9 Best Transfer-Proof Foundations Of 2024 That Are Here To Stay!
Make your skin look radiant and natural with long-lasting makeup essentials.
Oscar VelazquezMakeup Artist
Oscar Velazquez is a professional makeup artist who specializes in a wide range of makeup styles, including bridal, editorial, fashion, and special effects. His deep understanding of different skin tones and facial features helps him tailor... more
srijita deMA (English & Literature), Certified Style & Image Consultant
Experience: 2 yearsSrijita De is a makeup and fashion enthusiast with a passion for empowering readers through practical tips and tricks to present their best selves with confidence. Armed with a postgraduate degree in ... more
srijani roy chowdhuryMA (Journalism & Mass Communication), Certified Style & Image Consultant
Experience: 3 yearsSrijani is an associate commerce editor with a master's degree in journalism and mass communication from the University of Calcutta, West Bengal. She is certified in makeup techniques and is also a ce... more
madhumati chowdhuryMA (English Literature)
Experience: 7 yearsMadhumati is an associate editor with seven years of professional experience. She has previously worked as an editor, proofreader, and a writer with various organizations, helping her navigate through... more
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Wearing a transfer-proof foundation is a dream for everyone. Nobody would want their facial impression stuck to anything they bump on! How embarrassing! The struggle for keeping your makeup to yourself is real, and no matter how hard you try, a single dab of a finger on your face is enough to remove the makeup and make you look plastered. If you have been looking for a foundation that sticks to your face and does not dust or melt away, we have something you might be interested in. Our list of 9 foundations is recommended by stylists and professionals to make your skin feel radiant and natural no matter what you do! They will stay the way you apply them, and no matter what activities you engage in, they will not give up on you! How amazing is that! Now you don’t have to rush to the washroom to do touch ups every now and then.
In This Article
Top 9 Transfer-Proof Foundations That Totally Deserve All The Hype!
1. Best Matte Finish: Revlon New Look Colorstay Full Cover Foundation
A long day of work calls for a long-lasting foundation, and this product is precisely that! The Revlon Colorstay foundation gives you full coverage and works as a smudge-proof, transfer-proof foundation for a total of 24 hours! Foundation can look cakey with time, especially on oily or combination skin; however, this sweat proof, transfer-proof foundation has a matte formula that will ensure it stays intact. The natural-looking transfer-proof foundation’s stand-out feature is the luxurious mousse silky texture that blends easily and gives you a flawless and natural skin-like finish! If you are looking for a transfer-proof matte cover foundation that is ideal for oily skin, you must grab this one right away! Several reviewers highly recommend this full coverage foundation to cover hyperpigmentation and dark spots effectively.
Pros
- Long-lasting formula
- Lasts up to 24 hours
- Provides full coverage
- Matte foundation
- Lightweight, transfer-proof foundation
- Transfer-resistant
Cons
- Might not be the best choice for dry skin
Did You Know?Why It’s Worth Buying: This all-day wear transfer-proof foundation has received 8,169 reviews on Amazon and is a popular choice among shoppers.
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
A whopping 8,169 reviews on Amazon make it obvious that users genuinely love this product.
2. Best Non-Cakey Finish: CoverGirl Trublend Matte Made Foundation
If you’re someone who loves the no-makeup makeup look, this is the one for you! The Covergirl foundation is a melting pot of all things good with a unique Flexi-hold technology that gives you durability and comfort. This foundation won’t stick to the skin; instead, it forms a film above the skin, allowing the matte powder to absorb the excess oil while keeping the skin fresh for up to 16 hours. Even with its matte finish, this foundation does not dry out the skin, and in fact, it keeps it hydrated throughout its wear time! Another exciting feature is that this foundation comes in 40 shades, so finding your perfect foundation match would not be a problem for this Covergirl foundation! This non-cakey foundation is not tested on animals and favored by ethically conscious consumers.
Pros
- Foundation that stays on the skin
- Lasts up to 16 hours
- Matte finish
- Doesn’t dry out the skin or give a cakey finish
- A wide range of shades to choose from
Cons
- Might take time to blend into the skin
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
The product has more than 6,388 reviews and is a top choice all around the world.
