Cream foundation is a versatile makeup product that can be used for a variety of different looks. It's perfect for those who want a natural, dewy finish or those who prefer a full-coverage look. Cream foundation is also great for those with dry or mature skin as it provides a hydrating base that won't settle into fine lines or wrinkles.
When looking for the best cream foundation, there are a few things to keep in mind. Firstly, it's important to consider your skin type and concerns. If you have oily skin, you may want to look for a matte finish cream foundation that won't add extra shine. If you have dry skin, you may want to look for a hydrating cream foundation that will provide extra moisture.
Another important factor to consider is the coverage level. Some cream foundations provide a light, sheer coverage while others provide a full, buildable coverage. It's important to choose a cream foundation that matches your desired coverage level.
We spent hours researching and testing various cream foundations to identify the best ones on the market. In the next section, we'll share our top picks for the best cream foundation for every skin type and coverage level.
Best Cream Foundations
We know that finding the perfect foundation can be a daunting task, especially when you're looking for a cream formula. That's why we've compiled a list of the best cream foundations that will give you flawless coverage and a natural-looking finish. From drugstore to high-end options, we've got you covered. Check out our top picks below.
IT Cosmetics Your Skin But Better CC+ Cream Illumination
We highly recommend the IT Cosmetics Your Skin But Better CC+ Cream Illumination for those looking for a full-coverage cream foundation that also provides hydration and sun protection.
Pros
- Provides full coverage without feeling heavy
- Contains hydrating serum and SPF 50+ sunscreen
- Gives a radiant finish
Cons
- May not be suitable for those who prefer a lighter coverage
- Some customers have reported difficulty with the pump lid
- Shade range may not be inclusive enough for all skin tones
This cream foundation is perfect for those who want a flawless, natural-looking finish without the weight of a traditional foundation. The hydrating serum and SPF 50+ sunscreen make it a great choice for daily wear.
The full coverage formula is perfect for covering imperfections and evening out skin tone, while the radiant finish gives a healthy, glowing look. However, those who prefer a lighter coverage may find it too heavy.
Some customers have reported difficulty with the pump lid, but this doesn't detract from the overall quality of the product. Additionally, the shade range may not be inclusive enough for all skin tones.
Overall, we highly recommend the IT Cosmetics Your Skin But Better CC+ Cream Illumination for those looking for a full-coverage cream foundation that also provides hydration and sun protection.
L'Oreal Paris Age Perfect 4-in-1 Tinted Face Balm Foundation with Firming Serum
If you're looking for a cream foundation that provides skincare benefits and coverage, L'Oreal Paris Age Perfect 4-in-1 Tinted Face Balm Foundation with Firming Serum is a great option.
Pros
- Provides 4-in-1 benefits: firms, smooths lines, conceals imperfections, and evens tone
- Infused with firming serum to restore skin firmness
- Melts into skin instantly and smooths complexion
Cons
- May not provide full coverage for those with more severe skin imperfections
- Some shades may not match all skin tones
- May not last all day for those with oily skin
This cream foundation is perfect for those who want a natural, lightweight coverage with added skincare benefits. The formula melts into the skin instantly and provides a smooth complexion. The firming serum helps to restore skin firmness and minimize imperfections like wrinkles and fine lines.
The 4-in-1 benefits make this foundation a great multitasker, as it firms, smooths lines, conceals imperfections, and evens tone. However, for those with more severe skin imperfections, this foundation may not provide enough coverage.
While there are eight shades available, some may not match all skin tones, so it's important to choose the right shade for your skin. Additionally, for those with oily skin, this foundation may not last all day without touch-ups.
Overall, L'Oreal Paris Age Perfect 4-in-1 Tinted Face Balm Foundation with Firming Serum is a great choice for those looking for a cream foundation with added skincare benefits.
Stevenlay Mushroom Head Air Cushion CC Cream
If you're looking for a cream foundation that provides great coverage and has a natural finish, you should definitely consider the Stevenlay Mushroom Head Air Cushion CC Cream.
Pros
- Provides great coverage for facial imperfections
- Balances oily skin and brightens skin tone
- Long-lasting makeup all day
Cons
- May not be suitable for those with very dry skin
- Limited shade range
- Mushroom-shaped puff may take some getting used to
We've tried the Stevenlay Mushroom Head Air Cushion CC Cream and we're impressed with its performance. It easily covers facial imperfections such as redness, freckles, and acne scars, while also balancing oily skin and brightening skin tone. The waterproof effect means you don't have to worry about makeup removal when sweating in summer. The cream is long-lasting and not easy to dull, creating a natural, flawless skin finish.
We found the air cushion paired with the mushroom-shaped puff to be a unique and easy way to apply makeup. The puff becomes soft when exposed to water, and it easily solves the problem of difficult application of makeup at both ends of the nose. It's recommended to wash the puff 2-3 times before applying makeup to wash off the excess powder cream so that the makeup can be more closely applied to the skin.
The Stevenlay Mushroom Head Air Cushion CC Cream is formulated with natural plants for a healthy look. It contains Centella Asiatica, Silver Fungus, Vitamin E, and other skin-nourishing ingredients, which are gentle and lightweight, balance oil secretion, free breathing pores, and nourish and care for the skin. It's suitable for all skin types, including sensitive skin.
To get the best results, it's important to follow the pre-makeup instructions. Do a good job of skin care moisturizing before makeup, gently pat the cream quickly and evenly, and after completing the base makeup, set the makeup with loose powder and finally set the makeup with the setting spray. Before applying makeup to the face, apply the product to the back of the hand and wait 2-3 minutes. If you feel discomfort during use, stop using it immediately.
