Foundation has a lot to live up to. Whether you prefer a full-coverage liquid, sheer powder or creamy stick, a great formula should even skin tone, blur imperfections and enhance your natural glow—but not all foundations deliver. With hundreds of options to choose from at any given time, one person’s "holy grail" can easily be another’s miss.
The good news? Sephora shoppers are famously candid about what they love (and loathe), giving you a head start in finding the right match for your skin type and concerns. Of the 100-plus foundations we combed through, the 13 below each boast more than 1,000 five-star ratings at Sephora, with medium coverage and natural-to-matte finishes emerging as clear favorites. Check them all out ahead.
bareMinerals Original Loose Talc-Free Powder Mineral Foundation SPF 15 ($39.50)
BareMinerals' talc-free OG powder foundation has over 15,000 five-star reviews on Sephora. Why? It's a titan among professional makeup artists and shoppers alike because it smooths skin and blurs the look of fine lines without caking. In addition to its mineral-rich and vegan formula, it also delivers an extra boost of broad-spectrum SPF protection.
Fenty Beauty by Rihanna Pro Filt’r Soft Matte Foundation ($40)
Oily skin types, or anyone who just wants to keep skin shine-free, will love Fenty Beauty's Pro Filt'r Soft Matte Foundation. According to the brand, the longwearing formula is made with a Climate Adaptive Technology, designed to stave off heat, sweat and shine. Its "modern matte" finish means skin is soft and pores look diffused, and, as expected from Fenty, its shade range spans 50 options.
Estée Lauder Double Wear Stay-in-Place Foundation ($52)
The cult-favorite, award-winning Double Wear foundation from Estée Lauder promises full, budge-free, oil-free, non-creasing, sweat- and humidity-resistant, waterproof coverage for 24 hours—all while blurring the look of imperfections.
Huda Beauty Easy Blur Natural Airbrush Foundation ($37)
Many foundations promise a real-life filter finish, but Huda Beauty's serum-like Easy Blur really delivers on a natural airbrush finish, according to Sephora customers. Made with niacinamide and silica, one reviewer raves "This foundation was super lightweight and gave a flawless finish! It really took my base makeup to a new level."
DIOR Backstage Face & Body Foundation ($45)
DIOR's Backstage Face & Body Foundation impresses makeup artists and shoppers alike for how seamlessly it blends into skin without settling into fine lines or emphasizing texture. The fan-favorite has 40+ shades to choose from and is packed with hyaluronic acid and squalane for hydrated coverage from head to toe. Fun fact: Last year, makeup artist Daniel Martin (finally) revealed Dior Backstage was Meghan Markle's wedding foundation.
Lancôme Teint Idole Ultra Wear Foundation ($53)
Lancôme's Teint Idole Ultra Wear is a breathable, humidity-resistant natural-matte foundation that delivers full coverage while resisting fading throughout the day. It features hydrating hyaluronic acid, antioxidant-rich vitamin E, nourishing moringa and barrier-supporting prebiotics.
HAUS LABS BY LADY GAGA Triclone Skin Tech Foundation ($52)
HAUS LABS BY LADY GAGA’s flexible Triclone Skin Tech Foundation is hydrating without feeling greasy and offers an expansive shade range. It can be worn as a barely-there tint or built up to full coverage with a natural, glowy finish. Key ingredients include fermented arnica, fermented Shiunko, green tea and licorice root to help soothe the look of redness and irritation.
Armani Beauty Luminous Silk Natural Glow Foundation ($69)
Armani Beauty's Luminous Silk is an icon among makeup artists and celebrities for its soft-focus finish and weightless texture. When it was reformulated earlier this year, beauty fans took notice—and several NewBeauty editors agree the update is “really good.” The addition of glycerin, niacinamide, Mediterranean lily extract and white lupine extract helps support hydration, luminosity and firmness. The shade range has also expanded from 26 to 44.
PATRICK TA Major Skin Hydra-Luxe Luminous Skin Perfecting Foundation ($58)
PATRICK TA's Major Skin Hydra-Luxe Luminous Skin Perfecting Foundation gives lit-from-within luminosity that blends seamlessly into skin. The liquid formula is buildable and blurring, making it easy to wear any of its 30-plus shades comfortably every day.
MERIT Beauty The Minimalist Perfecting Complexion Foundation and Concealer Stick ($38)
Give us a multipurpose makeup product and there's a good chance we'll love it. Use MERIT's The Minimalist as a spot concealer or foundation—either way, it's a beloved complexion stick for concealing redness and blemishes while evening tone. Pro tip: If your skin is on the drier side, make sure skin is prepped with plenty of hydration before using; The Minimalist pairs especially well with MERIT's Great Skin serum ($42).
Bobbi Brown Weightless Skin Foundation SPF 15 ($57)
Waterproof and sweat-resistant, Bobbi Brown's Weightless Skin Foundation SPF 15 is a Goldilocks option for shine control without sacrificing skin's moisture. That balance comes from a formula of hyaluronic acid and glycerin—two expert hydrators—along with silica. "It feels extremely lightweight and smooth on the skin, not cakey or heavy at all," says a Sephora shopper. "The finish is very natural, like your skin but better."
MAKEUP BY MARIO SurrealSkin Luminous Hydrating Foundation ($48)
Dry and mature skin types will love Makeup By Mario's SurrealSkin for its ultra-nourishing formula infused with squalane and grapeseed oil. But it’s not just for dry complexions—the buildable foundation strikes the sweet spot between matte and dewy and feels lightweight while delivering reliable coverage.
Benefit Cosmetics The POREfessional Smoothing & Blurring Foundation ($47)
Formulated with niacinamide, glycerin and rosehip extract, this hydrating foundation is designed for long-lasting wear while visibly smoothing texture and diffusing the look of pores. "I highly recommend it for anyone who prefers a more natural makeup look, says a Sephora review. "It evens out the complexion without feeling heavy or cakey."