3. Best Vegan Formula: Wunder2 Last & Foundation
Has dry skin been troubling your makeup? Push your skin worries away with the Wunder2 foundation! Enriched with the goodness of hyaluronic acid, this transfer-proof affordable foundation is perfect for dry skin and has an added benefit of wearability that makes this one an excellent transfer-resistant foundation you cannot miss out on. This vegan foundation lasts for up to 24 hours and keeps your skin hydrated and dewy throughout the day! Along with being a hydrating foundation, it is a non-transfer foundation, smudge-free, and water-resistant. We don’t think it gets any better than this. Reviewers also recommend this lightweight transfer-proof foundation to be ideal for dry skin.
Pros
- Lasts for up to 24 hours
- Keeps the skin hydrated
- Smudge-free foundation
- Contains hyaluronic acid
- Lightweight formula
- Dewy finish
- Vegan
- No animal testing
Cons
- Might not give you full-coverage
| Revlon New Look Colorstay Full Cover Foundation Best Matte Finish | CoverGirl Trublend Matte Made Foundation Best Non-Cakey Finish | Wunder2 Last & Foundation Best Vegan Formula | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Color | BUFF | - | - |
| Dimensions | 1 x 1.5 x 4.75 inches | 1.15 x 1.46 x 4.44 inches | 1.46 x 1.46 x 4.21 inches |
| Weight | 0.96 Ounces | 1 Ounces. | 1.76 Ounces |
| Skin Type | - | Normal; OilyColor | AllColor |
| Rating | |||
| Reviews | 8,169 | 6,388 | 144 |
| Price | $9.44 | $9.12 | $14.99 |
4. Best Cruelty-Free Formula: Urban Decay All Nighter Waterproof Longwear Liquid Foundation
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In case you’re a coverage fanatic like us, we think we’ve found your ideal match! The Urban Decay transfer-proof stick foundation gives you full, natural-looking coverage like no other, and a little product can go a long way. Here’s a transfer-proof liquid foundation that offers you makeup that doesn’t come off quickly. This waterproof and sweat-resistant foundation lasts up to 12 hours and has a matte finish. However, it doesn’t just encapsulate your face making it look flat and dry. The pigment is so rich and the texture is buildable, making it a great makeup base!
Also Recommended By: Byrdie has also listed Urban Decay All Nighter Waterproof Longwear Liquid Foundation in their top 10.[1]The 10 Best Transfer-Resistant Foundations That Stay Put. byrdie. https://www.byrdie.com/transfer-resistant-foundations
Pros
- Long-lasting formula
- Waterproof formula
- Does not make your skin look flat or dry
- Highly pigmented
- Comes in 24 shades
- Waterproof foundation
Cons
- Due to high pigmentation, it might take a while to blend and set
Pro Tip5. Best Long Lasting: Maybelline Super Stay Full Coverage Liquid Foundation Active Wear
The Maybelline Super Stay Full Coverage Liquid Foundation is an extremely long-lasting transfer-proof foundation that is water-proof, and sweat-proof. This high-coverage transfer-proof foundation gives a lovely matte finish. The oil-free formula is non-comedogenic and is best suited for people with oily or acne-prone skin. This dermatologist-tested, transfer-proof drugstore foundation is great for combination skin type as it dries quickly when it comes in 24 different shades that glide on the skin smoothly and feels light as air. Its easy blending and non-cakey finish have garnered numerous positive reviews online.
Pros
- Lasts for 30 hours on the skin
- Sweat-, water-, transfer-resistant
- Suits oily and combination skin
- Quick drying formula
Cons
- Can feel dry on certain skin types
6. Best Anti-Pollution Option: Cover FX Power Play Foundation
Have you had breakouts because of your foundation? Worry no more, as we have the perfect foundation for you! The Cover FX foundation is enriched with fermented algae extract that protects against free radicals and keeps oiliness and breakouts at bay. With a weightless and matte finish, this foundation is all set to give you a blemish-free look! While it protects the skin from pollutants, it also remains non-comedogenic, making it a match made in heaven for oily. This transfer-proof and power-packed foundation is also great for acne-prone skin and it doesn’t smudge as well and stays put all day. Several reviewers also recommend this fragrance-free foundation for people with sensitive skin. Buy the Cover FX foundation and forget your breakout worries!
