Our Fave Foundations That Pass The Mask Test (From $11)

When it comes to finding a great foundation, we’ve always had high standards – we want it to wear well throughout the day, provide the promised amount of coverage without looking cakey, and be kind to our skin. Now, we have one more essential factor to consider… Is it transfer-proof, AKA will it stay on our face or rub off onto our mask? We’re not gonna lie, it’s a big ask! To help you on your quest for a gorgeous foundation that wears well with a mask, we’ve rounded up five foundations that meet this requirement and have passed our mask test.

1. NYX Professional Makeup Can’t Stop Won’t Stop Foundation, $15

Source: NYX Professional Makeup

Finish: Matte
Coverage: Full coverage

This foundation ticks every box. The vegan, cruelty-free formula delivers matte coverage that’s heat-proof, humidity-proof, water-resistant, and most importantly, transfer-proof. The creamy foundation applies smoothly onto the skin without looking cakey and doesn’t settle into fine lines or wrinkles. It’s also suitable for all skin and is non-comedogenic so it won’t block your pores. Another reason we love this foundation is that it’s available in 45 shades, which is rare for a drugstore formula.

Top tip: If you want to opt for a dewy finish, apply the foundation with a damp makeup sponge or mix in a drop of liquid highlighter for a healthy, glowing finish.

2. BLK/OPL TRUE COLOR® Skin Perfecting Stick Foundation SPF 15, $11

Source: BLK/OPL

Finish: Velvet skin finish
Coverage: Full coverage

If you prefer a stick formula, this full coverage foundation stick is the real deal! It has a beautiful velvet finish and applies seamlessly, blending out with ease. Formulated with antioxidants like vitamins C and E, it’ll keep your skin soft and plump, plus, as it’s amped up with SPF 20 it’ll help protect your skin from sun damage. However, we’d also recommend applying a stand-alone SPF beforehand during the summer months.

As for the shade range, it uses Shade ID™ technology with multi-colored chromatic pigments to adjust to your skin tone and neutralize imperfections for a flawless finish. Set with powder for extra mask-proof efficacy.

3. Huda Beauty #FauxFilter Luminous Matte Foundation, $40

Finish: Luminous matte
Coverage: Full coverage

We recently reformulated our OG #FauxFilter Foundation and we’re completely obsessed. The full-coverage foundation lasts for up to 24 hours and is 100% mask-proof, giving your skin a radiant, healthy glow all day long. It also doesn’t settle into fine lines and is now completely fragrance-free (as per your request), and is non-comedogenic so it won’t clog your pores.

Top tip: When applying a full coverage foundation, it’s super important to prep your skin. Without regular exfoliation, your foundation runs the risk of looking cakey or patchy, as it can cling to dry skin and texture. Our fave exfoliator is the WISHFUL Yo Glow Enzyme Scrub, $39, which combines fruit enzymes to brighten and soften the skin and cellulose to gently buff away dead skin, leaving smoother, glowier skin in its place. The best part? As it’s gentle enough for daily use, it’s ideal for makeup prep!

4. Estée Lauder Double Wear Stay-in-Place Foundation, $43

Source: Estee Lauder

Finish: Matte
Coverage: Buildable coverage

This foundation has been a cult favorite for years, and for good reason. The full-coverage foundation has a natural matte finish and promises (and delivers) 24-hour wear. Despite, the fact that it gives full coverage, it’s also buildable so you can opt for a lighter veil of coverage for those no-makeup makeup days. It’s also great for oily, combination, and acne-prone skin as it’s fragrance and oil-free and doesn’t slip and slide throughout the day. Finally, it’s available in 55 diverse shades so you should be able to find an accurate match.

5. Maybelline Super Stay Full Coverage Foundation, $12

Source: Maybelline

Finish: Matte
Coverage: Full coverage

A lightweight, high-impact formula that glides onto your skin and lasts all day long… What more could you ask for?! This full-coverage formula will do all of the above while evening out skin tone and concealing. It’s also oil-free, non-comedogenic, and dermatologist-tested.

However, this formula can crease, so to prevent it from settling into fine lines, we recommend setting it with a light dusting of powder. We like to use a glow-getting powder like the Makeup Addiction Light Reflecting Loose Powder, $25, for a healthy, radiant glow.

Top tip: If you want a more natural, skin-like finish, apply your foundation with your hands – the heat of your hands helps to melt the formula into your skin so it doesn’t look cakey. This technique is a firm fave among makeup artists. First, warm the product between your fingertips, then apply using outward, circular motions. Finish with a damp makeup sponge for airbrushed coverage.