An essential element of any makeup look is the foundation. Foundation serves as a baseline for makeup pros and amateurs alike to create their own art by providing an even canvas for all of the other components of a look—concealer, contour, blush, brows, and so on—to shine. Consider foundation to be the quarterback of your cosmetic bag; you can probably get by without it (try a tinted moisturizer or BB cream instead), but everything goes (err, blends) a lot better when foundation is added to the mix.
Ask ELLE editors what their top foundation picks are. They’ll spend a lifetime explaining why they prefer skin tints over full-coverage formulas, which base blurs their most stubborn skin concerns, or which formula provides the best long-lasting coverage for jam-packed vacations. Simply put: ELLE editors keep the foundation market running; “no-makeup” makeup trends be damned.
However, we know you are busy and don’t have time to go on an endless hunt for the best foundations on the market, so we narrowed it down to 18. Whether you want a filter-like finish or a no-blemishes-left-behind full coverage option, shop ELLE’s favorite foundations below. Thank us later!
IT Cosmetics Your Skin But Better Foundation + Skincare
- BEAUTY FOR ALL – With 40 true-to-skin shades to choose from, Your Skin But Better Foundation + Skincare is suitable for all skin types. The buildable, medium coverage minimizes the look of pores & imperfections for a natural radiant finish.
- BETTER SKIN IN TWO WEEKS – This skin-loving foundation goes beyond a tinted moisturizer by working behind the scenes as you wear it. After just two weeks, skin looks smoother, skin tone appears more even, and skin texture is visibly refined.
- ALL-DAY HYDRATION – Our lightweight foundation is infused with moisturizing hyaluronic acid, aloe vera extract, vitamins E & B5, plus hepes acid for gentle exfoliation.
- HOW TO APPLY – Shake well and apply 1-2 pumps to clean skin using the Heavenly Luxe Flat Top Buffing Foundation Brush #6. For best results, start at the center of your face and blend outward.
Charlotte Tilbury Mini Hollywood Flawless Filter
- CUSTOMIZABLE: this mini-size complexion booster can be used as a tinted primer and worn under foundation, mixed with foundation, or as a highlighter on high points of the face.
- 24-HOURS MOISTURIZATION: its light-as-air formula moisturizes for up to 24 hours, smoothing and brightening skin.
- REAL-LIFE FILTER: inspired by social media filters, Charlotte created this to be a confidence glow filter! Based on 300 women tested over 1 week, 96% agree Hollywood Flawless Filter gives skin a real-life filter.
- TRAVEL-FRIENDLY: this mini bottle is perfect for getting your glow on the go!
- PEACE OF MIND FORMULA: it is formulated without parabens, and sulfates SLS & SLES. It is also gluten-free and cruelty-free.
