Best foundation makeup

Start here: Lancôme Teint Idole Ultra 24H. It's the safest all-rounder — full coverage that stays matte through a long day, and one of the most-reviewed foundations anywhere, so the shade-matching advice is easy to find.

Who the others suit:

• Rare Beauty Liquid Touch — medium, natural-looking coverage that feels light; best if you want skin to show through.
• Dior Backstage Face & Body — buildable from sheer to full, with the widest shade and undertone spread; good for photos and mixing.
• Clinique Even Better — full coverage with SPF 15 and oil-free, for combo or oily skin.
• L'Oréal Infallible Fresh Wear — a budget longwear matte that holds up nearly as well.
• Covergirl Clean Fresh Skin Milk — dewy and light, for dry or dull skin.
• Youngblood Liquid Mineral — glowy, light-to-medium, for a mineral-leaning routine.
• Wet n Wild PhotoFocus — matte and cheap enough to experiment with.

Match your undertone first, then pick the finish: matte for oily, dewy for dry, natural for most.