Best Liquid Foundations for Every Skin Type in 2024: Tested & Reviewed

 

Hey Beautiful… I know it can be a struggle to find "the one" when it comes to the best liquid foundation for your needs.

Scouting for liquid foundations for your skin type can be a total pain in the ass (or fingers). Your skin's needs change, and there are SO many options out there! 

But, I'm here to make that hunt a whole lot easier. I'm a makeup fanatic, and I've tried more foundations than I can count. 

I'll share top top options that actually work. Consider this your cheat sheet to finding your perfect match.

Why Liquid Foundation Rocks

Liquid foundation offers unparalleled versatility. It allows you to achieve a range of coverage levels, from a sheer tint for a natural finish to full coverage that expertly camouflages imperfections. 

Plus, the variety of finishes available – matte, dewy, satin, and more – lets you customize your look to suit your skin type and preference.

Best Liquid Foundations for Each Skin Type (2024)

After multiple tests and reviews, we've put together the best liquid foundations for every skin type this year.

Best Liquid Foundations for Dry skin

Dry skin craves moisture! Foundations that are too matte can be a recipe for flaking and accentuating fine lines. Your best bet? Look for hydrating formulas with ingredients like hyaluronic acid, glycerin, and ceramides. 

These ingredients will plump the skin and lock in moisture for a fresh, dewy look. 

Here are my top picks:

• NARS Light Reflecting Advanced Skincare Foundation

This foundation is a powerhouse of hydration. It contains a blend of hyaluronic acid and marine extracts to plump and hydrate the skin, while silica powder helps control shine without feeling heavy.

 

Key Ingredients: Hyaluronic Acid, Marine Extracts, Silica Powder

Personal Experience: I've tried this, and even on my driest days, it feels comfortable and looks fresh for hours.

Price: $52

Where to Buy: Sephora, NARS website, major department stores

• UP+ Liquid Foundation SPF15 (Natural Beige): 

This foundation is a hydrating haven. Formulated with hero ingredient jojoba oil, which mimics the skin's natural oils, it provides long-lasting moisture without feeling greasy.

 

Hyaluronic acid, a powerful humectant, draws moisture into the skin, leaving your complexion feeling plump and dewy. The buildable, medium coverage evens out skin tone and conceals imperfections, while remaining lightweight and comfortable. 

Even with its focus on hydration, the formula offers SPF 15 protection to shield your skin from sun damage.

Key Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, jojoba oil, water, Zinc oxide, Vitamin E.

Price: $46.94

Where to Buy: Check out the UP+ Liquid Foundation SPF 15 here.

• IT Cosmetics Your Skin But Better CC+ Cream:

This CC cream is packed with hyaluronic acid, collagen, peptides, and niacinamide. This dream team plumps, hydrates, and evens out skin tone for a naturally radiant finish. 

This is why it's perfect for dry skin.

However, keep in mind that thicker formulas can cling to dry patches, so be sure to prep your skin well with a moisturizer!

Key Ingredients: Hyaluronic Acid, Collagen, Peptides, Niacinamide

Personal Experience: It can cling a bit too much to dry spots if your skin isn't well-prepped. But on good skin days, it's gorgeous!

Price: $47

Where to Buy: Ulta, Sephora, IT Cosmetics website

Best Foundation for Dry Skin: Full Coverage

If you have dry skin and want serious coverage, it can feel like searching for a unicorn! But don't worry, these foundations give your skin some love while camouflaging imperfections:

• Estee Lauder Double Wear Stay-In-Place Makeup: This classic isn't going anywhere. It gives full coverage that stays all day but has hydrating ingredients to keep flakes at bay.

• Huda Beauty #FauxFilter Luminous Matte Liquid Foundation: Surprisingly good for dry skin! It's full coverage but with a luminous finish, so it doesn't suck the life out of your complexion.
  
  
• Too Faced Born This Way Natural Finish Foundation: Feels thick at first but blends beautifully into a natural, full-coverage finish. It's got hyaluronic acid for extra moisture!
  
  

Tip: With full-coverage foundations, prep is key! Exfoliate regularly and use a super hydrating moisturizer before applying.

Best Foundation for Dry Skin Over 40

As we get older, our skin doesn't just get dry – it might need some help with fine lines and uneven texture. Here are a few go-to's:

• CC+ CREAM ILLUMINATION FULL-COVERAGE FOUNDATION WITH SPF 50+:

This is a CC cream, but it packs enough pigment to be a foundation. Great coverage, hydrating, and that SPF is non-negotiable!

