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This article was a submission from professional makeup artist Tracy Proffitt. Find her on instagram at @tracyazgal. If you would like to share an article with The Zillennial, send us an email at thezillennialzine@gmail.com.
I think I will forever be in search of the Holy Grail … of foundations anyway. At any given moment, I have at least 10 foundations to choose from in my makeup box. Yes, I said box. I have a healthy variety of both prestige and drugstore brands at my reach every morning depending on my ever-changing needs. I still have many on my to-try list, but here are my top ten tried and true brands, from great-enough to find a home in my makeup box all the way to the most Holy Grail worthy picks! These are the 10 best foundations at Ulta.
10. Morphe Filter Effect Soft Focus Foundation – $20
This foundation is medium-full coverage and was developed in collaboration with celebrity makeup artist Danessa Myricks. There are 40 shades to choose from with various undertones. Its key ingredients are Hyaluronic acid and Vitamin E.
9. Revlon Colorstay 24 hour Foundation – $13.99
An oldie but a goodie, this one comes in combo-oily and normal-dry formulas. It is offered in 16 shades and will do the trick with its reliable formula and natural shades.
8. L’Oreal Infallible 24 hour Long-wear Pro-Matte foundation – $12.99
This is a demi-matte formula with a medium to full coverage, but it dries down fast! This comes in 22 shades.
7. Tarte Amazonian Clay 16 hour Full coverage Foundation – $39
This is a unique foundation that gives an airbrushed finish. It is light and airy, but has medium to full skin-like coverage. To many of our dismay, this formula has recently been changed as well as the packaging. I have read recent reviews and the change is not welcomed according to most. I have not yet tried this new formulation of this cult favorite for myself yet. To be honest, I am scared they messed with a good thing! There are 46 shades available.
6. Maybelline Super Stay Full Coverage 24 hour Foundation – $11.99
Truly a full coverage and long-wearing foundation! It has been touted as a dupe for Huda Beauty Faux Filter Luminous Matte Foundation. At a fraction of the price, minus the heavy perfume scent, it is a win if you want or need a very full coverage base! 24 shades from fair to deep.
5. L’Oreal Infallible Fresh Wear 24 hour Foundation – $14.99
This one is almost a dupe for my number two foundation! This has a thin, liquid formula but great coverage and wear. I really love this one and reach for it often! It has a luxurious feel like a high-end formula. It wears and covers beautifully without being thick and heavy. 40 shades are available.
4. It Cosmetics CC+ Cream with SPF 50 – $39.50
This foundation has a dreamy-creamy texture with a lovely skincare scent. It is surprisingly thick and has a full coverage you do not expect from a CC Cream! It has a dewy to natural finish and is great for summer or outdoor activities because of the SPF 50. It is not terribly long-wearing, but it has a lovely finish and gives a natural glow with the coverage you may need. A little bit goes a long way with this product. It is only offered in 12 shades, but keep in mind it is more of a tinted skincare cream and less of a traditional foundation.
3. Lancome Teint Idole Ultra 24 Hour Longwear Matte Foundation with SPF 15 – $47
Truly a luxurious formula with a beautiful finish. This is a liquid formula that is thin but covers beautifully and wears nicely. Needless to say, this is one of my favorites. This highly rated foundation is offered in 50 shades.
2. Laura Mercier Flawless Fusion Ultra-Longwear Foundation – $48
I recently purchased this one on a whim when I was returning another foundation to Ulta. I try not to do that too often, but their return policy is wonderful and I hope it stays that way! It was between this one and Smashbox 24 hour Studio Skin Foundation. It all came down to the finish while testing it out in the store. The Laura Mercier had a better matte finish. This gives such a lovely, skin-like finish with great coverage and wear. I am really liking this one and it made its way to number two on my list very quickly! The shade match is divine and we all know and love Laura’s setting powders as the top in the setting-powder game! 30 shades.
1. Estee Lauder Double Wear Stay-in-Place Makeup – $43
Long-time fan fave for good reason! This is one of the highest-rated and reviewed foundations available. I have tried the other variations of the Double Wear makeup from the Sheer to the Maximum Coverage, but I always come back to the classic formula. You have to work quickly with this foundation because it dries fast and really sets into place. It comes in 56 shades and does it all! This is still the closest thing I have found to the Holy Grail of foundations yet.
What do you think is the best foundation at Ulta? Let us know in the comments below!
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