Best Makeup Foundation & Drugstore in 2025: Oily, Dry and Normal Skin

Finding the perfect foundation isn’t just about matching shades — it’s about finding the one that feels like your second skin. If you’ve ever faced makeup that melts off oily skin, cracks on dry patches, or fades on normal skin by noon, you’re not alone.

But here’s the good news — there are foundations designed to handle your exact skin type beautifully. Whether you crave a dewy glow, an airbrushed matte finish, or all-day flawless coverage, this updated 2025 guide will help you pick the perfect match.

In this comprehensive roundup, we’ve tested and reviewed the best makeup foundations for oily, dry, and normal skin — from long-lasting drugstore heroes to high-end favorites that perform like magic.

Get ready to uncover which foundations deliver true staying power, skin comfort, and that confidence-boosting finish you’ll love every single day.

In a hurry or already know what you’re looking for? Use the “Show” button on “Quick Navigation & Previews” below to jump straight to the section you need.

Best Makeup Foundation in 2025

With so many foundations promising flawless coverage, it can be overwhelming to choose the right one — especially when every brand claims to be the “best.” That’s why we’ve carefully tested and compared today’s top-rated foundations across all skin types: oily, dry, and normal.

Below, you’ll find a curated list of the best-performing foundations based on coverage, finish, comfort, and wear time. Whether you prefer a natural glow, matte perfection, or something in between, this list makes it simple to find your ideal match.

Each product review includes real-world insights, pros and cons, and expert notes — so you can shop with confidence and find a foundation that truly complements your skin and lifestyle.

What to Look for When Choosing the Right Foundation

Finding your perfect foundation isn’t just about shade — it’s about choosing a formula that works with your skin, not against it. Here’s how to pick the one that makes your skin look flawless, comfortable, and radiant all day.

1. Know Your Skin Type

Before anything else, identify whether your skin is oily, dry, combination, or normal.

• Oily Skin: Look for matte or oil-free formulas that help control shine and minimize pores.
• Dry Skin: Go for hydrating or dewy finishes enriched with moisturizing ingredients like hyaluronic acid or glycerin.
• Normal or Combination Skin: A natural or satin finish foundation balances both hydration and oil control perfectly.

When your formula fits your skin type, your makeup not only lasts longer but also looks naturally radiant.

2. Pick the Right Coverage

• Ask yourself: do you want light, medium, or full coverage?
• Light Coverage: Best for a natural, everyday look.
• Medium Coverage: Perfect for evening out tone while still looking fresh.
• Full Coverage: Ideal for events, photography, or when you want a flawless, airbrushed effect.

Remember, buildable formulas let you control the finish without feeling heavy.

3. Understand the Finish

Your foundation’s finish defines the final look:

• Matte Finish: Great for oily or humid conditions; gives a smooth, shine-free result.
• Dewy or Luminous Finish: Adds glow and hydration — best for dry or dull skin.
• Natural/Satin Finish: Works for most skin types and gives a soft, balanced appearance.

4. Match Your Undertone

Your undertone — warm, cool, or neutral — determines how a foundation will look in natural light.

• Warm undertones: Yellow or golden hue
• Cool undertones: Pink or rosy hue
• Neutral undertones: A mix of both

The right undertone match prevents your foundation from looking orange or ashy.

5. Check Longevity & Texture

If you wear makeup all day, look for long-wear or transfer-resistant formulas that hold up through heat, sweat, or humidity. For texture, opt for lightweight, blendable foundations that feel comfortable instead of cakey.

6. Extra Features to Consider

Modern foundations often include bonus benefits like:

• SPF protection
• Hydrating or anti-aging ingredients
• Non-comedogenic formulas (won’t clog pores)
• Vegan or cruelty-free certifications

These small details can make a big difference in long-term skin health.

Bottom Line:

Your foundation should enhance your skin, not mask it. When you choose a formula that aligns with your skin type, undertone, and lifestyle, you’ll achieve that flawless “your skin but better” look every single time.

5 Best Makeup Foundation Review in 2025

1. Bobbi Brown Stick

Finding a foundation that offers natural coverage without weighing down your skin can be tricky — especially when you’re always on the move.

