Product Rating:   (40 reviews)
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.


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.


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.

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.

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

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 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

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

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

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.

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.

Yahoo!
A must for those w/ sensitive skin! Covers w/out the heaviness. Best foundation i've ever used!
—Leeann

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

Exceptional - A Must Have!
The formula is light as air yet yields the perfect amount of coverage - this is my absolute favorite!
—Kim Thompson

Best ever!
This is hands-down the best foundation I've ever used. I have super-fair skin, and the shade matches perfectly.
—Valerie

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

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

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

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 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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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 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

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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 effective 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

100% customer satisfaction guaranteed

Unequalled customer service

Active Ingredients: Titanium Dioxide* 8.24%; Octinoxate (Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate) 4.55% Inactive Ingredients: Water, Cyclopentasiloxane, Dimethicone (silicone slip agents), C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate (thickener/fatty acid), Nylon-12 (absorbent), Glycerin (water-binding agent), Polyethylene (thickener/opacifying agent), Dimethicone/PEG-10/15 Crosspolymer (silicone polymer), PEG/PPG-20/15 Dimethicone (emulsifier), PEG-8 (thickener), Aluminum Starch Octenylsuccinate (powdery thickening agent), Propylene Carbonate (solvent), Disteardimonium Hectorite, Polyhydroxystearic Acid (suspending agents), Aluminum Stearate (thickener), Alumina (absorbent), Butylene Glycol (slip agent), Polymethylsilsesquioxane (opacifying agent), Polymethyl Methacrylate (film-forming agent), Sodium Chloride (binding agent), Triethoxycaprylylsilane (silicone-based emulsifier), Benzoic Acid, Chlorphenesin, Sorbic Acid, Phenoxyethanol (all preservatives), Iron Oxides (mineral pigment)

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 needed, apply a light layer of moisturizer under foundation. Moisturizer will help make foundation application better and easier over dry skin. If you have oily skin or oily areas with some dry patches, use a very light moisturizer such as Paula's Choice Skin Balancing Moisture Gel or Skin Balancing Super Antioxidant Mattifying Concentrate, only over those areas.

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 a long-wearing matte finish that works to reduce shine. It is ideal for normal to very 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. Our Natural Finish Oil-Absorbing Makeup SPF 15 has an extremely sheer appearance and is best for those with minimal coverage needs and normal to oily skin. Barely There Sheer Matte Tint SPF 20 is also extremely sheer, with a hint of color and is best for normal to dry skin.