 

• Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless Foundation:

The name says it all! This blurs imperfections, has smoothing ingredients, and gives a radiant finish without looking heavy.

• Giorgio Armani Luminous Silk Foundation:

A makeup artist staple because it just makes your skin look better. Buildable coverage with a soft focus effect– perfect for mature skin.

Tip: Less is more! Use a light hand with foundation and focus on blending it seamlessly, especially around any lines.

Best Natural Foundation for Dry Skin

If clean formulas are your jam, finding a good foundation for dry skin can be tough. Here are a few that go above and beyond:

• Kosas Revealer Skin-Improving Foundation SPF 25:

It's like skincare and foundation had a baby! Hydrating, glowy, and has niacinamide to even skin tone over time.

 

I have to admit that it's slightly more Matte, and I said before that dry skin might prefer products that are less matte than usual. But when it comes to natural foundations for dry skin, I couldn't find anything better in my experience, especially for it's price.

Kosas instantly blends to minimize pores and blurs imperfections.

It's also easy to use, so give it a try.

Price: $42

• Ilia Super Serum Skin Tint SPF 40:

Light, dewy coverage, but that SPF 40 is a huge bonus. Feels amazing on the skin – basically a filter in a bottle.

• Milk Makeup Sunshine Skin Tint Clean SPF 30:

More of a true tint, but it evens things out with a healthy glow. Great if you like minimal coverage with skincare benefits.

Tip: Natural makeup can sometimes lack staying power. Set with a hydrating setting spray for a longer-lasting finish.

Best Foundation for Dry, Sensitive Skin

Dry and sensitive skin is a double whammy! These foundations keep your skin happy and calm, with minimal irritation and maximum hydration:

• BareMinerals Original Liquid Mineral Foundation:

A true clean beauty pioneer. Gentle formula, buildable coverage, and mineral SPF for sun protection that won't anger your skin.

 

I love the Original Liquid Mineral Foundation SPF 20 because I have sensitive skin. It conceals enlarged pores, redness and blemishes. And oh, the liquid formula is vegan and contains only a minimum of essential ingredients.

Price: $39

• Clinique Even Better Refresh Hydrating and Repairing Makeup:

Feels like nothing on your face! It covers redness, has tons of soothing ingredients, and won't cause any flare-ups.

• La Roche-Posay Toleriane Sensitive Fluide Protective Moisturizer:

Technically more skincare-focused, but it gives sheer, calming coverage. Perfect for days when your skin is freaking out.

Tip: Patch test any new foundation on a small area of your jawline before putting it all over.

Best Liquid Foundation for Oily Skin

Oily skin can battle shine throughout the day. Foundations with mattifying ingredients and lightweight formulas are your best friends. 

Look for keywords like "mattifying," "oil-free," and "non-comedogenic" (which means it won't clog pores). Here are some shine-controlling favorites:

• UP+ Liquid Foundation SPF15 (Caramel):

These matte-finish foundations are a godsend for oily skin. The formula controls oil for hours, with sweat-resistant and water-resistant properties for lasting wear, even in humid climates.

 

They offer buildable coverage to conceal imperfections without feeling heavy, and contain:

Ingredients: Jojoba oil and vitamin E to hydrate and combat signs of aging. Plus, the built-in SPF 15 provides sun protection. 

Get the UP+ Liquid foundation SPF15 Caramel here to enjoy a healthy, glowing skin.

• Estee Lauder Double Wear Stay-In-Place Makeup:

Why it's Great for Oily Skin: This foundation is legendary for a reason. It has a mattifying formula that controls shine for hours on end. Silica and kaolin clay absorb excess oil, while a special film-forming technology keeps your makeup in place. 

However, the thick, full-coverage formula can feel heavy on some skin types, so try it before you buy it.

Key Ingredients: Silica, Kaolin Clay

Important Note: Can feel a little heavy if your skin isn't truly oily.

Price: $52

Where to Buy: Sephora, Ulta, department stores, Estee Lauder website

• Fenty Beauty Pro Filt'r Soft Matte Longwear Foundation:

This foundation offers shine control without feeling cakey. Mattifying powders absorb oil, while light-diffusing spheres blur imperfections for a smooth, soft-matte finish. 

 

Plus, the massive shade range ensures a perfect match for everyone. A total staple for me when I want a flawless base on long days.

