Best facial sunscreen for oily skin
Titanium Dioxide 8.24% Octinoxate (Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate) 4.55%
I love the fact that this foundation provides me strong uva&uvb protection. Although this foundation contains lots of titanium dioxide, it gives me really natural coverage & finish!.. When I use this inexpensive foundation instead of sunscreen, I get beautiful complexion, strong sun protection and allday-long oil control!! Brilliant!
—lisa
BFF Foundation
I've been using this product for years. Last time I purchased it, I got Sheer Tan in normal to oily /combination skin; however, you don't have that anymore. Please, please, bring it back. Yes I'm also begging! Natalie Customer Care Response: Thank you for your comments, we will be sure to share your feedback with the product to Paula and her Product Development Manager. Please contact customer care with any questions.
—Natalie
I'm in LOVE
This is by far the BEST foundation I have ever tried, and I've tried at LEAST 50 (my husband is yelling HUNDREDS! LOL!). Everytime something new would come out, and the ads or commercials would sound SOOOO good... I just HAD to try it.
Honestly, I've never been happy with any liquid foundation until I tried Paula's BFF.
There's just one small problem... here in California, we get a lot of SUN. And even with good sunscreens, half of the year I can't wear Paula's foundations BECAUSE THEY ARE TOO LIGHT. I wear Best Champagne Beige (palest months) and Best Natural Buff as the weather begins to warm. But mid spring, I've picked up too much color to wear it (almost too dark for Best Natural Buff already and spring isn't here yet!).
PAULA, PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE OFFER MORE SHADES OF FOUNDATION! Especially in the Best Face Forward line. YES, I'm WHINING and BEGGING! See? I'm on my KNEES!! Customer Care Response: Thank you for your comments. We will be sure to share your feedback with Paula and her Product Development Manager. They do take customer feedback seriously. Please contact customer care with any questions and we hope to offer shades that are more suitable for you in the future!
—Carol
Oops-not a good color
I bought this product along with the concealer. Unfortunatley, the color was so totally off that I looked like "chalk face." I have a slightly olive complexion and there is way too much pink in the natural buff color. I don't think I can get a good color match which is too bad since the product has that nice balance of not too much coverage and not too sheer.The concealer is fantastic however so I am happy that worked. Customer Care Response: Thank you for your comments. We are sorry to hear of your experience with the product. We will be sure to share your feedback with Paula and feel free to check out Beautypedia for other foundation options. We will credit you for the product and please contact customer care with any questions.
—Karin
Don't like it
I don't like this foundation. It sits inside my pores and makes them look more noticeable and there is zero coverage, I feel better off going bare faced. The "all bases covered" foundation is much better. Customer Response: Thank you for your comments. We are sorry to hear of your experience with the product. We will be sure to share your feedback with Paula and feel free to check out Beautypedia for other foundation options. We will credit you for the product in the meantime. Please contact customer care with any questions or concerns.
—Jessica
Great finish but needs lighter shades
The texture of this foundation is perfect. It goes on fairly sheer but makes my skin look flawless. Unfortunately the lightest shade, best linen is too dark for me. I wish there were lighter shades. Luckily I only purchased in a sample size. Maybe I'll try this again in the summer. Customer Care Response: Thank you for your review! We will certainly pass along your comments to Paula and in the meantime feel free to check out the review web site: www.beautypedia.com for other foundation options. Please contact customer care with any questions.
—Danielle
Too Sheer!
This one is sheerer than a tinted moisturiser! After trying it on for 2-3 times, I never want back to it. It just sits in my makeup kit. Customer Care Response: Thank you for your review. We will issue you a credit for this product since you were not happy with it. This product does not provide a lot of coverage and is designed to be light-weight. Another option is the Best Face Forward Foundation which we will send you samples of it to try that provides more coverage. In the meantime feel free to check out Beautypedia for other foundation options rated highly by Paula. Please contact customer care with any questions.
—Asha
FINALLY!!
Like most of you out there, I've gone from one foundation to another: drugstore to department store, powder to cream to stick to liquid and back again. This shade; that shade. Always something was missing, no matter what brand, formula or price. The coverage, color or consistency was always slightly off. I'd be sure I found my HG, only to see it all gone before noon. Or, I'd look like I pasted clay on my face. You know the drill. Well, it was in this manner that I purchased Best Face Forward. Too frustrated to wait for the samples, I took a shot at a full bottle of the Champagne Beige and waited. The shade is PERFECT for my light-medium, NC25, warm sand skin tone, and blends seamlessly to make my 40+ skin look like me...only younger and fresher. Best of all, with a light dusting of powder, my face looks much the same 10 hours later. No oil slick, no cake-y clay look, not too drying, not too emollient. Lovely natural finish. My BB and EL foundations are in the garbage. A bonus: bottle is small and perfect for travel. God Bless You, Paula!!
—Jill
Great review from a skeptic!
I really like this foundation. I have been using Bare Minerals for 10 years, and have been looking for something else that doesn't settle into pores, and look horrible over dry skin. This foundation delivers. It doesn't make me break out and has a nice amount of coverage. I have fair skin that is very sensitive and breaks out easily, with occasional dry patches. My skin always looked red and aggravated. This does an amazing job! I can build up the coverage by adding another coat after the first is dry. I wish the colors were not so light, I usually get the lightest color of most foundations, but this one I think I need the second darkest. I am going to try to mix the colors and see if I can get a better color match, because my neck and face turn out to be very different shades with the champagne color.
—Anna
Not enough coverage
I wanted so badly to love this foundation. I love Paula's Choice products and love knowing that there are no irritating ingredients in the products. However, I have oily skin and experience acne. This just was not enough coverage for me at all. It feels great going on but was barely covering my imperfections. I tried everything including applying it twice, using a foundation brush, using my fingers, etc and the most coverage I got was a very light coverage. Love all the other products but this one just wasn't enough coverage for me. Customer Care Response: Thank you for your review. We are sorry to hear this did not provide enough coverage. Feel free to check out Paula's review web site: Beautypedia.com to see which other foundations you may try that she suggests. In the meantime we have credited you for this product. Please contact customer care with any questions.
