What’s more, cream foundations come in a variety of finishes–from matte to glowing, as well as high coverage. Keen to know more? We’ve spent hours researching and testing a range of best-selling products on the market while asking our experts what makes a good cream foundation. Each product in this roundup was then scored out of five on a number of credentials such as their coverage, shade range, finish, and ingredients.
The hydrating qualities of cream foundations also make them ideal if you have a drier skin type, says Simpson, who adds that they also marry beautifully with cream blushes and bronzers, all seamlessly melting into the skin.
“Cream foundations are super versatile. You can easily build them up for full coverage, or blend them out for a barely-there, second-skin finish,” explains celebrity makeup artist Lynn Simpson.
For natural-looking, luminous coverage, a cream foundation is a go-to at Byrdie HQ. Why? While a light layer of cream foundation can beautifully enhance your skin, a little more product can create a full-coverage look, simultaneously covering dark circles and blemishes with ease.
Best Overall
Milk Makeup Flex Foundation Stick
Sephora
View On Amazon
$19
View On Sephora
$36
View On Walmart
$32
What We Like
Glides on
Melts into skin
Wide shade range
What We Don't Like
Not ideal for acne-prone skin
This earns the top place in our book, thanks in part to its super creamy consistency that glides seamlessly onto the skin. Once on your complexion, it melts beautifully, never caking or creasing (credit the addition of marshmallow root extract). It’s also infused with soothing chamomile and moisturizing blue lotus and touts the perfect level of medium coverage. There’s a nice line-up of 36 shades, which Simpson, who’s a fan, likes to use not only as a base but also for highlighting and contouring. Formula-wise, we also love that it’s vegan and cruelty-free, comes in recycled packaging, and free from lots of common nasties like sulfates and oxybenzone.
Who It’s For
This can be used on dry, combination, and oily skin to provide a natural, medium coverage.
Coverage: Medium | Shade Range: 34 | Finish: Natural | Size: 0.4 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes
Best Stick
Bobbi Brown Skin Foundation Stick
Sephora
View On Amazon
$26
View On Sephora
$54
View On Walmart
$40
What We Like
Extremely lightweight
Natural, skin-like finish
Easy to apply and blend
What We Don't Like
May accentuate texture
A true OG, both when it comes to cream foundations and foundations in general, this was designed to truly enhance your skin, rather than cover it up. Powder foundation fans will appreciate that it actually contains light-diffusing powders and oil-controlling ingredients in the creamy base, ensuring the final finish is perfect and indeed, totally skin-like. This is the type of foundation we love: one that is hassle-free, melts into the skin (thanks to olive extract, shea butter, and squalane), has a beautiful finish, and makes our makeup look like we spent a lot of time working on it–even when we haven’t. You can also place more product in the areas you need without your skin looking patchy or thick. During testing, we tried layering concealer on top and underneath it, in addition to using powder and cream highlighters and contouring with powder and cream products without any issues. If you have acne-prone skin, just be mindful that it contains shea butter which can cause breakouts.
Who It’s For
This works best on dry skin or anyone looking for a hydrating foundation.
Coverage: Medium | Shade Range: 29 | Finish: Natural | Size: 0.3 oz | Cruelty-Free: No
Byrdie / Khera Alexander
Byrdie / Khera Alexander
Byrdie / Khera Alexander
Byrdie / Khera Alexander
Read Full Review: I Only Wore Liquid Foundations Until This Stick Formula Won Me Over
Best Drugstore
Honest Beauty Cream Foundation
Amazon
View On Amazon
$7
What We Like
Has a satiny, semi-matte finish
Buildable without caking
Creamy texture
What We Don't Like
Limited shade range
There aren’t a ton of cream foundations to be found at the drugstore, making this standout from Honest all the more noteworthy. The coverage is buildable, though definitely skews more towards the medium-to-full end of the spectrum; the finish is satiny, a demi-matte texture that tamps down unwanted shine but doesn’t mask your skin’s natural radiance. Its natural, hydrating finish is also owed to added jojoba oil that’s rich in fatty acids.