Overall, we highly recommend the Stevenlay Mushroom Head Air Cushion CC Cream for those who want a natural-looking finish with great coverage.
FARMASI Vfx Pro Foundation
We highly recommend the FARMASI Vfx Pro Foundation for anyone looking for a long-lasting, lightweight cream foundation that provides full coverage and a natural matte finish.
Pros
- Provides even, buildable coverage and a natural finish that matches your skin tone
- Resists sweat, water, and moisture to reduce transfer and provide hours of vibrance
- Suitable for all skin types and fortified with Vitamin E and Hyaluronic acid to nourish your skin and diminish signs of aging
Cons
- May not be suitable for those with very dry skin
- Requires a bit of effort to blend evenly
- Limited shade range may not work for all skin tones
We were impressed by the FARMASI Vfx Pro Foundation's ability to provide even, buildable coverage that matched our skin tone perfectly. The natural matte finish was long-lasting and resistant to sweat, water, and moisture, making it ideal for all-day wear. We also appreciated the addition of Vitamin E and Hyaluronic acid, which helped to nourish our skin and reduce signs of aging.
While we found the foundation to be lightweight and breathable, it may not be the best choice for those with very dry skin. Additionally, we did find that it required a bit of effort to blend evenly, but the end result was worth it. Lastly, the limited shade range may not work for all skin tones, so it's important to choose the shade that best matches your skin.
Overall, we highly recommend the FARMASI Vfx Pro Foundation for anyone looking for a long-lasting, lightweight cream foundation that provides full coverage and a natural matte finish.
L'Oreal Paris Age Perfect Radiant Serum Foundation with SPF 50
We highly recommend the L'Oreal Paris Age Perfect Radiant Serum Foundation with SPF 50 for anyone looking for a foundation that provides natural, radiant coverage while also hydrating and protecting the skin.
Pros
- Provides lightweight coverage
- Contains Vitamin B3 and Hydrating Serum for all-day hydration
- Offers SPF 50 protection
Cons
- May not provide full coverage for those with significant skin imperfections
- Limited shade range
- May not be suitable for those with very oily skin
We were impressed with the lightweight coverage provided by this foundation, which gave our skin a natural, radiant finish without feeling heavy or cakey. The addition of Vitamin B3 and Hydrating Serum made our skin feel moisturized and hydrated throughout the day, while the SPF 50 protection gave us peace of mind knowing our skin was protected from harmful UV rays.
However, we did notice that the foundation may not provide full coverage for those with significant skin imperfections, and the shade range is somewhat limited. Additionally, those with very oily skin may find that the foundation does not stay in place as well as they would like.
Overall, we believe that the L'Oreal Paris Age Perfect Radiant Serum Foundation with SPF 50 is a great option for anyone looking for a lightweight, hydrating foundation with SPF protection.
Buying Guide
When choosing a cream foundation, there are a few key features to consider to ensure you get the best product for your needs. Here are some factors to keep in mind:
Skin Type
The first thing to consider is your skin type. Different products are formulated to work best with specific skin types, so it's important to choose a foundation that matches your skin's needs. For example, if you have oily skin, you may want to look for a matte finish that will help control shine. If you have dry skin, a hydrating formula may be a better choice.
Coverage
Another important factor to consider is the level of coverage you want. Some cream foundations offer light coverage, while others provide full coverage. Think about your skin concerns and what you want to achieve with your foundation. If you have blemishes or dark spots you want to cover, a full-coverage formula may be best.
Shade Range
It's essential to choose a foundation shade that matches your skin tone. Look for a product with a wide range of shades to ensure you can find your perfect match. You can also consider mixing shades to customize your foundation to your skin tone.
Ingredients
Pay attention to the ingredients in the foundation you choose. Look for products that are free of ingredients that may irritate your skin or cause breakouts. If you have sensitive skin, you may want to choose a product that is fragrance-free and hypoallergenic.
Application
Consider how you prefer to apply your foundation. Some cream foundations work best with a brush, while others are designed to be applied with your fingers or a sponge. Think about your preferred application method and choose a product that will work well with it.
By considering these factors, you can find the best cream foundation for your needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the benefits of using a cream foundation over other types of foundation?
Cream foundations offer a smooth, even finish that can provide excellent coverage for a variety of skin types. They are often hydrating and can help to create a dewy, youthful look. Cream foundations are also typically buildable, allowing you to customize your coverage level.
What is the difference between a cream foundation palette and a cream compact foundation?
A cream foundation palette typically includes multiple shades that can be mixed together to create a custom color match. This is especially useful for makeup artists or individuals with skin tones that are more difficult to match. A cream compact foundation, on the other hand, is a single shade that comes in a compact for easy application.
What are some recommended cream foundation options for mature skin?
Cream foundations that contain hydrating ingredients such as hyaluronic acid or glycerin are great options for mature skin. Some recommended brands include Bobbi Brown, Laura Mercier, and Estée Lauder.
How does NARS cream foundation compare to other high-end cream foundation brands?
NARS cream foundation is known for its smooth, buildable coverage and long-lasting wear. It is comparable to other high-end brands such as Giorgio Armani and Tom Ford in terms of quality and performance.
What are the top-rated full coverage cream foundation options on the market?
Some of the top-rated full coverage cream foundations include MAC Studio Fix Fluid Foundation, Tarte Amazonian Clay 12-Hour Full Coverage Foundation, and Huda Beauty Faux Filter Foundation.
Who is cream foundation best suited for and why?
Cream foundation is best suited for individuals with normal to dry skin types who are looking for a hydrating, buildable coverage option. It can also be a great choice for those with mature skin or those who want a dewy, youthful finish.