—Jaime
frustrating
This is an outstanding foundation- easy to apply, natural, great coverage-level. However, I wish there were a truly pale shade in this lineup. The coverage is light enough that I sometimes feel I can pull off "Best Bisque," but other times I feel self-conscious and worry it's too beige for my porcelain skin tone. I know there used to be more shades, but the demand was low. I'm happy to see that Paula's Choice is expanding (new products every few months, it seems). Is there a chance the makeup will expand again as well? It would be nice to have a shade I could feel confident wearing. Customer Care Response: Thank you for your review. Paula has not announced more makeup shades but your comments will certainly be passed along to her. For other makeup options please visit Beautypedia to see which foundations Paula rates well that you may try that offer a broader range of shades. Feel free to contact customer care with any questions.
—Lola
Desperate for darker shades
I noticed that Paula's other foundation All Bases Covered is about to get new shades. Is that something we can look forward to? I love the feel of this foundation but the shades are too light! Customer Care Response: Thank you for your review. We apologize but this formula is not being reformulated anytime soon so the shades will remain the same. The All Bases Covered Foundation had some problems with the formula/texture so that is why we had to reformulate it and the shades changed slightly but no new shades are being introduced for it either. Paula has carried a larger selection of shades in the past but they simply did not sell well that is why she had to discontinue them. We certainly track all requests from customers and will definitely track your requests for darker shades within this foundation. Please contact customer care with any questions or concerns.
—Carmen
Beautiful foundation
I bought a sample of this in Best Champagne Beige and I love it. I am surprised this is the second-darkest shade Paula's Choice offers though, since I am very light skinned and it works perfectly for me. I think a better color variety would be great for those with medium and dark skin. That said, the formula is fantastic. It goes on matte, looks natural-- like skin-- and makes me feel prettier. Paula's choice makeup holds other companies to a higher standard. Everything you make looks so, so NATURAL and pretty and it really works. I am a huge fan of the eyebrow products, too.
I do have one question, though. Is this foundation safe to use on the eyes? Thanks! Please don't ever stop making these products! Customer Care Response: Thank you for your review. Your comments will be passed along to Paula and her team. This mineral foundation may certainly be used on and around the eye area. We have offered a broader range of shades in the past but they did just not sell well for us so that is why we made the decision to discontinue them. Please contact customer care with any questions.
—Lauren
Lovely Foundation
This is a wonderful foundation. It blends beautifully, leaves my skin looking fresh and dewy, and the color is just perfect. I'm very, very impressed! At age 39, I'm just beginning to see slight signs of aging, but using this foundation really made me feel pretty without feeling heavily made up. Thank you, Paula, for your hard work....and for caring enough to make beautiful products!
—Crystal
Great For Oily Skin!
This is a fantastic foundation for oily skin-types that want a light matte coverage! Best Bisque is the perfect fair shade (no pink tones yay!). Beautiful airbrushed matte finish, minimizes pores, and controls oil. Highly recommend!
—Andrea
frustrating
I go back and forth on this stuff. I adore the formula, blendability, finish, packaging, and light coverage- pretty much everything about it. What I can't decide on is the shade. I have very pale skin. Sometimes I feel like Best Bisque works (the coverage is light enough that the color difference isn't too obvious), but then I second-guess, and feel like it's too beige and that everyone can notice. I hear there's a Resist foundation coming out, so I'll take this opportunity to implore Paula to provide a truly fair shade- one I can feel confident wearing! Customer Care Response: Thank you for your review. Since the new Resist foundation will not contain sunscreen we will be able to offer a very fair shade which hopefully should work well for you. We don't have too many details on it just yet but we will certainly pass along your comments to Paula and her Product Development Team. In the meantime feel free to check out Beautypedia for Paula's reviews on the best foundations which offer a broader range of shades that you may consider. Please contact customer care with any questions, we are happy to help!
—Lolly
Nice but color is off
I have tried Paula's foundations before and they are usually too yellow for my fair skin. I decided to try this as many reviewers claimed it was too light both in color and texture. I agree! It is nearly weightless and the lightest shade is almost white. I mixed two shades and that was close. Best option was to mix with my Loreal true match foundation. Paula, Pleeease- make foundation that is slightly pink. It may not match your skin but you have plenty of customers who do have fair skin with pink undertones. Th is NOT UNNATURAL as you claim- just the reality of having fair skin! Customer Care Response: Thank you for your feedback, we will certainly pass along your comments to Paula and her Product Development team. Feel free to check out Paula's reviews for other makeup at: www.beautypedia.com. Please contact customer care with any questions, we are happy to help!
—Carol
Not dark enough
I use Paula's products and am happy with them but decided to try the foundation, ordered samples and none of them were dark enough although I loved the light weight feel. I've used Clinque dewy smooth warm beige for years which works fine with a dab of moisturizer mixed in with it. I'm in my 60's and heavy makeup gets stuck in the wrinkles, etc.!! So mixing moisturizer with the foundation makes for a lighter look.If Paula comes out with a darker shade then I will try it. Customer Care Response: Thank you for your review. We are sorry to hear none of our shades match your skin tone. We will certainly pass along your comments and feedback to Paula. Feel free to check out Paula's reviews for other makeup at: www.beautypedia.com and in the meantime we have credited you for these samples. Please contact customer care with any questions, we are happy to help!
—willa
Not enough coverage.
I am so grateful for Paula's Choice Products! I can now say that my skin is "calm," after only 2 months of using the cleaners etc. This foundation, however, is the first product that I can say is not a winner. It goes on beautifully (if too lightly), but is "gone" within an hour. It just doesn't have enough staying power for me. Customer Care Response: We are sorry to hear this foundation did not last for you. Feel free to check out Paula's reviews of other foundations to try at: www.beautypedia.com In the meantime we will certainly pass along your feedback to Paula and will credit you for this product since you were not happy with it. We are having trouble locating your account so please call us at: 1-800-831-4088 to locate your account. Please contact us with any questions.