Who It’s For
This can be used on all skin types but is well suited to sensitive skin due to the added fatty acids in the formula.
Coverage: Medium to full | Shade Range: 4 | Finish: Demi-matte | Size: 0.3 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes
Best Radiant Finish
Chanel Sublimage Le Tint
Nordstrom
View On Nordstrom
$155
View On Bloomingdales
$155
View On Chanel.com
What We Like
Feels light on the skin
Buildable without caking
Gives skin a glow
Includes a high-quality brush
What We Don't Like
May be too lightweight for some
On days when you want to ever so slightly enhance your complexion and simply make it look crazy healthy and glowy, reach for this splurge-worthy pick. “I love that this super luxurious foundation feels like a rich moisturizer, yet still evens out skin tone and creates a perfectly radiant finish,” says Simpson. Despite how thick it looks in the jar, it feels completely featherweight and also comes with a brush included. It’s also super hydrating so a good pick for the winter months when the elements dry out the skin more easily.
Who It’s For
This is a very hydrating formula so is specifically ideal for drier skin types.
Coverage: Light to medium | Shade Range: 10 | Finish: Luminous | Size: 1 oz | Cruelty-Free: No
Best Matte Finish
Tarte Clay Stick Foundation
Amazon
View On Amazon
$15
What We Like
Works for multiple skin types
Long-wearing
Contains antioxidants
What We Don't Like
Limited shade range
While cream foundations may be more often appropriate for those with drier skin, this particular one can work even for those with more oily to combination complexions. The unique formula works to either hydrate or mattify, depending on your skin’s needs, though always leaves behind a beautiful matte finish. Plus, it also has a long-lasting wear time, points out Simpson, who is a fan. If you travel often, this is a great option for slipping in your suitcase, too. Flawless skin with zero mess? Yes, please.
Who It’s For
This formula is suitable for all skin types, especially oily and combination.
Coverage: Medium | Shade Range: 7 | Finish: Matte | Size: 0.3 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes
Best Full-Coverage
Hourglass Cosmetics Vanish Foundation Stick
Amazon
View On Amazon
$49
View On Sephora
$49
View On Ulta
$49
What We Like
A little goes a long way
Can be sheered out
Wide shade range
What We Don't Like
Coverage may be too light for some
We try new foundations on the regular, but this staple holds a permanent spot in our makeup bag. It packs long-wearing, concentrated coverage with just one swipe—so much so that we often use it instead of concealer. Still, if you need a little less pigment, it can be sheered out with a damp beauty blender sponge. This impressive formula also contains double the amount of pigment versus traditional foundations which is how it covers imperfections so effortlessly while still leaving your skin looking like skin. Bonus points for the unique triangular tip, that makes application in even hard-to-reach spots a breeze. You may find, like us, that it negates the need for a separate concealer, too.
Who It’s For
This option is safe to use on normal, combination, oily, and sensitive skin.
Coverage: Full | Shade Range: 32 | Finish: Natural | Size: 0.3 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes
Best Clean
Kjaer Weis Cream Foundation
The Detox Market
View On Kjaerweis.com
View On Bluemercury.com
$35
View On Credo Beauty
What We Like
Creamy, emollient texture
Dries down matte
Unique packaging
What We Don't Like
We’d like even more shades
This is an amazing formula, even more so given that it’s coming from a clean beauty brand, says Simpson. “It has natural coverage with a semi-matte finish, and is easily applied and blended with either your hands or a foundation brush,” she adds. The brand recommends always applying it over a moisturizer as it’s free from synthetic ingredients. And, to the point of clean, it’s free from over 2,700 potentially questionable ingredients, and loaded with natural goodies instead, like the coconut, sweet almond, and jojoba oils that make up the formula’s base. If you’re trying to be more sustainable in your shopping habits, you’ll be pleased to know that the palettes are refillable, too. They also plant a tree for every purchase made.
