I've tested hundreds of foundations over the course of my career as a beauty editor (and even more before that). Along the way, I've sorted my favorite formulas into two categories. 1) natural-looking foundations, and 2) foundations that flawlessly cover my rosacea. There are only a couple that make the crossover—they look undetectable from my actual skin and cover blemishes and patchy redness.
Brand and price point have nothing to do with my top picks. It all comes down to performance. I need my foundation to be lightweight, flawless, long-wearing, flexible, breathable...the list goes on. And out of the countless formulas I've tested, there's only one that checks off every single box. I consider it my all-time favorite foundation. I've worn it to family weddings, to take professional headshots, and most recently, to attend a bridal shower on a 90° day. It's grade A, gold star, and top of the class, and I recommend it to basically anyone who will listen.
Here it is—Chanel's N°1 De Chanel Revitalizing Foundation. This formula is so good that I keep two (sometimes three) bottles on hand at one time. I know I'll use it, and honestly, I'm terrified it might get discontinued for some reason in the far-off future. Since I'm not prepared to process that reality, it makes me feel better to keep duplicates in my collection. Ahead, learn why I'm so obsessed with this foundation, and what sets it apart from so many others I've tested.
I took this picture after wearing the Chanel foundation for six or so hours while attending a bridal shower in 90-degree weather.
There are a few things that make this foundation so special: its versatility, texture, and staying power. Let's talk versatility first. Unlike other foundations that fit into light-, medium-, or full-coverage categories, this one is adaptable. It's easy to sheer out (just apply a couple of drops with a soft-bristled brush), build up (just smooth it over the skin with your fingers), or keep somewhere in the middle (I use my trusty Beautyblender for medium coverage). It's part of the reason I recommend it to so many people; I know it can work for a variety of coverage preferences.
Next, I need to talk about its texture and staying power. Enriched with red camellia oil and other moisturizing ingredients, Chanel's N°1 De Chanel Revitalizing Foundation is incredibly lightweight and hydrating. It's so featherlight that I sometimes forget I'm wearing foundation at all. It's so hydrating, my dry skin looks smooth and plump whenever I wear it—never cakey or powdery. The red camellia oil gives the foundation a satiny glow and, as a bonus, protects the skin from environmental aggressors.
In my personal experience, most lightweight, hydrating foundations have the worst staying power. They tend to slip, slide, and smudge off my skin, especially in high heat and humidity. This one, however, strikes a rare balance in that it keeps my skin looking hydrated without budging throughout the day. It's part of the reason I always wear it for big events; I know it'll look just as good at the end of the night as it did in the morning after I applied it. Most recently, I wore it to attend a six-hour-long bridal shower in 90° heat. I knew it wouldn't let me down, and it didn't.
Here's one of my beloved (and well-used) bottles of Chanel's N°1 De Chanel Revitalizing Foundation.
I only have one word of caution. Since it has a luminous finish and a hydrating formula, it might not be the best choice for oily or blemish-prone skin. (In that case, I'd probably choose a velvety matte foundation.) However, if you have normal, dry, sensitive, or mature skin, I can't recommend it enough. It might be an investment at over $80 a bottle, but to me, the "You have great skin" compliments are well worth it.
Shop 3 More of My Best-Ever Foundations
This foundation has fermented arnica, which helps relieve redness.
This is somewhere between a skin tint and a foundation. It's the most lightweight foundation on the market IMO, and it gives the skin a healthy-looking glow.