—Nancy
love this!
This foundation beautifully compliments my wonderfully "healed" by Resist products complexion!I had senitive, ageing, combination, roscea,irritated, blocthy skin made clear and comfortable with the Resist Antiageing care and the hydrating mask and now made perfectly even toned with the Best Face Foward foundation in the Best Champagne Beige.This rivals many $$$ foundations I've tried! Not cakey or heavy. It provides a neutral and very natural look for everyday or as a canvas for color pallettes ( Bobbi Brown's) for a modern or glam look. Thank you Paula!
—CJ
Disappointed in this Foundation
The shades of Best Face Forward are beautiful and the foundation gives me a lovely natural look. I'm in my 50's and have oily/combo skin. This applies beautifully, but stays tacky on my face. It also leaves me with the worst shine ever. This would be perfect if it indeed absorbed facial oil. Customer Care Response: We are sorry to hear you were not happy with this foundation. Oil production is regulated by our hormones so to absorb oil and control excess shine for a few hours you would want to apply the Shine Stopper Instant Matte Finish product during the day and re-apply if needed. It can be patted on top of makeup and sunscreen. We will send you out samples to try but are having trouble locating your account. Please contact customer care so that we may send you out samples to try of our Shine Stopper.
—Calliey
Best Makeup For My Skin!
I have very light, sensitive skin that deals with oiliness and rosacea. I have never been able to wear foundation without terrible break outs but I started reading Paula's books and then tried her product line. I use a combination of Best Linen and Best Champagne Beige to match my skin tone exactly. The first few times I wore this I waited for the skin issues I normally encounter after I wear makeup and there was no reaction. That was over 4 years ago! I get good, natural looking coverage with this line--people have been surprised to learn that I am wearing makeup! I am so glad that this product is here. Thank you Paula!!
—Caroline
Practically Not There
This foundation is described as practically weightless...and it is. It's also practically not there. I would never call this a foundation. It doesn't even stand up to a tined moisturizer. Upon application, it disappears. It does not blend well, and applying more layers makes little-to-no difference. I have combination oily skin, use Paula's Choice products prior to my foundation, and feel I have my face well-primed for foundation application. This product is the first I've encountered where I felt a negative word is needed. Customer Care Response: We are sorry to hear you were not happy with the coverage for this product. Please contact Customer Service for more information on an exchange or refund for the product. Please note, we have a 60 day money back guarantee on all our products.
—Jeannine
Not enough colors to use from
I USED YOUR MAKEUP FOR YEARS AND THEN YOU DID AWAY WITH MANY OF THE SHADES AND NOW YOU ONLY HAVE 4. HOW MANY COMPANYS HAVE ONLY 4 SHADES?? RIDICULOUS..Customer Care Response: We are sorry to hear you are disappointed with our color selection. We used to carry a larger selection of shades but they did not sell well. We will pass along your comments to Paula and her Product Development team. Please visit Beautypedia for suggestions from other brands.
—Judy
Best Face Forward
I love the makeup but hate the color choices. The makeup is too light for me. Please make something a little darker.I used to use this all the time, now I buy Estee Lauder. I would go back to this.At one time you had darker shades. What happened? Customer Care Response: We used to carry a larger selection of shades but they did not sell well. We will pass along your suggestion to the Product Development team and Paula.
—Judy
Not for me
I am relatively new to Paula's Choice. I have been using many of the skin care products for the past two months and I love them. There has been a noticable improvement in my skin. Having said that I was really looking forward to trying the Best Face Forward foundation. I liked the shade, the texture,the sun protection and the matte finish but it was just a bit too sheer for my taste; I prefer a little more coverage. I am giving it 4 stars because I think it's a great foundation for those who like a more tinted moisturizer look but it just wasn't for me.
—Lisa
Best face forward foundation
Please give us some darker color choices,I can use this in the dead of winter but not in the summer, what's up with that.A nice tan....:)Customer Care Response: Thank you for your suggestion. We will share your feedback with our Product Development Team.
—Kelly
Finally found my color!
I have what I consider to be very fair complexion, but with pink undertones. I tried all of the shades that were for fair skin and everything had too much yellow in it. On a whim, I placed an order of samples and toss in Champagne Beige thinking it would be too dark for me, but sometimes you just never know. I tried all the other samples I got and was saying, nope, nope, nope, and then I got to the champagne beige. It is by far the best foundation color I have used. It smears on easily and considering I have a bad habit of using too much pressure to apply foundation, this product glided on helping me to curb my bad habit. I like the silky way my face feels and my skin can breathe. I don't feel like I am wearing Spackle. I am pleased I found something I like.
—Tiff
Original formula better
I was devoted to this product in an earlier version. Now, though, it seems this once-fab foundation has been reformulated so that it comes out of the container needing to be mixed up. The color bits are separated from the base color, and you have to blend the two before applying. At least I do. This adds steps to my morning routine, something I try to avoid. Once mixed and on my face, the foundation's color, look and feel is beautiful. However, it's too much trouble. I'll probably use up my current bottle then find another foundation. Customer Care Response: Paula's Choice, Inc. We apologize for the inconvenience Deborah. We are looking into this issue and working diligently to correct it. Our Customer Service Team would be happy to assist you and issue a full refund within 60 days of purchase.
—Karen C.
so great it must be bad for you
I wore this foundation on a couple of occasions, from samples. Both times I couldn't believe my skin could look that good and that natural at the same time. It balanced my skin tone perfectly while making me look born that way. It has a lovely matte finish. Unfortunately, the product makes me break out -- not a response I usually have from Paula's products. It is still worth having just to look great for certain events, though.
