The Best Foundations for Going Out, According to a Beauty Editor

Just imagine it now: You’re getting ready to head out on a Friday night, your attitude is high and your makeup looks rad. You make it to the bar (or house party, club, or especially fancy dinner), and you’re really feeling yourself. You take a quick trip to the bathroom for a mirror check. Uh-oh. Your heart sinks—your makeup has practically melted off your face. Your outlook is grim and you end being the one behind the camera for the rest of the night instead of posing front and center. How, you ask, is it possible to avoid this dreaded problem? Below we've rounded up the 10 best nighttime foundations. Keep reading to find the right one for you.

Becca Ever-Matte Shine Proof Foundation $42

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It’s such a bummer when you find yourself spending time touching up your makeup instead of hitting the dance floor. Nix shine, grease, and the inevitable boogie-induced sweat from your face with this creamy, matte foundation. It’s super long-wearing (and won’t melt off), and it was specifically created for combination skin.

Black Up Full Coverage Cream Foundation $44

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Full-coverage and super rich (it’s actually whipped), this foundation is a dream for oily skin. It conceals ev-ery-thing—zits, dark spots, scars, and even that bout of redness caused by your favorite mixed drink.

Charlotte Tilbury Magic Foundation $44

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I feel like I could recommend this product every day for the rest of time (or, for as long as the internet exists and I’m allowed to publish all my thoughts on it). While I’ve already declared my love for this little miracle in a bottle, it's noteworthy enough to say it again: It has completely changed my (social) life. Offering a full coverage (yet weightless feel), it has all of the anti-aging benefits of a moisturizer, and radiates like no other. Plus, it never budges.

Clinique Beyond Perfecting Foundation + Concealer $30

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This is another formula I’ve had a recent love affair with. It’s a foundation and concealer in one (score!), and is uber-moisturizing at the same time. While some could argue it’s a bit too full-coverage for the daytime, it’s perfect for a night out. It’ll save you precious getting ready time, and it blends flawlessly.

KVD Vegan Beauty Lock-It Tattoo Foundation $37

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This highly pigmented foundation provides such great coverage that it can even be used to cover tattoos. It has 24-hour wear and is transfer-resistant (so it won’t get on your partner’s clothing), with natural polymers to absorb excess oil. It’s creamy, comes in a broad range of shades, and has a beautiful matte finish.

Laura Mercier Silk Crème Oil Free Photo Edition Foundation $48

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Planning a big night out? Naturally, they’ll be tons of pictures—this is the formula you need to love every single picture taken. It blends seamlessly into your skin thanks to a silk powder blend that absorbs oil, balances moisture, and smooths pores.

MAC Full Coverage Foundation $36

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If liquid foundation is not your style, opt for this cream compact. It’s full coverage, lasts all day and night, and is oh-so-easy to apply with a sponge (or even your fingers).

Make Up For Ever Ultra HD Invisible Cover Foundation $43

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This option was created specifically for being on camera (it’s a red-carpet favorite among celebrities). It features coated pigments and hyaluronic spheres that plump and cover but remain unseen, even in HD. The best part? It comes in (count ’em) 50 shades and doesn’t require touch-ups.

Smashbox Studio Skin 15 Hour Hydrating Foundation $36

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This foundation promises a 24-hour wear without settling, transferring, or oxidizing. It uses hyaluronic acid and vitamin E to give you a radiant, bright, and completely evening-appropriate complexion. High-coverage pigments blur any blemishes or discoloration—like an Instagram filter—and ensure your look is on point all night.

Tarte Amazonian Clay Full Coverage Foundation SPF 15 $39

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Courtesy of a blend of Amazonian clay, this smart foundation adjusts to meet your specific skin concerns. It’s full-coverage but amazingly bendable, buildable, and totally natural looking.