We're Editors—This Is Our Ultimate List of the Best Foundations We've Ever Tried

Foundation is a very personal makeup preference for every person who wears it, which makes compiling an edit of the best foundations around quite tricky. Some prefer a natural-looking foundation or skin tint with lightweight coverage, whereas others may favour a full-coverage formula for a more seamless finish.

Your skin type can also have a big influence on what foundations work for you. Mattifying and oil-control formulas may be better suited to oily skin or acne-prone skin types, whereas dry skin types may fare better with hydrating and oil-based textures (see our edit of the best glowing foundations) that nourish the skin as you wear them. You'd also be forgiven for thinking that affordable drugstore foundations don't rival their luxury counterparts, but there are still plenty of budget-friendly foundations out there that are just as good (if not better).

The good news is that there are so many foundations out there, with many brands now offering a diverse range of shades to achieve a perfect match. The bad news is that it can be overwhelming to find a foundation that fits your needs and your budget, and works with your skin type, too. Finding the best foundations for you can become a colossal task.

I've been lucky to try nearly a hundred or so foundations in my 10 years as a beauty journalist. Many have passed by my desk, and I've sat in the chair with makeup artists who have shared their knowledge on the best foundations that they use on set, backstage and on celebrities too. However, despite getting to try a lot of formulas, I stay loyal to my favourites. I have combination skin that can be both acne and eczema-prone, so finding a foundation that ticks all of the boxes is a tall order.

However, everyone's foundation preferences are different. So I asked the Who What Wear UK team to share some of their favourite foundations and also listed the best foundations for different skin types, budgets and skin concerns. Whether you want a foundation for large pores, a foundation for mature skin or a foundation with SPF, we've tested a lot of them to bring you the very best foundations out there. Scroll down to discover our ultimate list of the best foundations for all skin types, as tried and reviewed first-hand by the Who What Wear UK editors.

The Best Foundations, Tried & Tested by Editors

1. Best Overall: IT Cosmetics CC Cream (£39)
2. Best Luminous Foundation: Giorgio Armani Luminous Silk Foundation (£47)
3. Best Lightweight Foundation: Ilia Super Serum Skin Tint (£42)
4. Best Radiant Foundation: Saie Super Glowy Skin Foundation (£35)
5. Best Foundation Stick: Merit The Minimalist Perfecting Complexion Foundation and Concealer Stick (£34)

1. IT Cosmetics CC Cream

Why we love it: I always come back to this foundation time and time again. I'd argue that it has the coverage of a foundation rather than a BB cream, but this always makes my skin look amazing. In fact, I recently wore this, and my friend commented on how plumped and glowy my skin looks. I personally love the original formula pictured here, which gives my skin a radiant, dewy finish with medium-to-full coverage. However, if you want a glowier base or a more mattifying finish, you could try the Your Skin But Better CC+ Nude Glow (£39) or Your Skin But Better CC+ Natural Matte (£39) to match your preferences.

Editor review: Who What Wear UK shopping editor Florrie Alexander also rates It Cosmetics CC Cream as her foundation of choice. "A few months ago, I messaged my group chat for foundation recommendations, and my phone blew up with the same brand: It Cosmetics. Both my male and female friends have recommended this affordable foundation that is easily buildable and gives a seamless finish," she says. "It works as both a foundation and concealer, and even has hyaluronic acid and hydrolysed collagen to look after your skin when wearing makeup. I've even invested in the mini version to take with me on holidays." Florrie wears the shade Fair Light.

2. Giorgio Armani Luminous Silk Foundation

Why we love it: Another beauty industry icon is Armani Luminous Silk Foundation, which is not only loved by beauty editors and makeup artists around the world, but is often the wedding foundation of choice for several brides. It's really that good. As its name suggests, this luminous formula leaves skin looking naturally radiant—never cakey—and the silky formula blends to become one with your skin while delivering buildable medium-to-full coverage.

