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Best foundation in Australia for every skin type

Our editorial team evaluated hundreds of customer ratings and reviews to find the best foundations you can get in Australia right now.

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Ericka Pingol
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The best foundation for every skin type in Australia

How did we pick this list?

For this list, we selected products based on actual customer reviews and ratings on Amazon. For every category, we carefully chose parameters based on our research and determined products with the highest review score within parameters.

Read more detail on our methodology below.

Best overall foundation: Maybelline Fit Me Matte & Poreless Liquid Foundation

Pros

  • Medium coverage
  • Long lasting and mattifying

Cons

  • Not suitable for dry skin
  • Some customers said it tends to oxidise

Price (RRP): $17.55
Amazon pricing: From $13.17

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Why we chose it

Maybelline Fit Me Matte & Poreless Liquid Foundation is our pick for the best overall foundation. It has a rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from over 45,000 Amazon reviews.

This liquid foundation mattifies and minimises the appearance of pores, leaving a natural finish to the skin. According to the company, it is formulated with micro-powders to control shine and blur pores. It is lightweight and comes in 40 shades as well. Apart from being non-comedogenic, this foundation is dermatologist and allergy-tested.

Customers loved this foundation for being easy to blend using a brush, beauty sponge or even just fingers. It provides a medium, buildable coverage that doesn't feel heavy. Customers said that it lasts all day while keeping their skin shine-free. The foundation is also affordable but performs just as good as higher-end products. It comes in a wide range of shades, but reviews said it tends to oxidise throughout the day. They recommend getting a shade lighter to offset the oxidation. Several others also said it's not suitable for dry skin and clings to dry patches.

Best foundation for dry skin: Bourjois Healthy Mix Anti-Fatigue Foundation

Pros

  • Lightweight and easy to blend
  • Gives a natural glow to the skin

Cons

  • Only provides light to medium coverage
  • Limited shade range

Price (RRP): $29.20
Amazon pricing: From $26.40

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Why we chose it

For the best foundation for dry skin, we chose the Bourjois Healthy Mix Anti-Fatigue Foundation, which has a rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from over a thousand Amazon customer reviews.

The Bourjois Healthy Mix Anti-Fatigue Foundation is formulated with a blend of vitamins C, E and B5, which helps boost the skin's radiance while making you look fresh. According to the manufacturer, the foundation also helps hydrate the skin for up to 24 hours. It has a medium, buildable coverage that lasts up to 16 hours as well.

Many reviews raved about this foundation's performance, mentioning that it's better than more expensive foundations in the market. It also goes on smoothly and gives a natural finish without accentuating dryness. Customers loved that it leaves their skin looking dewy but not overly shiny. It also lasts all day, even without a setting powder. Others loved that it's lightweight and beginner-friendly. Despite being advertised as having a medium, buildable coverage, some customers found the coverage too sheer for their liking. Also, it only comes in nine shades, ranging from rose ivory to caramel.

Best foundation for oily skin: L'Oréal Paris Infallible Pro-Matte Liquid Longwear Foundation

Pros

  • Long-lasting and mattifying
  • Wide range of shades

Cons

  • Tends to look cakey when layered
  • Too heavy for some

Price (RRP): $19.01
Amazon pricing: Check site for current pricing

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Buy at Chemist Warehouse

Why we chose it

Our pick for the best foundation for oily skin is the L'Oréal Paris Infallible Pro-Matte Liquid Longwear Foundation. On Amazon, it has a rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from more than a thousand reviews.

This matte foundation has a lightweight texture and a demi-matte finish – it's not too matte or dewy. It also has a medium to full coverage that helps cover imperfection and reduce the appearance of pores. According to the company, it lasts up to 24 hours and comes in over 20 shades.

The Pro-Matte Foundation is suitable for oily skin and people who want a matte look. Customers said it blends seamlessly and gives the skin a matte but not flat finish. Others loved that the foundation is full coverage, adding that they sometimes skip concealer when using this product. It also comes in over 20 shades and an affordable price tag. But a few reviews found the foundation too heavy, despite the lightweight claims. Others also said it gets cakey when you apply more than two layers.

Best foundation for mature skin: Giorgio Armani Luminous Silk Foundation

Pros

  • Gives an even, flawless finish and a medium coverage
  • Doesn't settle into fine lines and pores

Cons

  • According to some reviews, the product isn't buildable
  • Not cheap

Price (RRP): $100
Amazon pricing: From $87.15

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Buy at Sephora

Why we chose it

Giorgio Armani's Luminous Silk Foundation is our recommendation for the best foundation for mature skin. It has a rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars on Amazon. This foundation is also one of our picks for the best foundations for mature skin.

