10 Best Cream Foundations In The Market
These creamy formulas blend perfectly into your skin, offering you seamless coverage.
Expertise: Makeup & Beauty
Experience: 3 years
Esha Saxena is a writer and journalist with over 3 years of experience. She holds a master’s degree in media and mass communication and firmly believes that makeup is nothing less than art. Combinin... more
Image: StyleCraze Design Team
A cream foundation is a thick creamy makeup base that offers a great finish and even coverage. These foundations help to conceal blemishes, dark spots, and other aging spots. Thus, the best cream foundation offers a flawless finish without making your skin greasy or messy. Furthermore, they are super versatile and offer a rich texture. A moisture-rich cream foundation is ideal for dehydrated skin. While these cream foundations come with more staying power, finding the right option for you from the numerous foundations available in the market can be tricky. In this article, we have rounded up some of the best cream foundations that work great on most skin types. Keep scrolling!
First, let us understand the several advantages of using the best cream foundation as per our skin type.
In This Article
The Benefits Of A Cream Foundation
- Good Coverage: Cream foundations can provide more coverage than powder foundation. All you need to do is apply a small amount of cream foundation to achieve the desired results. While it mostly caters to dry skin, cream foundations can also cover spots and blemishes flawlessly on oily skin.
- Flawless Finish: The best cream foundation leaves your skin feeling fresh and hydrated. It offers a dewy finish while making sure that your makeup disappears into your skin. Its creamy texture sits easily on the skin and does not look too cracked or cakey. Unlike a powder foundation, you do not need to apply another layer of a hydrating primer before applying a cream foundation.
- Additional Benefits: Some cream foundations come with various skin care benefits and offer great nourishment to your skin. Always choose cream foundations that come with good-quality ingredients that your skin is not allergic to.
Now, let us look at the different cream foundations available on the market. Scroll and pick your favourite!
10 Of The Best Cream Foundations That You Should Try
Pros
- Long-wearing
- Easy to blend
- Great coverage
- Wide range of shades
- Value for money
Cons
None
Quick TipThe best way to blend a cream foundation is with a flat-top kabuki brush. The handle not only makes applying even foundation coverage easier, it is also more convenient to use.
Best With SPF 15:Radiant Professional Natural Fix All Day Matt Foundation SPF 15 (6A Earthy Tan)
Get the goodness of foundation and sun protection in the Radiant Professional Natural Fix All Day Matt Foundation SPF 15. It is designed to give you a natural-looking matte finish with full coverage. This cream foundation will last you through a hectic day without budging. The rich, creamy texture of this foundation glides smoothly, providing a veil of protection from UV rays whilst giving you flawless-looking skin.
The vitamin E in the formula acts as a botanical alternative for hyaluronic acid and polysaccharides; it hydrates your skin thoroughly and gives it elasticity and youthfulness. The non-acnegenic formula is also formulated with micro powder that regulates skin’s oiliness and gives your skin an airbrushed matte finish by keeping sebum at bay.
Pros- Suitable for all skin types
- Matte finish
- Paraben-free
- Gluten-free
- Smudge-free
- Cruelty-free
- Lasts all day long
- Oil-free formula
- Airbrush effect
- Full coverage
- Dermatologically tested
Cons
None
Quick TipAlways ensure that your face is clean and moisturized before applying foundation. To achieve long-lasting wear, use a primer.
Image: Cover
Review
Cover FX Total Cover Cream Foundation is loaded with emollients and antioxidants such as vitamins C and E. Its luxurious formula protects your skin against free radicals while providing a radiant, second-skin like finish. Its creamy, ultra-blendable texture has made this foundation a cult-favorite for contouring too. You can find your pick from its range of 40 global shades.
Pros
- True to color
- Long-wearing
- Hydrating
- Lightweight
- Buildable coverage
Cons
None
Best Non-Comedogenic:L'Oreal Paris Infallible Total Cover Foundation
The L’Oreal Paris Infallible Total Cover Foundation is your go-to lightweight, full-coverage foundation. This high-pigment formula provides a flawless matte finish that lasts all day. The oil-free and water-based formula has a lightweight feel, allowing it to blend seamlessly into your skin for an instantly smooth, even complexion. The foundation is also enriched with an SPF of 15, protecting your skin from the sun’s harmful UV rays. It is perfect for when you want to achieve a natural and flawless look.
Pros- Weightless feel
- Lightweight formula
- Full coverage
- Demi-matte finish
- Non-comedogenic
- Oil-free
- Best suited for oily and acne prone skin
- Lasts up to 24 hours long
Cons
- Cakey finish
Quick TipWhen looking for the right foundation shade, swatch it on your jawline to see if it matches both your neck and face. If the foundation matches your jawline shade, it is your exact shade.
