Last Updated: December 29, 2022

7 best foundations for all skin types.

WRITTEN BY Grove Collaborative • 10 min read

It’s pretty scary to think that for years women have been using unhealthy makeup products right on their faces, and one of the most cringeworthy items is foundation. Foundation is literally blended all over our faces, and if your foundation has toxic ingredients, it can be causing way more harm than good. Some people joke and call that the price of beauty, but we think there's a better price you can pay for healthy beauty products. There are plenty of amazing foundations that leave out the phthalates, parabens, triclosan, fragrances, sulfates, retinoic acid, and leads.


Do yourself and your face a favor and check out our list of the best foundations for all skin types. What foundation picks made our list? Well, ones that are mostly nontoxic and vegan for starters. You'll also see a variety of matte, mineral, and liquid foundations like this Burt's Bees Goodness Glows Liquid Makeup.


This list of products was determined by ratings and reviews from Grove members.

1. Alima Pure Satin Matte Foundation

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This Alima Pure Satin Matte Foundation gives your face a light, natural look without heavy coverage. It’s applied in sheer layers so it builds evenly and won’t leave makeup lines you can’t see on the edge of your face like other brands can. With just four pharmaceutical-grade ingredients, you can feel good knowing exactly what’s in your foundation. …

(45)
0.23 oz
$32
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2. Burt's Bees Mattifying Foundation

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Blur imperfections to your complexion with Burt’s Bees Mattifying Foundation, made to control shine and even your skin tone. This mineral powder foundation provides smooth coverage for your face, building gradually for a natural looking blend that’s nearly effortless. Select among a variety of lightweight, mattifying shades to suit your skin color. …

(30)
1 compact
$16.99
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3. CLOVE + HALLOW Pressed Mineral Foundation Refill

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This PETA-certified cruelty-free and vegan pressed mineral powder foundation is a clean beauty game-changer! With medium-buildable full coverage and a satin finish, Pressed Mineral Foundation is your new complexion BFF. This item fits in the Clove + Hallow refillable palette (sold separately).
(6)
1.5 oz
$24
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4. Ere Perez Quinoa Water Foundation

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Lay the groundwork for amazing looking skin with this Ere Perez Quinoa Water Foundation. This water-based foundation is super lightweight, allowing it to glide onto your skin, unlike more cake-like foundations made with chemical-filled ingredients. This facial foundation makeup features a dropper top for easy application, and it’s available to …

(32)
1 oz
$36
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5. RMS "Un" Cover-Up Cream Foundation

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Making its major debut, this cream foundation uses the same skin loving qualities as the original “un” cover-up. This formula offers more coverage and works to create synergistic skin loving magic for a youthful dewy finish.

Shade Descriptions:
  • 000- lightest alabaster, lightest shade for the true snow whites
  • 00- a light shade for fair skin …
  • (21)
    1 oz
    $58
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    6. Vapour Beauty Velvet Glow Foundation

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    Express your inner elegance with this innovative bio-serum foundation. Fine Art Infused Color and fresh, skin-toning botanicals promote a flawless, radiant complexion with a weightless velvety matte finish. Buildable light to medium coverage.

    To use: Shake Velvet Glow Foundation well before use. Dot onto skin with fingertips. Buff in a circular …
    (11)
    1 oz
    $54.99
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    7. Burt's Bees Goodness Glows Liquid Makeup

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    Glowing skin is always in. Burt's Bees Goodness Glows Liquid Foundation is a full-coverage, mineral makeup that leaves skin smoother and more radiant with a natural finish that's never heavy, cakey or greasy. This 98.9% natural moisturizing foundation instantly hydrates and nourishes skin and stays on all day. Made with responsibly sourced …

    (35)
    1 oz
    $16.99
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    FAQs

    How do you apply foundation?

    If you’re not an expert at applying makeup, you’re like most of us out there. Here’s a little guidance on how to apply foundation to get you started:


    1. If you’re planning on using a primer lotion or spray, apply it to your face first. If you aren’t, skip ahead to step two.
    2. Take your liquid foundation and apply a small amount to the back of your hand
    3. Next, use a foundation brush like this RMS Skin2Skin Foundation Brush and dip the brush in the foundation that’s on your hand
    4. Apply the foundation on your face starting in the center of your face at your nose and working outward
    5. Blend the foundation into your skin (using your brush) until it’s completely blended in — make sure not to leave blotches under your chin
    6. Voila, you’re done!

    How long does foundation last on your face?

    If you’re not used to wearing foundation every day, you may not know how long your makeup will stay on your face. A good foundation can last on your skin for up to 16 hours, depending on a few factors like skin type and weather. If you have oily skin, you’ll need to freshen up your look sooner than those with a normal complexion. Plus, if it’s a hot day and you find yourself sweating a lot, your makeup may not hold up to that 16-hour mark (or even a 10-hour mark for that matter).


    There are a few products to use with your foundation that can make it last longer during the day. If you don’t already have a setting spray or face primer, we suggest investing in one to get the most out of your layering face makeup.


    Does foundation expire?

    Yep, even the best foundations that are priced high will eventually expire. Most liquid foundations can last from 1 year up to 18 months, and mineral foundations can sometimes last up to 2 years. If you don’t wear makeup often (and even if you do), you may want to keep track of how long you’ve had your foundation for. That’s because even natural foundations that have expired can cause serious skin issues, such as breakouts, red bumps, and even infection — eek!


    You can easily replace your foundation once it’s gone past its prime, and then you’ll have peace of mind knowing that no harm can come to your skin. Plus, since you’re using foundation on your face, why would you ever want to chance it?


    What is Grove Collaborative?

    At Grove, we take the guesswork out of which products are good for you and your home. Every product meets strict standards for being nontoxic, effective, sustainable, and cruelty-free. Once you find products you love, we ship to your home on a flexible, monthly schedule.


    If you're ready to make the transition to natural cleaning, beauty, and household products, shop Grove Collaborative's natural products for the eco-friendly tools to tackle the job.

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