This Giorgio Armani foundation is inspired by charmeuse silk. It glides on easily and gives the skin a flawless, lit-from-within glow. According to the company, it uses exclusive Micro-fil technology to sculpt and brighten the skin. It comes in 40 different shades and has a buildable, medium coverage that blurs imperfections. The foundation is also dermatologically, ophthalmologically and allergy-tested.

The foundation's formula is lightweight and easy to apply. Reviews said that it has a smooth and fluid consistency that sinks into the skin without accentuating fine lines and wrinkles. It offers medium coverage while correcting imperfection. Customers loved that it is non-greasy and has no fragrance as well. However, this product is more expensive than other foundations for mature skin. Some customers also said that it's not really buildable.

Best full-coverage foundation: Estée Lauder Double Wear Foundation

Pros

  • Suitable for oily skin
  • Long-wearing

Cons

  • Doesn't come with a pump
  • Clings to dry patches

Price (RRP): $52.50
Amazon pricing: From $68.25

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Why we chose it

For the best full-coverage foundation, we chose Estée Lauder's Double Wear Foundation, which has a rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from more than 5,000 Amazon reviews.

This foundation provides buildable, full coverage that is lightweight and long-wearing. It has a matte finish that looks fresh and natural. According to the manufacturer, the Double Wear Foundation is heat-resistant, life-proof and doesn't oxidise. It is also waterproof and comes in more than 50 shades.

The Estée Lauder Double Wear Foundation is a cult classic. Avid users said that they've used this product for years, and it continues to wow them every time. It provides a matte finish, perfect if you have oily skin. Despite being full coverage, customers loved that it never looked cakey. It also feels lightweight and blends easily. However, reviews said they wished it comes with a pump, especially since it's on the pricier side. Others didn't like that it clings to fine lines and dry patches but added that they have dry skin.

Best sheer foundation: Neutrogena Hydro Boost Hydrating Tint

Pros

  • Gives the skin a natural, radiant finish
  • Doesn't accentuate fine lines and dry patches

Cons

  • Not for oily skin
  • Only comes in 10 shades

Price (RRP): $26.49
Amazon pricing: From $49.02

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Why we chose it

If you're looking for a foundation with sheer coverage, we recommend the Neutrogena Hydro Boost Hydrating Tint. It has a rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from over 4,000 customer reviews on Amazon.

The Neutrogena Hydro Boost Hydrating Tint is a sheer foundation that helps hydrate and plump the skin. It also leaves the skin smooth while evening out the skin tone. The foundation is oil-free, non-comedogenic and comes in 10 shades.

People with dry skin enjoyed this product, mentioning that it doesn't settle into fine lines and dry patches. It also gives a sheer, dewy finish that lasts all day. It doesn't cover imperfections, but it easily evens out the skin tone in one layer. It has an oil-free formula, but customers with oily skin still found it too greasy. The shade range is quite limited as well, which makes it difficult to find a perfect match.

Best powder foundation: MAC Studio Fix Powder Plus Foundation

Pros

  • Easy to blend and lasts all day
  • Mattifies the face without looking cakey

Cons

  • The included sponge is too thin and flimsy, according to reviews
  • Settles into pores and lines

Price (RRP): $57.50
Amazon pricing: From $95.00

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Buy at Adore Beauty
Buy at Myer

Why we chose it

For the best powder foundation, we selected the MAC Studio Fix Powder Plus Foundation. On Amazon, it has a rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from over a thousand reviews.

The MAC Studio Fix Powder Plus Foundation is a crowd favourite. It gives the skin a smooth and matte finish that is lightweight. It also has a medium to full buildable coverage and doesn't oxidise throughout the day. The pressed powder also helps control oil and shine for up to eight hours. Apart from being sweat and humidity-resistant, it looks great on photos.

Many customers loved how versatile this powder is – it can be used as a powder foundation or a setting powder. It layers on nicely and doesn't get cakey, even on dry skin. The foundation also gives a matte but not flat finish and lasts all day long. It comes in a wide range of colour-true shades in a handy, travel-friendly compact. However, those with mature skin said that the powder settles into pores and fine lines. Some mentioned that the included sponge is too flimsy – a buffing brush is better to get a flawless finish with the powder.

Best drugstore foundation: NYX Professional Makeup Can't Stop Won't Stop Full Coverage Liquid Foundation

Pros

  • Affordable
  • Provides full coverage while being lightweight

Cons

  • Not suitable for dry skin
  • Dries down quickly

Price (RRP): $8.38
Amazon pricing: From $19.24

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Buy at ASOS
Buy at Ry.com.au

Why we chose it

NYX Professional Makeup's Can't Stop Won't Stop Full Coverage Liquid Foundation is our pick for the best drugstore foundation. It has a rating of 4.2 out of 5 stars from more than 5,000 reviews on Amazon.