—trish
Great on someone else but not me
Based on the fact I've had combo skin all my life and the (mostly) stellar reviews, I ordered this foundation for its SPF, med to full coverage and natural look. But it was difficult to apply, didn't cover small imperfections, made my T-zone look dry and normal areas look chalky. I exfoliate with AHA 10 percent every day, so the condition of my skin is quite good. I tried it in a sample and liked it, so either the formulation changed or I did.
—Kat
Darker skins need the SPF!
We need some darker shades in this formulation with SPF. I read where you are formulating a new foundation without SPF in more shades. We love this makeup in this formulation with the SPF!!! Don't change it. Just make some darker shades please! Customer Care Response: Thank you for your feedback. We will share this with Paula and her Product Development Team.
—Annie
like I'm wearing nothing ... and that's a problem
The good reviews gave me the confidence to try this but I was let down by the performance of this product. This stuff did nothing for me, didn't mask flaws, didn't tone down redness. If I had neither of those issues I wouldn't use foundation, but I do have them and this product doesn't get the job done. I think the women who liked it must have nicer skin they than give themselves credit for.
—Cathy
Best Foundation I've Ever Used
I've never been a fan of liquid foundation, or really, foundation period, until I tried this product! Got a sample of it in Champagne Beige and was very impressed. Beautiful matte finish blends so easily and looks so natural. I would definitely try it again. Thanks, Paula.
—Deanna
Very Natural
Love this foundation-this is how it works for me: Place several dots over a well-moisturized face, then sheer it out with Paula's sponges. This gives an ultra-natural look, not too matte. If you have clear skin and just want a little polish, this foundation is very good.
—Elizabeth
Best Face Forward Foundation
This is a wonderful product. I was upset when some other brands of mine were discontinued and I did not know where to go. Luckily I found this site and started using this foundation. I have sensitive skin, and after using this my face does not feel tight but calm and non-irritated. Thank you Paula for making such gentle products!
—Kara
Love it....But Need Darker Shade Back!
Please bring back the Tan. These colors are too light for me. I fail to understand why you discontinued it. I use many PC products, and am unhappy that I cannot use Best Face Forward because you don't have a shade right for me! Customer Care Response: We understand your frustration! Paula's Choice would love to have a wide range of shades available (as was the case when the foundation collection was first launched) but our very light and deeper shades just weren't popular with customers, and due to the SPF component (which expires) we could not keep them in stock. We are currently working on a foundation without an SPF, which will fit a wide range of skin tones!
—Pamela Nelson
I like it!
To start with, I have a hard time rating anything a full five stars. I gave this one four stars because it's light and airy, and blends really well. The only thing that I wish is that there was a little more coverage for my uneven skin. However, I recently started using some of Paula's other products, for acne prone skin, and after three days it's already starting to clear up. So maybe after a couple of weeks I won't need the extra coverage I'm so used to! =)
—Ericka
Not for Oily Skin
This foundation is natural looking, but settles in fine lines. It applies nicely, but makes my skin oily after 30 minutes. I can't use at all. Customer Care Response: We are sorry to hear that this foundation didn't work well for you. Please contact Customer Service for assistance with selecting an alternate item or processing a refund.
—Calliey
Makes for an Oily Shine...
This foundation applies easily, but settles slightly in fine lines. I have aging oily/combination skin and my face is shiny after 30 minutes; so disappointed. I really thought Paula would have an outstanding foundation for those of us with oily skin. I like the neutral shades and it has a nice natural finish. This should not be for anyone with oily skin. Customer Care Response: We are sorry to hear that this foundation did not meet your expectations. Please contact Customer Service for further assistance with a refund or exchange.
—Calliey
Love It But Too Light
Love, love, love this foundation but even Best Natural Buff is just a little too light for me. Please at least bring back the Best Natural Tan. Please? Customer Care Response: Thank you for your valuable feedback. We will share your suggestion with Paula and her Product Development Team.
—Gail
took the color issue into my own hands
Attn pale-skinned girls: I'm not sure if Paula would approve of this, but I add a drop of Face Atelier's Zero Minus to this foundation's lightest shade to match it to my very fair skin. Dark-skinned girls can add Zero Plus. I've tried a billion foundations looking for a better shade match, but I honestly feel that this is the BEST makeup with SPF (superior blendability, beautiful finish, never heavy or mask-like) except for the limited color range. If one of the shades matches your skin, lucky you! Of course adding anything to the formula dilutes the sunscreen, but you only need a few drops. I figure it's better than nothing, which is what I would be wearing because I can't find makeup I like better than this.
—Lily
Wish I weren't disappointed!
I'm a fan of Paula's Choice but am slightly disappointed with this product. I tried Linen, the lightest shade, it blended easily, had a nice feel.. but the color was too dark for my complexion. Also, I had to reapply powder more than usual while wearing it. After all the great reviews I really wanted to like it... :( Customer Care Response: We are sorry to hear that you are unsatisfied with this Customer Service for assistance selecting an alternate item or processing a refund.
—Christy
Love product, unfortunatley breaks me out.
This is a fantastic product in terms of wearbility, however if I wear it more than 1-2 days in a row, I start to break out in cystic acne. I tested this theory against my old foundation and it held true.I think it might be the many silicones. If it weren't for that, it would be my everyday perfect foundation. As of now, I pull it out for special occasions only. Customer Care Response: We are sorry to hear about your experience. Please contact our Customer Service department for assistance with processing a refund or exchanging the item.
—Jill
Excellent for Pale-Skinned Individuals
I noticed that a lot of people were complaining that the shades are too light: I am a red-head and the shades are perfect for me! If the shades are too light for you, try the Barely There product as I found the shades too be much darker, even the lightest shade is not light enough for my skin.
—Shannon Gill
Nice touch foundation!
My skin tone is fair medium and best natural buff is the best color I've tried. I love the touch of foundation as it's silky and weightless. Whatever how much I put on my skin and it looks good and not cakey at all. Pretty good try and I would love to buy it again!!