Key Ingredients: Mattifying Powders, Light-Diffusing Spheres

Price: $40

Where to Buy: Sephora, Fenty Beauty website

• Maybelline Fit Me Matte + Poreless Liquid Foundation:

This drugstore gem is a true winner! Micro-fil technology controls shine and blurs pores, while mattifying clay keeps you shine-free throughout the day.

It's a fit for every skin tone, with 40 shades. It is amazing for oily skin because of how it refines pores for a natural looking Matte finish.

The lightweight formula blends beautifully and won't break the bank. It is super affordable, costing only $7.58 on Amazon.

Best Liquid Foundation for Balancing Skin

Combination skin needs a formula that can hydrate dry areas without making oily zones a greasy mess. Look for lightweight textures, oil-absorbing ingredients, and foundations with a satin or natural-looking finish. These help achieve that perfect equilibrium!

UP+ Liquid Foundation SPF15 (Sun Beige): 

This medium-coverage foundation strikes a delicate balance for combination skin. Its lightweight formula blends seamlessly for a natural look, while subtle oil-absorbing ingredients prevent midday shine in your T-zone. 

 

Ingredients: Contains hydrating jojoba oil and hyaluronic acid to plump and nourish drier areas of your complexion, and the antioxidant benefits of vitamin E help protect your skin. 

The UP+ liquid foundation SPF 15 is a must for daily protection. Get yours here.

Price: $47

• Armani Beauty Luminous Silk Foundation:

This iconic foundation feels weightless and gives beautiful buildable coverage from light to medium. The radiant finish adds a youthful glow, but it can look a bit shiny on your oiliest areas if you don't set it with powder.

 

 

Key Ingredients: Micro-fil technology (for smooth, light-diffusing effect)

Price: $70

Where to Buy: Armani Beauty website, department stores

Best Liquid foundation for Sensitive Skin

When your skin's easily irritated, less is more! Look for gentle, fragrance-free foundations with soothing ingredients. Mineral-based formulas are often a good choice, as are those with short, clean ingredient lists.

• BareMinerals Original Liquid Mineral Foundation:

This mineral foundation is gentle and free of common skin irritants. Key ingredients include zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, which provide natural SPF and also soothe inflammation. 

Offers buildable coverage for a customizable finish.

Key Ingredients: Zinc Oxide, Titanium Dioxide

Price: $39

Where to Buy: Sephora, Ulta, BareMinerals website.

• La Roche-Posay Toleriane Sensitive Fluide Protective Moisturizer:

This hybrid product provides light, sheer coverage while also soothing and calming sensitive skin. It contains prebiotic thermal water, known for its anti-inflammatory properties.

Fragrance-free and non-comedogenic for maximum tolerance.

Key Ingredients: Prebiotic Thermal Water, Niacinamide, Glycerin

Price: $30.99

Where to get it: Amazon, Ulta, La Roche-Posay website

• Clinique Even Better Refresh Hydrating and Repairing Makeup:

Packed with calming ingredients like hyaluronic acid and salicylic acid (non-irritating at this concentration). It covers redness, feels lightweight, and won't cause breakouts.

Key Ingredients: Hyaluronic Acid, Salicylic Acid, Vitamin E

Price: $35

Where to Buy: Sephora, Ulta, Clinique website

Acne-Prone Skin Champions: Coverage + Care

Battling breakouts? Look for non-comedogenic foundations with oil-free formulas and ingredients known to calm inflammation or fight acne-causing bacteria.

• NARS Soft Matte Complete Foundation:

This oil-free foundation provides full coverage, and controls shine without being drying. Its special complex absorbs oil and helps balance the skin's surface. 

 

Plus, antioxidants and anti-inflammatory ingredients help soothe and protect.

Key Ingredients: Oil-Absorbing Complex, Antioxidants

Price: $42

Where to Buy: NARS website, department stores

• IT Cosmetics Your Skin But Better CC+ Oil-Free Matte with SPF 40:

Covers breakouts, has SPF, and helps fight oil all day without clogging pores. It includes tea tree oil known for its antibacterial properties and colloidal clay for oil absorption.

Key Ingredients: Tea Tree Oil, Colloidal Clay, Hyaluronic Acid, Silk Powder

Price: $44

Where to Buy: Ulta, Sephora, IT Cosmetics website.

Best Liquid Foundation for Mature Skin

As your skin matures, your foundation needs may change. Fine lines and wrinkles can become more noticeable, and dryness can become a concern. 

