My Go-To Foundations

Early last year, I was on the hunt for the perfect full coverage foundation to wear on my wedding day. After many months of trials and returns – more than I’m willing to admit. No, seriously. I’m surprised I haven’t been banned from beauty store returns yet!

I finally found the perfect foundation. I also found others than I really loved, and ones I didn’t. My skin type is combination. I have an oily t-zone but also struggle with dry skin on my chin. I should also add that I live in the oh so humid state of Florida. Here are my go-to picks for a good all-day wear foundation:

Urban Decay Stay Naked Weightless Liquid Foundation

This foundation was previously called Naked Skin. This was the first higher-end foundation I ever tried, and I keep coming back to it. The finish is very smooth and matte, and they have a wide range of colors to match your skin tone perfectly. However, it is light coverage and not buildable. I like to use this on my good skin days when I’m not trying to cover up a big break out. It stays on all day, and doesn’t oxidize one bit! If you’re looking for a pretty, natural-looking everyday foundation, this one is a winner. I wear the shade 30NN.

• Pros: Matte, natural, smooth skin look, all-day matte wear
• Cons: Not buildable, light coverage

Tarte Face Tape Liquid Foundation

I discovered this foundation on my search, I didn’t end up wearing this one for our wedding. However, I would totally recommend it! I love love love this foundation on any day and definitely wear it the most. It is full coverage and very buildable. There is also a wide color range in this foundation as well. My only dislike is if you are having a bad skin day, this one does look a little cakey. I also find myself having to pat my face towards the end of the day, but if you touch up with a bit of powder, it will last all night. All Tarte makeup is cruelty-free, gluten-free, and free from parabens. I wear the shade 14H – Light Honey.

• Pros: Buildable, great coverage, great tone, waterproof
• Cons: Cakey if your face is really broken out, requires touch up towards the end of the day if you have oily/combination skin

Smashbox Studio Skin – 15 Hour Wear Hydrating Foundation

This one ended up being my wedding day pick. Smashbox Studio Skin is full coverage, buildable, and flawless-looking! The finish is so smooth, and it stays on for the long haul. On our honeymoon cruise, I would put it on after showering for dinner, wear it to bed (not good, I know), and I was good to go for the next day’s activities. It is pretty sticky and feels heavy on your face before you set it with powder, but I highly recommend! It kept my face matte all day. I wear the shade 1.05.

• Pros: Skin blurring, smooth finish, buildable, full coverage, long-wear
• Cons: Sticky, feels thick at first

What are some of your favorite foundations? Let me know in the comments below!