—Hilary
A Favorite for Years
I've used the "Best Natural Buff" Best Face Forward Foundation for years now. The color is perfect for my very fair skin with red undertones. It evens my complexion out and lasts for as long as I've needed to wear it (which on moving day and when traveling to Egypt and other places has made for very long days). It's also easy to make sure there are no tell tale foundation lines because of the texture and the color fit. Thank you!
—Kari
THE best foundation
Makes my less than perfect skin look so much better than it is. This stuff is amazing. Covers beautifully without looking thick or feeling heavy. Love it!
—Jo
Colors are too light!
I got the Natural Buff as a sample and it is really light. I came on here to see if you have any darker colors but you don't. Would love darker colors!! Customer Care Response: Thank you for your comments. We will share your feedback with Paula and her Product Development Team.
—Jenny
less than average quality
I was so excited to try this foundation...only to be disappointed. Color selection and match is truly lacking. Does not cover well and tends to be greasy as well. I also received samples of All Bases Covered and the samples had oxidized! Shipped to me in plastics containers that when opened spill the foundation everywhere. Really big letdown. Customer Care Response: We are sorry to hear about your experience. Please contact Customer Service for further assistance in this matter.
—Heather
perfect !!
This is awesome for people with pink toned skin, like me. Others are yellow or too heavy or both. This is so light it feels like I'm not wearing makeup. Not for those who want to hide behind a mask of makeup.
—Lyndell
surprisingly good
For everyday wear I use Clinique Super City Block at 40 SPF mixed with Benzoyl Peroxide lotion, for extremely fair, breakout-prone skin. I also often use Perfekt foundation, which provides feather light coverage but is prohibitively expensive.
I got this as a sample when buying Paula's gel eyeliners (they are great for eyeliner noobs). Anyway, I decided to throw them in my train case and ended up bringing them to an out of town outdoor wedding.
I was photograph-friendly all day, well into the late evening! This is just unusually smooth wearing foundation, with the ability to absorb plenty of oil without breaking up.
—Trish
Great product
Love this foundation!
—voco
Great Foundation!
I've been happily using mineral makeup for years. I tried a sample of this foundation in linen and was surprised to find that it wasn't heavy at all on my skin. The color match is perfect, and it keeps the shine away on my oily skin better than the minerals did. I love the radiant yet matte finish. I never thought I'd be back to liquid makeup, but this is a winner!
—Leah
Excellent Product
This is a fantastic product for light seamless coverage. I have never before tried a foundation that you truly cannot tell that any makeup is being used. It smooths out skin tone fabulously. The caveat, I would say is, if you are looking for heavy coverage this is not it. For myself I love the subtle coverage of this product.
—Sarah
Oh! wonderful
The coverage is light. the texture is lovely. I agree with the description that this product enhances your complexion rather than "masking" it. I also agree that it is best for combination skin (in summer time). Although it comes in 4 shades, I find my perfect match. It would deserve 5 stars if it has higher SPF - well... I know, spf 15 is enough... but higher spf makes me feel safer. oh, Paula, can you raise the spf of this almost perfect product? having this all said, a product with spf 15 will urge me to reapply it after a few hours - this may be even better for my skin, right?
—Y.K.
very elegant
Once I figured out how to aplly this (squeeze a GIANT blob on a sponge) I was hooked. I thought the color selection would be too limiting, but my natural color shines through. The coverage is so natural and subtle, and evens out my skin tone without looking like a big face of makeup. It blends so easily- I'm done in five seconds. I hope Paula keeps this product around!
—Nancy C.
changed my mind
I didn't like this at first (too sheer, not pale enough), but now I use it as a sort of tinted primer/SPF base for other makeup, and it's really great. Keeps shine down, fresh-looking, keeps makeup in place even on HOT summer days. Once I started thinking about it as a tinted primer (with SPF, yay!) instead of a foundation, I appreciate it more and more.
—Francie
Best Foundation Ever!
The only foundation I have ever found that is a perfect match to my fair skin- no pink undertones or masklike look anymore. I was skeptical at first, thinking nothing would cover my splotchy skin, but it really works. Thank you, Paula.
—Hannah
Great foundation
I received a couple of samples of this foundation and some women at worked asked what I had done to my face! They thought I had some sort of a peel or treatment done. This foundation makes my face look really smooth and younger looking. The only problem is coverage, which is barely there. The good news is that you can layer this product and it will blend easily and not look overdone. I suppose it helps with sunscreen anyway.
Customer Care Response: We are delighted to hear that you are experiencing such good results with this product. For more coverage consider coupling this product with our Soft Cream Concealer: http://www.paulaschoice.com/product/soft-cream-concealer/Complexion
—Maja
not enough colors
The consistency was fine, but the color was awful. Even the darkest is too light for me, and I'm a fairly light-skinned blond. (I do, however, have yellow undertones to my skin.) I looked sick and pasty. Please add more colors!
Customer Care Response: We are sorry to hear that the shades of this product were not to your liking. Please contact Customer Service for assistance in selecting an alternate shade from either of our two foundation options. Please note we offer a 60 day return/exchange policy.
—Lauren
Smoothing and brightening
I have been a die hard mineral foundation user for years, which although covers great, doesn't smooth the skin as well as it used to. While shopping at PC I decided to give this foundation a try, and I am so pleased with this product. My face feels brighter and smoother. Wish I would have found this product sooner!
—Julia
review edit
I originally reviewed this as a 3 for being too sheer, but actually if you really glop it on your sponge (a MAJOR glop- probably more product than most ladies are used to applying) you get a super dreamy, natural-looking coverage that I am now very impressed with.
—Francie
Colors Not Quite Right
I tried this makeup in 2 different shades. I loved the texture and smoothness it gave my skin. However, both colors I tried seemed to have a grey undertone.
Customer Care Response: We are sorry to hear of your experience with this product. Paula's Choice has a 100% Satisfaction Guarantee within 60 days. Please contact our Customer Service Department to process a return or exchange.
