What she thought: As a girl who has a chronically oily nose and T-Zone, I stick to matte, pressed powders because they absorb moisture and help keep me shine-free. This Laura Mercier pressed powder certainly does the trick. The only (small) issue being I have to reapply it every few hours to stay oil-free, but that's always been a problem for me, even when I use a primer.
This powder blurs pores and imperfections and leaves a smooth, matte finish, which lasts longer than most foundations I've tried. Plus, the sponge it comes with is super soft, which I love.
What she thought: Cheap this is not, but it is amazing. It goes on sheer, but let's you build coverage as needed and it seriously makes pores and fine lines disappear. And while it does help your skin stay matte, it's less of a chalky, I-used-too-much-powder matte, and more of a softer, naturally grease-free kind of finish. Add in the relatively high SPF (for a foundation) and the fact that it's never made me break out and I think I've found "the one."
I only need about a pea-sized amount to cover my whole face. If I really want it to last I'll mix it with a drop of Napoleon Perdis Auto Pilot Pre-Foundation Primer before I apply, but even on its own it'll last through a day at the office.
Finding the best foundation can feel a bit like winning the lottery. More so than any other beauty product, foundation can make or break your entire look — and the trial and error process to find the right formula can be arduous. Got oily skin? You need matte coverage that stays put all day. Mature skin requires something lightweight and dewy that won't cake or settle into fine lines.
So what are the best foundations that rose to our lofty standards? Whether they were drugstore brands or high-end splurges, these 12 top-performing foundations charmed our editors by transforming even the blotchiest and oiliest among us into women with flawless, radiant complexions.
Some foundations were multitasking and eliminated the need for concealer or powder. Others were just good ol' one-hit-wonders that got the job done. Bottom line: These top foundations totally delivered.
But, before you give them a go, keep these expert foundation tips in mind:
• Apply foundation to the center of your face and blend outward. Always use powder sparingly, and to conceal or brighten dark circles, select a concealer with a pink undertone then gently pat it on. — Jane McKay, makeup artist for MAC
• "Always prep with a moisturizer before applying foundation. The extra bit of moisture helps makeup slide on smoothly and evenly." — Barbie Laurino, a global makeup artist for Laura Mercier
• Ideally, your makeup should allow your natural skin to show through, not blanket it. "To get the lightest, most sheer layer of coverage, use a damp sponge or synthetic brush instead of using your fingers." — Makeup artist Sonia Kashuk