The Bobbi Brown Skin Foundation Stick makes flawless, professional-looking coverage effortless. Designed with Bobbi Brown’s signature Skin Tone Correct Pigments, it seamlessly blends and adapts to your complexion for a “your-skin-but-better” finish that feels luxuriously lightweight

Ideal for normal to combination skin, this stick foundation delivers buildable medium coverage with a natural, skin-like glow. Its unique Smart Technology formula balances oil and moisture, ensuring smooth wear throughout the day — no creasing, no caking. The sleek, portable stick design makes touch-ups simple, whether you’re heading to work or a night out.

2. Maybelline Dream Matte Mousse

If you’ve struggled with foundations that slide off oily skin or look shiny by midday, you know how frustrating it is to keep your makeup looking fresh.

The Maybelline Dream Matte Mousse solves that problem beautifully with its air-whipped, lightweight texture that gives you a smooth, shine-free finish that lasts. It glides effortlessly onto the skin, blending into a soft matte look that minimizes pores without feeling dry or heavy.

Formulated for normal to oily skin, this foundation offers medium-to-full coverage that feels like velvet. The micro-air formula controls oil and shine for up to 12 hours, making it perfect for long workdays or nights out. Its mousse consistency makes blending simple — with brush, sponge, or even fingertips — and the matte finish looks polished yet natural.

3. Bare Escentuals Bare Minerals Foundation

If you’re tired of heavy liquid foundations that clog pores or irritate sensitive skin, you’re not alone. Many makeup lovers struggle to find coverage that feels clean, natural, and comfortable.

The Bare Escentuals Original Loose Powder Foundation (now known as bareMinerals Original Foundation) offers a skin-loving mineral formula that enhances your complexion while letting it breathe. Made with only five clean mineral ingredients, it provides customizable coverage — from sheer to full — and delivers a luminous, airbrushed finish that never feels cakey.

This foundation is a dream for sensitive or acne-prone skin thanks to its non-comedogenic, talc-free, and fragrance-free formula. It also includes natural SPF 15 protection, so you can feel confident wearing it daily. When buffed onto the skin with a kabuki brush, it melts in seamlessly, evening out tone while keeping your natural glow intact.

4. LA Roche-Posay Toleriane Teint

If you have sensitive or redness-prone skin, finding a foundation that doesn’t cause irritation or clog pores can feel impossible. Most full-coverage formulas either feel too heavy or trigger breakouts — but this one’s different.

The La Roche-Posay Toleriane Teint Foundation is specially formulated with dermatologist-approved ingredients to deliver flawless coverage while soothing and protecting sensitive skin. Its creamy, lightweight texture evens out tone, hides redness, and feels as gentle as a moisturizer — even on reactive complexions.

Infused with La Roche-Posay’s Thermal Spring Water, this foundation not only perfects your skin but also hydrates and calms it throughout the day. It’s fragrance-free, non-comedogenic, and enriched with glycerin for lasting comfort. Ideal for dry, sensitive, or combination skin, it delivers a soft, natural finish that looks polished — never mask-like.

5. Maybelline Fit Me Dewy + Smooth

If your skin often feels tight, flaky, or dull after applying foundation, you’ve probably tried countless formulas that promise hydration — only to end up emphasizing dry patches instead.

The Maybelline Fit Me Dewy + Smooth Foundation changes that experience entirely. Designed specifically for dry to normal skin, it delivers a healthy, luminous glow that feels like skincare in a bottle. Its creamy, hydrating formula blends effortlessly, giving you smooth, radiant coverage that lasts all day.

Infused with vitamin E and glycerin, this foundation nourishes while evening out skin tone for a naturally dewy finish. It offers medium, buildable coverage, smoothing over fine lines and texture without settling or streaking. The result? Skin that looks plump, hydrated, and lit-from-within. Pair it with a light dusting of translucent powder for a long-lasting, glowing complexion.

