Creating flawless AM to PM makeup looks is no less than a cakewalk, as long as you’re using the best natural foundation in your kit. Such foundations are magic potions that help you achieve a seamless, smooth, and radiant complexion without actually making your skin feel heavy. Plus, they are ideal for those who wish to let their skin breathe while still wearing makeup. 

Most of the natural-looking foundations we came across blend seamlessly, and look and feel like second skin. However, while choosing the right type of foundation, it is vital to consider other factors too, such as shade range, coverage level, ingredient list, longevity, and finish type. A couple of foundations also contain a good amount of SPF for an added layer of sun protection over your sunscreen.

To simplify the product-hunting process for you, we have compiled a list of foundations that have a natural, barely-there look and feel to them. From feather-light formulas to those that offer lasting coverage, we have got it all on our list. Scroll down and kickstart your shopping haul straight away!

• 1
  Best Overall

  Maybelline New York Dream Matte Mousse Foundation - 50 Creamy Natural

  Buy on Amazon

The Dream Matte Mousse Foundation from Maybelline New York is the real deal for anyone pondering for feather-light formulations. Enriched with ultra-mattifying powder, it has been nicely whipped and emulsified, which makes the application smoother and gives an air-light finish. We truly love how the mousse blends effortlessly with no-chalky business involved. Hence, there’s no wonder why makeup artists and experts have labeled it the best natural-looking drugstore foundation that lasts from AM to PM. 

Key Ingredients: Squalene and jojoba oil

Coverage Level: Light 

Shades Available: 35

Skin Type: All 

Size: 0.64 oz.

2

Editor’s Pick

Catrice HD Liquid Coverage Foundation - Sand Beige

Buy on Amazon

Our next favorite pick is Catrice’s HD Liquid Coverage Foundation that offers an opaque finish while being extremely light on the skin. What it one of the best natural-looking foundations is its longevity and the airbrushed effect it provides. In addition, it features a sweat-proof, transfer-proof, and water-proof formula for all-day coverage. With an impressive ability to create a smooth and even-toned complexion, it seamlessly mattifies your skin and lays a blanket over all of your imperfections. 

Another standout feature of the foundation is its unique dropper applicator that ensures on-spot and mess-free application. Also, this foundation works well with Catrice’s The Perfector Poreless Blur Primer to help you achieve your desired look. 

Key Ingredients: Niacinamide 

Coverage Level: High

Shades Available: 24

Skin Type: Oily, combination, dry, and normal

Size: 1 oz.

3

Best With SPF

L'Oreal Paris True Match Lumi Healthy Luminous Makeup Foundation - Creamy Natural

Buy on Amazon

By incorporating the True Match Lumi Makeup Foundation from L'Oreal Paris into your makeup vanity, you will not only be able to attain a luminous and healthy glow but also protect your skin from harmful UV rays of the sun. The foundation contains broad-spectrum SPF 20 and powerful skin-benefiting ingredients that do their job phenomenally well. 

Backed with the Liquid Light Technology, this natural-looking foundation improves your complexion, flatters your skin tone, and defines your facial features. What’s more? It perfectly pairs with the L’Oréal Paris True Match Serum Concealer and the radiant finish lasts for up to 8 hours! 

Key Ingredients: Vitamins C and E 

Coverage Level: Medium to sheer 

Shades Available: 26

Skin Type: All

Size: 1 oz.

Quick Tip:

Shake the bottle well before using and begin applying directly on primed skin. Use your fingertips or a makeup brush/sponge and blend in an outward motion.

4

Most Cost-effective

Covergirl Clean Matte Liquid Foundation - Creamy Natural

Buy on Amazon

Covergirl’s Clean Matte Liquid Foundation has stolen hearts with its impeccable water-based formula and oil-controlling properties. Made to mattify your skin, the foundation flawlessly controls excessive shine without clogging pores. With the goodness of skin conditioners and a potent blend of ingredients, it keeps dryness at bay. We also observed that satisfied users have proudly labeled it as the best foundation for a natural look as it goes on easily, blends to perfection, and helps them attain the makeup look of their dreams!

Key Ingredients: Glycerin, titanium dioxide, and iron oxides

Coverage Level: Light to medium 

Shades Available: 13

Skin Type: Oily and sensitive 

Size: 1 oz.