Editor review: Who What Wear UK's managing editor, Poppy Nash, recommends Giorgio Armani Luminous Silk Foundation. "I never wear foundation, but there are a few moments when I need fuller coverage, so I tried this as it had come with so many recommendations. I really love it," she says. "I like that it isn't too heavy but still feels like it is a step up from my normal coverage, and it is not cakey at all!" Poppy wears the shade Medium 1.5.

3. Ilia Super Serum Skin Tint

Why we love it: Like Florrie, I'm also a big fan of It Cosmetics' CC Cream, which gives great coverage and a dewy finish. However, I've been turning to lighter foundations recently, as I find anything too heavy turns cakey on the oilier areas of my skin. Ilia's Skin Tint has become a new favourite and now has a permanent residence in my makeup bag. For a skin tint, it has great coverage and melts into the skin to subtly blur. But my favourite thing about it is the glow it gives my skin. What's more, it wears well throughout the day and is also infused with hydrating hyaluronic acid, squalene and brightening niacinamide to support the skin too; it's one of the best Ilia products IMO. I wear the shade Bom Bom.

4. Saie Super Glowy Skin Foundation

Why we love it: Saie's Super Glowy Skin Foundation remains a firm favourite amongst our team for its lightweight, silky formula that delivers impressive coverage. The ultra silky liquid glides onto the skin with a blurring finish that somehow manages to straddle being both radiant and glowy without sliding all over the skin either. It can be worn with medium coverage, but can be layered up to a more full coverage finish on the days you want it.

Editor review: "I'm all for a full coverage concealer, but when it comes to foundation, I need a formula that lets my skin breathe," says Who What Wear UK fashion editor Remy Farrell. "After searching for a base that would be light as well as pigmented, dewy but not greasy, and in a good enough shade range to match my skin tone and look like second skin, I finally found Saie's Super Glowy Skin Foundation. I've just gotten into a skincare routine that's working for me, and the Saie formula doesn't cake or block my pores. The hyaluronic acid and squalane formula works with my skin for a bright, glowy finish that actually lasts all day. If you're trying this foundation for the first time, prepare for compliments."

5. Merit The Minimalist Perfecting Complexion Foundation and Concealer Stick

Why we love it: If you don't like the idea of wearing foundation all over, then a foundation-concealer hybrid is perfect for you. With its stick formula and ball-point pen-like tip, this foundation stick is great for quickly scribbling onto the skin to conceal blemishes and blends effortlessly with a brush or your fingertips into a natural-looking finish that delivers buildable coverage. It's ideal for keeping in your bag for quick touch-ups throughout the day, and it has a radiant-matte finish that makes your complexion look just like your skin, just that bit better.

Editor review: Who What Wear UK beauty contributor, Grace Day, is a fan of Merit's Foundation Stick. "Since its launch, Merit's Foundation Stick has become a mainstay in my makeup bag," she says. "The fact that it doubles up as both foundation and concealer was what caught my attention, but the totally weightless formula and natural-looking finish have kept me coming back to it day after day. Right now, I’m all about a no-makeup-makeup look, so when it comes to wearing foundation, I much prefer formulas that look and feel invisible on my skin, and this foundation is exactly that. Perfect for wearing when I don’t want to be totally bare-faced, but I also don’t necessarily want a full coverage base—it subtly evens out my skin, tones down redness and blurs pores without actually looking like I’m wearing foundation. With that said, if you do prefer more coverage, the scribble-on crayon format means it’s super easy to build this up without it looking cakey or feeling heavy. And you can go about your day knowing that the formula is working hard behind the scenes to keep skin hydrated, thanks to ingredients like fatty acids and sea daffodil extract."

6. Nars Sheer Glow Foundation

Why we love it: Nars foundations rarely miss, and the Sheer Glow formula remains a classic to this day. The liquid formula feels very hydrating and satiny on the skin (you have to try it if you love a dewy finish), and the formula means it can be layered up for more coverage should you want it. All Nars foundations have been designed to be used with your fingertips, but I find this works equally well with a makeup brush too. If you have very oily skin, you may find this too dewy for your liking. But if you're all about the glow, you'll love it.

