The 10 Best Transfer-Resistant Foundations That Stay Put

We’ve all been there – you’ve spent time and care applying your foundation only for it to rub off on your favorite turtleneck sweater or, even worse, the clothes of a loved one after a hug. Our personal bugbear? Foundation transferring itself onto the phone screen after a call, leaving the camera lens smeared in the process.

While this can be annoying (not to mention expensive in dry cleaning bills), it can be prevented by switching to a transfer-resistant foundation. The foundations we’ve researched offer the same full coverage as a regular formula but just don’t transfer onto fabrics and other people quite so easily.

Keep scrolling for the best transfer-proof foundations that will stay put all day long.

Best Overall

KVD Beauty Lock-It Tattoo Foundation

Sephora

View On Ulta | $20.50View On Walmart | $49.00

Only the teeniest drop of this vegan foundation (two pea-sized drops, to be precise) is needed to create a flawless medium-to-full coverage. One thing to note here is that it has serious staying power and is designed to cover blemishes, scars, and tattoos, so it’s not for the faint-of-heart–or drier skin types. It also comes in 44 different shades that are designed to suit a wide range of skin tones and undertones, so it’s a great inclusive option.

• Coverage: Full
•  Shade Range: 44
•  Finish:Matte
•  Size: 1 ounce
•  Cruelty-Free: Yes

Best Budget

Maybelline New York SuperStay Full Coverage Foundation

Ulta

View On Amazon | $0.00View On Ulta | $13.99View On eCosmetics.com | $13.00

This oil-free foundation from Maybelline delivers lightweight, natural-looking coverage and up to 30 hours of hold. The formula is on the thicker side, so it takes a bit of blending, but it feels light on the skin thanks to its non-comedogenic texture. It’s suitable for all skin types, but as it has a matte finish, it’s probably better suited to oily and combination skin than drier complexions.

• Coverage: Full
•  Shade Range: 24
•  Finish: Natural
•  Size: 1 fluid ounce
•  Cruelty-Free: No

Best Natural Finish

Make Up For Ever Ultra HD Foundation

Make Up For Ever

View On Amazon | $77.05

A ride-or-die for the ages, Makeup Forever has some of the best foundations on the market. This classic liquid foundation glides onto the face like a second skin, gently blurring away imperfections like a Snapchat filter IRL. We should point out that this isn’t a full-coverage foundation, so expect a natural finish with a long-lasting hold. It also gets extra points for being available in over 40 different shades!

• Coverage: Medium
•  Shade Range: 50
•  Finish: Natural
• Size: 1.01 fluid ounces
•  Cruelty-Free: No

Best Matte Finish

Too Faced Born This Way Matte Longwear Liquid Foundation

Sephora

View On Macy's | $46.00View On Ulta | $46.00View On Walmart | $27.00

This long-lasting matte foundation offers a medium to full coverage that you can build up as you like. In addition to being transfer resistant, it’s also non-comedogenic, waterproof, and sweat and humidity resistant–so an ideal choice if you often find your makeup slips off quite easily. It also contains a touch of coconut water and hyaluronic acid to help replenish moisture levels, so it should look fresh and dewy on the skin rather than cakey.

Coverage: Medium to full

• Shade Range: 35
•  Finish: Matte
•  Size: 30ml
•  Cruelty-Free: Yes

Always Shiny? These 10 Matte Foundations Have Got You Covered

Best Long-Lasting

Urban Decay All Nighter Liquid Foundation

Ulta

View On Amazon | $0.00View On Ulta | $40.00

This foundation does not come to play. Its full-coverage, waterproof, and super pigmented (read: you only need a tiny bit for an airbrushed look that lasts all day—or night). 24 shades take undertones into account, so you should be able to find your perfect match. Reviewers also note that it’s very good at covering blemishes and scars, while others say it can oxidize and separate over time.

• Coverage: Full
•  Shade Range: 24
•  Finish: Matte
•  Size: 1.0 fluid ounces
• Cruelty-Free: Yes

10 Waterproof Foundations That Prevent Melty, Cakey Makeup

Best Full-Coverage

Fenty Beauty Pro Filtr Soft Matte Longwear Foundation

Sephora

View On Sephora | $40.00View On Ulta | $40.00View On Fentybeauty.com | $40.00

There is literally nothing Rihanna cant do. This matte foundation comes in a whopping 50 shades, and once it dries down, you better believe its not going anywhere. We highly recommend you use either a brush or a makeup sponge to apply it since using your fingers doesnt quite yield the same natural-looking results. It’s worth noting that it’s not ideal for drier skin types and does benefit from a hydrating base such as a hyaluronic acid serum or primer.

• Coverage: Full
•  Shade Range:50
•  Finish: Matte
• Size: 1.08 ounces
•  Cruelty-Free:Yes

Best Shade Range

Estée Lauder Double Wear Stay-In-Place Liquid Foundation

Nordstrom

View On Amazon | $31.00View On Macy's | $36.75View On Ulta | $49.00

This is a lightweight foundation that lives up to its name, promising a full 24 hours of wear sans caking, creasing, or settling into fine lines. Once applied, the sweat-, heat-, and the humidity-resistant formula dries down to a matte (read: not chalky) finish. Plus, it comes in over 55 shades. Some reviewers say it can look cakey, so go easy at first, building up coverage gradually to find your sweet spot.