Pros
- Smudge-proof foundation
- Non-comedogenic
- Protects your skin from pollutants
- Weightless formula
- Works well for acne-prone skin
- No animal testing
Cons
- It might take more effort to blend it into the skin
7. Best Nourishing Formula: M.A.C Pro Longwear Nourishing Waterproof Foundation
The M.A.C Pro Longwear Nourishing Waterproof Foundation is a nourishing, transfer-proof cream foundation that can give you a satin-finish base that can last up to 24 hours. The dermatologist-tested, oil-free formula suits all skin types. This buildable coverage transfer-proof foundation also gives lightweight coverage to make it move with your skin instead of feeling like an added layer. It can even be used as a concealer. This flawless finish giving transfer-proof foundation blends smoothly and seamlessly into the skin making your skin look perfect.
Pros
- Long-lasting
- Waterproof
- Transfer-resistant
- Nourishing formula
- Oil-free
- Gives medium to full coverage
- Ophthalmologist tested
Cons
- Can be expensive
8. Best Hydrating Formula: Make Up For Ever Professional-Paris Ultra HD Foundation
Are you tired of shade ranges that aren’t inclusive enough? We promise you that this product won’t disappoint! With an extravagant range of 50 shades, you are bound to find the perfect match for yourself! Its weightless formula has been made to feel just like your own skin. Infused with the benefits of hyaluronic acid, it leaves your skin feeling hydrated and supple. And that’s not all; this foundation does not stick to your skin or dry it out. The ultra HD foundation was formulated to blur any imperfections to give you the perfect studio finish. This product is too good to be true, and we recommend you get your hands on it before it’s too late!
Pros
- Weightless formula
- Studio-finish
- Wide shade range
- Hydrating formula
- Does not leave the skin feeling dry
Cons
- It might not give full coverage with aging skin
9. Best Unscented Foundation: Estee Lauder Double Wear Stay-In-Place Makeup Foundation
This product needs no introduction, but in short, this would be the queen of pillow-proof foundations. With over 55 shades, this product has conquered the complexity of skin color undertones. It also comes with 24-hour long wearability and is possibly the best non-transfer foundation out there. Its lightweight, breathable formula blends in seamlessly and feels like your natural skin. Along with this, it is also non-comedogenic and oil-free and does not seep into fine lines or pores. Reviewers love that this natural matte finish, transfer-proof foundation offers a buildable medium to full coverage. If there is a foundation in the market that you could buy and trust blindly, it would be this one!
Pros
- Wide shade range
- Matte finish with a buildable formula
- Lightweight formula
- Easily blendable
- Flawless, pillow-proof makeup look
Cons
- Slightly expensive
The best transfer-proof foundations offer an enhanced beauty by keeping your makeup intact. These types of foundations do not stain your clothes either. There are many transfer-proof foundations available in the market. However, you should know how to choose the right one for your skin type, tone, and makeup specifications. To help you make the right decision, we have put together a list of things to keep in mind while buying the ideal transfer-free foundation for yourself.
What To Consider When Buying Transfer-Proof Foundations
- Lightweight: Look for foundations that are lightweight and would not feel heavy on your skin. Many lightweight foundations offer great coverage and blend well while hiding the acne and blemishes on your skin.
- Skin Type: Identify your skin type before buying any transfer-proof foundation. For instance, if you have dry skin, use a water-based foundation, for oily skin types it is best to pick a matte or velvet finish foundation which reduces the appearance of sebum and offers an even coverage.
- Long Lasting: Transfer-proof foundations are long-lasting because they do not smudge or fade away easily. The transfer-proof foundation should last for more than 12 hours and not compel you to touch up your makeup throughout the day.
- Sweat- And Oil-Proof: Sweat is the number one enemy of foundation, so make sure that your foundation is made from a humidity-resistant formula and withstands sweat. The best way to test if a product is sweat-proof is to apply it in a well-ventilated area (such as at home, inside your bathroom, or the kitchen) and see if you end up with oil on your face or body. If this happens, simply find another product.
- Unscented: You should avoid scented foundations because scents tend to trigger skin irritation. Also, many fragrances are not properly screened for use on the skin, so make sure you avoid products with strong smells to lower your risk of developing a reaction.
- Hydrating Formula: A water-based foundation keeps the skin moisturized. It is very important for people with dry skin since it is lightweight and blends easily to offer a natural look. It also works on uneven texture and improves skin radiance, while providing firmness to the skin.
- Cruelty-Free Formula: While people have different preferences, it is good to buy cruelty-free products. There are some great cruelty-free foundations, but it can be difficult to know for sure whether each product you buy is completely animal-friendly. To make sure you are purchasing a cruelty-free formula, research about the brand and their policies.
