A new year means new makeup formulas, especially when it comes to foundation, which has come a long way over the past couple of years. Gone are the days of poorly matched colors and cakey foundations that sink into fine lines. Thanks to technology, there’s a whole new breed of liquid foundations that do everything from blur imperfections to even out skin tone. And the latest formulas are so smooth and lightweight, they feel like a second skin. If you’re looking for a new formula to write home about, we’ve created a list of the best liquid foundations that are worth trying this year. And don’t worry, there’s a product for every budget and concern in this mix.
Check out our cheat sheet to the best liquid foundations for 2018 above. Your skin won’t regret it!
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The Best Liquid Foundation Options for 2017
The Best Liquid Foundation Options for 2017 #1
Don't settle for cakey foundations that sink into fine lines and don't perfectly match your skin tone. Ahead, we've rounded up the best liquid foundations and new formulations to try this year.
Image: Imaxtree
Giorgio Armani
If you thought Giorgio Armani's Luminous Silk Foundation was the cream of the crop, wait until you get your hands on the new Power Fabric. We like to think of it as an elevated version, but with a lightweight, velvety matte finish that provides full coverage — all day long. The best part? You won't even feel like you're wearing it at all. Plus, it's made with SPF 25, making it your new daily go-to.
Power Fabric Foundation, $64 at Nordstrom
Almay
If you're looking for a more moderate price point when it comes to new foundations, we suggest giving Almay's innovative creation a whirl as it's the first-ever liquid foundation with self-tanner benefits. Think healthy, glowy skin all year long. With continuous use for three days, expect to see glowing, goddess-like results.
Healthy Glow Makeup + Gradual Self Tan, $12.99 at Target
Make Up For Ever
Make Up For Ever has been one of our favorite brands for best liquid foundations for quite some time — and we're excited to report that Water Blend adds to the hype. For all you Face & Body Foundation fans, it's back and even better. Think same lightweight touch, but this time crafted with 80 percent water and pro-vitamin B5 to help give your skin an elasticity boost. Our favorite part, though, is that you can layer this foundation to make it as sheer or full coverage as you please.
Water Blend Face & Body Foundation, $43 at Sephora
Urban Decay
When a foundation has the words "all nighter" in its name, you know it's going to be good. And this one does exactly what it says: stays on all night without moving, thanks to its velvet matte finish. If you're familiar with the brand's amazing Naked Skin foundation, this product includes three times the amount of pigment, so it really goes the extra mile with coverage. And there's an airless pump, so no scrambling to scrape the bottom out.
All Nighter Liquid Foundation, $40 at Nordstrom
Koh Gen Do
This genius formula has buildable power like a thick cream foundation, but offers a sheer, lightweight finish like a liquid. And say sayonara to uneven skin tone, standout pores and fine lines as light-reflecting particles help to diminish and blur. Plus, as the name implies, it offers superior hydration.
Maifanshi Moisture Foundation, $62 at Sephora
IT Cosmetics
This best liquid foundation is like a facial in a bottle. If you're looking for a gorgeous, dewy complexion (and really, who isn't?), IT Cosmetics' newest offering is one to add to your arsenal. Chock-full of anti-aging ingredients and the brand's "Drops of Light Technology," it provides coverage while reducing the look of fine lines and imperfections.
IT-O₂ Ultra Repair Liquid Oxygen Foundation, $38 at IT Cosmetics
Shiseido
With SPF 20 and a lightweight finish, this best liquid foundation gives skin an instant radiance boost. The silky matte formula contains Mother of Thyme extract to fight off damage via oxidation and St. John's wort to help smooth out rough, dry skin. Super long-lasting, you can build up coverage by layering.
Synchro Skin Lasting Liquid Foundation Broad Spectrum SPF 20, $45 at Nordstrom
Natasha Denona
Exclusive to Sephora online, this is another liquid foundation that stands out. Made with SPF 15, not only will it protect and cover up imperfections in a natural-looking way, but it will give your skin a major hydration boost. And yes, it will have you looking like a glowing goddess all day and all night long.
Face Glow Foundation, $42 at Sephora
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