New and Improved: The Latest Foundation Formulas

Foundations have improved leaps and bounds since their humble beginnings. The first foundation was developed by Max Factor in 1937, called the Pan-Cake. The formula combined foundation and powder into one, and gained popularity among the film stars who wore it on set. Fast forward 75 years, and the foundation market is a phenomenal business. Formulas are available in pressed powder, mousse, liquid, cream, tinted moisturizer—the list goes on. New technologies have enabled foundations to match your exact skin tone, are light and moisturizing, and now look as natural as your own skin. We took a look at three of the newest formulations.

MAC Matchmaster Foundation SPF 15

This incredible foundation has the ability to match your skin tone. Here's how it works: MAC's patented pigment technology uses clear acrylate spheres that encapsulate micro-fine iron oxide and titanium dioxide pigments. When light hits the skin, it enters and refracts pulling the natural skin undertone into the mix of micro fine pigments so that your complexion looks completely natural. The buildable formula gives medium-coverage, yet feels incredibly moisturizing. We may be in love.

HOURGLASS Immaculate Liquid Powder Foundation

Designed especially for oily, blemish-prone skin, this oil-free, water resistant product is ideal in the warmer months. Coverage is somewhat sheer, and leaves your skin looking matte rather than shiny. It also packs a power punch with two anti-aging ingredients: Phytostem edelweiss (an ingredient from the Swiss Alps that slows collagen degradation) and lavandox, an extract from lavender that reduces the appearance of wrinkles by 11% after 24 hours!

LANCÔME Teint Idole Ultra 24Hr

Boasting the widest range of shades ever from Lancôme, this new formula is full of ingredients to ensure a matte finish and 18-hour long wear. Perlite and silica absorb oil to ensure your foundation stays matte all day long, and specially coated pigments maintain the pH level of your skin, which means no oxidation! We love how baby soft the full-coverage foundation leaves your skin, giving you the perfect base to blend in blush, bronzer, and highlighter. It blends easily, but is thick enough to cover any imperfections.