Yes, guys, you can wear makeup. It’s the 21st century and no one is going to begrudge foundation for men. If you’re already a makeup guru, or if you live with someone who is, then you know that foundation is somewhat self-explanatory. This makeup product lays the foundation for more makeup to be applied on top, including bronzer and blush. But on its own, foundation makes your skin appear even, covering redness and acne and lightening dark areas. The best foundation for men also includes moisturizers to keep your skin healthy and younger-looking. It can also have SPF, which protects against the harmful effects of UV, including aging and dark spots. Protecting skin now means needing less foundation later.
Foundation is simple to apply and can help anyone feel more confident about their skin. We know that for men, buying makeup can be an uncomfortable prospect. Browsing the aisles of a drugstore or makeup boutique can feel overwhelming, intimidating, and, for some, embarrassing. Thankfully, there are great makeup brands available online that enable men to buy their perfect match from the comfort of their computer or smartphone.
The right foundation depends on a person’s skin color, skin type and needs. In other words, stop stealing your partner’s foundation and start buying the skincare product that’s right for you. Check out our favorite foundation makeup options for men below.
1. L’Oréal Paris Infallible Pro-Matte Liquid Longwear Foundation
For light coverage with all-day staying power, try the L’Oréal Paris Infallible Pro-Matte Liquid Longwear Foundation. The foundation sets quickly and works best with a beauty blender, sponge or brush, although you can use your fingers in a pinch. The lightweight foundation makes it feel as though customers aren’t wearing makeup at all, allowing your skin to breathe. Plus, this discrete appearance is perfect for men who are nervous about overdoing it. Available in 22 colors, the Infallible foundation helps to hide small imperfections and create a more even skin tone.
Pros: The Infallible is a 24-hour foundation that provides all-day coverage and moisturizes skin at the same time, making it ideal for users with dry skin. With the right color, it won’t look like you’re wearing makeup at all.
Cons: The Infallible has a demi-matte finish that can look somewhat cakey on users with oily skin. It can be difficult to blend, which may be challenging for those who are new to applying makeup.
2. IMAN Second to None Cream to Powder Foundation
For a makeup designed specifically for darker skin tones, try the IMAN Second to None Cream to Powder Foundation. The foundation has a creamy consistency that contains powder for a thicker, more velvety finish. Available in seven color options, IMAN foundation can help to hide discoloration and make large pores appear smaller. The foundation is a blend of liquid foundation and powder, giving users two products in one.
Pros: IMAN foundation is appropriate for all skin types.
Cons: The foundation can dry out before the entire container has been used. Blending can be difficult with IMAN foundation.
3. Maybelline New York Dream Liquid Mousse Foundation
The newly redesigned Maybelline New York Dream Liquid Mousse Foundation has all of the benefits of the previous model in an improved package. For users who are new to makeup application or simply want an option that allows them to have varying levels of coverage, the buildable Maybelline makes it easy to start with a discrete amount of foundation and continually add more coverage as needed. The foundation includes hyaluronic acid, which adds moisture back into the skin and helps prepare the face to be a hydrated canvas that won’t result in makeup that looks cakey. A lightweight foundation that is breathable, the Dream Liquid Mousse is available in 12 shades.
Pros: The creamy foundation can help conceal lines to make users appear younger.
Cons: Users with oily skin may want to look for a different foundation.
4. Dermablend Smooth Liquid Camo Foundation
Protect your skin while improving the look of it with the Dermablend Smooth Liquid Camo Foundation. Dermablend is available in 15 skin tone options and provides all-day coverage that won’t need to be reapplied. The liquid foundation can be applied using fingers, a blender or a brush and goes on with a creamy texture. Providing a natural, even finish, Dermablend is a buildable foundation and allows users to choose between minimal coverage and maximum cover-up. Appropriate for sensitive skin and users with acne, the dermatologist-tested Dermablend is fragrance-free, allergy-tested, and non-acnegenic. It’s also non-comedogenic, meaning it won’t clog pores and cause acne, which is difficult to find in foundation.
Pros: Dermablend offers a high amount of sun protection with an SPF of 25. This liquid foundation is easy for beginners to apply.
Cons: Dermablend comes with a big price tag. Because of the high pigment content, this product is easy to over-apply.
5. Covergirl & Olay Simply Ageless 3-in-1 Liquid Foundation
One of the (not so) fun things about getting older is that sometimes you have to deal with acne and wrinkles at the same time. Ugh. Thankfully, there is Covergirl & Olay Simply Ageless 3-in-1 Liquid Foundation, which helps to even skin tone, cover blemishes and dark spots and help prevent the signs of aging. The foundation features a hyaluronic complex and vitamin C, which helps replenish moisture the skin naturally loses throughout the day and maintain collagen levels. Hydrated skin looks firmer, which in turn lessens the appearance of wrinkles and helps to slow the development of future wrinkles. The foundation also includes vitamin B, which strengthens the skin’s protective barrier from environmental elements.
Pros: Reducing the appearance of dark circles and evening skin tones, users can also feel confident using Simply Ageless thanks to its Leaping Bunny Certification, which means it’s never tested on animals.
Cons: Simply Ageless does not have many color options and does not include an SPF.
6. Revlon ColorStay Liquid Foundation
Find your perfect shade with the Revlon ColorStay Liquid Foundation. The foundation boasts several benefits, including SPF 15 protection and medium buildable coverage. Lightweight and comfortable to wear, the oil-free formula is designed for users with oily or combination skin and helps to absorb excess shine. The foundation goes on liquid and dries matte, lasting up to 24 hours.
Pros: Revlon offers its ColorStay foundation in 43 shades, making it one of the most inclusive options available.
Cons: Older users may find that the foundation leaves a cakey effect.
7. L’Oreal True Match Mineral Foundation
Get coverage for up to 16 hours with the L’Oreal True Match Mineral Foundation. True Match is preservative, talc and fragrance-free, making it a great option for users with sensitive and oily skin. Going on smooth, True Match also moisturizes and protects the face thanks to the minerals used in the powder and its SPF 19 rating. For guys who are applying foundation for the first time, this is a discrete product when applied in modest amounts.
Pros: True Match comes with its own applicator. Users can swirl the foundation brush in the sifter and shake to remove excess powder before applying it to the face in a circular motion.
Cons: Because True Match is a powder and not a liquid foundation, it’s more difficult to use on small spots. It’s also not available in colors for dark skin tones.
8. Neutrogena Healthy Skin Liquid Makeup Foundation
For a foundation that leaves skin looking and feeling better, we recommend the Neutrogena Healthy Skin Liquid Makeup Foundation. Known for their skincare line, it makes sense that Neutrogena’s foray into beauty products would focus on helping users improve the health of their skin. Neutrogena uses antioxidants to nourish and hydrate the skin, as well as vitamin E, which calms the skin, and natural soy, which enhances the skin’s natural glow. Made with a lightweight and nongreasy formula, Neutrogena’s foundation is designed to help users create an even-looking skin tone regardless of their skin type.
Pros: Using titanium dioxide sunscreen, Neutrogena has an SPF 20 rating.
Cons: Neutrogena is limited on its color options, including options for users with darker skin tones.
