Beauty Makeup Tips

Wear Foundation? Dermatologists Don’t Go a Day Without Recommending This One

Zoe Weiner

February 26, 2020

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The idea that foundation is inherently at odds with your skin is officially dead. We now know that most of the current offerings won't do anything bad (or anything at all, really) to your pores, and that many modern formulas actually offer skin-care benefits. In other words, as long as you wash your makeup off at the end of the day, your skin will likely remain happy, healthy, and unbothered. But while there are plenty of "good" foundations on the market as far as skin is concerned, according to dermatologists there's only one that's earned a spot as "the best."

Dermablend Cover Creme ($39) currently holds the crown for the number one most dermatologist-recommended foundation, a title that makes sense given the brand's history. It was developed in 1981 by dermatologist Craig Roberts, MD, and his wife, makeup artist Flori Roberts, as a way to provide people with high-performing, dermatologically-savvy cosmetic coverage that worked for all skin types, tones, and conditions. In the last three decades, the products have become known for their long-lasting, color-correcting capabilities. And just as the creators hoped, these have become the go-to choice for anyone looking to even out significant discoloration and textural concerns on their skin.

Dermablend Cover Creme, $39

Dermablend offers four different facial foundations—a cream, two liquids, and a powder—each of which gives high-impact coverage while still being kind to all skin types. "All our foundation formulas are non-comedogenic, and developed specifically to ensure they do not clog pores," says Malena Higuera, the brand's General Manager. This is understandably critical for anyone prone to breakouts (because "clogged pores equal breakouts" is basic skin care 101), but also happens to be a good thing for all skin types. "One reason we are the number one dermatologist-recommended brand for coverage is because being non-comedogenic is a non-negotiable for dermatologists—everyone can benefit from non-comedogenic foundations, because everyone has pores," says Higuera.

Dermablend's foundations are oil-free across the board, and are able to deliver full coverage without a cakey finish. The derm-favorite creme, in particular, offers the heaviest coverage of the bunch but glides on smoothly and evenly to make skin look natural. How? "It moisturizes with glycerin," says board-certified dermatologist Shari Marchbein, MD. This "cosmetically elegant" formula, as board-certified dermatologist Mona Gohara, MD, calls it, also happens to be a great pick for sensitive skin thanks to its mineral-based ingredient profile. It employs the pigment powers of titanium dioxide and mineral powder, which sit on top of skin and offer 16-hour coverage for things like birthmarks, scars, hyperpigmentation, and vitiligo.

One more reason why dermatologists can't stop singing the praises of this stuff? "There are so many different shades that can match a variety of skin tones," says board-certified dermatologist Shari Sperling, MD, pointing to its 22-shade range as proof. And of course, no dermatologist worth their medical degree would recommend a foundation without sunscreen in it, and this one serves up and SPF 30.

No matter what skin type or concern you're dealing with, derms agree: this is the foundation for you.

Here's what you need to know about the difference between light, medium, and full coverage foundation (and how to choose what's right for you. Plus, the four concealers a Sephora Beauty Director swears by.

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