Editor review: "For me, a major milestone of passing my mid-20s was graduating from MAC Studio Fix Foundation to Nars Sheer Glow," says senior fashion & beauty editor for branded content, Rebecca Rhys-Evans. "Still full coverage but not quite as thick, and ever so slightly more sheer, it blends and builds well and doesn't stick to any dry areas of skin. Every dry-skin victim will tell you that 3 p.m. flaky patches are a nightmare, and I must admit I don't find this so much since using it," she says. "What's more is the colour range for paler skin. From warm, yellow tones to pinky complexions or combination colours, Nars's range has you (quite literally) covered." Rebecca wears the shade Deauville.

7. Dr Jart+ Premium Beauty Balm

Why we love it: I still remember when I tried this foundation a few years ago, and I still keep one in my makeup bag at all times. While it is technically a BB cream, I always recommend this to my friends who want something a little lighter that doesn't compromise on coverage. One pump is enough to add a dewy finish that still lets my skin shine through, but softens, plumps and blurs any imperfections. While there are only four shades, don't let that put you off. These shades stretch really well across a spectrum of skin tones from very deep to fair. Try it, you won't regret it.

Editor review: "I've always been drawn to lighter coverage skin tints, and have recently been a huge fan of the Dr Jart+ Premium Beauty Balm," says affiliate manager, Jerrylyn Saguiped. "It leaves you with a natural finish whilst still being buildable. An added plus is that it doubles up as skincare, as it includes niacinamide and has SPF 50." Jerrylyn wears shade Medium-Tan.

8. Chanel Les Beiges Healthy Glow Foundation

Why we love it: We love several of Chanel's foundations, but this one is particularly brilliant for dry skin. The radiant, glowy formula contains humectants that help to draw moisture into the skin, helping to give even the driest of skin types a hydrated and plumped look throughout the day. Plus, it won't cling to dry patches either.

Editor review: "I have extremely dry skin, so a lot of foundations end up flaking off very soon after applying," says Who What Wear UK editorial assistant, Brittany Davy. "I love Chanel’s Les Beiges Healthy Glow Foundation because of how lightweight and hydrating it is. Usually I’d have to do a million steps of skin prep to make a foundation work for me, but with this I simply need my usual moisturiser and SPF underneath, and the foundation leaves my skin looking fresh and glowy for the entire day." Brittany wears shade B140.

9. Summer Fridays Sheer Skin Tint

Why we love it: If you're looking for more of a skin tint rather than a heavy foundation, then allow us to acquaint you with Summer Fridays Sheer Skin Tint—one of the best in the game. The weightless liquid melts into the skin with just a hint of coverage for a natural-looking finish that makes your skin look like yours and never caked on.

Editor review: "Truthfully, I hate foundation. While I know my skin looks better for wearing it, I can’t stand the feeling of it on my face, and it has proved very difficult to find formulas that don’t exacerbate my acne," says Who What Wear UK beauty director Shannon Lawlor. "I only keep two bottles in my personal stash—one full-coverage formula for nights on the town and one sheerer, more luminous option for daytime wear. This stuff is my daytime option, but honestly, it’s so good that I’ve been known to wear it for various occasions. With a slightly oily, liquid consistency, it veils the skin with a sheer, lightweight, skincare-infused coverage that works to correct discolouration and ensures your complexion looks full of life. In the above picture, I’ve applied two layers for a slightly fuller coverage because my acne scarring requires it right now, but most of the time, one cloak is all it takes to make me look 100 times more pulled together. I’ve bought bottle after bottle of the stuff, and it wins me compliments on my skin every time I wear it. I'm wearing shade 3 here, but I usually wear shade 2."