Here's what to look for:

1. Hydrating formulas: Hyaluronic acid, glycerin, and ceramides are your friends! They plump and hydrate the skin, reducing the appearance of fine lines.
   
   
2. Lightweight textures: Heavier foundations can settle into wrinkles. Opt for lightweight, buildable formulas that allow your natural skin texture to show through.
   
   
3. Radiant finishes: A radiant finish can help make skin look more youthful and glowy.
   
   
4. SPF protection: Sun damage is a major contributor to wrinkles. Look for a foundation with SPF 30 or higher for daily protection.

Here are some of my top picks for mature skin:

• UP+ Liquid Foundation SPF 15 (Cocoa):

Created by the Dominican Omnilife brand, these foundations prioritize lightweight textures and hydrating ingredients like glycerin and shea butter. 

This helps them blend seamlessly and provide natural-looking coverage without feeling heavy or caking. Plus, the built-in SPF 15 provides great daily sun protection.

Key Ingredients: 

• Zinc Oxide: Sun protection and skin soothing
• Jojoba Oil: Hydration, mimics skin's natural oils
• Vitamin E: Antioxidant, fights signs of aging.
• Tocopheryl Acetate (Vitamin E): A powerful antioxidant that protects the skin from environmental stressors and free radical damage, helping to prevent signs of aging
• Hydrolyzed Collagen: Improves skin elasticity, plumps skin
• Sodium Hyaluronate: Draws in moisture for hydration

Price: $46.94

Where to Buy: Learn more about UP+ Liquid Foundation SPF 15 here.

• Koh Gen Do Maifanshi Moisture Foundation:

This pure Japanese gem has been a favorite among mature women for over 25 years. So, I had to try it out, because it turns out, I am a mature woman.

The benefits are what I expected.

Packed with nourishing ingredients like silk extract and Japanese botanicals, this foundation hydrates and plumps the skin for a youthful look. It provides light to medium coverage and has a beautiful, radiant finish.

 

Key Ingredients: water, Isotredicyl, Silk Extract, Japanese Botanicals, SIMMONDSIA CHINENSIS (JOJOBA), Hyaluronic Acid.

Price: $68

Where to Buy: Sephora, Koh Gen Do website

• MAC Studio Face and Body Radiant Sheer Foundation:

Why it's Great for Mature Skin: This lightweight foundation evens out skin tone and adds a touch of radiance without looking heavy. It's formulated with micro-fil technology to blur imperfections and glides effortlessly over wrinkles.

Key Ingredients: Micro-fil Technology, Vitamin E

Price: $30

Where to Buy: MAC Cosmetics stores, Sephora, Ulta

Is There a One-Size-Fits-All Foundation?

Honestly, no foundation is perfect for everyone. But if you're lucky enough to have mostly balanced skin, these are winners:

• Makeup Forever Ultra HD Invisible Cover Foundation: It comes in a zillion shades and photographs beautifully.
• UP+ Liquid Foundation SPF15 (Fair): This one builds easily, so you can go from sheer to full coverage.

How to Apply Like a Pro

• Dry skin: Moisturize first! A damp beauty blender helps it blend perfectly.
• Oily Skin: Primer is your bestie. Patting with a sponge gives the most natural finish.
• Combo Skin: Focus on your oily areas, and go light on any dryness.
• Sensitive Skin: Fingers or a super soft brush are the gentlest.
• Acne-prone Skin: Clean brushes! Build coverage slowly, don't cake it on.
• Mature Skin: Use a light hand and blend upward to subtly lift.

Know Your Skin Type

The best foundation for you depends totally on your skin type. Here's a quick test:

• Dry: Feels tight after washing, sometimes a little flaky.
• Oily: Gets shiny by lunchtime, might need to blot.
• Combination: A mix of oily (usually your forehead, nose, and chin) and dry patches.
• Sensitive: Gets red or irritated easily.
• Acne-prone: Breakouts happen pretty often.
• Mature: Fine lines and wrinkles are starting to show.

Extra Tips

• Shade Match: Test on your jawline in natural light!
• Undertones: Warm (yellow), cool (pink), or neutral? This is key!
• Ingredients: Know your triggers (like fragrance) and avoid them.
• Try Before You Buy: Samples are a lifesaver, especially with expensive picks.

You've Got This!

Your skin is unique, so what works for your friend might not be perfect for you. But now you're armed with all the info to find your foundation soulmate!

Got an absolute favorite foundation? Tell me all about it in the comments!