Read Also: How to curl your hair without a curling iron – 11 Successful Methods

How to Select the Right Foundation for Your Skin

Choosing the right foundation isn’t just about picking the most expensive or popular one — it’s about understanding your skin, your lifestyle, and what you expect from your makeup. The perfect foundation should feel like a second skin: seamless, breathable, and comfortable all day long.

Below, we break down everything you need to know before you invest in your next bottle or compact — from undertones and coverage to finish and formulation.

1. Know Your Skin Type

Before you even start testing shades, it’s crucial to know what your skin truly needs. Foundations are formulated differently for dry, oily, combination, and normal skin, and choosing the wrong one can instantly ruin your makeup look.

Oily Skin:
Look for matte, oil-free, or powder-based formulas. These help absorb excess sebum, control shine, and prevent clogged pores. Ingredients like salicylic acid or niacinamide can also help reduce oil buildup.

Dry Skin:
Opt for liquid or cream foundations with moisturizing ingredients like hyaluronic acid, vitamin E, or glycerin. These not only provide coverage but also deeply hydrate, giving your skin a soft, glowing finish.

Combination Skin:
Choose a semi-matte or satin finish formula. You’ll want something that controls oil in your T-zone while keeping your cheeks and under-eye area hydrated.

Normal Skin:
Lucky you — most foundations will work well! Focus on formulas that enhance your natural glow and feel lightweight on the skin.

2. Understand Your Undertone

The undertone of your skin determines how natural a foundation looks on you. Wearing the wrong undertone can make your skin appear dull, grayish, or even orange.

Here’s how to identify yours:

Cool Undertone: Your skin has pink, red, or bluish hues. Silver jewelry looks best on you.

Warm Undertone: Your skin leans towards yellow, golden, or peach tones. Gold jewelry complements you best.

Neutral Undertone: You’re a balanced mix of both — and most foundation shades suit you.

When testing foundations, swipe a bit along your jawline instead of your wrist or hand. The right one will blend into your skin seamlessly without leaving any noticeable lines.

3. Decide on the Coverage You Want

Coverage is all about preference and purpose.

• Light Coverage: Perfect for everyday wear or a natural “no-makeup” look. Tinted moisturizers or BB creams work beautifully here.
• Medium Coverage: Ideal for evening out your skin tone while still allowing freckles or minor imperfections to show through.
• Full Coverage: Great for special occasions or when you want a flawless, airbrushed finish. Full-coverage foundations can hide acne, redness, and pigmentation effectively.

If you want flexibility, opt for a buildable foundation that allows you to layer for more coverage without feeling heavy.

4. Pick the Right Finish

The finish determines how your skin looks after applying foundation. Here are the main types:

• Matte Finish: Oil-free, shine-free, and long-lasting — best for oily or combination skin.
• Dewy Finish: Gives a radiant, luminous glow — ideal for dry or mature skin.
• Satin Finish: A balanced finish that looks natural, soft, and works for all skin types.

If you’re not sure which one to go for, satin finishes are the most universally flattering and versatile.

5. Consider the Ingredients

Always check what’s inside your foundation — because what touches your skin every day matters.

• Go for non-comedogenic formulas to avoid clogged pores.
• Prefer fragrance-free or hypoallergenic options if you have sensitive skin.
• Choose foundations with SPF for daily sun protection.

If you love clean beauty, pick vegan and cruelty-free options with plant-based ingredients.

6. Test in Natural Lighting

Store lighting can be deceptive! Always test foundation shades in natural daylight to see how they truly look on your skin. You can even take a selfie with and without flash — if your face looks lighter or ashier, it’s not your match.

7. Match It to Your Neck, Not Just Your Face

A common mistake is matching your foundation to your face, which might be slightly different from your neck. To achieve a uniform look, choose a shade that balances both — this helps avoid that unwanted “mask effect.”

8. Think About Longevity and Lifestyle

Do you need something that lasts all day at work, or are you looking for a lightweight formula for quick errands?

For long wear, choose formulas labeled 24-hour, transfer-resistant, or waterproof.

For short wear or daily use, go with breathable, skin-friendly options that feel lighter and easier to remove.

