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Ward agrees: This is a top-tier option, he says.

Three selfies of people after applying mediumcoverage makeup foundation. Left to right Person with short black hair…

Source images:Allureeditor(s); Collage: Laneen Wells

I do experiment with other formulas now, but this is my ride-or-die.

theLight-Reflecting Advanced Skincare Foundation.

This foundation is a makeup-hybrid skincare formula, Roach says.

Armani Beauty Luminous Silk Perfect Glow Flawless Foundation in branded component on a light gray background

Deanna Pai applying the Armani Beauty Luminous Silk Perfect Glow Flawless Foundation in shade 7.75

It blurs imperfections and smooths texture thanks to its photochromic technology and a light-reflecting complex, Roach explains.

While my current shade (Deauville) looks a little ghostly at first (a.k.a.

when I took my after photo), it really allows my other face formulas to shine/pop."

Selfie of Deanna Pai before applying the Armani Beauty Luminous Silk Perfect Glow Flawless Foundation

Pai before applying the Armani Beauty Luminous Silk Perfect Glow Flawless Foundation

(Im shade 120 Light Warm, by the way.)

After applying, I stood in front of the window to find my light.

It took no effort whatsoever.

Selfie of Deanna Pai after applying the Armani Beauty Luminous Silk Perfect Glow Flawless Foundation

Pai after applying the Armani Beauty Luminous Silk Perfect Glow Flawless Foundation in shade 7.75

The finish is skin-like, not too dewy or too matte.

Charlotte Tilbury’s Flawless Filter easily meets all three," says senior news editor Nicola DallAsen.

It has a light-to-medium, fresh, dewy coverage that is buildable to a full-medium coverage.

Nars Light-Reflecting Advanced Skincare Foundation in branded component on a light gray background

Sarah Han applying the Nars Light-Reflecting Advanced Skincare Foundation in Deauville

It really does look like skin, while also evening out skin tone and any imperfections, Spickard says.

On an even brighter note, the foundation is enhanced with SPF 30.

This has a gorgeous, radiant, fresh finish without being too glowy or wet looking.

Selfie of Sarah Han before applying Nars LightReflecting Advanced Skincare Foundation

Han before applying Nars Light-Reflecting Advanced Skincare Foundation

Withdewy foundations, its a delicate balance between glowy and shiny.

This one strikes the perfect balance.

It provides buildable medium coverage with a natural, radiant finish while incorporating skin-care benefits.

Sarah Han after applying Nars LightReflecting Advanced Skincare Foundation

Han after applying Nars Light-Reflecting Advanced Skincare Foundation in Deauville (with pressed powder applied to the T-zone)

Plus, it has an impressive, 35-shade range.

I love the ease of a foundation stick, Roach says, listing this as her go-to pick.

Its also long-wearing and very hydrating.

Haus Labs Triclone Skin Tech Medium Coverage Foundation cloudy bottle of foundation with silver cap on light gray background with white and red Allure Readers' Choice Awards seal in the top right corner

Sarah Kinonen applying Haus Labs by Lady Gaga Triclone Skin Tech Foundation in shade 120 Light Warm

According to Ward, medium-coverage foundations sit between sheer and full coverage.

If youre shopping online, check for terms like natural finish or lightweight but buildable, Ward advises.

Reviews and before-and-after photos can also help gauge coverage before purchasing, he says.

A selfie of Allure associate beauty director Sarah Kinonen with no foundation on

Kinonen before applying Haus Labs Triclone Skin Tech Foundation in shade 120 Light Warm

Does the brand offer a wide shade range inclusive of consumers with all skin tones and undertones?

Is it safe for readers who have sensitive skin or wear contact lenses?

Is it on the affordable side or more of a splurge?

A selfie of Allure associate beauty director Sarah Kinonen after applying Haus Labs Triclone Skin Tech Foundation in…

Kinonen after applying Haus Labs Triclone Skin Tech Foundation in shade 120 Light Warm

Is its packaging consciously designed or needlessly wasteful?

This ensures our testing base spans different skin tones, genders, and dermatological conditions.

For more on what’s involved in our reporting, check out our completereviews process and methodology page.

Patrick Ta Major Skin Hydra-Luxe Luminous Skin-Perfecting Foundation in branded component on a light gray background

Our staff and testers

A beauty product is a personal purchase.

Selfie of Annie BlayTettey before applying the Patrick Ta Major Skin HydraLuxe Luminous SkinPerfecting Foundation

Annie Blay-Tettey before applying the Patrick Ta Major Skin Hydra-Luxe Luminous Skin-Perfecting Foundation

Selfie of Annie BlayTettey after applying the Patrick Ta Major Skin HydraLuxe Luminous SkinPerfecting Foundation

Blay-Tettey after applying the Patrick Ta Major Skin Hydra-Luxe Luminous Skin-Perfecting Foundation in 24 Neutral

Charlotte Tilbury Flawless Filter Foundation cylinder vial of foundation with rose gold cap and wand to the side on light gray background

Nicola Dall’Asen applying the Charlotte Tilbury Flawless Filter Foundation

Selfie of Nicola Dall’Asen before applying the Charlotte Tilbury Beautiful Skin Foundation

Dall’Asen before applying the Charlotte Tilbury Flawless Filter Foundation

Selfie of Nicola Dall’Asen after applying the Charlotte Tilbury Beautiful Skin Foundation

Dall’Asen after applying the Charlotte Tilbury Flawless Filter Foundation

A yellow tube of Trinny London BFF All Day Foundation with a silver cap on a light gray background

Shiseido Revitalessence Skin Glow Foundation SPF 30 in branded component on a light gray background

Clé De Peau Beauté Radiant Cream Foundation SPF 25 in branded component on a light gray background

LYS Beauty Triple Fix Serum Foundation in branded component on a light gray background

Dior Forever Skin Perfect Foundation Stick in branded component on a light gray background