Choosing the best foundation can be tricky. It's important to find the right formula for your skin, whether it's oily, dry, or acne-prone, but it's not always easy. And there's a lot of makeup out there, from sheer to full coverage foundations, high-end to drugstore, matte to dewy-finish... It's a beauty minefield.
So, with that in mind, we're determined to make things easier by bringing you an edit of the very best foundations according to the Cosmo Beauty Team. Finally, the struggle to find a long-lasting formula (yes, one that won't disappear come 3pm) with flawless coverage is over!
We've reviewed the crème de la crème of the makeup world; from the all-new Bobbi Brown Weightless Skin Foundation SPF 15, which now comes in an extensive 53 shades to the famous MAC Face & Body Foundation, which offers a lightweight, glowy finish that's perfect if you want to steer clear of heavy formulas (but don't want to sacrifice coverage), and even NARS' Light Reflecting Foundation, which remains one of the most popular foundations to sit on our shelves, all thanks to its skin-like finish and natural glow!
Oh and if you're looking for a drugstore option, we've got you covered (literally), with Maybelline's Fit Me Foundation, which offers velvety matte coverage for only £8.99. A bargain, if you ask us.
Yep, from NYX Cosmetics to Fenty Beauty and NARS to Giorgio Armani, we can safely say these are the best foundations in the UK (maybe even the world 🌍 ). Side note: if you prefer to take a lighter approach to your base, head over to our best tinted moisturiser edit next...
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Lia Mappoura, Beauty Assistant: The OG Bobbi Brown 'Skin Long-Wear Weightless Foundation' is a universally loved offering (see our thoughts below) and now, not only has the packaging been revamped but the formula, too!
Finish: While the new formula is certainly still hydrating (aka, it does not cling to dry patches), this foundation is perfect for those who love a matte finish *raises hand*. The invisible oil-absorbing silicas help to control shine without stripping moisture, making for a filter-like blur. And as someone who suffers from a severe case of extreme sebum production (no, bc I could fry an egg on this face with the amount of oil produced), I'm now spoilt, only having to set my base with minimal powder. I never thought I'd see the day!
Coverage: The Weightless Skin Foundation is one that provides long-lasting medium-buildable coverage but with a weightless, breathable feel. Claggy, cakey bases? Bobbi Brown doesn't know her...
Shade range: Expanding its shade range, the new and improved formula is available in 53 varying undertone-correct shades.
Lasting power: Did I mention that this foundation is waterproof and sweat/humidity resistant? In other words, it truly does last up to 24 (!!) hours. No one should ever know that I've endured the heat exhaustion of the TFL Central Line.
Final thoughts: If the above didn't convince you, let me finalise by saying this foundation is now a staple in my everyday makeup bag. Long-wearing yet weightless; oil-controlling yet hydrating; 10s 10s 10s across the board.
Victoria Jowett, former beauty director: The internet is all hyped up over this foundation, and it's easy to see why...
Finish: The satin finish looks like just skin (but better), and the slight blurring effect gives a smoother finish that minimises pores, lines and texture.
Coverage: Medium, but super-buildable if you want to dial up the coverage. Oh, and zero cakiness.
Shade range: There are 50 shades to choose from - and the online shade matcher is surprisingly accurate.
Lasting power: The longwear formula rivals all our other faves when it comes to staying power.
Final thoughts: It's hard to find a foundation that 'does it all', but this really is a crowd-pleaser. No wonder it has over 350K positive reviews.
Clare Stephenson, beauty e-commerce writer: TBH, I've always followed the "clean girl" makeup vibe – but recently, especially as we creep into autumn, I've been after a little more coverage. And who better to rely on than Huda Beauty, the brand that's all about airbrushed finishes. You bet I was SO excited to give this new blurring foundation a go!
Finish: The Easy Blur foundation is Huda's version of a minimalist makeup aesthetic. The finish isn't entirely matte like its #FauxFilter formula: it offers a more natural and blurred result (buh-BYE pores) while still giving the complexion a dewy sheen.
Coverage: Sensational. One thin layer is enough to smooth my acne-picking scars – yes, don't come for me – and even out my complexion without turning cakey, or looking like I'm covered in makeup.
