Our Best Foundation for Flawless Skin

written by Jade Brennan February 18, 2018

Choosing the perfect foundation, bronzer, primer, highlighter and blusher can be a minefield. Luckily, we’ve done all the hard work for you, from finding the best foundation for coverage, dry, oily or combination skin at a price to suit every budget. And best of all these skin-transforming foundations have been nominated by W&H readers and tested on our panel of celebrity beauty experts.

Best Bronzer for all skin types

Bronzers add a touch of luminosity that can take years off your appearance. It’s important to select the best bronzer for your skin tone, which is usually a shade darker than your natural complexion. The best bronzer for all skin types that won gold in this category was Sensai by Kanebo Designing Duo Bronzing Powder, R622,59.

Chereen Strydom, beauty and lifestyle blogger, had this to say about the winner: “Light, shimmery shades create a subtle and natural glow”.

WATCH: How to apply bronzer like a pro – these bronzer application tips will ensure you get a natural glow everytime.

Best Long Lasting All -Day Foundation

One of the best long lasting foundations on the market, Estée Lauder Double Wear Stay-in-Place Makeup, R585 for 30ml has to be your next beauty buy.

Our judges were all in agreement with aesthetic GP Dr Natasha Chapman saying that it “has a sheer finish and really good coverage”. What more could you ask for when looking for the best flawless foundation around?

Best Makeup Primer

Dubbed “Spanx for your face”, primer has taken the world by storm over the past year. You may be wondering “what is primer makeup used for?” Primer is used to fill in lines and prep the face before applying foundation. It also helps your makeup set which means it lasts longer. Our judges pick of the best buy on the market? Elizabeth Arden Flawless Start Instant Perfecting Primer, R365 for 30ml.

Judge and makeup artist Storm Catherine Pass comments that it “goes on like silk, and helps foundation last” – and she should know!

Best BB Cream

If you haven’t tried a BB cream yet (that stands for beauty or blemish balm by the way), we’ve got the perfect product to try. Kiehl’s Actively Correcting & Beautifying BB Cream, R640 for 30ml “reduces redness, evens out your skin tone, and has SPF 50. A keeper!” says beauty and lifestyle blogger Chereen Strydom. BB cream is either used alone or as a base for your foundation. If used as a base, remember that you won’t need as much foundation. To make your BB cream last longer, lightly dust with powder once applied.

Best Budget-Friendly Foundation

You don’t have to go into debt to get perfect coverage. The affordable Max Factor Miracle Match Blur & Nourish Foundation, R219,95 for 30ml is a winner in the “Best-Buy Base” category because it’s not only budget, but it provides great coverage and minimises pores too!

Makeup artist and judge Storm Catherine Pass concurs, “Fantastic coverage that minimises pores”.

Best All-In-One Foundation

With so many foundations on the market, it makes it hard to choose between one that conceals, one that gives you perfect coverage and one that looks natural. Luckily you don’t have to choose!

Our judges have done all the homework for you and their conclusion is: Clinique Beyond Perfecting Foundation + Concealer, R515 for 30ml is the “Best All-in-One Foundation”.

Commenting on their choice, judge and beauty writer Grace Mantjiu says they loved it because of its “luminous finish” and the fact that it’s available “in shades for every skin tone”.

Best Sheer Foundation

Sheer foundation glides on smoothly without masking your natural skin giving it a dewy look. The lust-have product of beauty insiders may have a hefty price tag, but they say it’s totally worth it. Chanel Le Teint Ultrawear Flawless Foundation, R900 for 30ml offers “sheer, hydrating cover that’s beautifully glowy,” according to beauty blogger Tracey Kroukamp.

Best Highlighter

Brighten up dull and pale skin with a highlighter to get add dimension to your face and a gorgeous glow. When a beauty expert tells you her new favourite product makes her skin look “lit from within”, you know you have to try it. Tracey Kroukamp has fallen in love with Bobbi Brown Nude Finish Illuminating Powder, R815.

Best Blush

Blush not only adds a pop of colour but it can also make you look younger and emphasises your cheekbones. When it came to the best blush category, one product stood out… Physicians Formula Argan Wear Ultra-Nourishing Argan Oil Blush, R199,95.

“Great colours and lovely texture; plus, it blends beautifully,” said one reader of this affordable beauty buy. Pop it on your cheeks for a natural flush that makes you look instantly younger.

Disclaimer: The testimonials presented on this website are applicable to the individuals depicted only and may not be representative of the experience of others. The information provided within this site is strictly for the purposes of information only and is not a replacement or substitute for professional advice.