These Are The Greatest Foundations Of All Time
Choosing the best foundation finish for your skin type is the best place to start according to our Head of Education Niamh Butler. “A drier skin type may want to avoid a matte finish, as this type of foundation could emphasise texture,” says Niamh. “Oily skin types should take into account that a very dewy foundation may not have the longevity they would like.”
To help you find The One, we’ve put together a list of some of the best foundations of all time…
Best Foundations For 2024
Rose Inc
Softlight Skin-smoothing Liquid Foundation, N/A
Best Foundation For Oily Skin
Creating makeup that’s beneficial for the skin is rooted in Rose Inc’s DNA – and this soothing, non-comedogenic formula (which means it’s designed to not clog pores) really can do it all. It controls oil, reduces redness, brightens and minimises the appearance of pores whilst also having a calming and hydrating effect and balancing moisture levels. The soft matte finish is suitable for most skin types, although we think it’s especially great for oilier skinned beauties.
Nars
Natural Radiant Longwear Foundation, £42.00
Best Long-Lasting Foundation
This iconic base is a must-try if you’re after a foundation that will literally stand the test of time. Despite being made to last up to 16 hours, it’s surprisingly lightweight and breathable, and boasts a high coverage that looks – and stays – beautifully natural. Moreover, it’s infused with raspberry, apple and watermelon extracts for a texture-smoothing effect instantly and over. A favourite of many for good reason!
Charlotte Tilbury
Airbrush Flawless Foundation, £39.00
Best Full Coverage Foundation
A fine example of doing what it says on the ‘tin’ (as in, a very aesthetically pleasing bottle), Charlotte Tilbury’s Airbrush Flawless Foundation is one of the OGs when it comes to delivering a truly airbrushed look. It’s filled with many skin-boosting ingredients including AirCool™, which aides its long-lasting superpowers, and Magic MossCellTec™, the ultimate dose of hydration. It’s also available in 44 shades in a range of cool, warm and neutral tones.
Kevyn Aucoin
Stripped Nude Skin Tint, N/A
Best Natural-Looking Foundation
Love the idea of ultra-light coverage that feels like next to nothing and nails that your-skin-but-better look? Giving a diffused effect, Kevyn Aucoin's gorgeously lightweight base has a silky-smooth texture and is a must-try for anyone who enjoys the no makeup makeup look. It is one of our favourite foundations for the summer.
IT Cosmetics
CC+ Cream Original SPF50+, £39.00
Best SPF foundation
IT Cosmetics’ most iconic product is much more than a CC Cream – it’s one of the complexion perfectors for smooth coverage and suncare. This revolutionary full-coverage, hyaluronic acid, niacinamide and vitamin E infused formula offers a whopping dose of SPF 50+ sun protection without any white cast. Moreover, we love its near-magical blurring effect on skin that makes you look dewy and healthy.
Chantecaille
Future Skin Foundation, £80.00
Best foundation for dry skin
Having recently had a deserved revival thanks to the series Euphoria and TikTok, Chantecaille Future Skin Foundation is the ultimate jar of goodness and does wonders on skin. Firstly, there’s the texture which does not feel like your average foundation, but rather a blissfully smooth face cream (it is, essentially, made up of 60% water). Then there’s the glowing, second-skin finish, achieved through reflective circular pigments. And let’s not forget Chantecaille’s signature touch – a medley of botanicals that sooth, refresh and make.
Lisa Eldridge
Seamless Skin Enhancing Tint, £37.00
Best Lightweight Skin Tint
If you’re all about minimal, ‘your skin but better’ coverage or prefer a lighter base for the warmer months, you’ll want to add this bestseller to your makeup repertoire. Firstly, with a consistency that feels not too dissimilar from a serum, we adore the weightless texture. Secondly, it’s made up of 78% skincare ingredients including squalane, vitamin E, sunflower and prickly pear seed oils. Then there’s the gorgeous finish – fresh, uplifted and subtly radiant.
How To Find Your Foundation Shade
The best natural looking foundation requires the perfect shade match. You’ve found your formula, but how can you find the shade? “To get a true match, always test on an area that has been cleansed of previous foundation,” says Niamh. “The jawline works best, as a correct match here will mean there won’t be a shade difference between your face and neck.” For more guidance, check out our Foundation Finder, or pop into your local Space NK store where one of our beauty advisors can colour match you in minutes.
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