Who It’s For
This can be used on all skin types but a moisturizer is recommended underneath, even oily skin.
Coverage: Medium | Shade Range: 16 | Finish: Semi-matte | Size: 0.3 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes
Best for Dark Skin Tones
Blk/Opl True Color Stick Foundation
Ulta
View On Amazon
$14
View On Ulta
$15
View On Target
$11
What We Like
Blends into skin seamlessly
Soft, velvety finish
Good value
Has SPF 15
What We Don't Like
Not ideal for acne-prone skin
The 21 shades of this creamy stick are all geared towards darker and deeper skin tones, and tout a unique Shade ID technology that helps the pigments perfectly adjust to your particular complexion, further upping the imperfection-hiding abilities. It’s also a great multi-tasker and can be used for creating a full-coverage look as well as highlighting, contouring, and touch-ups. We appreciate the velvety finish and the fact that there’s not only sunscreen in the mix but also protective antioxidants as well.
Who It’s For
This is perfect for all skin types in darker and deeper skin tones.
Coverage: Full | Shade Range: 21 | Finish: Natural | Cruelty-Free: Yes
Best for Light Skin Tones
Cle de Peau Cream Foundation SPF 24
Amazon
View On Amazon
View On Nordstrom
$118
View On Cledepeaubeaute.com
What We Like
Not chalky
Gives skin a glow
Easy to use and blend
SPF 24
What We Don't Like
Contains fragrance which can be irritating to sensitive skin
"Full coverage" and "radiance" don’t always go hand-in-hand when you’re talking about foundations, but this does in fact check both boxes. It covers any and every imperfection, without ever looking cakey or flat, instead of leaving your complexion with that coveted, lit-from-within effect. There are only 12 shades available, though they’re great for those with paler skin, as the lighter hues have a variety of undertones.
Who It’s For
This is ideal for all skin types, especially those lacking in radiance and hydration.
Coverage: Medium to full | Shade Range: 4 | Finish: Luminous | Size: 0.7 oz | Cruelty-Free: No
Best for Dry Skin
Kevyn Aucoin Beauty Foundation Balm
Amazon
View On Amazon
$25
View On Dermstore
$52
View On Skinstore.com
$52
What We Like
Hydrating, nourishing formula
Feels light on the skin
Easy to use and blend
What We Don't Like
Not ideal for acne-prone skin
Byrdie Editor Holly Rhue is just one of many devoted users of this ultra-hydrating pick, packed with moisturizing ingredients you’re more likely to find in skincare than in makeup, think hyaluronic acid, vitamin E, and avocado oil. Still, despite the creaminess, it feels surprisingly silky and light when applied. (To that point, it’s best applied using a foundation brush.) Other bonus points were awarded for its extensive shade range and suitability for use on the body as well as the face.
Who It’s For
While this formula is suitable for all skin types, those with drier skin will benefit the most from its very moisturizing formula.
Coverage: Full | Shade Range: 20 | Finish: Natural | Size: 0.6 oz. | Cruelty-Free: No
Byrdie / Amy Lawrenson
Photo-Illustration: by The Cut; Photos: Retailers
The dewy-looking makeup trend is one of the best things ever to happen to people with oily skin. Thanks to brands like Glossier and Milk, it’s not just acceptable but downright fashionable to have a face that’s not exactly dry.
However, there’s a difference between prepackaged oily-looking products you can buy at Sephora and oil that naturally seeps out of your pores. I have oily skin, so my work-around for getting “that wet look” is applying a matte foundation, topping it with a light dusting of pressed powder, and adding a highlighter on top of that. Yes, it takes three steps, but such is life.
To find out which brands make the absolute best foundation for oily skin, we tested out a ton of them, analyzing them for breadth of shade, durability, and ability to stay matte — even under masks. Here are the best ones from drugstore to luxury.
