When it comes to the best foundation (opens in new tab), you can’t go wrong with Estée Lauder. The brand’s Double Wear formula is famous for a reason, offering a full coverage, matte finish that lasts all day long.
However, did you know that Estée Lauder actually has a wide range of foundations to choose from, including a lighter version of the Double Wear foundation that we all know and love?
Luckily for you, I’ve taken it upon myself to test every single formula out there, and give you my honest opinion on each one. As a foundation lover who tests beauty products for a living, I’ve tried the best foundations for oily skin (opens in new tab), the best foundations for dry skin (opens in new tab) and everything in between, so I know exactly what to look for when it comes to the perfect base.
I also spoke to Estée Lauder’s National Field Education Manager, Katie Moradian, to see which foundations the brand would recommend for different skin types.
Keep on scrolling to find out which Estée Lauder foundation stood out above the rest, and for more inspiration, don’t forget to check out our guides to the best L’Oréal foundations (opens in new tab), the best Rimmel foundations (opens in new tab) and even the best Clinique foundations (opens in new tab). We have well and truly got you covered.
Best full-coverage finish
1. Double Wear Maximum Cover Camouflage Foundation for Face and Body SPF 15
(Image credit: Grace Lindsay)
Double Wear Maximum Cover Camouflage Foundation for Face and Body SPF 15
I was seriously impressed by this foundation’s coverage. It concealed all my blemishes and kept my redness at bay, which not many foundations can do. It’s not something I would reach for everyday, as it can feel heavy on the skin, but if I was going to an event, this would definitely be my go-to. One thing to note, a little goes a long way, so you don’t need to use a lot when applying.
For
- Covers blemishes
- Evens out skin tone
- Lasts all day
Against
- Feels heavy on the skin
- Can cling to dry patches
Best hydrating formula
2. Futurist Hydra Rescue Moisturising Foundation SPF 45
(Image credit: Grace Lindsay)
Futurist Hydra Rescue Moisturising Foundation SPF 45
Ok, this might just be my new favourite foundation. It’s lightweight, gives buildable coverage and leaves your skin with a gorgeous glow. The fact that it also has SPF 45 is an added bonus. I wore it all day and it didn’t budge, however I did have to touch up my T-zone with powder, so it’s worth keeping that in mind if you have oilier skin. All in all, this foundation really stood out to me, and I will be recommending it to all of my family and friends.
“Futurist Hydra Rescue Foundation gives you skin-loving care, hydration and SPF 45 protection,” says Katie. “If you’re after a glowy complexion but still want great coverage, you will love this formula. It glides on like a moisturiser, yet covers visible redness and diffuses the look of imperfections.”
For
- Medium coverage
- Natural finish
- Doesn’t cling to dry patches
Against
- Doesn’t last as long on oily skin
Best long-wearing formula
3. Double Wear Stay-in-Place Foundation SPF 10
(Image credit: Grace Lindsay)
Double Wear Stay-in-Place Foundation SPF 10
The foundation of all foundations. I can totally see why everyone loves Estée Lauder’s Double Wear. It lasts all day, controls oil and gives a full-coverage finish. Did you know it’s also sweat-resistant and waterproof? I was really impressed, but if you prefer a more dewy finish, then this might not be the one for you.
So, what did Katie have to say? “Double Wear is our best-selling, buildable coverage foundation. If you want to forget about your makeup all day, this is the foundation for you. It gives 24hr wear but has a comfortable formulation with a cashmere matte finish. Want to add extra hydration or glow? Mix it with a drop of our famous Advanced Night Repair Serum (opens in new tab).”
For
- Matte finish
- High coverage
- Lasts all day
Best matte finish
4. Double Wear Stay-in-Place Matte Powder Foundation SPF 10
(Image credit: Grace Lindsay)
Double Wear Stay-in-Place Matte Powder Foundation SPF 10
What I love about this product is that it can work as a foundation and a setting powder. I tried it out as both, and found it gave a matte finish that didn’t look heavy on the skin. The compact packaging made it super easy to apply and it was great for popping in my handbag to touch up my look throughout the day.
For
- Easy to apply
- Can work as a foundation or a powder
- Keeps shine at bay
Against
- If you like a dewy finish, then this might not be the one for you
Best sheer finish
5. Double Wear Sheer Long-Wear Foundation SPF 20
(Image credit: Grace Lindsay)
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Double Wear Sheer Long-Wear Foundation SPF 20
For those of you who like a natural finish, say hello to the Double Wear Sheer Long-Wear Foundation. This lighter version of the famous Double Wear formula is weightless on the skin, and left me with a healthy looking glow that was perfect for my ‘no make-up make-up’ days. It smooths your complexion whilst still letting your skin texture come through, and I found it comfortable to wear all day whilst working from home. That being said, if you are looking for something to cover blemishes, I would recommend one of the other options above.
For
- Lightweight on the skin
- Lets your skin texture come through
- Leaves your skin with a healthy glow
Against
- Doesn’t cover blemishes
- Doesn’t last as long on oily skin