As a beauty editor, I've tried countless foundations, but only a few have stood the test of time and earned a spot in my routine. Whether you’re on a budget or ready to splurge, there’s a perfect foundation for every need. The key to finding the right one is understanding your skin type, desired coverage and whether you prefer a matte or dewy finish. As someone with combination skin, here are my top five foundations that cater to every need, from affordable finds to full-coverage must-haves.
The Best Affordable Foundation
You don’t need to spend a fortune to find a foundation that works. Rimmel’s Kind and Free Skin Tint Foundation is my go-to for everyday wear. It’s lightweight, buildable and delivers that coveted barely-there look with a my-skin-but-better finish. Infused with a blend of vitamin E, aloe vera and pro-vitamin B5, the formula keeps my skin hydrated, while leaving a fresh, dewy glow. I’ve lost count of how many tubes I’ve gone through.
Product Overview:
- Offers sheer, buildable coverage
- Promotes even-looking tone and texture
- Infused with a blend of vitamin E, pro vitamin B5 and aloe vera
- Supports a supple, dewy finish
- Suitable for all skin types
Best Luxury Foundation
Now and then, you need a foundation that makes you feel special. For me, the Armani Luminous Silk Foundation does just that. It’s the epitome of luxury, gliding onto the skin like silk, while blurring the appearance of imperfections and delivering a radiant, flawless-looking finish. For those special occasions when I want to feel my best, this foundation nourishes, hydrates and creates a soft-focus effect that lasts all day and night. With 40 shades to choose from, it’s the luxe treat my skin deserves.
Product Overview:
- Medium to full coverage
- Silky, lightweight texture
- Nourishes and hydrates the skin
- Offers up to 40 shades
- Suitable for all skin types
Best Glow-Enhancing Foundation
Although not technically a foundation, Charlotte Tilbury’s Hollywood Flawless Filter is my go-to for lightweight, dewy looks. Perfect for no-makeup days or when I’m keeping things simple, the hybrid formula blurs the appearance of uneven skin tone, all while feeling weightless on my skin. This multi-tasking formula primes, highlights and delivers a light, radiant effect for a plump and glowy finish. I love how it’s infused with a blend of glycerin and squalane to hydrate and nourish, leaving a lit-from-within glow. It’s been a firm favourite in my makeup bag for years.
Product Overview:
- Lightweight and breathable
- Primes and highlights the skin
- Infused with glycerin and squalane
- Suitable for all skin types
Best Full Coverage Foundation
When it is time for a full glam moment, I always reach for KVD Beauty’s Good Apple Serum Foundation. Whether attending a special event or just a casual brunch with friends, this formula gives me full coverage with a natural finish. It is perfect for my combination skin and I love how it helps minimise shine, blur the look of pores and even out the appearance of my skin tone, all thanks to the blend of apple extract, glycerin and quince leaf extract. Lightweight and super blendable, this full-coverage champion is everything I need for a look that lasts from day to night.
Product Overview:
- Natural full coverage
- Transfer proof and long-wearing
- Serum-like, lightweight texture
- Infused with apple extract and quince leaf extract
- Best for combination to oily skin types
Best SPF Foundation
We all know how important it is to wear SPF every day, so having it in my foundation makes things so much easier. The Bobbi Brown Intensive Serum Foundation SPF 40 is the perfect mix of protection and coverage. With 25 skincare ingredients, it hydrates, visibly plumps, and gives my skin a soft glow. The coverage is buildable and delivers a natural finish, while the high SPF protects from sun damage, pollution and blue light. Favoured for its lightweight and silky feel, the SPF foundation is perfect for summer days or holidays.
Product Overview:
- Offers SPF40 protection
- Lightweight fluid formula with buildable coverage
- Lasts up to 12 hours
- Hydrating and nourishing
Each of these foundations has made its way onto my top five by offering something unique. Whether I’m after dewy, glass-like radiance, a soft-focus matte finish, or SPF-packed coverage, each one enhances my complexion and keeps me feeling flawless all day. These are my personal favourites - but I think you’ll love them too.
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