Shade range: There are 29 shades available, across a range of undertones.
Lasting power: This BB sticks around longer than the unknown user stalking your Insta stories. It has lasted many sweaty scenarios, including my dreaded SULAs, and still looks fresh after a full day in the office or cutting shapes on the dance floor.
Final thoughts: It's my favourite foundation in my kit RN – and if you saw the size of my collection, that says a lot.
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Lia Mappoura, Beauty Assistant: While foundation sticks may seem like a thing of the past (hi, hello, liquid EVERYTHING), Ilia's latest launch is anything but dated...
Finish: It’s definitely the most matte option from the brand's complexion range but the ceramide-peptide make up means it still nourishes the skin without feeling greasy – a natural, hydrated matte, if you will. Aka, it's an oily-combo girly's dream.
Coverage: This formula blends in one swipe and can be built up from a medium to full coverage look. Upon application, your pores will appear non-existent. Blurring at its best.
Shade range: The complexion stick is available in an incredible range of 42 light, medium and deep shades.
Lasting power: Ilia claims that their complexion stick will ensure your canvas is intact for up to 12 hours and that, I can certainly vouch, having trialled it with many a night out.
Final thoughts: Though not many of us left in the revolution that is glowing, glass, glazed doughnut skin, we matte-loving girlies are often pigeon-holed into using full-coverage foundations – I mean, not many skin tints hail a shine-free finish. However, this product allows us to maintain a set base without that heavy skin feeling.
Basically, what I'm trying to say is that this is the ultimate everyday foundation for those with an oilier skin type! It hasn't left my makeup bag since the first use, which speaks for itself, IMO.
Victoria Jowett, former beauty director: If you want a perfect finish, fast, you need a foundation that offers more coverage and this is it. The formula smooths over everything from acne to redness.
Finish: A classic satin finish, not too matte, not too dewy.
Coverage: Full, but apply it with a makeup sponge and you can sheer it out a little.
Shade range: Over 60 shades. Yesssss Estée Lauder!
Lasting power: Sick of your foundation melting off by 3 o'clock? Yep, so was I. I found this formula stays in place for up to 12 hours, so go ahead and plough through your day without having to touch-up.
Final thoughts: I wore this foundation for my sister's wedding - when I knew I needed a base that would stick around all day (and night), luckily this one did not disappoint. It gave excellent coverage (without looking cakey), and the lasting power was second to none. No wonder this is the UK's best-selling foundation...
L'Oreal Paris True Match Super Blendable Foundation
Clare Stephenson, beauty e-commerce writer: L'Oreal's True Match was my first must-have foundation, and it still holds as much pride of place in my makeup collection as it did 10-odd years ago.
Finish: IMO, this satin finish is everything. It seamlessly smooths out texture, pigmentation and uneven tone but does so in a natural and skin-dewiness way. Plus, you can build up the layers without it appearing cakey.
Coverage: For me, this formula is the perfect middle ground. One layer gives more of a tinted moisturiser vibe to fade pigmentation and blur redness, but layering up will also offer a bit more oomph to cover that pesky pimple.
Shade range: There are 21 shades to shop on the LookFantastic website.
Lasting power: This is one to lean on if the dance floor is calling your name – but don't be afraid to dab a little powder on your shine zones to ensure it sticks about all day.
Final thoughts: You simply can't go wrong with this formula – and for the pocket-friendly cost of £9.99, how can you say no?
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Charlotte Tilbury Unreal Skin Sheer Glow Tint Hydrating Foundation Stick
Victoria Jowett, former beauty director: We all know Charlotte Tilbury loves a glow, every product I own from the brand gives me bright, luminous skin, and of course, this is no exception.
Finish: Expect a seriously dewy, glowy sheen, thanks to the hydrating formula.
Coverage: Not quite as light as a tinted moisturiser, but not quite as much coverage as a foundation, this stunning skin tint sits somewhere in between. It evens out the complexion with a light, buildable coverage, but a touch of concealer is needed to cover stubborn redness or breakouts.
Shade range: 20 shades to choose from.