5

Most Hydrating

Lancôme Teint Idole Ultra Wear Foundation - 110C

Buy on Amazon

Lancôme’s Teint Idole Ultra Wear Foundation and its buildable, undetectable, and flawless coverage make it a sheer winner. We love the fact that this natural-finish foundation works towards hydrating the skin, protecting the skin barrier, and smoothening the skin’s surface. All credit goes to the luxe composition of skin-loving clean ingredients that leave no stone unturned in helping you achieve your desired look for all occasions. Plus, it comes with SPF 15 to protect your skin from harmful rays and delivers a matte finish for a shine-free radiance! 

Key Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, prebiotics, moringa, vitamin E 

Coverage Level: Medium to full

Shades Available: More than 30

Skin Type: Sensitive 

Size: 4.9 oz.

6

Best for Heavier Coverage

Physicians Formula Organic Wear Silk Foundation

Buy on Amazon

While on our quest to find some of the most natural finish foundations, it was Physicians Formula’s Silk Foundation that we gravitated to for a couple of good reasons. Firstly, it features an ultra-nourishing and weightless formula, perfect for all-day wear. Adding to that, it feels like a second skin, providing a stunning airbrushed dewy finish. Last but not least, the foundation aims to improve the appearance of your skin tone while also enhancing its texture and feel.

Key Ingredients: Jojoba oil, olive oil, coconut oil

Coverage Level: Full 

Shades Available: 12

Skin Type: Combination 

Size: 1 oz.

7

Best Anti-aging Formula

BaeBlu Lux Liquid Foundation

Buy on Amazon

Powered with a botanical anti-aging formula, BaeBlu’s Lux Liquid Foundation is one of the best natural-looking foundations for attaining healthy, youthful, and flawless skin. With organic and skin-nourishing ingredients, it blots excess oil and balances dry spots. That’s not all! It aids in smoothening the prominent appearance of fine lines on your skin and leaves it looking naturally gorgeous without clogging pores. Honestly, it is a must-have makeup product for those seeking a high-quality and eco-conscious foundation!

Key Ingredients: Aloe vera, shea butter, chamomile, iron oxides

Coverage Level: Full

Shades Available: 13

Skin Type: Oily, combination, sensitive, dry, normal

Size: 5 oz.

8

Best for All Skin Types

Fifth & Skin: Better’n Ur Skin Mineral Foundation - Porcelain

Buy on Amazon

Fifth & Skin’s Better’n Ur Skin Mineral Foundation is the go-to foundation when you wish for a little to a lot of coverage. Mindfully crafted to cover imperfections, blemishes, freckles, spots, and blackheads, this makeup product lends you smooth and flawless skin. What left us stunned is the fact that it dries to a powder-like dewy finish that looks similar to your natural skin. Plus, the foundation looks really good throughout the day without the need for frequent touch-ups.

Key Ingredients: Aloe juice, glycerine, rice powder, shea butter, chamomile, essential oils, olive oil, and vitamin E

Coverage Level: Light to full 

Shades Available: 9

Skin Type: All

Size: 1 oz.

Quick Tip:

Apply the foundation to a well-primed face and neck with the help of a foundation brush or sponge. Let it dry and then apply blush if needed.

9

Best Organic Formula

Mom's Secret Natural Liquid Mineral Foundation

Buy on Amazon

To start off, this organic and natural foundation conditions and sculpts the skin by leveraging its nourishing ingredients. Since it has buildable coverage, you have enough room to experiment with a variety of makeup looks, right from subtle and minimalistic to anything high on glam and dramatic. We also found that it exudes a pleasant vanilla-like fragrance that refreshes your mood during application. A happy customer said, “The makeup foundation isn't heavy, covers well, blends well on the face, and stays on all day even in hot weather.” 

Key Ingredients: Aloe vera, rice powder, candelilla wax

Coverage Level: Full

Shades Available: 12

Skin Type: All

Size: 1 oz.

10

Best for Sensitive Skin

Beauty Basics Mineral Liquid Powder Foundation - Natural Beige

Buy on Amazon

Enriched with broad-spectrum SPF 15 and multi-mineral complex, Beauty Basics’ foundation takes you a step closer to achieving a professional makeup look while keeping your skin nourished. We highly adore the way it sets to a soft, powder-like finish making your skin feel velvety smooth. Another worth noting aspect is the oil-free formula that makes it a reliable choice for those dealing with oily skin types and large pores.

What’s more? It is non-cakey and lasts long! Based on our findings, this liquid mineral foundation has truly impressed the majority of makeup enthusiasts and professionals. 

Key Ingredients: Crosspolymers, vitamins E and A

Coverage Level: Medium to full 

Shades Available: 2 

Skin Type: All 

Size: 1.2 oz.

