My Ultimate Foundation List
I’m lucky enough to have tried a lot of fantastic foundations throughout my career, but only a select few really stand out to me. Of course, what makes a foundation “good” in my view might not work for you; we all have different skin types and preferences. Personally, I look for a product that makes my skin look like the best version of itself. I don’t want my base, or my client’s base, to look like a mask. It’s also worth noting that skin prep makes a difference to how your foundation will look. To get the best out of your makeup, make sure your skin is hydrated. Prep with a dewy moisturiser to stop your foundation from looking cakey or settling into creases.
Anyway, let’s get stuck in! Here is the ultimate foundation list, starring my faves that I know I can always rely on. It’s quite heavy with dewy formulas, because I bloody love a dewy finish, but there are a couple of matte ones and powders too if you scroll down.
Liquid Foundations:
There’s a reason that every makeup artist and influencer waxes lyrical about this stuff. It’s a “proper” foundation. What I mean by this is, it gives really good, buildable coverage. It’s silky and lightweight, infused with skincare ingredients, and blurs skin all day long without looking cakey.
If you want to look perfect on camera, look no further. Lisa Eldridge created this specifically for her red carpet clients, and it performs so well under lights. It also comes in a zillion shades and it’s really easy to blend. Plus, it sets itself with a soft-focus finish. This foundation isn’t actually “dewy” per se, but it isn’t matte, either. It’s natural looking and skin like.
This was my favourite foundation launch of 2025! And there were a lot of them. It comes in this insane, futuristic, Korean-inspired compact with a satisfyingly boingy, mesh palette that you dip your applicator into. The pics online honestly don’t do it justice. It’s also packed with hydrating ingredients and gives a delicious, healthy sheen to skin. Oh, and while it’s not full coverage, it’s certainly buildable.
I feel like the world forgets about Chantecaille, but it’s such a lovely, philanthropic brand. This foundation is a bit spenny, but it’s worth it for its exquisite coverage and dewy finish. It’s also packed with soothing botanical extracts.
This does what it says on the tin: it makes you look radiant and it lasts a really long time. (16 hours, to be exact.) It’s lightweight and comfortable to wear, with medium-to-full coverage that works well for pretty much all occasions. This is a proper failsafe formula.
It’s very hard to formulate a foundation with SPF coverage without compromising on makeup performance or undertones, but somehow Hourglass has done it. I’d still wear an SPF underneath because you’d need a fair bit of foundation to get your recommended level of protection, and you don’t want to slap on more of this than you need to a little goes a long way.
I particularly like the range of undertones and the way it gives a beautiful, fresh finish. It’s also super soothing and hydrating, which makes it great for mature skin.
This is a serum-based formula that gives a delightful glow. The formula is made with 10% hyaluronic acid, so it’s really hydrating and offers a natural, plump-looking finish. It also comes in a good range of shades and undertones, like most MAC formulas.
I’m actually annoyed at how much I like this, because the price is outrageous. But, if you can get past the price tag, the formula itself is honestly delicious. It’s rich, like a luxurious moisturiser that just so happens to be a foundation, and it feels really natural and flexible on the skin. My skin just looks healthier when I wear this, which is unsurprising considering the fact that it’s pumped with Augustinus Bader skincare…
I was totally skeptical about this Ai generated brand, that was until I went into their pop up and was scanned to find my perfect match, and guess what? It was my perfect match!! Their online matching results hits a 97% accuracy score. Impressive. This brand really is re-writing the rules. My favourite formulation of there’s is the Glow Booster. It does exactly what it says on the tin.
Ok, so the hype is real! This is a 2 in 1 hybrid foundation and I LOVE that you can literally see that as the serum and foundation are separated in the bottle. Mega skincare in foundation has really become a thing now, which is great news. But Clarins have really taken it to the next level with this baby. Expect a medium, satin finish coverage that adds the perfect about of luminosity and lasts.
Matte Foundations:
This is another formula that looks beautiful on camera and is such a reliable go-to for me. It’s actually got this really clever climate-adaptive technology that refreshes skin throughout the day, so that it looks great for 24 hours even if it’s hot outside. How cool is that?! The finish is medium-to-full and semi-matte but very natural-looking.
This is an industry icon. If you like a matte base, then this is for you; it comes in 60 shades and lasts for 36 hours, all while balancing skin with clever oil-control and hydration technology.
Skin Tints
This is the longest-lasting tint I’ve ever tried! It’s also lightweight, buildable, dewy and packed with lovely skincare ingredients. It’s also non-comedogenic, which is great for those with blemish-prone skin because it won’t clog pores.
Lisa can do no wrong! This formula really looks and feels like a weightless second skin. The coverage is fresh, luminous and lightweight with a 78% skincare formula. It’s just like healthy skin in a bottle. The cute pebble-like bottle is ideal for throwing into your handbag, too.
This is such an interesting product as it’s super natural and sheer but still knocks back redness and gives you a perfect amount of coverage if you want your skin to look like your skin. I like to use my concealer for any camouflaging and coverage, (that’s what it’s made for), so this is a great product to use all over the face before your conceal.
Oooo this is a joy to put on. It’s buttery yet long-lasting. It’s packed with incredible ingredients and is perfect to perk up a dull complexion.
Powders:
What with all of those dewy formulas, you might be after a good powder just to set your T-zone. Allow me to introduce my faves
I remember this going viral before going viral was really a thing, because it’s that good. It barely even behaves like powder; it doesn’t sit on skin or cling to dry patches. Instead, it simply whisks away shiny bits without ruining the look of your foundation underneath.
This little refillable compact instantly mattifies while blurring the look of pores, absorbing oil and extending the life of your makeup. It’s ideal if you like an Instagram-filter finish.
This is another loose setting powder. (Can you tell I like loose powders?) I like how this one gets rid of shine without mattifying. You can use this and still have a glow, you know? Though it does cleverly blur the look of fine lines and pores, of course.
You will find one of these in every bag I own. It’s such a fantastic powder. It magically blurs the skin and takes away excess shine. It’s no wonder it’s the no 1 powder in the UK and US.
I think I’ll end this post here, or else you’ll be reading for ages! Let me know if you have any favourites that you think deserve a spot in my list. I’d love to hear from you, especially if you like a matte finish, unlike me! Also let me know if you try any of these; I think you’ll love them.
Love,
Lisa xx
As always, I only ever recommend products I would use myself. This post may contain affiliate links that at no additional cost to you, I may earn a small commission.
This is mostly spent on repairing the shoes Diddy keeps chewing.