Lasting power: The uber-hydrating formula gives a dewy finish which isn't the longest-lasting, that said, the stick formulation makes it super easy to top-up on the go.
Final thoughts: If you have a stubbornly dry complexion, you'll love this. It's so hydrating that it glides onto the skin and blends out seamlessly, without clinging to any flakey skin.
Lia Mappoura, Beauty Assistant: For years and years, I was a NARS Sheer Glow girlie – that was, until I recently tried out this beauty. The Natural Radiant Longwear has been my recent go-to foundation for when working in the office as it can resist the likes of my hour and a half tube journey, as well as the ever-changing climate within these four walls (I'm talking swear-central).
Finish: While it is 'radiant', this foundation dries down to a skin-like finish; a luminous lit-from-within glow, if you will. That is, if you're a sans-powder girl. However, if, like me you're ready to get set (read: bake), layer a thin veil of powder for more of a matte finish.
Coverage: For skin that sits between normal, combination and oily *raises hand*, this formula offers a buildable, medium-to-full coverage that still maintains its luminosity. In other words, it can cover the redness around my nose, the hyperpigmentation of any post-acne scars all while resisting separation, cc. my excess sebum production.
Shade range: There are 33 shades of this foundation and to find your best one, you can head to LookFantastic's Foundation Finder. This easy-to-use online tool uses AI technology and a thorough quiz to help you find the best shade for your complexion – aka, it's taking the guesswork out of finding your true match!
Lasting power: As its namesake would suggest, this foundation ain't going nowhere – y'know, like that regular who's always in your DMs... I mean, there's longwear and then there's strongwear.
Final thoughts: To put it simply, if I were to recommend a foundation for one's wedding day, it would be this. A natural yet full-coverage finish that'll last a ceremony, the after party and the after after party...
Elena Chabo, Beauty Writer: The OG Studio Fix was my first ever proper foundation, and MAC the first brand to cater to my skin tone in my all-white area. So despite me straying firmly to lighter dewy coverage over the years, I was so excited to try this new reformulated version.
Finish: The soft-matte finish has won me over, despite my general avoidance of matte products. It doesn't look the slightest bit dull or powdery and keeps skin looking like skin.
Coverage: It's described as lightweight coverage, and while it is light on the skin, I would consider it more of a medium coverage and buildable too. You can for sure blend it out for a lighter look.
Shade range: There are an incredible 71 shades to choose from across thoughtful and carefully developed real-world undertones and depths.
Lasting power: This puts in a shift and will see you through the day.
Final thoughts: This reformulation really is a level-up. Now featuring 87% skincare ingredients to make it feel better on the skin with a boost of hydration, the new finish really brings the beloved fave into 2024.
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Victoria Jowett, former beauty director: Feel like your foundation can get a bit blotchy? To avoid this issue, invest in a formula that blends flawlessly into the skin. Giorgio Armani's Luminous Silk Foundation is the perfect option for makeup minimalists that want a flawless application without any cakey-ness.
Finish: Satin, with a slight glow.
Coverage: Medium-to-full coverage, whilst still being light and non-cakey.
Shade range: 24 shades
Lasting power: All day long.
Final thoughts: This is the ultimate people pleaser, a winner for most skin types, whether you're dry or oily, the formula applies beautifully leaving skin looking perfected, but not overdone.
Infallible 24hr Freshwear Liquid Foundation
Victoria Jowett, former beauty director: For the price, I've been so impressed with this foundation. It gives skin a serious dose of coverage while the satin finish prevents it from looking heavy or cakey. The long-wear formula keeps skin looking even without going patchy.
Finish: Satin finish, not too dewy or matte.
Coverage: Medium-to-full coverage.
Shade range: 29 shades.
Lasting power: Great, this one will stay with you all day long.
Final thoughts: This is one of my favourite high street foundations, it can be built up to a super-full finish or sheered out with a Beautyblender for a lighter tint.
Laura Capon, freelance beauty editor: A viral sensation (the foundation, not me), NARS' Light Reflecting Foundation promises radiant skin in a medium coverage, natural finish formula.
Finish: This has a very natural skin-like finish with a glow, but it's not tacky or wet like other radiant foundations can be.
