
Have you found ‘the one’ yet? Of course, we’re talking about finding the best foundation for your skin type. Unfortunately, there’s no one-size-fits-all when it comes to acing your base. With so many types of coverage and finishes it can be tricky finding your perfect match. No matter what your skin type - oily, dry, or combination - make use of our trusty Foundation Shade Finder to find a powerhouse foundation for you. Once you find it, you'll never look back.
Best foundation for dry skin: Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless Foundation, £39
Best foundation for mature skin: Armani Luminous Silk Foundation, £47
Best full coverage foundation: Huda Beauty #FauxFilter Luminous Matte Liquid Foundaton, £39
Best foundation for buildable coverage: Sephora Collection Best Skin Ever Long Wear Foundation, £17.99
Best foundation for combination skin: Charlotte Tilbury Charlotte's Beautiful Skin Foundation, £39
By Sephora UK Makeup Editorial Team
Writers and experts
Updated: 15 April 2026
Sheer Glow Foundation
Not a foundation fan? NARS Sheer Glow might change your mind. Offering a natural-looking, radiant finish, you can mix a little with your moisturiser for just a hint of colour or build up for a full coverage foundation. Enriched with nourishing ingredients that are gentle enough for sensitive skin, including Vitamin C and Turmeric Extract, it helps to brighten, even out the skin tone and fight against everyday aggressors. Here’s something clever: with continued wear, Sheer Glow improves your skin’s brightness and texture over time. To see your skin in its best light, alternate with NARS Light Reflecting Foundation that acts as light-as-air skincare.
Tried and tested: “I don’t usually wear foundation, but this one evens out skin tone with a natural-looking, luminous coverage that lets my freckles show through.” - Alice, Customer Review
Charlotte's Beautiful Skin Foundation
The latest from the complexion perfector herself, this beauty does not disappoint. Combining full coverage foundation with light-catching luminosity, this Charlotte Tilbury Foundation is the epitome of no-makeup makeup. A combination skin hero, we love when a foundation contains skin-saving ingredients. This one uses Hyaluronic Acid and a brightening Rose Complex to transform skin into a dewy delight. Smooth skin, plump fine lines and minimise the look of pores with this multi-tasking miracle, it truly earns its spot as the UK’s no.1 foundation.
Tried and tested: “The lasting power is impressive, too, whilst most dewy foundations tend to have a shorter lifespan than their matte counterparts, I found the Beautiful Skin Foundation to hold up well all day. Yes, there was a tiny bit of fading here and there, but overall my skin still looked fresh and even-toned.” - Cosmopolitan
#FauxFilter Luminous Matte Liquid Foundation
Full coverage foundations might strike fear in the hearts of those who’ve battled tide marks and caking, but not with this one. Packed with skin-unifying pigments and rich in hydrating Argan Oil, Huda’s new and improved #FauxFilter Foundation grants a natural-looking, matte finish that won’t dry or flake throughout the day. Water-resistant and budge-proof, a little goes a long way with this heavy duty formula, so start with a small amount and build up to your desired level of coverage.
Tried and tested: "Whilst my skin is usually pretty blemish free, it typically takes a few layers to cover the pigmentation around my mouth and chin, but this only took one layer to give me an even skin tone and stayed all day without feeling heavy or cakey." - Karmel, Customer Review
Best Skin Ever Foundation Long Wear Foundation
Want to achieve your best skin ever? This new generation skincare foundation from our very own coveted Sephora Collection will help you do just that. Its second skin texture offers buildable coverage to create a smooth, even complexion and an ultra-natural finish. Enriched with anti-pollution Algae Extracts and Hyaluronic Acid from natural origin, your skin will be improved and protected with a hydrating foundation formula that lasts all day long.
Tried and tested: "Great coverage, true long wear. I put it on and it's like it blends into my skin even more after 2-3 mins by itself. My skin is oily, this has been perfect. Not too matte, not too shiny. Lasts through my shift and beyond with some powder touch ups." - Customer Review
True Skin Serum - Foundation
Skin that looks like skin has never been easier. Meet ILIA’s True Skin Serum-infused Foundation with buildable, medium coverage and a beautifully natural finish. Now with active levels of skincare ingredients, including Niacinamide and Allantoin, this silky, breathable formula helps smooth and soothe to visibly improve bare skin over time. From an array of 30 shades, the weightless foundation melts in and seamlessly blends for all skin tones.
Tried and tested: "Great coverage, smooth application. Not too heavy. Doesn't crease or crack - feels like it moves with you. Great polished look!" - Raina B, Customer Review
Turn Up the Base Blurring Foundation
Turn up with the ultimate ONE/SIZE must-have, this Beauty Blur Balm Foundation that’s a triple threat against skin texture. Thanks to its unique mousse-like formula, it blurs texture, absorbs oil, and boosts hydration all in one. Japanese White Rose Stem Cells quickly improve the appearance of skin tone and visibly minimise oil over time, while the Avocado and Mango hydra-blend heightens hydration levels. The result? A smooth-feeling second skin and all-day wear. We love.
Tried and tested: "This reminds me more of a BB cream than a foundation and I absolutely LOVE that about it. I just apply it with my hands, and it blends out super quickly and evenly. It’s my go-to for quick makeup days." - Katherine C, Customer Review
Beauty Yummy Skin Serum Foundation
This skincare-hybrid foundation is the yummiest of them all. Containing Jojoba Oil, Hyaluronic Acid, and Olive-Derived Squalane, this nourishing formula will balance hydration and moisture while protecting skin with free radical-targeting antioxidants. The key ingredients address common skin concerns for comfortable everyday wear. Medium, buildable coverage effortlessly creates a natural-looking, glowing complexion. Our pro tip? Start from the centre of the face and blend outwards for even application. Layer over Yummy Skin Glow Serum for an added boost of radiance and you’re good to glow.
Tried and tested: "My favourite foundation! This foundation makes my skin glow so beautifully!! I love it so much. I’ve worn it to a couple of events, and everyone compliments my skin. I can’t wait to get more shades. I’m a makeup artist and I know that my clients will LOVE this foundation!!!! Also, the packaging is amazing. I love how you’re able to squeeze out the exact amount of product that you need, and the bottle is beautiful!" - Marcela, Customer Review
The Minimalist Perfecting Complexion Stick
For anyone who believes foundation should work smarter, not harder, MERIT The Minimalist is a modern classic. This clever complexion stick sits somewhere between foundation and concealer, delivering effortless, targeted coverage exactly where you want it - and nowhere you don’t. With a natural, skin‑like finish and a formula that blends in seamlessly, it’s perfect for streamlined routines, busy mornings and makeup bags that value versatility. Swipe it on, buff it out, and enjoy that “I woke up like this” confidence.
Tried and tested: "I have normal to dry skin and I found this to be fantastic. My skin looks very even and airbrushed without feeling or looking heavy. I would say if you have very dry skin it probably wouldn’t be suitable and I could see it clinging to dry patches. Shade range is great and has a great longevity! I loved the product so much I have since bought more MERIT things to try out." - Gabrielle, Customer Review