There is a wide array of liquid foundations to choose from that provide excellent coverage or hydration. But how do you know which one is best for you? In this article, we'll help you narrow down your options with our buying guide and a list of the best liquid foundations in the market. We also asked for some tips and insights from beauty professional Elaine Ganuelas, so be sure not to miss our buying guide!
Elaine Ganuelas has been living and breathing the life of all things beauty since childhood. What once started as her passion became her career in 2006. Now she does makeup, hairstyling, image consultation (yes, makeovers), personal shopping, consumer research, and reviews.
Our recommendation articles are carefully researched and crafted by the mybest Philippines team of writers and editors. To stay true to our company’s mission and vision to help users’ selection process easier, we also collaborate with experts from various fields to ensure that our content stays factual and useful.
The expert oversees the Buying Guide only, and does not determine the products and services featured.
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Picking the right foundation for you may be tricky. There are many factors to consider, including your skin type and day-to-day activities. To make it easier for you to choose, read through our buying guide below.
Different liquid foundations have different features, each catering to a specific skin type. Read on to know which one is suitable for the skin type you have.
Also, to avoid flaking, avoid liquid foundations that are difficult to take off. Whenever you remove your makeup at the end of the day, it's likely that you're also stripping away your skin's natural oils with the rubbing motions as well as with your makeup remover. These will dry your skin out even more, so it's essential to choose a foundation that is gentle on dry skin and is as easy to remove as possible.
Matte or semi-matte foundations are recommended for this skin type, as these will prevent your face from oiling up and getting shiny. Make sure that the product doesn't dry your skin out, though. Contrary to popular misconception, oily skin still needs proper hydration to prevent the overproduction of oil and sebum.
You can minimize, if not completely, zero-out oil production by making sure hydration is sufficient during the makeup prep/skincare stage. Combine with a mattifying primer, long-wearing, and oil-free foundations that can keep your face shine-free all day.
If you have sensitive skin, it is advisable to stay away from chemical-based liquid foundations. Look instead for mineral foundations with no additives, which can cause allergic reactions. Also, read the labels carefully to stay clear of potential irritants like sulfates and added fragrances.
It's also best to identify or single out ingredients that can trigger your irritation. Knowing this will help you pick out or avoid products that may or may not personally work for you.
Getting the right foundation shade is a challenge for a lot of people, but it's easy once you know what to look for. Here are a few tips to help you find yours.
It is important to find a shade that matches both the surface skin tone and the undertone of your skin. Skin tones range from light to dark and are fairly easy to determine. On the other hand, undertones are a bit more tricky. To find out what your undertone is, the easiest way is to check the color of the veins underneath your skin.
People with bluish veins have a cool undertone, while those with greenish veins have a warm undertone. If it's difficult to determine if your veins are bluish or greenish, or if they are roughly the same color as your skin tone, chances are you have a neutral undertone. Make sure to get a foundation shade that is suitable for both your skin tone and undertone.
Confused about the color of your veins? You can grab both silver and gold accessories! While looking at yourself in the mirror, assess if you look better in either gold or silver. Take photos as well so you can check. Silver makes you look stunning? You're on the cool spectrum. On the other hand, looking good in gold would mean you're on the warm side. Lucky if you can do both! You have a neutral undertone!
Some foundations tend to oxidize, which means that the color darkens over time. This is why we recommend choosing a shade lighter to allow the foundation to adjust to your skin tone. Otherwise, it will look much darker on you as the day goes on and it becomes more and more exposed to air. This is especially true for people with oily skin.
Not all oily-skinned individuals or even brands/formulas oxidize. The darkening or turning orange most likely has something to do with the acidity of the skin and the formulation. Determining if you would react to a certain foundation may be difficult since you have to try it out and wear it for a day. If oxidation bothers you, it helps to layer on a pH-balancing toner after washing your face before doing makeup.
Watery liquid foundations do not provide a lot of coverage, so these are recommended for people who prefer a natural, light, or sheer finish. Those who want to cover large pores, blemishes, uneven skin tone, and other imperfections, on the other hand, would be better off choosing a full-coverage liquid foundation with a thicker and creamy consistency.
