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According to New York City professional makeup artist Heather Adessa, it is difficult to give a singular "best" fluid foundation in general, since everyone has different skin types and coverage needs. Consequently, she believes that a best exists for individual styles and skin types, but some brands stand head and shoulders above the masses in the vast sea of liquid bases. Try out a few among these top picks -- considered the best by pro makeup experts who use them on clients each day -- to find your ideal match.
Estee Lauder
For her clients seeking a fuller coverage with super shine-stopping powers, Adessa uses Double Wear Liquid Foundation by Estee Lauder. This foundation formula actually mattifies your skin’s oils, preventing the skin from looking as shiny as it would without the foundation. The stay-in-place foundation is made with an SPF 10 for light sun protection. This product won the SHE Beauty & Fragrance Awards recognition for the best liquid foundation in 2010.
Giorgio Armani Fluid Sheer Foundation
West Hartford, Connecticut makeup artist Nicole Moleti says her favorite liquid pick is Fluid Sheer by Giorgio Armani. This base will give your skin a light, even radiance without the feeling that you’ve applied a really heavy makeup. If you’re on a budget and want to get a lot of mileage, you can add just a bit of this luxury brand to your favorite budget-priced foundation to amp up the glow. Moleti is not the only fan of the formula; “InStyle” gave the product the best luminizer nod for the third year in 2010 and it received the best-foundation prize from “Women's Health" magazine.
Giorgio Armani Luminous Silk Foundation
Pro makeup artist Josephine Fusco of New York City chose Giorgio Armani Luminous Silk Foundation as her best for its lightweight feel and excellent coverage that gives your face a subtle, luminous glow. Fusco says the formula works well for all skin types and offers a buildable coverage that you can apply heavier or lighter, depending on your particular needs that day. The foundation has won the best liquid-foundation award for nine consecutive years from “InStyle” magazine.
Laura Mercier
For women with a drier complexion that craves extra hydration, Adessa recommends Laura Mercier Silk Creme Foundation. The super emollient formula leaves skin with a silky, flawless feel and appearance. It comes in a convenient tube packaging and is available in nine different shades. For a flawless application, use a foundation brush to distribute the product on your skin. Even though it’s lightweight, the coverage is sufficient for covering irregular pigmentation and rosacea.
M.A.C.
Orlando, Florida makeup artist Marcella Cardinal says she’s a big fan of Matchmaster SPF 15 foundation by M.A.C. It's one of the brand’s latest developments. The formula’s modern technology allows the makeup to adapt seamlessly to your skin’s undertones, giving a customized finish. There are 14 shades available to choose from. Cardinal says she uses it on bridal clients for long wear, especially if she won't be around to touch them up.
Revlon
Fusco’s budget-friendly best nomination is Revlon Colorstay with Softflex, because of its 16 hours of fresh-looking makeup. She says that she doesn’t just recommend it for her clients, but keeps it in her makeup bag as a day-wear foundation. “I love the coverage, and the evenness that it brings to the skin,” she says. The oil-free formula will actually help to control shine all day, making it a perfect pick for oily-skinned chicks.