This NYX foundation features a liquid formula that is ultra-pigmented, lightweight and waterproof. It has a creamy texture that glides on smoothly, giving the skin a matte finish that lasts for up to 24 hours. The foundation is also non-comedogenic and comes in 45 shades.

Apart from being good value for money, customers appreciated the foundation's wide shade selection. It also gives a natural matte finish to the skin and helps control shine for long-lasting wear. Reviews loved that it is lightweight and doesn't accentuate texture. It also blends easily while providing full coverage to hide pores and imperfections. However, it dries down fast – you need to blend it as quickly as you can before it settles on the skin. The foundation also clings to dry patches, which may be a disadvantage if you have dry skin.

Best dewy foundation: L'Oréal Paris Infallible 24 Hour Fresh Wear Liquid Foundation

Pros

  • Provides a radiant, natural finish
  • Medium to full coverage

Cons

  • Has a strong alcohol scent
  • Oxidise throughout the day

Price (RRP): $18.75
Amazon pricing: Check site for current pricing

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Buy at Chemist Warehouse

Why we chose it

For the best dewy foundation, we recommend the L'Oréal Paris Infallible 24 Hour Fresh Wear Liquid Foundation, which has a rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars from over a thousand Amazon reviews.

The L'Oréal Paris Infallible 24 Hour Fresh Wear Foundation provides medium to full coverage that lasts all day while allowing the skin to breathe. According to the company, it contains three oil absorbers that resist sweat, water and transfer. Formulated with hyaluronic acid, the foundation also helps keep the skin hydrated throughout the day. It also contains SPF.

This foundation works for all skin types. People with oily skin said it gives them a natural, radiant finish while controlling shine. Those with dry and mature skin mention that it doesn't settle into fine lines and dry patches. It has a thin consistency that is easy to blend even with just fingers. Customers also loved that it's transfer-proof, which is particularly helpful if you love wearing white shirts. It comes in 30 shades, but reviews said it tends to oxidise throughout the day. Some reviews also mentioned that it has a strong alcohol scent but added that it goes away after a couple of minutes.

Best matte foundation: Rimmel London Stay Matte Liquid Mousse Foundation

Pros

  • Affordable
  • Controls shine and oil throughout the day

Cons

  • Has a thick consistency that feels heavy according to reviews
  • Tends to look cakey if you have dry skin

Price (RRP): $10.25
Amazon pricing: Check site for current pricing

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Buy at eBay
Buy at Chemist Warehouse

Why we chose it

For the best matte foundation, we selected the Rimmel London Stay Matte Liquid Mousse Foundation. On Amazon, it has a rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from over a thousand reviews.

The Rimmel London Stay Matte Liquid Mousse Foundation has a soft matte finish and controls oil and shine. It also provides a medium to full coverage to hide pores and imperfections. According to the company, its airy mouse texture is lightweight and easy to blend. It is also oil-free and comes in over 20 shades.

This mousse foundation features a silky, smooth formula that leaves a seamless, natural finish. Customers loved that it looks undetectable while hiding imperfections. It also controls oil and lasts all day. Reviews loved its affordability, adding that works just as well as pricier foundations they've tried. But despite being advertised as weightless, some customers found the thick consistency heavy on the skin. It's also not ideal for dry skin because it gets cakey when layered.

Amazon prices last updated on 1 August, 2021 at 01:01 am

Methodology

42
Brands considered
70
Products compared
10
Best products chosen
  • We compared foundations from over 40 brands and 70 products.
  • We then assessed hundreds of customer reviews and ratings from Amazon.
  • The products on this list are chosen by our editorial team and are not selected based on commercial relationships.

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2 Responses

    Default Gravatar
    HalimaMarch 6, 2019

    Which foundation works the best for skin?

    Reply
      Avatarfinder Customer Care
      JoshuaMarch 6, 2019Staff

      Hi Halima,

      Thanks for getting in touch with Finder. I hope all is well with you. 😃

      Regarding your question, that would depend on the type of your skin. Generally, you need to know your skin’s undertone first. When you know your skin’s undertone, you can then match it to the color of your neck and not your face.

      There are more tips to know which foundation would work for you and which would not. You can read that above, under the subtitle, “Finding your foundation shade.”

      I hope this helps. Should you have further questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out again.

      Have a wonderful day!

      Cheers,
      Joshua

      Reply
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