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“I’m not a foundation person,” is how most of the team ELLE prefaces their foundation picks. Blame BB creams, tinted moisturizers, and the prevalence of no-makeup makeup, but there’s a recent reluctance to come out as a daily foundation wearer.
However, unless you are born with genetically perfect skin, a great foundation (you know, one that covers but doesn’t feel like a mask ) is an makeup bag essential for everyone. So, let’s play pretend-perfect-skin with 11 of ELLE’s favorite foundations—and a few foundation-like BB creams snuck in—below.
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Radiant Cream Foundation SPF 24
nordstrom.com
$128.00
“I’ve been obsessed with this foundation for years. It requires very little blending and the creamy formula looks exactly like actual skin. Well ‘actual skin’ if it were spotless and glowing. The price tag hurts, but I build up the coverage lightly and slowly so none goes to waste. I also only use it on special occasions and wear a more affordable CC cream on an average day.”—Katie Becker, Beauty & Health Director, ELLE
Acne Solutions Liquid Makeup
clinique.com
$27.00
“The foundation that singlehandedly got me through high school and my accompanying acne, Clinique’s Acne Solutions Liquid Makeup, is smooth, oil-free, and unobtrusive. It provides long-lasting coverage while also remaining light and blending seamlessly with my skin tone.”—Savannah Walsh, Editorial Fellow, elle.com
L’Essentiel Natural 16H Wear Foundation SPF 20
sephora.com
$60.00
“My new favorite foundation is the Guerlain L’Essentiel Natural 16H Wear Foundation. I must be honest, I’m not normally a heavy wearing makeup girl because I prefer a natural look and it’s hard finding foundations that match my complexion. But I love this one! It’s super-light and still feels natural without being too heavy and looking caked on. For those life events when I want to be the *best* version of myself, this is my go-to.”—Kia Goosby, Fashion Editor, Hearst Fashion Group
Vital Skin Foundation Stick
violetgrey.com
$68.00
“After a decade in the beauty industry I’ve learned wearing expensive mascara is pointless, but pricey foundation is worth the splurge. This glide-on stick offers blendable medium coverage—hides age spots as needed, doesn’t blot out freckles entirely—and doesn’t readily slip off. I also love that it’s not just a foundation. Hydrators like squalene and coconut oil, plus a few botanical antioxidants mean it’s also acting as a skin treatment, too. Also, the matte pink tube is substantial, pretty, and makes me feel expensive.”—Hannah Morrill, Contributor, elle.com
Airflash Spray Foundation
sephora.com
$62.00
“Two people have stopped me on the street recently to ask about my skin. I credit it to a few things, including drinking a lot of water, Dior Airflash Spray Foundation, and saying a spell during a full moon. (Just kidding on the last one.) I like to spray Airflash onto my hand then buff it onto my face with an Artis brush so the coverage is lighter. It never feels like I have foundation on but perfectly evens out my skin so I can skip cover up, which rules.”—Margaux Anbouba, Associate Beauty Editor, ELLE
Luminous Foundation
sephora.com
$38.00
“In a perfect world, I wouldn’t have to use foundation to cover up my acne scars or hide any active breakouts. Luckily, Anastasia Beverly Hills Luminous Foundation does a pretty good job of hiding my impurities all while making me look all fresh-faced and radiant with just one pump—yes, it’s that good!” - Nerisha Penrose, Assistant Editor
Airbrush Flawless Longwear Foundation
sephora.com
$44.00
“All I need in this life of sin is a full-coverage foundation that feels lightweight. Charlotte Tilbury’s magical formula manages to do both, while keeping my oily face matte and poreless.” — Ariana Yaptangco, Social Media Editor, elle.com
Aqua Luminous Perfecting Foundation
sephora.com
$44.00
“I just graduated to using foundation as part of my regular makeup routine last year. I’ve always been a skincare girl, so my goal was never to use foundation as a coverup. I really needed a formula that would act as a second skin—literally. Something lightweight that made for a good base to layer on blush and contour, and still allowed my skin to shine through (I haven’t adopted an eight-step regime for nothing). When I discovered this formula—thanks to my friend, makeup artist Katie Jane Hughes—I was hooked! And the best part is that it’s packed with luminizers, so I’ve got a dewy glow, all year-round.”—Angel Lenise, Lead Video Producer, elle.com
Matte Loose Powder Mineral Foundation Broad Spectrum SPF 15
sephora.com
$31.00
“I’ve been using BareMinerals products since high school—I had acne then, and it didn’t break out my skin. I still use it today because I love the solid coverage from a light powder. I switched to the matte version because my skin tends to be oily in the summer and this keeps the shine down. Truly a solid, essential product in my makeup kit that has held up for years.”—Alyssa Bailey, News and Strategy Editor, elle.com
BB Cream
notecosmetics.com
$20.00
“Bad skin days don’t exist with this foundation—well they do, but no one has to know. It glides on perfectly, and gives a dewy but not overly heavy coverage. I usually get ‘wow your skin looks great!’ when i wear it.”—Mia Feitel, Art Director, elle.com
Natural Radiant Longwear Foundation
sephora.com
$49.00
“ELLE editors love this foundation and I’m one of them. It’s the best for full coverage and creating a flawless complexion. I use this for nights out on the town when I want to impress.”—Justine Carrerron, Market Editor, elle.com
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