—Dena Michael
Will try again
This is a great foundation that is comparable to Bobbi Brown's Natural Finish Foundation, yet not anywhere near as expensive. Great coverage without feeling heavy and compliments my oily skin and humid climate. However, I am returning mine due to the light color...am wondering where are the colors for medium and dark toned women...? I would order again in a heartbeat if Paula updated her selection of colors. Thanks
—Amanda
coverage too sheer
This may not be for ladies with more than minor flaws to conceal. It appeared VERY sheer on me, even after applying several layers (which caused the makeup to start clumping). I need something more heavy-duty, but this could be for you if you just want a touch of foundation.
—Francie
Awesome-But Need My Dark Shade Back!
I love Best Face Forward Foundation! But I was very disappointed when you discontinued the dark shade. The darkest shade you have now is way too light for me! I do NOT understand what your thinking was on removing a dark shade for those of us who are not pale skinned. Bring back a darker shade, please!!
Customer Care Response: We are sorry to hear about your experience with this product. While the shade was beautiful, it did not sell as well as the others, and that is why it was discontinued. Please contact Customer Service via Email, Phone, or Live Chat for further assistance in selecting an alternate shade or product.
—Pam
Deeper shades please!
I just put on the sample I ordered in Buff and my husband says it's the most natural-looking foundation I've tried yet, and I've gone through lots this past month. Even the Stilla foundations are too peachy for my olive skin. My only disappointment is Buff is almost too light in color for me. Even with dedicated sunscreen use,I will get about two shades darker this summer so Buff will have to be my winter shade.
—Laura
Color Problem
while this makeup gives the skin a lovely texture,neither of the two colors I tried worked. There seemed to be a grey undertone that looked unnatural.
Customer Care Response: We are sorry to hear about your trouble. Please contact Customer Service via Email, Live Chat or Phone for further assistance in selecting a shade of foundation more suitable for your skin. Please note that we do offer a 60 day return/exchange policy.
—Dena Michael
Great product, limited options
I loved this foundation in the past for its great formula. Now that I've sworn off tanning forever I'm back to my normal pale complexion, and even the lightest color is too dark. I wish it were available in a lighter shade, I miss this makeup.
—Margie
please add darker shades
Please resume darker shades. Great many people not fair skinned. No longer as loyal to your products.
Customer Care Response: We appreciate your feedback and will share it with our Marketing Team. In the meantime please contact Customer Service via Phone, Live Chat, or Email for further shade selection assistance.
—Frances Magliacane
thumbs down
Best Forward Foundation did not have enough coverage tried several different colors and it did not provide enough coverage and had a white undertone. Did not like the oiliness of the product. Does not wash off clothing very well.
Customer Care Response: I am sorry to hear about your experience with this product. Please contact our Customer Service Team via Email, Live Chat, or Phone for assistance in selecting an alternate product.
—Teri
Best Face Forward
I have used your Best Face Forward (as well as your skin care products) for past 3 years and loved it but am very dissappointed that you discontinued Early Tan. Any chance you may bring it back.
AMD Ireland
—ann marie downey
2010 Version Even Better!
Love this foundation! I first bought this product a few years ago. It was pretty amazing. Good formula for oily or combination skin, no heavy feel, and stayed on all day. It was a thin liquid, kind of messy to apply, but worth the trouble. Now it seems you have addressed those issues; it's no longer runny, has better coverage, and still looks great, feels light, etc.
It really is ridiculous to pay $42 for Lancome when this foundation is superior in every way. It doesn't settle in wrinkles or pores, either. I can't say enough good things about this! My sincere appreciation for an amazing product.
—Cari
The best foundation for me :)
I love this product its great and its the only foundation with spf that I can use with out giving me pimples. Its light and covers great.
—Jessie Smith
Great Product- need darker shade
I agree with others; the darkest shade is almost too light for me and I have medium colored anglo skin. It looks light but when I blend it in, it's okay. This product bends in beautifully. I could not stand "foundation" before and now I will be a loyal customer of this product.
—amy Harmon
Even Better!
I liked this even in the old formulation you had to shake to death. Silky smooth moderate coverage and a 15 SPF that does not irritate my Rosacea or cause acne. I deduct 1 star for lack of shade choices, although I was able to find a good match in Best Champagne Beige for my Bobbi Brown Warm Sand/MAC C3, NC25, NW20 skin.
—Krista
not good for oily skin
This foundation had barely any coverage, sat in my pores (making me look like I had reverse-freckles), and barely lasted 2hrs on my oily skin before it had completely disappeared (even after setting with powder)... much less staying power & coverage than the Loreal True-Match foundation I used previously.
Thankfully I only bought a couple of samples, not a whole bottle!
—K White
Amazing!
This is the best foundation I have ever used! It feels silky like lotion when I put it on, and it also has full coverage. It feels so natural that I forget I'm wearing it! Thanks Paula!!
—Madeleine M.
Colors too light
Love this product, but the colors/tones are WAY TO LIGHT!! Cannot use the darkest color as it make me looke like I am a ghost (I have olive colored skin tone). Will continue to use the barely there tint but would much prefer this since it makes skin looks so fabulous!!! Darker shades/tones please!!!!
Customer Care Response: Thank you for your feedback and please know that we will share your comments with Paula and her staff. In the meantime please contact our Customer Service team for further product selection assistance.
—Anne
Fan 4 Ever!
Up until a few years ago, I had yet to find a foundation that I really liked and usually wore just concealor and powder. I then tired Best Face Forward and have been a fan since. It feels great, and goes on so light and smooth. I don't feel as though its overdone and it love to wear Paula's Healthy Finish Powder over it. Thanks Paula, another fabulous product!
—Katie
Good, but too light
I like how my skin feels after applying this foundation, and it still looks like until the end of the day. However, the color is too light, and I look like a ghost. Please have darker colors.
—CP
wants to try but no color shade available
I usually use a tan or medium tan shade. The reviews are great but what's the point of trying when the available colors obviously does not match my skin color. Please give us more color selection especially the darker shades.