Oscar Velazquez, a professional makeup artist says, “Finding the best transfer proof foundations is essential for a flawless and long lasting makeup look. Look for formulas that offer high coverage and a matte or satin finish. These foundations should have a lightweight texture that allows for easy blending and seamless application. With the right transfer-proof foundation, you can confidently go about your day without worrying about makeup smudging or transferring onto clothing. Embrace a smooth and flawless complexion that lasts all day.”
Now that we know the best non-transfer foundations in the market, here’s a checklist to make sure you’re choosing the right foundation!
Checklist To Choose The Perfect Transfer-Proof Foundation
- Skin type
Knowing your skin type is crucial not only when it comes to makeup but any other product that you might use on your face. Especially with non-transfer foundation, we’re looking at long hours under makeup, with sweat, pollution and moisture playing a role. For those with oily skin, make sure you go for a lightweight formula with non-comedogenic ingredients. There are quite a few that stay on the skin without seeping into pores or fine lines, this would be the best kind of foundation for anyone with oily-acne prone skin. For those with dry skin, mattifying foundations are not the best option. There are many hydrating foundations with hyaluronic acid and vitamin E that would look great on someone with dry skin.
- Wearability
Every non-transfer foundation essentially lasts for long, however, the wearability of a foundation depends on how you use it. For example, there are people who wear foundation for an entire day, including the gym. These people would require a sweat and transfer-proof foundation that also lasts long without smudging or melting away. You might be someone who has to travel a lot for work, exposing your skin to dirt and more importantly pollutants. This would require having a foundation that protects you from pollutants and lasts longer, also if it has SPF that’s an added benefit.
- Coverage
There are foundations that give you full coverage with just a little amount of product. And then there are foundations that you can build into the kind of coverage you want. These buildable foundations are extremely flexible and work according to your needs. If it’s a casual day out in the sun, just a thin layer of highly pigmented foundation would do. In case you’re going all out then you can layer your foundation to give you a full-faced makeup look.
Infographic: Key Ingredients To Look For While Buying A Foundation
Buying the right foundation can be quite a challenge. From choosing the perfect formula to matching the correct shade, it can either make or break your makeup game. However, learning about the ingredients in a foundation can help you pick the perfect match for your skin. Read the infographic below to know what key ingredients you must look for and what you must avoid when you go foundation shopping the next time. Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team
The Bottom Line
Transfer-proof foundations offer exceptional results by keeping your makeup from melting away completely! These foundations have a matte formula that provide a shine-free finish and help prevent excess oil from ruining your favorite makeup looks. Transfer-proof foundations glide easily and blend super smoothly with other makeup products. Lightweight and smudge-free, these foundations are easy to use and don’t dry the skin out. While choosing the best transfer-proof foundations, you should select the ones that are long-lasting and wouldn’t need you to reapply them frequently. To get a transfer-proof and long-lasting effect, try the Revlon New Look Colorstay Full Cover Foundation, and if you seek a foundation that gives a mattifying coverage that absorbs excess oil on your skin, then the CoverGirl Trublend Matte Made Foundation is the best pick. You can also try the Maybelline Super Stay Full Coverage Liquid Foundation Active Wear for its oil-free and non-comedogenic formula. Moreover, it is also better to opt for foundations that don’t make your face look creasy or cakey. Transfer-proof foundations can be found in a wide range of shades. Mind your skin type and tone while choosing the same. Remember to conduct a patch test before application to check for allergic reactions.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you remove transfer-proof foundations?
Use a makeup-removing wipe or cleansing oil followed by a foaming cleanser to remove transfer-resistant foundation from your face.
How should I apply a transfer-proof foundation?
Apply your transfer-proof foundations just like any other foundation.
Step 1: Apply primer on a cleansed, toned, and moisturized face.
Step 2: Use a transfer-resistant foundation so that your makeup stays on all day long. You can do this with a foundation brush, a sponge, or your fingers, depending on the product consistency and your comfort levels.
What are the best transfer-proof foundations to cover face warts?
To cover warts, look for foundations that offer buildable and full coverage. The CoverGirl Trublend Matte Made foundation and the Revlon New Look Colorstay Full Cover Foundation work best to cover face warts.
Why Trust StyleCraze?
The author of this article, Srijita De, is an avid makeup enthusiast who loves reviewing different makeup products. She has curated a list of the best transfer-proof foundations after researching, checking reviews online, and trying some of the products herself. Her list is perfect for those looking for long-lasting, full-coverage, transfer-proof foundations to last throughout the day.