Our Top Picks:
IT Cosmetics CC+ Cream Oil-Free Matte with SPF 40
$47
$47
Shades: 12 | Coverage: Full | Finish: Matte
If you’d rather opt for a CC cream but still want the perks of an actual foundation, this IT Cosmetics formula is your answer. It lasts just about all day and the matte version does a much better job at combating shine than its original formulation. It’s oil-free and infused with skin-care ingredients like collagen, peptides, and charcoal, plus I’m always a fan of foundations with built-in SPF. The downfall? It only comes in 12 shades.
$47
at Ulta Beauty$47
at It Cosmetics
Cle Cosmetics CCC Cream Foundation
$38
$38
Shades: 15 | Coverage: Light | Finish: Satin
Out of all the foundations in my collection, this is hands down my most-used product. It’s a BB and CC cream hybrid that seamlessly blends in with your skin tone and provides lightweight, sheer coverage (CCC is short for Color Control and Change). I also like the fact that this product is clean and cruelty free, so I don’t feel guilty about having it on my skin for long periods of time. The formula is buildable, which makes it easy to wear on a casual day off or increase coverage for a night out. The key for oily or combination skin is to ensure you’re setting this with powder for a look that reads dewy versus oily.
$38
at Revolve Clothing$38
at CLE Cosmetics
Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer Natural Skin Perfector
now 15% off
$46
Normally, tinted moisturizers don’t provide quite enough coverage or oil control for me, but this one did the trick to earn its way into my regular rotation. For days by the beach (yes, I still like some coverage then) or heading to a workout, this is the perfect product to provide coverage without feeling like it’s clogging your pores.
$46
at Nordstrom$54
at Ulta Beauty
Charlotte Tilbury Beautiful Skin
$39
now 20% off
$39
Shades: 30 | Coverage: Medium | Finish: Matte
If you were skeptical about the hype around Charlotte Tilbury’s arsenal of viral products, this foundation will make you a believer. It blurs pores, has a matte finish without overly drying out the skin (thanks to hyaluronic acid), and it’s guaranteed to last all day without the need to reapply on your T-zone. You’ll look airbrushed (in a good way) from morning to night, trust me.
$39
at Nordstromwith code: YAYSAVE
$49
at SephoraMore Tried-and-True Options
NARS Soft Matte Complete Foundation
now 15% off
$36
Shades: 34 | Coverage: Full | Finish: Natural matte
If you hate matte foundations, this one might make you convert. The full-coverage foundation is matte but still looks natural and helps keep oil at bay throughout the day. It touts itself as transferproof, and while it didn’t wipe off completely onto a mask, you might want to set it with powder and setting spray to really keep it in place. Like most of the brand’s complexion range, it comes in 34 shades. If you already have a NARS foundation shade, you’ll likely be able to grab the same shade here.
$36
at Nordstrom$42
at SephoraClinique Stay-Matte Oil-Free Makeup
$36
$36
Shades: 16 | Coverage: Medium | Finish: Natural matte
I don’t think I’ve ever been disappointed in a Clinique product — it’s been a dependable brand for me since my middle-school Happy days. The one offers nice creamy coverage, goes on super smooth, and stays put all day. I appreciated the way the tip doles out exactly the right amount of foundation you need — no aggressive squeezing required.
$36
at Ulta Beauty$36
at CliniqueHuda Beauty #FauxFilter Foundation
$42
Shades: 39 | Coverage: Full | Finish: Matte
Huda Beauty describes this foundation as “lifeproof,” meaning it’s waterproof and transferproof, among other things. To put it plainly, the long-wear formula promises to withstand almost anything. While we didn’t jump into any swimming pools wearing it, it does withstand the usual oily midday T-zone without much touching up. It is full coverage, but it’s not cakey or too matte, and it has a radiant — not dewy — blurring finish like that Instagram filter you love, hence the name.
$42
at Sephora$42
at Kohl's
L’Oréal Infallible Pro-Matte Foundation
$11
now 27% off
$11
Shades: 22 | Coverage: Full | Finish: Demi-matte
The demi-matte finish of the one is nice but might not work if you’re very oily. While the matte finish reduces the amount of shine, the “demi” does keep things dewy. It’s medium coverage and says it last for 24 hours, which is a stretch (I’d clock this one at around 6). It’s very easy to squeeze way too much out of this tube (and not as easy to suck it back in).
