Foundations are probably the most difficult beauty product to get right and the easiest to get wrong. There's just so many of them out there right?! Like seriously, if you were to head to your local beauty counter and say 'I need a new foundation', you're going to be on the receiving end of a lorra lorra questions. Liquid? Cream? Powder? Cushion? Matte? Illuminating? Budget?
The infinite foundation choice is probably why so many women stick with the same foundation year after year instead of shopping around and finding one even better!
Well we've made it really easy - here are the ten most top rated foundations in New Zealand - as rated by our members, real Kiwis just like YOU!
Revlon Colourstay Foundation Combo/Oily - 4.5/5 (342 reviews)
What They Say: Providing longwearing coverage with a lightweight formula that won’t cake, fade, or rub off. With Time Release Technology specifically formulated for combination or oily skin to control oil absorption and shine.
What You Say: I needed a cheaper foundation as couldn't justify buying the high end ones after a few too many fails. I was pleasantly surprised as this foundation works perfectly with my skin. The colour matched, it sits really nicely and I didn't suffer from breakouts like I did with the previous brand I had been using. It was especially affordable as I got it at farmer's when they had 30% off so I was even happier at that. I use a damp beauty blender to apply for that flawless finish. BR Member Lilsearbear
Moisture Mist Beauty Cake - 4/5 (330 reviews)
What They Say: A compact foundation that can be applied wet or dry to provide optimal coverage and a natural finish.
What You Say: This is great product once you get the hang of using it. I always apply with a damp sponge because for me it ends up looking cakey if I use a dry sponge. When I first started using it it took me a couple of times to get used to the application. I find that if you swipe over where you've already applied that it easily shifts. But in saying that I still absolutely love it and have been using it nearly every day for the past 4 years now because it works for me. I have combination skin. BR Member Callistahna
MAC Studio Fix Foundation - 4.3/5 (312 reviews)
What They Say: Applies, builds and blends easily and evenly. Comfortable and long-wearing, helps minimize the appearance of pores and imperfections, giving skin a smoother, more flawless look and finish.
What You Say: This foundation is my Holy Grail Foundation and im on my 3rd bottle. Staying power is great on Normal, Oily & Combination Skin. The consistency is quite thick but can be buffed out easy enough for light coverage and buildable for those requiring full coverage therefore can be used for daily wear and special events. I find that I dont get flash back on flash photography when wearing this product. Love this product. BR Member LightsCameraBeauty
Estee Lauder Doublewear - 4.5/5 (220 reviews)
What They Say: This worry-free, long-wearing makeup stays fresh and looks natural through heat, humidity, nonstop activity. Won't change color, smudge or come off on clothes.
What You Say: This foundation is simply AMAZING. It's staying power is one hard to match, whilst it still gives amazing coverage. Sometimes it needs setting so that it doesn't slip otherwise it's one of my faves! ... It's worth forking out the money! BR Member moonsand0wls
Revlon Colour Stay Normal/Dry - 4.2/5 (122 reviews)
What They Say: Longwearing coverage with a lightweight formula that won’t cake, fade, or rub off. With Time Release Technology, this oil-free, moisture-balance formula is especially formulated for normal or dry skin to continuously provide hydration.
What You Say: I started using this foundation as I was getting tired of paying MAC and Estee Lauder prices. I was pleasantly surprised with the great quality for such an affordable foundation. This foundation is great, I found that 2 pumps gave me a perfect amount of product and the bottle has lasted me at least three months. The consistency is nice and it feels very light on your face when you apply it, it has very buildable coverage too so on break out days I feel good. It also doesn't have that smell that some foundations have. BR Member AmandaLou
Rimmel Match Perfection Foundation - 4.1/5 (112 reviews)
What They Say: A match so perfect, it's undetectable in any light! Light Perfecting radiance foundation. Traceless coverage and perfectly flawless skin under any light. Lasts all day. SPF 18
What You Say: It is a nice , lightweight formula and you only need the smallest amount - or one pump - to cover your entire face . It is also gentle to senstive skin which a great plus . I work in a very hot environment and Match Perfection is one of the only foundations ive found that stays on all day . I reccomend this to anyone in the market for a new foundation , and I can see myself using this product for a long time to come ! BR Member daniisthedanosaur
L'Oreal True Match Super Blendable Make-up - 4.4/5 (106 reviews)
What They Say: Formulated with Precise Match Technology so you can control coverage and fine-tune it. Ultra-pure formula contains no oils, fragrances, or pore-clogging fillers, so all you see is beautiful, radiant, flawless skin.
What You Say: This has been a favourite of mine for many years and will always be my foundation of choice. Worth every cent! It has a fantastic range of colours to choose from, and is a super bendable foundation with build-able coverage. I have never had an issue with this, it doesn't oxidise and doesn't rub off quickly, so I have nothing bad to say about it. I am a happy camper. BR Member makeupnic
Nars Sheer Glow Foundation - 4.5/5 (105 reviews)
What They Say: A glowing, natural radiant finish foundation with sheer and build-able coverage that immaculately evens skin tone. Replete with skincare benefits and the NARS Complexion Brightening Formula, it leaves skin hydrated, more luminous, softer and smoother.
What You Say: I love it so so much! It is a bit pricey, but I find it lasts really well and you don't need a lot for decent coverage. I use the shade Santa fe, Gives medium coverage and evens out my skin tone beautifully. It blends out soooo easily and never goes patchy even on days when I'm feeling lazy and neglect the primer step. I love that it has a slightly dewy finish to the skin I always feel so much younger when I wear it haha!! The glass packaging is really pretty, it doesn't come with a pump but they are only an extra $5 and I highly recommend getting one for ease of use. BR Member Helen_Maree
MAC Studio Fix Powder Plus Foundation - 4.7/5 (88 Reviews)
What They Say: MAC Studio Fix Powder plus Foundation is a one-step powder and foundation that provides a smooth, flawless, all-matte, full-coverage finish. Long-wearing, velvety texture allows skin to breathe.
What You Say: Best powder foundation I have tried! I use this whenever I want to wear foundation but am in a rush or don't have time to put on liquid foundation. It's quick and easy. I just buff it in with a face powder brush or kabuki brush. They say it's full coverage but it's definitely medium coverage for me. It's buildable so you can keep layering till you get the coverage you want but I find when I do this, it makes my skin look cakey. Overall I think its a really good powder foundation and I would recommend others to try it out. BR Member sheenz01
Rimmel Stay Matte Foundation - 4.1/5 (87 reviews)
What They Say: A feather light, oil free formula with an airy mousse texture that won’t feel heavy or greasy. Delivers all day shine control and blends flawlessly for a natural looking matte finish. Minimizes the appearance of pores. The weight is over – finally, shine has met its matte.
What You Say: This product is great if you are in a hurry to get your face looking perfect. You can brush this on is a super fast time, and often don't need to worry about blending with a beauty blender. If you want, it is easy to put on only a little and still have full coverage. For nighttime going out, it's great when the night gets hot from all the dancing. It stays put and looks just as good when you get home, as it did before you went out. BR Member Julzr
So there you have it – the top rated foundations in New Zealand!
So do tell, was your favourite foundation in there? Are you tempted by a foundation you saw? Yet to review your foundation? Get reviewing and share with our members your fab foundation find!
For years, i have tried and purchased many foundations, but still have not yet found one that gives my dry-dehydrated freckled skin the flawless and radiant look i’m looking for. But gladly found a bb cream that works for my skin.
I must say the Estee lauder doublewear looks great and the matte finish looks amazingly natural on those with young, oily skin, but not on me. Hopefully one of these would be it.