10. The Body Shop Fresh Nude Foundation

Why we love it: Don't sleep on The Body Shop's makeup, as it's seriously impressive. This particular foundation leaves your skin looking so fresh-faced and dewy that it looks like you slept for 12 hours. The vegan formula comes in a good range of shades and is more on the moisturising side, so ideal for those with dry skin or seeking a glowing finish to their base.

Editor review: "My favourite foundation is an affordable, high-street hero—The Body Shop's Fresh Nude Foundation," says Farrell. "This formula is proof you don't have to break the bank to find something that really works and still looks like real skin. The first application is one you won't forget, a cooling, soothing blend of rose water and aloe vera and medium coverage that manages to impart a dewy glow without being greasy."

11. Laura Mercier Real Flawless Weightless Perfecting Foundation

Why we love it: This foundation blurs pores, fine lines and blemishes with a radiant matte finish that doesn't veer into the territory of making your foundation look flat. Instead, this is subtly radiant yet still effective in controlling shine on oily skin types. Just add a touch of powder, and you'll have a shine-free base that doesn't separate on the skin.

Editor review: "I don't like wearing foundations that are too matte, or feel heavy and cakey on the skin. If that also sounds like you, please give this gem from Laura Mercier a try," says Who What Wear UK beauty contributor, Mollie Burdell. "I was lucky enough to attend the launch dinner, where I was properly shade matched alongside getting the lowdown on its additional skin-loving benefits–the combo of antioxidant-rich camelia seed, vitamin E and cacao extract helps to protect the skin barrier. It looks incredibly natural, covering redness and blemishes with ease and managing to keep my shine at bay when paired with a light dusting of the brand's iconic Translucent Loose Setting Powder. I honestly haven't stopped wearing it."

12. Glossier Stretch Fluid Foundation

Why we love it: Born from the brand's iconic Stretch Concealer, this foundation will give you the same radiant Glossier glow all over your skin. It has a surprising amount of coverage, so one small pump is all you need, but you can build it up easily if you want. The radiance from this foundation lasts all day and is great for those who love the signature dewy Glossier look, or those who want a hydrating foundation.

Editor review: "Glossier's Stretch Fluid Foundation still gives me light enough coverage that it looks like real skin, but does a fantastic job of colour-correcting any sun damage and hyperpigmentation, to make my skin tone look more uniform," says freelance beauty editor and Who What Wear UK beauty contributor, Laura Pearson. "It's also a makeup-skincare hybrid and is 89% skincare, full of hydrating and barrier fortifying ingredients." Laura wears the shade Very Light 2

Rhys-Evans is also a fan. "I tested this out for our Next in Beauty Awards and haven't used a single other foundation since," she says. "I have dry skin, so I often find some foundations to appear patchy after a few hours of wear, but not this one. Its moisturising formula means it glides on my face and doesn't leave flaky patches as the day goes on. It's also incredibly buildable, a little can go a long way if you want low coverage in summer, achieving more of a 'skin tint' effect, but if I'm going out and doing full glam, I will still use this, just slightly more of it!"

13. Chanel Ultra Le Teint Velvet Foundation

Why we love it: If you're looking for a mattifying formula that still looks like your skin, just better, we'd implore you to try this. Given that it's Chanel, you can bet the experience of applying it is luxurious, and it feels like suede to the touch on the skin. It has more of a sheer finish, so it's perfect if you're after a natural-looking result. We'd love to see more shades catering to deeper skin tones in this range.

Editor review: "There are days that I go sans-foundation, but when I want something a little more, I always reach for the Chanel Ultra Le Teint Velvet," says Who What Wear UK branded content editor Humaa Hussain. "It’s lightweight but gives me the seamless finish I am always after. I’ve always preferred a light-to-sheer coverage foundation, so I would use Chanel’s Vitalumiere Aqua when I was younger, but as my skin started to get more oily, I needed something with a more matte finish—so I switched to the Ultra Le Teint Velvet, which gives the same skin-like finish of the Vitalumiere but without the oiliness."