Among foundation formulas, liquid foundation offers the most flexible coverage compared to powder or cream types. You can make it sheer by mixing a moisturizer or can be built up by applying more layers or by mixing in a cream concealer.
Foundations with SPF or Sun Protection Factor have the added advantage of shielding your skin from harmful UV rays. UVA rays can cause premature aging, while UVB rays cause sunburns. However, keep in mind that SPF in makeup isn't meant to replace regular sunscreenーinstead, it's used as an add-on or a touch-up for even more protection—SPF 15 to 30 will protect your skin enough,
It is a bonus to have SPF in a liquid foundation formula, and I agree that it cannot replace what a sunscreen has to offer. This is great for daily use but avoid formulas with SPF for special occasions, especially if there is flash photography. The SPF ingredient can give out a white cast or flashback.
Maybelline's oil-free foundation has a lot of great features despite its affordable price tag. The Fit Me Matte+Poreless Liquid Foundation contains aerogel that is capable of absorbing more oil than regular oil control ingredients. This makes sure your skin can be shine-free for up to 16 hours. It also has micro-powders that blur pores, giving the impression that your skin is flawless and poreless.
With its buildable medium to full coverage, this foundation effectively conceals skin blemishes while maintaining a lightweight feel. Its long-lasting formula withstands heat and humidity, making it a favorite among users looking for coverage that won't budge.
Best for | Normal To Oily Skin Types |
---|---|
Finish | Natural, Seamless, Matte Finish |
Oil-Free | Yes |
Paraben-Free | No |
Fragrance-Free | Yes |
Available Shades | 20 Shades |
Coverage | Buildable Medium To Full Coverage |
SPF | SPF 22 PA+++ |
Net Weight | 30 mL |
True to its name, you can’t go wrong with this liquid foundation. It has a creamy consistency that provides a matte finish upon application. This will also last you the whole dayー you can expect to stay shine-free even at the 5-hour mark!
This is a great product for active people who do not want to have to stop and think about retouching during the day. Plus, it is sweat-proof, heat-proof, and transfer-proof! This means that whether you're commuting, sweating, or doing your busy daily routine, this foundation will stay put the entire time.
Best for | Sensitive And Oily Skin Types |
---|---|
Finish | Demi-Matte Finish |
Oil-Free | Yes |
Paraben-Free | Yes |
Fragrance-Free | Yes |
Available Shades | 15 Shades |
Coverage | Full Coverage |
SPF | SPF 25 PA+++ |
Net Weight | 35 mL |
Best for | All Skin Types |
---|---|
Finish | Matte Finish |
Oil-Free | Yes |
Paraben-Free | Yes |
Fragrance-Free | Yes |
Available Shades | 14 Shades |
Coverage | Buildable Medium To Full Coverage |
SPF | SPF 15 |
Net Weight | 30 mL |
It also provides broad-spectrum sun protection at SPF 30, so you can use it even if you will be spending your day outdoors. It is non-comedogenic and fragrance-free as well, so it's a good choice for people with sensitive skin.
Best for | All Skin Types |
---|---|
Finish | Natural, Flawless Finish |
Oil-Free | Yes |
Paraben-Free | Yes |
Fragrance-Free | Yes |
Available Shades | 13 Shades |
Coverage | Buildable Medium Coverage |
SPF | SPF 30 |
Net Weight | 30 mL |
Best for | Most Skin Types, Including Acne Prone And Sensitive Skin |
---|---|
Finish | Natural Finish |
Oil-Free | Yes |
Paraben-Free | Yes |
Fragrance-Free | Yes |
Available Shades | 17 Shades |
Coverage | Buildable Medium Coverage |
SPF | None |
Net Weight | 30 mL |
Best for | Oily And Combination Skin Types |
---|---|
Finish | Flawless Matte Finish |
Oil-Free | Yes |
Paraben-Free | No |
Fragrance-Free | Yes |
Available Shades | 9 Shades |
Coverage | Buildable Medium To Full Coverage |
SPF | SPF 15 |
Net Weight | 30 mL |
As far as inclusivity goes, this foundation takes the cake. The Fenty Beauty Pro Filt'r Soft Matte Longwear Foundation has a whooping 50 shades. This way, you can be sure that there is a perfect shade for you. This foundation also has a buildable medium to full coverage to give your skin a smooth and shine-free finish.