Image: Bobbi
Review
This award-winning foundation stick from Bobbi Brown is designed to look and feel like skin – and it does a spectacular job. It is formulated with a unique transparent base and is expertly tailored to match your undertone to even out and correct your complexion. It features a blend of rich emollients like shea butter and olive extract to keep your skin hydrated, while its light-diffusing and oil-controlling ingredients target shine control. This foundation is available in 43 shades. If you are an absolute beginner, this video review might be useful.
Pros
- Weightless formula
- Long-wearing
- Buildable coverage
- Softens the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles
- Mimics the look of a healthy skin tone and texture
Cons
- Expensive
Image: Kevyn
Review
The Sensual Skin Enhancer is a versatile, waterproof complexion perfector that covers, corrects, and conceals flaws. Its highly pigmented formula contains jojoba oil and honey and can be layered for buildable coverage. Despite its high concentration of pigments, its impressive formula is non-cakey and does not settle into fine lines or pores. No wonder this is a go-to product for both professionals and beauty lovers! It comes in 16 shades.
Pros
- Long-wearing
- Easy to blend
- Great for uneven skin tone and redness
- Neutralizes skin tone and color-corrects
- Suitable for contouring
Cons
- Expensive
Image: Laura
Review
Laura Mercier’s Silk Crème Foundation helps create a flawless canvas that lasts up to 12 hours. The extraordinary thing about this foundation is how comfortable it feels on your skin while hiding even the most stubborn imperfections. Even makeup artists can’t stop raving about it! When applied with a damp sponge, its true-to-color pigments virtually disappear into your skin, leaving it looking fresh, healthy, and flawless. It is available in 16 shades.
Pros
- Long-wearing
- Easy to blend
- Oil-free
- Non-comedogenic
- Natural luminous finish
Cons
None
Image: Koh
Review
Koh Gen Do’s Moisture Foundation has been a cult-favorite for about 30 years now. Its feather-light formula boasts the coverage of a cream with the comfortable moisture of a liquid. Its light-diffusing mineral pigments visibly blur fine lines, pores, and imperfections, while its plant-powered moisturizers help your skin stay significantly healthy. Find your pick from its range of 12 shades.
Pros
- Infused with 80% moisturizing ingredients
- Enriched with hydrolyzed yeast and aloe extract
- Long-wearing
- Buildable coverage
- Suitable for sensitive skin
Cons
None
Image: Neutrogena
Review
Neutrogena Healthy Skin Compact Makeup is a lightweight cream foundation makeup with a broad spectrum of SPF 55. It is enriched with Vitamin E, Vitamin A, C, B5, natural soy that provides anti-oxidant benefits to the skin. The non-greasy formula delivers flawless, buildable coverage without looking cakey or heavy on the skin. This foundation doesn’t clog pores and is dermatologist-tested. It is available in 8 shades to match your skin tone.
Pros
- Lightweight
- Buildable coverage
- SPF 55
- Non-comedogenic
- Dermatologist-tested
Cons
- None
Best For Color Correction:e.l.f. Camo CC Cream
The e.l.f. Camo CC Cream is a full-coverage color-correcting formula that comes with SPF 30 protection. This cream is perfect for everyday use. Thanks to its flawless finish, it helps you to achieve a natural-looking complexion. This buildable formula is infused with hydrating and youth-boosting ingredients like hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, and peptides. The hyaluronic acid helps provide your skin with hydration by locking in moisture resulting in a plump complexion and bouncy skin. Niacinamide even outs your skin tone and brightens it, while peptides give a more refreshed complexion. The foundation is also infused with skin-loving collagen known to improve skin texture and tone.
Pros- Lightweight
- Ideal for all skin types
- Provides SPF 30
- Buildable coverage
- Cruelty-free
- Phthalats-free
- Paraben-free
- Sulfate-free
- Nonylphenol ethoxylate- free
- Triclosan-free
- Triclocarban-free
- Hydroquinone-free
- Vegan
Cons
- Thick consistency
Now that you have a clear idea of the cream foundations that are worth the shot, take a look at the various aspects that you should keep in mind while purchasing a cream foundation.
What To Look For In A Cream Foundation (Buying Guide)
- Skin Type
While cream foundations work great on every skin type, they are specially made to rejuvenate dry skin and remove unwanted flakiness. Powder foundations mostly accentuate dry skin and cause further drying. However, cream foundations can be used to moisturize the skin.