14. Charlotte Tilbury Charlotte's Beautiful Skin Foundation

Why we love it: I recently went to the Charlotte Tilbury counter and tried out this foundation and forgot just how good it is. While I prefer a sheerer coverage, I now reach for this on days when I'm having my picture taken (it photographs amazingly). The satin finish leaves skin radiant and glowing, but even on my combination skin, it held up well on more oily areas like my nose and chin. You really can't go wrong with one of Charlotte Tilbury's foundations.

Editor review: "This hydrating formula doesn't cling to dry patches but also doesn't enhance oiliness," says Who What Wear UK junior beauty editor Grace Lindsay. "Instead, it gives a naturally luminous finish that stays all day long. It offers medium coverage and helps to even out my skin tone while still letting my complexion breathe."

15. Haus Labs Triclone Skin Tech Medium Coverage Foundation

Why we love it: I'm not usually one for full-coverage foundations, but when I do want a more blurring finish, I often reach for this. It leaves my skin looking smooth and mattified but with a touch of radiance that prevents the skin from looking flat, and somehow it manages to remain seamless for hours on end. It contains arnica, which makes a noticeable difference in redness in the skin, and I find that it doesn't aggravate my acne-prone skin—no risk of clogged pores here. The shade range is particularly inclusive and impressive, too, winning an award at our Next in Beauty Awards. I wear the shade 130 Light Warm.

16. Charlotte Tilbury Hollywood Flawless Filter

Why we love it: On days I want to glow with a capital G, I call upon Charlotte Tilbury's iconic Hollywood Flawless Filter. It's not so much a foundation but rather a glow-boosting tint that adds subtle coverage while letting your natural skin and freckles peek through. The doe-foot applicator makes it really easy to dot onto your face, and it seamlessly blends into the skin, leaving you looking incredibly radiant. The beauty of this is that you can wear it alone, underneath foundation, or on top of your base as a highlighter—it's really versatile. In the above picture, I'm wearing shade 2.5 Fair.

17. Hourglass Veil Hydrating Skin Tint

Why we love it: As the weather gets warmer, I like to switch to a lightweight skin tint, and the Hourglass Veil Hydrating Skin Tint has become a permanent fixture in my makeup bag for a long time now. It's lightweight, offers natural-looking coverage that conceals redness but still lets my freckles shine through. I also adore the dewy finish that always makes my skin look hydrated and plumped. Be warned that I find the product can seep into the cap/around the nozzle, but fortunately, it doesn't leak out of the cap. I wear the shade 6.

18. Ilia Skin Rewind Complexion Stick

Why we love it: I used to have a real aversion to foundation sticks for fear of looking chalky and dry, but thank goodness I discovered Ilia's Skin Rewind Complexion Stick, which leaves my skin looking quite the opposite. Rather than dragging on the skin, this creamy formula glides on, leaving my skin with a radiant matte finish that wears really well throughout the day on my combination skin. It's easily layered for more coverage (and the stick makes it easy to touch-up throughout the day if needed) as well as spot-correcting specific areas. I wear the shade 9N Tupelo, which suits my skin during the summertime.

19. E.l.f. Hydrating Camo CC Cream

Why we love it: Honestly, every time I've worn this foundation on a work call, someone has complimented my skin. The fact that this happens more with this £16 foundation than the other, more expensive products I own is a testament that you don't have to shell out tonnes of money for a good foundation. This CC cream formula melts into my skin, delivering medium yet buildable coverage while leaving my skin looking incredibly glowy. For £16, you really can't go wrong with this if you're looking for a hardworking yet affordable foundation.

Why Trust Us

At Who What Wear UK, we know that beauty isn’t one-size-fits-all. Our editors have tested thousands of products, including skincare, makeup, hair and nails, over the years and work closely with trusted experts—dermatologists, make-up artists and leading industry insiders—to ensure every guide is well-researched, inclusive and relevant to you.

We focus on formulas that deliver, whether they’re affordable favourites or luxury investments. Our product selection is based on tangible results, ingredient know-how and what we’d truly recommend to a friend.