• Coverage: Medium to full
• Shade Range: 56
• Finish: Matte
• Size: 1 ounce
• Cruelty-Free: No

Best Stick

Blk/Opl True Color Skin Perfecting Stick Foundation SPF 15

Ulta

View On Amazon | $0.00View On Ulta | $13.50

You dont have to spend the equivalent of six pumpkin spice lattes to get a long-lasting foundation. The proof: this $11 find from Blk/Opl. The stick formula dries down to a velvety finish that doesnt feel heavy and wont end up all over your phone screen. Blk/Opls Shade ID technology ensures youll find the perfect shade for your skin tone, plus, it contains vitamin C and vitamin E to help nourish the skin and provide antioxidant protection.1Reviewers mention that it isn’t the best at controlling shine, but you can always blot if you can’t deny its many other pros.

• Coverage: Full
• Shade Range: 24
• Finish: Velvet
• Size:0.5 ounces
• Cruelty-Free: Yes

Best for Oily Skin

Hourglass Immaculate Liquid Powder Foundation

Sephora

View On Sephora View On Nordstrom View On Hourglasscosmetics.com

This foundation is infused with kaolin clay to help soak up excess oil and keep the skin looking fresh all day. It also has over 1800 five-star reviews on Sephora to back up its long-wear claims. The oil-free formula also makes this a nice pick for oily, acne-prone skin types but be aware that some reviewers have noted it can be a little cakey if too much is applied.

• Coverage: Full
• Shade Range: 22
• Finish: Velvet matte
• Size: 1 fluid ounce
• Cruelty-Free: Yes

14 Best Foundations for Oily Skin of 2023

Best with SPF

Yves Saint Laurent All Hours Foundation

Sephora

View On Sephora | $60.00View On Macy's | $60.00View On Bloomingdales | $60.00

Can a foundation be sultry? Yes, if its from YSL. The creamy, light formula is a dream to apply, and it also contains black tea and SPF 20 for skin protection. It also comes in 40 different shades and is formulated with hyaluronic acid to keep the skin hydrated and dewy.

• Coverage: Full
• Shade Range: 53
• Finish: Soft matte
• Size: 0.84 ounces
• Cruelty-Free: No

Final Verdict

Our favorite transfer-resistant foundation is KVD’s Beauty Lock-It Tatoo Foundation due to its serious staying power and strong pigment. Urban Decay’s much-loved All-Nighter liquid foundation also has to get a special mention based purely on the hundreds of online reviews that begged for it not to be discontinued. A sure-fire sign of a truly amazing product in our eyes.

How We Researched

To compile this list, our team of editors and contributors spent hours researching the best products on the market in this category, evaluating their key features—like ingredients, shade range, or design—in addition to reviews from customers and other trusted sources. Our team also incorporated their own personal experiences testing products in their own lives. We then used these insights from our research and testing to assign a star rating from one to five (five being the best; one being the worst) to certain products on the list.

What to Look For in a Transfer-Resistant Foundation

All-Day Wear

If you’re looking for a foundation that will stay put (and won’t smear all over your turtleneck), celebrity makeup artist Tobi Henney says to look for formulas that promise all-day wear. If it has the ability to last you from morning to night, then there’s a good chance it will set quickly and stick to your skin rather than your clothes.

Matte and Oil-Free Formulas

According to Henney, foundations with matte finishes and oil-free formulas tend to be more transfer- and smudge-resistant than their dewier, oil-infused counterparts. Plus, they’re better at keeping shine and greasiness at bay throughout the day, which is a major plus.

Skincare Benefits

While this may not necessarily affect a foundations lasting power, Henney is a fan of formulas that pack in the skincare benefits. Added ingredients that provide lightweight hydration or antioxidant protection (think hyaluronic acid and vitamin E) are two things she recommends looking out for in a foundation.

FAQ

How do you apply transfer-resistant foundations?

Before applying transfer-resistant foundation, you should start with a primer to even out your skin texture. To apply the foundation, you can opt to use a sponge, brush, or your fingers to put it on your face. If using a sponge, wet it before use to minimize product absorption and to attain even coverage. Then dip the sponge into the liquid foundation on the back of your hand and apply to your face using a dabbing motion.

Be sure to put the foundation in places where you need it rather than rubbing it all over your face like a moisturizer. You want to make sure you’re achieving full coverage without applying too much product. Once complete, you’ll want to use a powder to set the look and keep your face from getting too shiny.

How do you remove transfer-resistant foundations?

Removing transfer-resistant foundation takes a little more work than just a swipe of a makeup wipe. A makeup remover is a good first step to take off your foundation. Then, follow up with a cleanser thats designed to remove makeup, like a micellar water or a cleansing balm. Follow up with a moisturizer to replenish your skin.

The 12 Best Foundations for Mature Skin, Loved by Testers