Customer Care Response: We appreciate your feedback and will share it with our Marketing Team. In the meantime please contact Customer Service via Phone, Live Chat, or Email for further shade selection assistance.
—Jane M.
Good, but need more color choices
I like the product, but even the darkest shade is a bit too light. I look washed out. Can you add more colors?
Customer Care Response: Thank you for your feedback. We will share it with our Product Development Team. In the meantime please contact our Customer Service Team via Email, Live Chat, or Phone for alternative product selection.
—Lauren B. Davis
Gail
Your Best Face Forward Foundation is excellent. However, no matter what shade I try, it has an annoying white undertone. Keep working on the color.
—Gail Hemenway
Love it!!!
Best face forward foundation is so silky and smooth. The shade was perfect for me. And it smells like sugar cookies. Which is funny because it's fragrance free. I think this was a, no question, five star.
—Hannah
all the shades are too light!
i found it impossible to get the right shade since even the darkest one was way too light and made me look as pale as a ghost. My complexion is between light and olive and normally i would use a 'natural beige' shade of foundation.
Customer Care Response: Thank you for your feedback. We will share this with our product developement team. At one point we did offer some deeper shades of foundations but found over time that those shades were not as popular as their lighter counterparts. You are welcome to contact Customer Service via email, Live Chat, or phone and we can assist with an alternate product selection.
—Elena
Very light makeup...
I have tried so many foundations and even with SPF underneath this, it still feels weightless. My perfect daytime combination is the Skin Balancing SPF 15 followed by this in Linen. My skin feels clear, looks polished and protected from the sun! No breakouts either!
—Katie
Best Face Forward
Love the makeup, Hate the light shades. I am blue eyed blond and all colors are too light. Get your old shades back.
Customer Care: Please call our Customer Service for assistance with finding a product that will work for you. Also, please note that we have a 60-day 100% Satisfaction Guarantee return policy.
—Judy Crary
Close, yet so far....
Best Face Forward is almost my dream-come-true foundation. It's like Clinique Superfit with the bonus of sunscreen. However - The darkest shade, Best Natural Buff, is ridiculously pale for my skin. It makes me look like I'm trying to be Goth, and it's paleness coats my skin, and weirdly emphasizes all my other makeup. It has a noticeably "white" undertone (probably the titanium), which, in addition to the pale shade, just won't work for me. Fingers are crossed for new shade to come!
—Scarlett
Wonderful
The new formula seems a little lighter-in color-than the old version. Wonderful matte foundation that blends well and lasts all day.
—Tina Kilibarda
Best Foundation Ever!
I thought I could only wear mineral make-up due to my acne prone skin. Then I tried Paula's foundation and fell in love!! It is the BEST foundation I have ever worn and I have tried many. It matches my skin perfectly, does not cause break outs, doesn't change color and stays put all day!!
—Debi
Amazing Foundation!!
Absolutely amazing foundation! I have oily skin and I usually break out all the time, but with this foundation my skin looks radiant and never breaks out. And did I mention controls my oily areas? The colors are a perfect match. This is my favorite foundation ever! Paula NEVER stop selling this makeup, I LOVE you!!
—Kathrine
Best Face Forward Foundation
I live in Florida and all foundation would drip off of me due to the humidity. Also, I hate the feel of foundation. Since I am 59 years old and need something to even my skin tone, I got a sample and LOVED it-and will always use this product.
—Amy
Paula's Choice Foundations
"This is an unsolicited tribute to Paula's foundations from a group of skeptics (myself excluded of course!). One rainy Saturday, we decided to do a blind test of all of our various foundations (it was really an excuse to get together and we had lots of laughs). Anyway, we included Best Face Forward and All Bases Covered along with foundations from Shisedo, Clinique, Estee Lauder, Mac, Cle de Peau, Christian Dior, Lancome and Revlon. In the normal to oily category, Best Face Forward won hands down. In dry to normal, it was a very close contest between Cle de Peau ($120!) and All Bases Covered ($14.95), with the slight edge going to Paula's!"
- Emily, via email
—Emily
Titanium dioxide
As Paula states in her book it is a little irritating to my acne prone, annoyingly sensitive skin. I've used sunscreen in the past and the initial reaction is always pretty bad with titanium dioxide but the breakouts do lessen a little over time. I figure what's worse: a little break out or wrinkles and skin cancer? Considering how well the foundation works, I'll take a few extra pimples and just treat them with my Blemish Fighting Solution.
I hope Paula brings back Natural Finish Oil Absorbing Makeup with SPF though. I'd love to try it as it used another ingredient for SPF that wasn't supposed to irritate.
—Sarah O
Almost Perfection!
This has the perfect amount of coverage to even out my slightly ruddy patches but not cover up the few, but contrasting, freckles. The finish is just slightly on the matte side with no annoying "luminescent" additives. The only thing I would change is that it has a tendecy to move/shift.
—Cindy McMunn
Best ever!
This is hands-down the best foundation I've ever used. I have super-fair skin, and the shade matches perfectly.
—Valerie
Exceptional - A Must Have!
The formula is light as air yet yields the perfect amount of coverage - this is my absolute favorite!
—Kim Thompson
Great for Oily Skin!
Tried this in "Best Bisque", and it's an incredible color match for fair golden skintones. Looks totally natural, just like skin, not too heavy, not too sheer. The only thing is I wish it didn't contain any chemical sunscreen, but otherwise it's perfect! Love this one and the Sheer Matte Tint!
—Curry
Yahoo!
A must for those w/ sensitive skin! Covers w/out the heaviness. Best foundation i've ever used!
—Leeann
Convinced!
