The 10 Best Transfer-Resistant Foundations That Stay Put

Best Overall

KVD Beauty Lock-It Tattoo Foundation

4.6

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Only the teeniest drop of this vegan foundation (two pea-sized drops, to be precise) is needed to create a flawless medium-to-full coverage. One thing to note here is that it has serious staying power and is designed to cover blemishes, scars, and tattoos, so it’s not for the faint-of-heart–or drier skin types. It also comes in 44 different shades that are designed to suit a wide range of skin tones and undertones, so it’s a great inclusive option. 

Price at time of publish: $41

Coverage: Full | Shade Range: 44 | Finish: Matte | Size: 1 ounce | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Best Budget

Maybelline New York SuperStay Full Coverage Foundation

4.8

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This oil-free foundation from Maybelline delivers lightweight, natural-looking coverage and up to 30 hours of hold. The formula is on the thicker side, so it takes a bit of blending, but it feels light on the skin thanks to its non-comedogenic texture. It’s suitable for all skin types, but as it has a matte finish, it’s probably better suited to oily and combination skin than drier complexions. 

Price at time of publish: $13

Coverage: Full | Shade Range: 24 | Finish: Natural | Size: 1 fluid ounce | Cruelty-Free: No

Best Natural Finish

Make Up For Ever Ultra HD Foundation

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A ride-or-die for the ages, Makeup Forever has some of the best foundations on the market. This classic liquid foundation glides onto the face like a second skin, gently blurring away imperfections like a Snapchat filter IRL. We should point out that this isn’t a full-coverage foundation, so expect a natural finish with a long-lasting hold. It also gets extra points for being available in over 40 different shades!

Price at time of publish: $43

Coverage: Medium | Shade Range: 50 | Finish: Natural | Size: 1.01 fluid ounces | Cruelty-Free: No

Best Matte Finish

Too Faced Born This Way Matte Longwear Liquid Foundation

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This long-lasting matte foundation offers a medium to full coverage that you can build up as you like. In addition to being transfer resistant, it’s also non-comedogenic, waterproof, and sweat and humidity resistant–so an ideal choice if you often find your makeup slips off quite easily. It also contains a touch of coconut water and hyaluronic acid to help replenish moisture levels, so it should look fresh and dewy on the skin rather than cakey. 

Price at time of publish: $45

Coverage: Medium to full | Shade Range: 35 | Finish: Matte | Size: 30ml | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Best Long-Lasting

Urban Decay All Nighter Liquid Foundation

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This foundation does not come to play. It's full-coverage, waterproof, and super pigmented (read: you only need a tiny bit for an airbrushed look that lasts all day—or night). 24 shades take undertones into account, so you should be able to find your perfect match. Reviewers also note that it’s very good at covering blemishes and scars, while others say it can oxidize and separate over time.

Price at time of publish: $40

Coverage: Full | Shade Range: 24 | Finish: Matte | Size: 1.0 fluid ounces | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Best Full-Coverage

Fenty Beauty Pro Filt'r Soft Matte Longwear Foundation

4.9

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There is literally nothing Rihanna can't do. This matte foundation comes in a whopping 50 shades, and once it dries down, you better believe it's not going anywhere. We highly recommend you use either a brush or a makeup sponge to apply it since using your fingers doesn't quite yield the same natural-looking results. It’s worth noting that it’s not ideal for drier skin types and does benefit from a hydrating base such as a hyaluronic acid serum or primer. 

Price at time of publish: $39

Coverage: Full | Shade Range: 50 | Finish: Matte | Size: 1.08 ounces | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Best Shade Range

Estee Lauder Double Wear Stay-In-Place Liquid Foundation

4.8

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This is a lightweight foundation that lives up to its name, promising a full 24 hours of wear sans caking, creasing, or settling into fine lines. Once applied, the sweat-, heat-, and the humidity-resistant formula dries down to a matte (read: not chalky) finish. Plus, it comes in over 55 shades. Some reviewers say it can look cakey, so go easy at first, building up coverage gradually to find your sweet spot. 

Price at time of publish: $43

Coverage: Medium to full | Shade Range: 56 | Finish: Matte | Size: 1 ounce | Cruelty-Free: No

Best Stick

BLK/OPL True Color Skin Perfecting Stick Foundation SPF 15

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You don't have to spend the equivalent of six pumpkin spice lattes to get a long-lasting foundation. The proof: this $11 find from Blk/Opl. The stick formula dries down to a velvety finish that doesn't feel heavy and won't end up all over your phone screen. Blk/Opl's Shade ID technology ensures you'll find the perfect shade for your skin tone, plus, it contains vitamin C and vitamin E to help nourish the skin and provide antioxidant protection.Reviewers mention that it isn’t the best at controlling shine, but you can always blot if you can’t deny its many other pros. 

Price at time of publish: $12

Coverage: Full | Shade Range: 24 | Finish: Velvet | Size: 0.5 ounces | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Best for Oily Skin

Hourglass Immaculate Liquid Powder Foundation

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This foundation is infused with kaolin clay to help soak up excess oil and keep the skin looking fresh all day. It also has over 1800 five-star reviews on Sephora to back up its long-wear claims. The oil-free formula also makes this a nice pick for oily, acne-prone skin types but be aware that some reviewers have noted it can be a little cakey if too much is applied.

Price at time of publish: $60

Coverage: Full | Shade Range: 22 | Finish: Velvet matte | Size: 1 fluid ounce | Cruelty-Free: Yes