Best Foundations

We've heard complaints about foundation ranging from too heavy and drying to too light and oily, not to mention "too few shades" and "too expensive." So we made a list of the foundations that garnered praise from TotalBeauty.com members. Check out which brands and formulas got the most consumer stamps of approval and consider whether you should switch to something new.
No.14

Clinique Dewy Smooth Anti-Aging Makeup SPF 15, $22.50
TotalBeauty.com average member rating: 8.6
Why it's great: "I've used Dewy Smooth for six years and would never use any other makeup! Coverage is very smooth and, like it says, makes your skin dewy. [It also] helps plump out those little wrinkles around the eyes and mouth. I'm almost 61 and get mistaken for my 38-year-old daughter! Something is working!" -- Barryco5, TotalBeauty.com member

No.13

Dior DiorSkin AirFlash Spray Foundation, $60
TotalBeauty.com average member rating: 8.7
Why it's great: "Never has there been a foundation like this one. Its light, airy finish leaves your skin looking fresh and flawless, not cakey and overdone. Its so natural, but with all the full coverage you crave. I use this product daily! Try this trick: Spray foundation lightly over a large fluffy face brush, and buff in until smooth and flawless." -- StephBeautyBuzz, TotalBeauty.com member

No.12

Maybelline New York Instant Age Rewind Cream Foundation, $9.49
TotalBeauty.com average member rating: 8.9
Why it's great: "I just recently purchased this and was very surprised at how wonderful it looks. I have tried more expensive foundations that cost $40 or above. I was not as pleased with them as I am this Age Rewind Cream Foundation. This did not make my face greasy at all, just flawless, and it stayed on all day! Since I have combination skin, I just skipped the moisturizer as this moisturizes as well and has SPF 18 in it. (Of course I still powdered the T-zone at some point during the day, but I have to do that with any foundation. )" -- KimmyS, TotalBeauty.com member

No.11

Shiseido The Makeup Powdery Foundation, $28.50
TotalBeauty.com average member rating: 9
Why it's great: "This is my favorite powder foundation! It is lightweight and doesn't feel like you are wearing anything. It has a semi-matte finish, which I love and light-reflecting spheres that make your skin look like porcelain. I always get compliments on my complexion when I am wearing this foundation and it doesn't cause me to break out, which almost all foundations do. The downside: Color range is limited. Darker skin tones not available." -- ForgetMeNotAM, TotalBeauty.com member

No.10

Revlon ColorStay Makeup with Softplex, $12.99
TotalBeauty.com average member rating: 9.1
Why it's great: "I have very pale skin and a tendency for my cheeks to get TOO rosy which I hate. This foundation gives me color and evens out my skin tone for a flawless complexion. It provides complete coverage without needing [concealer] beforehand around the eyes. All while still looking smooth, natural and glowing. I was skeptical that it would really last all day long as it claimed but I found that even in hot or humid weather it did. At the same time, when I washed it off it came off just fine. It doesn't feel heavy or like a mask either. To date, this is my favorite foundation." -- prosperity, TotalBeauty.com member

No.9

Laura Mercier Silk Creme Foundation, $42
TotalBeauty.com average member rating: 9.1
Why it's great: "The best cream foundation I have ever used! I have fair, sensitive skin with a slight case of rosacea. This foundation covers any redness without causing any irritation or clogging pores. The medium coverage still looks natural (not mask-y) and it gives a glow without being too glittery or greasy-looking. The key is to use the smallest amount needed and blend well with a sponge (damp for sheerer coverage). Cream Ivory is a great match for my fair, peach-undertoned skin." -- NoraCharles, TotalBeauty.com member

No.8

Estee Lauder Double Wear, $33.50
TotalBeauty.com average member rating: 9.2
Why it's great: "I have never been so pleased with a skin product as I have been with this foundation. The coverage is incredible and even on the most hot humid southern days it doesn't melt away or fall into the wrinkles. The colors that are offered also are a big factor in purchasing this makeup. [I] will definitely be using this for a long time to come." -- hipchikmomof3, TotalBeauty.com member

Wonder what the other six top-rated foundations are?Click here to see the rest of the list.

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