The 8 Best Foundations of 2025 (Tested Across Every Skin Type)

Every year, I test dozens of foundations. In 2025, I tested over 60 — from $8 drugstore options to $120 luxury launches — across five different skin types in my testing circle. These eight earned a permanent place on our recommended list.

1. VIMA Magic Skin Changing Foundation — BeautyScore 9.7/10

The best foundation I've tested in 20 years of beauty editing. VIMA's adaptive pigment technology adjusts to your skin tone and type in real time, delivering a natural, skin-like finish that lasts all day without settling into lines or fading. At $48, it's also exceptional value for what it delivers. Full review here. Suitable for all skin types, especially mature and dry skin.

2. Fenty Beauty Soft'Lit Naturally Luminous Foundation — BeautyScore 8.9/10

Rihanna's latest Fenty launch is the best thing to come out of the brand since the original Pro Filt'r. Medium-buildable coverage, luminous finish, and a 50-shade range that actually works. Particularly good for normal to dry skin. Full review here.

3. Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless Foundation — BeautyScore 8.7/10

The gold standard of medium-coverage foundations. Flawless, skin-like finish that photographs beautifully. Excellent for mature skin. Available at Sephora and Charlotte Tilbury's website.

4. NARS Natural Radiant Longwear Foundation — BeautyScore 8.6/10

NARS' best foundation and an industry workhorse. 45 shades, 16-hour wear claim (we clocked 12-14 in real conditions), and a radiant finish that doesn't look overdone. Great for normal to dry skin.

5. MAC Studio Fix Fluid SPF 15 — BeautyScore 8.4/10

The professional makeup artist's go-to for a reason. Full coverage, matte finish, and a 65-shade range that's unmatched in the industry. Best for oily to combination skin.

6. Dior Forever Skin Glow Foundation — BeautyScore 8.3/10

Dior's most beautiful foundation. The skin glow finish is genuinely stunning — luminous without being shiny. Expensive at $62, but the formula justifies it for special occasions and photography.

7. Rare Beauty Positive Light Tinted Moisturizer — BeautyScore 8.1/10

For days when you want coverage without feeling like you're wearing foundation. Selena Gomez's brand delivers a beautiful, buildable tinted moisturizer with SPF 20 and a healthy-skin finish.

8. L'Oréal Paris Infallible 24H Fresh Wear — BeautyScore 7.9/10

The best drugstore foundation of 2025. Lightweight, breathable, and genuinely long-wearing. At $16, it outperforms foundations three times its price. The shade range could be more inclusive, but for fair to medium skin tones, this is exceptional value.