The 8 Best-Selling Foundations Women Buy From Top Retailers

We did the research for you.

By Danielle Fontana Dooley, Senior Digital Editor and Carolyn Hsu · Jan 29, 2020

Photo Credits: Courtesy of brands

If we had a dollar for every foundation review we’ve carefully read and researched online, we’d have enough to buy them all. Until then, we’ll continue to count on the thought-out reviews—and most telling of all, sales—at our top retailers. Here, the top-selling foundations women keep buying again and again.

1 / 8

Bluemercury: Hourglass Vanish Seamless Finish Foundation Stick ($46)

A must-try if you’re always on the go, this waterproof foundation sticks around all day without feeling cakey, sticky or heavy. Plus, it’s vegan, cruelty free, and totally without mineral oil and parabens.

2 / 8

Ulta: IT Cosmetics CC+ Cream with SPF 50+ ($39.50)

With more than 14,000 positive reviews on Ulta’s website, it’s clear that customers can’t get enough of its full-coverage yet light-as-air texture. Aside from its covers-everything magic, it’s also packed with skin-care ingredients such as hyaluronic acid, peptides, collagen and antioxidants.

3 / 8

SpaceNK: By Terry Terrybly Densiliss Serum Foundation ($116)

One of the newest foundation offerings from By Terry, this super lightweight, serum-based makeup became an instant best-seller thanks to its “wrinkle control” capabilities that provide long-term anti-aging benefits while giving the complexion an instant dewy finish. An advanced mineral correction complex helps to even skin tone and create a natural finish.

4 / 8

Cos Bar: TEMPTU Airpod Foundation ($45)

This professional-grade foundation is formulated with patented technology that gives you incredible control to layer the product for sheer, medium or full coverage while delivering a smooth, natural finish. The foundation continues color-correcting pigments that counteract redness, discoloration, fine lines, pores and even acne scars. It’s available in a wide range of colors to suit all skin tones.

5 / 8

Nordstrom and Ulta: Estée Lauder Double Wear Stay-in-Place Liquid Makeup ($43)

This hardworking formula gives a medium-to-full coverage with a matte, natural finish that lasts for up to 24 hours. What makes this oldie but goodie such a staple in so many women’s makeup bags? Once on, the product doesn’t budge at all, lasting through heat, humidity, rain and outfit changes.

6 / 8

Net-a-Porter and Bluemercury: Chantecaille Future Skin Oil Free Gel Foundation ($93)

An oil-free gel formula, this foundation provides medium-to-full coverage without ever looking caked-on or heavy. It’s loaded with botanical including rosemary, green tea, aloe, and chamomile to soothe skin and protect against oxidation.

7 / 8

Cos Bar: Cle de Peau Radiant Fluid Foundation SPF 24 ($128)

This liquid foundation gives skin an instant radiance and provides full coverage without looking heavy or dull. The formula contains a proprietary “Illuminating Complex” that helps to resist color change throughout the day.

8 / 8

Bluemercury: Lune + Aster CC Cream, SPF 50 P+++ ($52)

A product that does it all, this CC cream combines even coverage, broad-spectrum UVA and UVB protection, intense hydration and anti-aging benefits with ingredients like vitamin E, hyaluronic acid and sea buckthorn.