$11
at Amazon$15
at Ulta Beauty
Tarte Amazonian Clay Foundation
$34
$34
Shades: 46 | Coverage: Full | Finish: Matte
The consistency of Tarte’s Amazonian Clay Foundation actually did remind me of clay. It was thick, almost like a less curdy cottage cheese, and not very liquidy at all. (Once you blend, it thins out considerably.) On my face, it struck a nice balance between matte and dewy without looking oily, but the coverage wasn’t quite enough for me and I felt like it wore off a bit throughout the day. If you just want something light, though, this is a great option. When I wore it to my last Easter my grandmother said I looked “so beautiful,” so there’s that.
$34
at Amazon$42
at Dermstore
Make Up For Ever Mat Velvet + Matifying Foundation
$34
$34
Shades: 40 | Coverage: Full | Finish: Matte
The one blends so smoothly. Applying it, I noticed that I couldn’t see any lines along my cheekbone where the makeup stopped and my makeup-free skin began. It feels very light yet offers full coverage. The matte velvet effect works well for oily skin, and the consistency is also great for texture.
$34
at Nordstrom
KVD Beauty Good Apple Skin-Perfecting Hydrating Foundation Balm
$43
$43
Shades: 40 | Coverage: Full | Finish: Matte
Who could forget the iconic Lock-It Foundation from Kat Von D’s makeup line? Well, this lightweight balm from the brand — which is now called KVD Beauty, following the tattoo artist’s departure in 2020 — is just as good. The full-coverage formula effortlessly covers blemishes and discoloration while also minimizing the appearance of pores. It has a natural finish that never looks cakey, plus it is infused with nourishing skin-care ingredients like apple extract and sodium hyaluronate.
$43
at Sephora$43
at KVD Vegan Beauty
ILIA True Skin Serum Foundation
$54
Shades: 30 | Coverage: Medium, buildable | Finish: Satin
I’d classify the one as more of a skin-care product than a makeup product, which isn’t necessarily a bad thing depending on how much coverage you want. It’s clean, goes on very light, and has a nice, essential oil-type smell to it. Because it’s a serum foundation, I wouldn’t really recommend it for someone who doesn’t want to feel oily.
$54
at Nordstrom$54
at Sephora
Estée Lauder Double Wear Stay-in-Place Makeup
now 52% off
From $22
Shades: 62 | Coverage: Medium to full, buildable | Finish: Matte
The draw for me about this product is that it makes me feel fancy, rich, and sophisticated, as I would like to be someday. The foundation goes on smooth and does, as the packaging promises, stay in place throughout the day. My only complaint: It has a slight paint smell. You might only notice this if you were in the art club in high school, though.
From $22
at Amazon$44
at Nordstrom
Dior Diorskin Forever Undercover
$55
Shades: 42 | Coverage: Medium | Finish: Matte
Dior’s Diorskin Forever Undercover Foundation is one of the more expensive foundations on this list, but I’d argue it’s actually worth its price if you can stomach spending $52 on foundation. It comes out thick and creamy but doesn’t feel heavy, and it blends easily for full coverage. (I also found it was good for uneven texture, which I have in addition to oily skin. Fun!) It stayed on well throughout the day and didn’t wear off when I started to sweat (I wore it on a hike and still took a selfie in the rest-stop bathroom).
$55
at Sephora$57
at Dior
Giorgio Armani Beauty Power Fabric Longwear Foundation
now 15% off
$60
Shades: 26 | Coverage: Full | Finish: Natural matte
This foundation comes out creamy and feels so luxe, and the packaging is beautiful. It’s thick and dries to a subtle matte finish that looks beautiful. The only thing I don’t love about it is I could feel it on my face after application, so I’d probably be more apt to use it as a base layer before applying more serious going-out makeup.
$60
at Nordstrom$64
at Sephora