9. Don’t Forget About Seasonal Changes

Your skin tone can shift slightly throughout the year — lighter in winter, warmer in summer. It’s completely normal to have two shades of foundation for different seasons. You can also mix them to get a perfect match all year round.

10. Use the Right Application Tools

The foundation you buy will only look as good as how you apply it.

• Brushes: Offer more precision and buildable coverage.
• Sponges: Blend beautifully for a seamless, airbrushed finish.
• Fingers: Work best with tinted moisturizers and sheer formulas.

Always make sure your tools are clean — dirty brushes can lead to breakouts and uneven application.

Final Thoughts

Selecting the right foundation is a personal journey — it’s about finding a formula that doesn’t just look good, but feels good too. Take your time testing shades, reading ingredient lists, and understanding your skin’s needs. Once you find your perfect match, your makeup will look smoother, last longer, and your confidence will shine right through

FAQs Related to Dry Skin Foundation

• I have fair and dry skin, which foundation shade will be suitable for me?

The selection of foundation shade completely depends on your undertone. If you have a fair skin tone and the undertone is cool then you should opt for “Porcelain”. On the other hand, if your undertone is warm then you can try “Nude Beige” or “Classic Ivory”. If you have just started using foundation, you should go with ivory.

• What type of dry foundation shade should I choose?

You can go with the cosmetic foundations that do not contain any hypo-allergens and harsh chemicals like acetates and sulfates. Instead, try using products that are totally natural and have organic extracts in them.

You can also select foundations that have moisturizing properties for skin betterment and weather resistance. If your desired product has a touch of SPF, then its cherries on the cake. You can go for the product that is enriched with all of these properties.

• Can I use an oily foundation for my dry skin?

A clear no! Foundations are a type of makeover products that should be used as per the skin type. If you have dry skin and you are going with an oily foundation it will make your skin even dry.

Oily foundations tend to suck out the excess oil and moisture and that is the thing your skin lacks already. Try to go with foundations that are meant to be used on dry skin and before choosing a product have a closer look at all the ingredients and its composition.

• Is using a moisturizer with a dry skin foundation really a necessity?

That depends on what type of foundation you are using. If your foundation has all the specific elements that provide your skin with the required hydration and skin moisturization, then it’s not necessary. However, if you have very dry skin that is flaky too then using a moisturizer can help up to great extent.

You can also choose foundations with smooth and hydrating effects if you are not ready to invest in two products or you have very little time to wear your makeup.

• Are these foundations safe to use with other makeup products?

Yes, foundations are safe to use with other makeup products. You need to pay specific attention to the products that dry your skin. Avoid using products that have skin drying properties. Wear some good primer or a moisturizer for soothing effects. You can also use spray-on makeup elements if you find it tough to blend something after wearing a foundation.

Conclusion

Foundations can be your best partner that you can use to give your make-up a complete and complemented look. Whether you have fine lines, mature skin, acne or any sort of scars, a reliable foundation can jacket everything without even letting anyone know that you have hidden some imperfections.

Each and every skin portrays some different properties and is suitable to a specific test. So before choosing your foundation it’s extremely important to confirm your skin type or is your skin prone to allergies or acne. You can confirm this test at home. Also, you can take some help from the beauty experts.

Based on the above-mentioned information and criterion, you can go for a makeover foundation. Also make sure to cleanse your face properly before you put on any makeup product. Removing the makeup before going to bed is also a crucial task. So append a makeover foundation and a makeup remover to your cosmetic collection to look your best every single day.

What to Read Next:

• Female Pattern Baldness (Symptoms, Causes, Natural Remedies & Hairstyle)
• Male Pattern Baldness (Symptoms, Causes, Natural Remedy, and Hairstyle)
• How to Brush Out Curls Without Ruining Them – Step by Step Guide
• Best Concealer for Dry, Oily, and Normal Skin: Top Picks for Every Skin Type
• How to Stop Hair Fall and Regrow Hair Naturally (Top 9 Methods)
• Using Curling Iron As Wand – Step By Step Guide and Mistakes
• Some successful (A-Z) tips for How to Straighten Hair with a Flat iron