Skip to content
  • Essence GU
  • Beautycon
  • NaturallyCurly
  • Afropunk
  • Essence Studios
  • Soko Mrkt
  • Ese Funds
  • Refinery29
  • 2025 ESSENCE Festival Of Culture
  • Celebrity
  • Fashion
  • Beauty
  • Lifestyle
  • Entrepreneurship
  • News
  • Shopping
  • Video
  • Events
  • Subscribe
Home • Photos

Best Beauty Foundations

Best Beauty Foundations
By Essence · Updated October 28, 2020
01
Chanel

Chanel Perfection Lumiere Long-Wear Flawless Finish Makeup in Ambre 94

Skintone: FAIR

“I love this foundation. As the seasons change and my skin begins to pale, this foundation will give me a nice warm glow.” – Tasha Turner

Best Beauty Foundations
02
DIOR

Diorskin Nude Creme Gel Compact in #40

Skintone: FAIR

“This foundation always makes my skin feel smooth. I barely notice that it’s on.” – Tasha Turner

Best Beauty Foundations
03
Giorgio Armani

Giorgio Armani Luminous Silk Foundation UV Compact SPF 34 #8 Natural Suede

Skintone: FAIR

“It had a smooth application. No caking. I liked the foam applicator, which helped with application. Flawless!” – Hope Wright

Best Beauty Foundations
04
Smashbox

Smashbox Sheer Focus Tinted Moisturizer SPF 15 in Dark

Skintone: FAIR

“My skin feels sunkissed. It was sheer and even and just slightly more brown.” – Ray Francis

Best Beauty Foundations
05
Josie Maran

Josie Maran Argan Matchmaker Serum Foundation in Medium/Dark

Skintone: Medium

“I like how the self-adjusting formula actually adjusted to light and medium skintones. Most formulas like this never get dark enough.” – Corynne Corbett

Best Beauty Foundations
06
Black Opal

Black Opal Creme Stick Foundation SPF in Hazelnut

Skintone: MEDIUM

“I’ve never tried a stick before, I liked it! It blended easily and smoothly.” – Corynne Corbett

Best Beauty Foundations
07
Fashion Fair

Fashion Fair Perfect Finish Creme Makeup in Brown Sugar

Skintone: MEDIUM

“Loved this! It’s a perfect match, was velvety smooth.” – Elsa Meharz

Best Beauty Foundations
08
Covergirl

Covergirl Queen Collection Natural Hue in Soft Copper

Skintone: MEDIUM

“It was as if I didn’t have anything on.” – Corynne Corbett

Best Beauty Foundations
09
Clinique

Clinique Even Better Makeup SPF 15 in Ginger

Skintone: MEDIUM

“It felt nice and light on my skin. It gave my skin a smooth feeling.” – Rashida Morgan-Brown

Best Beauty Foundations
10
Dolce & Gabbana

Dolce & Gabbana Perfect Finish Creamy Foundation in Soft Sable 180

Skintone: MEDIUM

“It made my skin feel moist. The whipped texture made it light and allowed my skin to shine through.” – Marcia

Best Beauty Foundations
11
MAC

MAC Matchmaster Foundation SPF 15 in shades 10.0, 9.5. 9.0., 8.5, and 8.0

Skintone: MEDIUM to DARK

“I loved how smoothly it went on! It blended right in!” – Pinda Romain

Best Beauty Foundations
12
IMAN

IMAN Second to None Stick Foundation in Earth 7

Skintone: DARK

“It was natural but even, like I had nothing on, slightly matte finish.” – Tracey Woods

Best Beauty Foundations
13
Make Up Forever HD

Make Up Forever HD Invisible Foundation in 185 Ebony

Skin Tone: DARK

“My absolute favorite. Obsessed! The match was so true to my complexion, I couldn’t take it! This enhanced my look to the point that I’d wear this every single day.” – Zandile Blay

Best Beauty Foundations
14
Bobbi Brown

Bobbi Brown Skin Foundation Mineral Makeup SPF 15 in Rich

Skintone: DARK

“My skin felt normal. Not heavy.”

Best Beauty Foundations
15
Mary Kay

Mary Kay TimeWise Matte-Wear Liquid Foundation in Bronze 7

Skintone: DARK

“My skin looked natural and smooth with a glow!” – Tracey Woods

Best Beauty Foundations
16
Sue Devitt

Sue Devitt Triple C-Weed Whipped Foundation in Tahari Sands

Skintone: DARK

“This was lush to put on and I absolutely loved. It was a good blend.” – Zandile Blay

Best Beauty Foundations