Foundation

Foundation, or “base,” is a skin perfector applied to create the look of a healthy, more even skin tone. At Clinique, we put everything we know about skin into these formulas. In fact, our foundations were developed in a range of finishes, formulations, and shades that make finding your match easy.

Liquid, cream, powder—there are different types of foundation. The form you choose depends on your personal preference. Clinique’s bestselling Even Better™ Makeup helps create a brighter skin tone. Our first clinical foundation, Even Better Clinical™ Serum Foundation, delivers beautifully even coverage with a satin-matte finish. For full yet lightweight coverage, try the concealer + foundation power of Beyond Perfecting™. For combination oily skin types, try Superbalanced™. Prefer a powder foundation? Superpowder Double Face Makeup is a fan favorite.

Discover the ideal makeup for you with our Foundation Finder. It matches 99.5% of shades and addresses 100% of undertones, skin types, and concerns.

Clinique’s Foundation Finder helps you find your perfect match, fast. It starts with your skin's undertone: is yours warm or cool? Warm undertones look more peach, yellow or golden, while cool undertones appear pink, red or blue. A Clinique Expert can help you with this. Next, you’ll select your ideal finish and form before the Foundation Finder reveals your top foundation matches.

You can also try on Even Better™ Makeup shades—on your phone. Just go to the product page and select Find Your Shade (look for the camera icon).

Finding the best foundation for your skin type can make it easier for your skin to look flawless. Each skin type has specific needs. For example, oily skins are typically happiest with oil-free foundations, while dry skin types may look better with hydrating formulas. Next, decide on the finish. Matte makeups can help smooth the skin and provide excellent coverage, but can also settle into fine lines on drier skin types. Dewy foundations can help achieve a more youthful appearance, though they may not stand up to excess oil.

Whether you’re Very Dry to Dry (Skin Type 1), Dry Combination (Skin Type 2), Combination Oily (Skin Type 3) or Oily (Skin Type 4), Clinique’s Foundation Finder tool helps you find your perfect match. You can also try on Even Better™ Makeup shades—on your phone. Just go to the product page and select Find Your Shade (look for the camera icon).

Foundation for beginners doesn’t have to be complicated. It’s important to prep skin first with your daily skincare regimen: cleanse, exfoliate, and moisturize. Wait a few minutes so your skincare can absorb into skin. Next, apply primer or daily sunblock. Now you're ready to look flawless.

Dot foundation in the center face and blend outward. No need to cover all at once—you can build coverage as needed. For pesky imperfections, apply a Clinique concealer or powder to give skin additional coverage. A Clinique Makeup Brush can boost blending, helping you buff foundation seamlessly into skin. Brushes also give you more control for fuss-free application.