I too have usually worn either Estee Lauder DoubleWear or Mac Studio Fix powder because of the coverage. Not anymore! Last summer I used a sample of the Best Face Forward foundation on a hot humid DC day. I was with my mother who NEVER mentions how my skin looks and I was surprised when she told me my skin looked lovely. Thinking it just a pleasantry, I didn't think about it again until yesterday, when it happened to be another steamy day when I was taking my mother out. I applied my Best Face Forward foundation and thought, wouldn't it be funny if she mentions my skin because of this foundation. I forgot all about it until this morning when she called me and said, "I meant to tell you....your skin just looked beautiful yesterday!!!!!" I am NOT kidding!! Her compliment shocked me because it was completely unsolicited. I so much prefer Best Face Forward because of the sun protection and how light it feels but didn't think it gave me the coverage I needed. I am tossing the other foundations and sticking with Paula! I think I'll even order some for my mom!
—Emily C.
Fantastic Foundation!!
I am so happy I bought this foundation because I had just about given up on finding one I loved. I now look forward to getting ready each morning.This looks very natural on my skin and it stays in place all day..even in the hot Texas humidity! Thank you Paula for all of your wonderful products.
—Helen C.
I love this Foundation!
I was very skeptical about this foundation. I have really oily skin and normally don't like to wear foundation with sunscreen. This foundation does not make me shiny or greasy. It is very lightweight with a nice sheer coverage. If you are looking for heavy coverage, you might not like this. I love the fact that you can order cheap samples too. Thank you.
—Melissa Brackenbury
everybody should try
i was like i will never use any foundations.they look so fake but i tried this and its amazing.but it makes my skin little oily.but even though it better than other expensive foundations.thanks
—harpreet
The BEST without a doubt!!
I was so fed up trying to find a foundation that worked for me that I literally went to Sephora and Nordstrom and got samples (and purchased) a dozen of the 'best' brands of foundation over the past 4 months or so. None of these even come close to the wearability and coverage that I get from this foundation. I had tried it in its previous formulation and I am SO glad I tried it again. Search no more, I have found THE ONE and at a mere fraction of the expensive brands!
—Jennie Baugher
best fundation ever!!
I cannot believe how amazing this fundation is!it feels and looks just like my own skin. you can never get too heavy with this fundation. It does everything EXACTLY as it claims,even better.THANK YOU PAULA!! btw, you customer service is A+ too.thank you thank you thank you.
—Ann L.
The Perfect Product
Your Best Face Forward foundation is the best foundation I've ever tried. The color, texture, coverage - everything works so well and looks so natural!
—Marilyn
The best ever used
I can't get over how incredibly flattering this foundation is. There's absolutely no heaviness, chalkiness or odd coloration. Just bright, fresh, moist skin. Getting ready for work in the morning has never been such a pleasure!
—Robin H.
Thank you for reformulating Best Face Forward Foundation!! It is the one foundation that works best for me. Thank you, thank you, thank you!
—Susan C.
Thank you for this product. After countless tears wasting money and searching, I finally found the perfect foundation for me. Not only did it blend into my skin perfect, I look like I'm not wearing nothing at all. It does everything the others promise.
—Jamie S.
I have used your skin care products for years, but just recently requested samples of your foundations. I normally use Estee Lauder Doublewear, thinking that your foundations wouldn't cover well enough to hide sun damage splotches on my face. Was I ever wrong! Your Best Face Forward foundation not only covers well, but leaves a light, beautiful finish. I'm 53 yrs. old and wanted to get away from the mask-like finish that full coverage foundations tend to produce. Once again, your products by far bypass those expensive items at the cosmetics counters. I am thrilled and look 10 years younger.
—Gail D.
What makes this product unique?
This weightless, liquid foundation with sunscreen is superb for oily skin. It offers a long-wearing matte-finish that blends impeccably. The result? Skin's appearance is significantly improved. This foundation provides light to medium coverage and reduces shine while protecting your skin with broad-spectrum SPF 15. Oily skin will remain matte for hours while this foundation's special texture works to minimize the appearance of large pores.
This product is 100% fragrance-free.
Who is this product for?
Best Face Forward Foundation SPF 15 is recommended for normal to very oily/combination skin.
How should this product be used?
Apply to clean skin with a makeup sponge or your fingertips.
Dab foundation over the central part of the face, and blend downward using short, smooth strokes. Layer as needed to build desired coverage and then smooth out any excess product with a makeup sponge.
Two or more shades may be blended to create a custom color if needed. However, the existing single shades are designed to work for a broad range of skin tones (except very dark skin tones).
If needed, apply a light layer of Skin Balancing Moisture Gel under foundation. This moisturizer will help make foundation application easier over dry patches. For additional shine control, pair with Skin Balancing Super Antioxidant Mattifying Concentrate.
If you apply a sheer layer of this foundation, apply Paula's Choice Healthy Finish Pressed Powder SPF 15 for extra sun protection.
What Makes Paula's Choice Products Unique?
Created by world renowned skin care expert and author Paula Begoun
Proven effectiveness based on hundreds of published scientific studies
Targeted systems for wrinkles, acne, rosacea, sensitive skin, oily skin, dry skin and more
Fragrance-free, color-free, free of harmful skin irritants, and never tested on animals
Apply to clean skin with a makeup sponge or your fingertips.
Dab foundation over the central of the face, and blend downward using short, smooth strokes. Layer as needed to build desired coverage and then smooth out any excess product with a makeup sponge.
Two or more shades may be blended to create a custom color if needed. However, the existing single shades are designed to work for a broad range of skin types (except very dark skin tones).
If you apply a sheer layer of foundation, a regular sunscreen should be applied first to ensure you are getting enough sun protection.
How is Best Face Forward Foundation different from other Paula's Choice foundations?
The major differences are texture and finish. Best Face Forward Foundation has a fluid consistency that feels lightweight and sets to an absorbent, long-wearing matte finish that works to reduce shine. It is ideal for normal to oily skin types. All Bases Covered Foundation has a thicker consistency, a creamier feel, and sets to a satin matte finish best suited for those with normal to dry skin. Barely There Sheer Matte Tint SPF 20 is sheer, like a tinted moisturizer, with a hint of color and is best for normal to dry skin.