One of our common gripes is that the Philippines can be very humid. So, it's a good thing that this foundation has climate-adaptive technology to fight heat, sweat, and shine. Now you can use this foundation wherever you go and whatever the weather may be!
Best for | Combination, Dry, Normal, And Oily Skin Types |
---|---|
Finish | Soft Matte Finish |
Oil-Free | Yes |
Paraben-Free | Yes |
Fragrance-Free | No |
Available Shades | 50 Shades |
Coverage | Buildable Medium To Full Coverage |
SPF | None |
Net Weight | 32 mL |
This is ideal for those looking for a “my skin but better” look. And despite its coverage, users say that it is very lightweight; it’s as if you weren’t wearing foundation. You’ll also be glad to know that this foundation lasts for 12 to 16 hours of use!
Best for | All Skin Types |
---|---|
Finish | Healthy Demi-Matte Finish |
Oil-Free | Yes |
Paraben-Free | Yes |
Fragrance-Free | No |
Available Shades | 8 Shades |
Coverage | Buildable Medium Coverage |
SPF | SPF 15 |
Net Weight | 30 mL |
Best for | All Skin Types |
---|---|
Finish | Dewy Finish |
Oil-Free | Yes |
Paraben-Free | Yes |
Fragrance-Free | Yes |
Available Shades | 26 Shades |
Coverage | Buildable Medium Coverage |
SPF | None |
Net Weight | 32 mL |
Best for | All Skin Types |
---|---|
Finish | Natural Finish |
Oil-Free | No |
Paraben-Free | Yes |
Fragrance-Free | No |
Available Shades | 12 Shades |
Coverage | Buildable Medium Coverage |
SPF | SPF 25 PA++ |
Net Weight | 30 g |
Below are some of the most asked questions on the web answered by our expert, Elaine Ganuelas.
Liquid or cream formulas usually have 18 to 24 months of shelf life. If you notice pigments (usually orange or pink tint) separate, it's time to toss it out.
This would actually depend on the finish you want to achieve or your brush shape preference. It is best, however, to use synthetic bristles when applying liquid or cream makeup.
If you can successfully remove makeup stains with makeup remover (bi-phase), micellar water, or wipes, you're good, but I would strongly advise leaving them to cleaning professionals.
Looking for more options? Check out Elaine Ganuelas' recommendations below.
This may have ticked all the boxes regarding what to look for in a liquid foundation! It has a decent amount, buildable coverage, it doesn't sink in lines, and yes, it does look good even if you have been wearing it all day!
This may be the middle ground if you're not so sure of what to pick from the never-ending foundation options. Contrary to its "sheer" label, this has coverage enough to cover imperfections while being lightweight.
It's also not too matte and not too glowy, which many skin types can benefit from. The shade range is also more neutral (and Pinay-friendly), so you'll likely get your shade match.
Who would have known that you can actually find a gem of a foundation in the drugstore? It is not just good but great! For its price, you're getting a demi-matte finish that's not flat or dry, and it wears well all through the day. The shade range is also impressive for a drugstore find and has tones that Filipinas complement Filipina skin well.
Whether you prefer the fresh, natural look or the glam, sophisticated look, it's always good to have the best facial products at hand to keep your skin looking great. Here are some of our reviews of other facial products that can help you look your best self.
Re-editor: R. Umlas, Valerie Lagura
Our buying guide was carefully researched and crafted by the mybest team of writers and editors, in collaboration with the expert featured in this article. We used the buying guide as a basis for choosing and ranking the product recommendations, and we looked at reviews and ratings from different E-commerce sites like Lazada, Shopee, and more.
When you purchase products mentioned in the article, part of the sales may be returned to mybest.
The descriptions of each product is referenced from the content available from the manufacturer, e-commerce sites etc.
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