- Coverage
Purchasing the best cream foundation depends on the coverage that you are aiming for. For instance, many cream foundations offer medium coverage which are best for daily makeup. However, most cream foundations offer full coverage that work wonders for glamorous events and parties.
- Finish
Choose the correct foundation shade as per your skin tone to get a flattering, flawless base. Most cream foundations offer a healthy glow to your skin as they moisturize the skin and keep dryness at bay. You can achieve a glowy and dewy finish with the help of a good cream foundatio..
- No Cracking
Choose cream foundations that feel light and breathable on the skin. Avoid thick, greasy formulas that form cracks and creases on the skin after application. Your cream foundation should also be able to minimize fine lines, dark spots, and wrinkles. The best cream foundation offers a youthful finish to the skin.
In the next section, we go through the several steps that should be undertaken while applying the best cream foundation in a proper way.
How To Apply Cream Foundation: A Step-By-Step Guide
Step 1: Cleanse Your Skin: Before the actual application starts, it is important to cleanse your skin and remove impurities. Cleanse, tone, and moisturize your skin to make it smoother and more supple. Leave your skin without any makeup for 3 to 4 minutes after cleansing.
Step 2: Apply Your Primer: Prep your skin well by using a primer as the base of your makeup. Primers usually help your makeup stay longer than needed. Use your finger tips, or a slightly dampened brush to apply the primer evenly.
Step 3: Apply The Cream Foundation: For cream foundations, a little goes a long way! So, take a little bit of foundation on your makeup sponge and apply the foundation while blending it outwards. It is always recommended to dab the foundation throughout your face for even coverage. Apply layers of foundation as per your desired finish.
Step 4: Blend It Well: After dabbing, make sure that your foundation has been blended well. Use a foundation brush to blend your foundation so that it disappears into the skin. You should cater to your forehead more, as foundations often tend to crease and crack in that area.
Step 5: Apply Translucent Powder: Set your cream foundation well with a translucent powder that can take away the greasiness from your face, if any. Powders are also helpful if you want to achieve a matte look with the help of cream foundations.
Voila! You have successfully applied your cream foundation.
Infographic: Benefits Of Using A Cream Foundation
When it comes to achieving a flawless makeup look, using a foundation is essential. Although liquid foundations often take all the credit, cream foundations can be equally, if not more, beneficial. They offer buildable coverage that can range from light to full, making them perfect for achieving a natural, glowing look or a more dramatic one. Check out the infographic below to explore all the benefits of using a cream foundation.
Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team
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Download Infographic
Foundation is a great way to camouflage the impurities on your skin. When used right, it can make you look appealing and gorgeous. It helps to cover the dark spots, fine lines, and other visible aging signs. Unlike regular foundations, a creamy foundation adds rich texture to your skin and promotes the makeup to blend well. The products in our list are long-lasting, and they give full coverage to prevent creasing. They have a non-greasy texture and blend seamlessly.
That was our round-up of the 10 best cream foundations. Which one are you looking forward to trying? Let us know in the comments below.
Why Trust StyleCraze?
Esha Saxena, the author of this article, is passionate about makeup. Her deep interest in the topic enables her to catch up with the new trends and people’s requirements regarding different makeup products. Keeping your quality concerns in mind, she has scored numerous product reviews to bring you top-quality products through this list of the best cream foundations. In addition, she has highlighted the distinctive features of each one to help you make an informed decision.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which type of brush do you use for cream foundation?
You can use stippling brushes for cream foundations. They offer a lightweight, airbrushed look with densely packed bristles.
Who should wear cream foundation?
People with dry and matured skin should wear cream foundations. Creamy formulas offer better coverage and provide excellent hydration to the skin.
Is powder or cream foundation better for mature skin?
Cream foundation is better for mature skin than powder foundations. Cream foundations cover signs of aging while offering a flawless complexion.
Are all cream foundations oily?
Yes, cream foundations are oily, but the amount of oil in the formula depends on the ingredients. If your foundation contains argan oil, sunflower seed oil, or mineral oil, they can turn out to be oily.
If I use cream foundation do I need to apply powder also?
No, you can apply a cream foundation without powder. But a setting powder helps keep your makeup intact for hours.
Are cream foundations better than liquid?
Both cream foundations and liquid foundations have unique benefits. Cream foundations offer an airbrushed, lightweight look, while liquid foundations are known for heavier makeup looks. Cream foundations tend to stay shinier for longer periods. Liquid foundations can appear dull on the skin after a few hours of application.
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