, with all our testers happy with the level it delivered – one called it ”flawless” – what more could you want from a foundation?

It also stays put – our experts awarded it 4/5 for long-wear in the lab. Lightweight, while still expertly evening skin tone, every single panellist said they would purchase this product.

Score: 84/100

Double Wear needs little introduction – it became an instant classic when it debuted in 1997 with Elizabeth Hurley as its face. Our panel loved its "buildable coverage" and said it provided “a great base for makeup”, blending effortlessly to a velvety matte finish without being cakey. The oil-free formula makes it a great option for those with grease-prone skin as well.

It also worked well whatever way our panel applied it – be it with fingers, a sponge or a brush – and was praised for how well it blended and layered with other makeup. So, if you want a long-wearing, matte, SPF-infused foundation, add this hero product to your makeup bag.

Score: 82/100

If you’re looking for light coverage that still evens your skin tone and makes it glow, then the Revitalessence Skin Glow Foundation from Japanese skincare powerhouse Shiseido is the one for you.

The formula is infused with niacinamide, a form of vitamin B3 that has been shown to help reduce pigmentation and minimise fine lines and wrinkles by encouraging collagen production. Paired with fermented kefir, a probiotic, the two work together to reduce moisture loss in the skin and keep it looking plump and hydrated. In fact, it scored the highest for its hydrating effect on the skin.

This makeup and skincare fusion left our panel's complexions looking natural and radiant, without clinging to dry patches. One tester summed it up as the perfect “no-makeup-makeup look.”

Score: 82/100

Another breathable, vitamin-infused formula (which one of our testers described as a “second skin”) this foundation is the perfect option for seamlessly covering any blemishes or uneven skin tones. It doesn’t sit in crevices either – “It's very lovely on my mature skin,” one tester told us.

The formula is enriched with hyaluronic acid, which helps to hydrate and retain moisture in the skin, as well as reducing the appearance of fine lines. Vitamins C, E, and A also help strengthen your skin barrier, leaving it looking glowy and radiant.

Score: 80/100

Blink and another celebrity will have announced they're releasing a makeup line. But Selena Gomez was ahead of the curve when she launched Rare Beauty back in 2019 – a brand that aims to celebrate individuality, rather than covering it up.

This is clear in the breathable, serum-like formula of Rare Beauty's Weightless Foundation, which scored full marks for coverage. The doe-foot applicator (the same as a concealer) means you can easily control how much you apply, and our testers confirmed, “a little goes a long way.” Coverage is buildable, for those days when you want a little extra.

Testers praised how well the colour matched their skin, and with 48 shades to choose from, there’s should be one for you.

Score: 78/100

Supernova beauty brand MaxFactor is no stranger to drugstore shelves. But it's still winning new fans. One tester who'd never used the brand before said, “it blew me away” – quite the statement. In fact, this 3-in-1 option went down well with the majority of our panel.

The hybrid primer, concealer and foundation should simplify your routine, while still offering a full-coverage base. It was smooth and comfortable on the skin, and one tester mentioned how well it covered their sunspots.

The SPF 20 means that not only does it cover them, but works to protect against them too. The oil-free formula and matte finish is particularly good for those with slightly oilier skin.

Score: 78/100

We're not sure what would make you want to keep your foundation on for 35 hours, but should the occasion arise, then the (long) Lasting Finish Foundation from Rimmel is here to help, claiming 35-hour coverage.

Multiple testers did praise its long-wear properties, and said it layered well with other makeup. Some found it was a little on the dry side, though, so it may not be one for those with a drier skin type.

As one of the lower-priced foundations on our list, it’s a great option for everyday or, indeed, every day-and-a-half...

Score: 77/100

Another cult favourite on our list, the MAC Studio Fix Foundation is a staple in many makeup artists’ kits. You can expect medium to full coverage paired with a matte finish for up to 24 hours, according to the brand. And our testers' feedback backed this up, with 100% saying this foundation lasted all day on their skin.

Some thought the thick formula wasn’t one for everyday wear, but best for those days when you want a little extra coverage, or for “strong makeup looks”, according to one tester. A great option for those dinner-turned-drinks nights.

Score: 70/100

The formula is made for you, by you. Maybe not quite literally, but Dcypher has developed a service that uses a Skin Tone Analyser to match its base as closely as possible to your skin tone.

It scans your face through your phone camera to provide a precise, bespoke colour match. You can also customise the coverage, ranging from full to ultra-sheer, and finish, choosing from Matte, Radiant or Natural. “It was accurate and completely matched my skin tone,” was one tester's verdict. All thanks to the help of AI. Who knows, maybe they’ll develop a robot MUA to apply it for us next? Watch this space...

Though the foundations were unique to each tester, overall the majority were happy with the coverage and finish their custom product gave, as well as how easy it was to blend into the skin. One told us it “didn’t feel heavy on the skin, and didn’t cake either,” which sounds like a winning endorsement to us.

If you, like our senior beauty writer, just can't make full coverage foundation work for you, then you need this in your makeup bag. Built into a skin-nourishing serum, the pigment is buildable and the texture is lightweight and silky.

It doesn't highlight fine lines or pores, but it does illuminate skin to give a dewy, bright finish. If you wear this on your next Zoom call, expect raised eyebrows about whether you're WFA (working from abroad) due to your newfound glow. Don't say we didn't warn you.

Our beauty editor was seriously impressed by this new foundation from Dior. It claims to offer natural coverage and 48 hours of hydration, thanks to the addition of hyaluronic acid and a 55% water base. It also comes in 18 shades and three undertones.

Our editor round it super comfortable to wear, evening out skin tone and covering her pigmentation in one swipe. It offers medium coverage, but it's extremely buildable. It did start to fade on oilier patches of skin by late afternoon, so we recommend a setting powder or spray to extend wear if that's a concern.

Read our editor's full Dior Forever Hydra Foundation review