Coverage: Medium. You can definitely sheer it out by using less or diluting it with a moisturiser/primer if you want more of a skin tint vibe.
Shade range: 36 shades with a good ratio across all skin tones. If you find online foundation matching tricky, you can head to Look Fantastic's Foundation Finder which uses AI technology and short quiz so you can meet your match.
Lasting power: NARS say all day and I'd say that's fair. If you were going out after work I'd want to touch up though.
Final thoughts: Definitely worthy of all that social media hype, especially if your skin is in need of a bit of a boost.
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Victoria Jowett, former beauty director: I rarely try a new foundation and instantly feel compelled to tell my friends, family... and the whole internet, how much I love it. But with Charlotte Tilbury's Beautiful Skin Foundation, that is exactly what I did.
Finish: Loaded with hydrating hyaluronic acid, this brightening and glowy (but not greasy) foundation, falls into the dewy, fresh-faced category.
Coverage: Medium, but very buildable (so if you're a full coverage fan you won't be disappointed).
Shade range: There are 30 shades in a mixture of warm, neutral and cool undertones.
Lasting power: For a dewy foundation, this formula has been built to last, expect fade-proof coverage all day long.
Final thoughts: The creamy texture blends like a dream, leaving skin looking bright, whilst also packing a punch in the coverage department.
Laura Capon, freelance beauty editor: A Cosmo Summer Beauty awards winner and the one product I will not stop trying to convert people to.
Finish: Like the name suggests, light to medium with a radiant finish.
Coverage: I would say this provides a light to medium coverage.
Shade range: 17 shades.
Lasting power: As this is a radiant foundation, you will need a powder touch-up come the afternoon. If you are oily skinned and produce your own glow it also comes in a matte version.
Final thoughts: Please just try it!
Studio Radiance Face & Body Radiant Sheer Foundation
Laura Capon, freelance beauty editor: A cult staple in every working makeup artist's kit since its launch in the early '90s. The most lightweight foundation you will ever use.
Finish: Natural, truly undetectable on skin.
Coverage: With one coat this watery foundation is very sheer and provides the kind of wash you would expect from a skin tint. However, it can be built up in any area where you want more coverage.
Shade range: 30 (would you expect anything less from MAC?)
Lasting power: Thanks to its natural finish and waterproof formula I can wear this all day with it sweating off.
Final thoughts: A foundation I would never be without.
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Victoria Jowett, former beauty director: I don't know how they did it, but Shiseido has managed to create a dewy foundation that's oil-free, and I'm officially obsessed.
Finish: Satin, with a hint of glow.
Coverage: Medium. The formula feels lightweight (almost watery) but it's pigmented enough to offer decent coverage.
Shade range: 30 shades
Lasting power: Incredible. This stayed put from morning till 10pm (yes, I go to bed early), without going patchy or looking dull.
Final thoughts: I'm a huge fan. The formula is one of the most versatile I've found, it's lightweight without being too sheer, offers coverage without looking cakey, and gives skin a dew, without being oily.
Fenty Beauty Pro Filt'r Soft Matte Longwear Foundation 32ml
Keeks Reid, beauty director: This foundation was the biggest talking point when Rihanna’s Fenty Beauty collection launched, and with its extensive shade range and lightweight formula, what’s not to love? The consistency is runny, but don’t let that deceive you, once it’s buffed in this base isn’t budging.
Finish: Ultra-matte. If you have super oily skin this is the one for you.
Coverage: Medium-to-full coverage and it’s really easy to build up layers.
Shade range: 50 shades from very light to very deep.
Lasting power: Impressive. It’s the type of foundation you could wear to work and then just blot down the T-Zone to extend the lasting power through the evening.
Final thoughts: What did I do before this foundation? It’s my new go-to on a long day.
Keeks Reid, beauty director: This all-in-one foundation is an absolute steal. For its budget price, the water-based foundation gives you just enough coverage to wear daily, and it has SPF in it, so it'll protect your skin from the sun's harsh rays. If you're acne-prone this lightweight formula is the perfect option, as it doesn't contain pore-clogging ingredients.
