If you have ever bought makeup, you have probably thought of the question that everyone has wondered. What are the differences between the hundreds of different foundations? Which one will look natural? Which one will be full coverage? Which one will help my oily skin? Well, as an Ulta employee and a makeup lover, I have seen and tested many different foundations, so here is a guide that can help you find your perfect match.
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Kat Von D’s Lock It Foundation ($35)
Kat Von D’s Lock it foundation is a high-pigment, full-coverage foundation with a matte finish. It is supposedly good for all skin types, but I have found that it is best for oily skin. It comes in more than 30 shades and an array of undertones. Overall, it does look great and creates an almost flawless complexion. It is also paraben free, sulfate free, and vegan!
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Clinique Beyond Perfecting Foundation + Concealer ($28)
This is my personal favorite foundation. To begin with, it is a cheaper foundation but it certainly doesn’t seem cheap when you use it. The formula is very full coverage, mainly because it combines both foundation and concealer. It does seem a little thick when you first use it, but it blends in great and covers well while not looking cakey. The finish for this is a lot more natural than many others, and it is great for sensitive and dry skin. The foundation is non-acnegenic, dermatologist tested, sweat and humidity-resistant, ophthalmologist tested, and allergy-tested. It is also free of oil and 100 percent free of fragrance!
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Fenty Beauty by Rihanna ($34)
Many think that the Fenty Brand is overhyped, but from what I have seen, it is actually really great. The thing that sets this brand apart from others are the 40+ shades that give almost any skin tone a beautifully smooth, matte look. Although this foundation has a medium coverage, it has an oil-free formula which is resistant to sweat and humidity. It also won’t clog pores so it looks natural and not flakey, dry or cakey. The company did a great job finding the right balance of tone and texture to make foundation work on almost all skin types. It is also 100% cruelty-free!
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Estee Lauder Double Wear Stay-in-Place Makeup ($42)
This is one of the most expensive foundations on the list, but it is definitely worth it. The foundation is guaranteed to last all day and look fresh and natural. It will stay on through anything ranging from heat to humidity or a trip to the gym. The foundation looks gorgeous and very natural because of its lightweight, oil-free, and buildable formula. It also comes in many colors so that you can find that perfect shade. This product is also fragrance-free, non-acnegenic and dermatologist tested!
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M.A.C. Studio Waterweight SPF 30 Foundation ($35)
This M.A.C. foundation is great, especially if you are prone to dry skin. The foundation is made of an ultra-fluid, elastic gel-serum formula, which means it has a virtually weightless feel and extremely comfortable. The reason this is so great for dry skin is that it is fused with moisturizer so it stays hydrated all-day, leaving skin feeling quenched. It also has a luminous finish which means it’ll keep your skin looking dewy and healthy.
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Dermablend Cover Creme ($39)
Dermablend is a brand that I have seen change people’s lives. This is an extremely pigmented, full coverage foundation that can cover severe acne, scars, and even tattoos. The only negative aspect of this foundation is its thickness; it can get a tad cakey. The formula, however, still manages to leave a  fresh and smooth look while protecting it with an SPF 30 sunscreen. Like I said, this is an extremely full coverage foundation, which makes this perfect for anyone who feels self-conscious about things like scars, birthmarks, etc.. The foundation is also dermatologist and allergy tested, non-comedogenic, non-acnegenic and fragrance-free!
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