11

Bodyography Oil-free Natural Finish Foundation - 100 Light

Buy on Amazon

The next on our list of recommendations is Bodyography’s Natural Finish Foundation featuring an impeccable oil-free formula that dries to a translucent finish. Plus, the photo control technology and a high reflective index system soften fine lines, ensuring a natural airbrushed glow. Also thanks to the advanced rich micro-pigments that offer a seamless coverage and velvety feel. Nevertheless, with a perfect composition of vitamins and antioxidants, the foundation protects, moisturizes, and heals your skin to the fullest.

Key Ingredients: Vitamins E and C, antioxidants, titanium dioxide

Coverage Level: Full

Shades Available: 4

Skin Type: Oily, combination, oily, sensitive, dry, and normal

Size: 1 oz.

12

FV SK-Forever Liquid Foundation -Toffee

Buy on Amazon

Add FV SK-Forever Liquid Foundation into your makeup kit and amp up your makeup game with ease. What made it onto our list of top picks is its impressive lightweight and waterproof formula that promises an even and natural-looking complexion. With no heavy feeling or cakey-ness, this foundation conceals imperfections while allowing your skin to breathe. Hence, whether you have to attend a special event or a casual meeting,  this foundation has got you covered! 

Key Ingredients: Red ginseng, birdnest, arbutin, aloe vera, peony, and gentian

Coverage Level: Medium 

Shades Available: 7

Skin Type: Oily and normal 

Size: 1 oz.

13

Undone Beauty Unfoundation - Latte Medium

Buy on Amazon

Lastly, we recommend Undone Beauty’s Unfoundation for its blemish-controlling and oil-absorbing properties that align perfectly with the needs of acne-prone skin. It seamlessly evens out the skin tone, mattifies the complexion, and is barely visible. We also glanced through the feedback section and here is what a reviewer has to say, “This is a really good product for me because I like a natural, lighter coverage foundation. It doesn’t “cake” at all and covers the slight amount of redness I have in my skin. Overall it does a good job of evening the skin tone while still looking natural.”  

Key Ingredients: Tea tree 

Coverage Level: Light 

Shades Available: 12

Skin Type: Acne-prone 

Size: 1.13 oz.

That was our comprehensive list of the best natural foundations. Now, let us run you through a detailed buying guide.

Here are a few aspects that you should consider before splurging on the best natural foundation:

Skin Type: Make sure you analyze your skin type and tone before vouching for any of the best foundations. If you possess dry skin, then look for a foundation with hydrating properties. Likewise, for anyone who is dealing with oily skin, an oil-controlling foundation will be a great choice to make. 

Skin Tone: Next, check your skin tone. If you have a warmer skin tone, then opt for a foundation that comes in yellow, gold, or peach shades. A foundation with pink undertones suits a cool skin tone the best. Similarly, if you possess a neutral skin tone a foundation in both gold and pink undertones can complement your skin tone. 

Ingredients: Pay heed to the list of ingredients mentioned on the packaging. Based on our findings, foundations enriched with natural ingredients like jojoba oil, olive oil, coconut oil, shea butter, aloe vera, rice powder, candelilla wax, vitamins E and C, and antioxidants not only help in nourishing your skin but also keep it hydrated all day long. Refrain from foundations that are made from synthetic preservatives, parabens, phthalates, gluten, and other harsh ingredients.  

Texture And Coverage: Make sure the texture of the foundation is easy to blend, non-greasy, and non-sticky. In addition, it should not cake, flake, or look patchy. On the other hand, it should be buildable to help you attain desirable coverage. For daytime or casual wear opt for light to medium coverage formula. When you want your foundation to last throughout the day without the need for touch-ups, then a fuller coverage foundation can be your ideal pick. It will also aid in reducing the appearance of blemishes, dark spots, redness, etc. 

After noting down the above aspects, let us acquaint you with a few application steps.

Step 1: Cleanse your face with a face wash or cleanser. Then, apply toner, followed by a serum. 

Step 2:  Apply moisturizer to your skin to keep it hydrated and healthy. 

Step 3: Begin applying a primer. Start applying right from the center of your face towards your cheeks, forehead, and chin. 

Step 4: Pour a pea-size amount of foundation and apply it at the center of the face. Blend it outwards with your fingers or using a beauty blender or a foundation brush.

Step 5: Layer it for desired coverage. Begin applying a concealer and the rest of your makeup products.