Finish: Smooth, mattifying and pore-blurring.
Coverage: Medium, but can be sheered out if you want a lighter finish.
Shade range: 35 shades, which is impressive for a drugstore brand.
Lasting power: I had a small amount of patching around my nose by the end of the day, but other than that it stayed flawless.
Final thoughts: I love this. The pore-blurring finish applied easily and gave my skin a smooth finish. For under a tenner, I'm sold.
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PAT McGRATH LABS Skin Fetish Sublime Perfection - Foundation
Keeks Reid, beauty director: When wearing this foundation, I feel like a supermodel thanks to its glowy, blurred and filtered finish. And I mean, if that doesn't convince you, IDK what will...
Finish: IMO, it sits on my skin with a velvety-matte finish. Similarly, the brand describe it as 'Sheer Perfection'.
Coverage: Medium-full coverage.
Shade range: 36 shades, spanning categories light, light medium, medium, medium deep and deep.
Lasting power: Without a setting powder finisher, I do need to blot my T-Zone after a few hours but if you powder it down when on application, it should last all day.
Final thoughts: It's worth nothing that the formula is really liquidy and easy to blend, meaning that just one pump is enough to cover your whole face... that is, considering the hefty price tag.
NYX Professional Makeup Born To Glow! Naturally Radiant Foundation
Laura Capon, freelance beauty editor: They say you know when you’ve found the one. Sadly I still don’t have a boyfriend, but I have found the base I want to spend the foreseeable future with. Medium coverage, with an unparalleled glow that made me stop mid-application to take a selfie.
Finish: Born to Glow promises to give a "just-applied" 12-hour glow and boy does it deliver.
Coverage: Medium, but can be sheered out if you want a lighter finish.
Shade range: 45 shades, yessss (!!)
Lasting power: It lasts a whole working day with just a touch of powdering in my oily areas (looking at you chin and forehead).
Final thoughts: Basically my dream skin in a £10 tube.
Victoria Jowett
Beauty Director
Victoria Jowett is an award-winning journalist and the Beauty Director at Cosmopolitan UK. She was named one of PPA’s 30 Under 30 for her work in beauty journalism and oversees the skincare, hair, makeup and fragrance content across all of Cosmopolitan’s platforms. She's worked in the beauty industry for over 13 years (and tested 1000s of products), making her an expert when it comes to recommending beauty brands that truly work. Having started her career working weekends on a makeup counter, Victoria began interning at the likes of and , before landing her first Beauty Writer job at weekly fashion magazine, LOOK. Joining Cosmopolitan in 2016, Victoria has always remained a beauty fanatic and has been lucky enough to interview everyone from Britney Spears to Kourtney Kardashian about their beauty routines. Follow her on LinkedIn.
Lia Mappoura
Beauty Assistant
Lia Mappoura (she/her) is the Beauty Assistant at Cosmopolitan UK. Covering everything from viral celebrity hair and makeup news to the latest trend predictions, she’s an expert in recognising the season’s next big beauty look (before it ends up all over your social media feeds). You’ll usually find her putting TikTok’s recent beauty hacks to the Hype Test, challenging the gender-makeup binary and social stereotypes, or fangirling over the time Kourtney Kardashian viewed her Instagram Story (yes, it’s true). Find her also on
Clare Stephenson
Beauty Ecommerce Writer
Clare Stephenson is a Beauty Ecommerce Writer for Cosmopolitan, Women’s Health, Red and Good Housekeeping, covering all things makeup, skincare and hair care, as well as deals events including Black Friday and Amazon Prime Day.
Clare has been an ecommerce writer since 2022, writing matter-of-fact such as deep dives into and shopping pages filled with her favourite products for every budget and need.
Before working at Hearst UK, she received a BA degree in Multimedia Journalism at Bournemouth University, focusing her studies on the world of magazines and editorial. From there, she worked as an editorial assistant at Voir Fashion Magazine, covering events like Fashion Week and interviewing reputable brand founders, including Rea Ann Silva creator of Beautyblender.
When she’s not testing the latest and greatest products, you can find Clare sifting through vintage clothing stores in the city or horseback riding in the countryside.
