What are the best makeup foundations in the Philippines?
For makeup lovers, time can probably be divided into before and after they’ve found their perfect foundation. It’s a tall order finding a formulation that matches your complexion, works with your skin type, and covers flaws while still looking natural. And once you find The One, it's going to be hard to let it go! For these 11 Pinays with different skin tones and skin types, the search ended with these foundations that got them glowing.
A no-touch-ups-needed formulation
"I tend to get caught up with my work, so I’m not the type to be conscious about my makeup. But what I love about Esteé’s Double Wear Foundation is that it stays put all day, whether I’m at a shoot or running around the city. Plus, I have dry skin and yet this product looks amazingly supple on my skin." – Maita Baello, Fashion Stylist
Esteé Lauder Double Wear Foundation in Rattan, P2,400, Rustan’s The Beauty Source
A morena-friendly homegrown find
"I’ve tried a lot of high-end foreign brands, but none matched my skin tone like Detail Make Over’s Liquid Matte Foundation. It’s light and breathable but gives medium to full coverage as well, so it doubles as a concealer, too. I also love that it’s a local product." – Moki Ramos, Entrepreneur
Detail Make Over Liquid Matte Foundation in Fair, P345, SM Department Stores
An all-day foundation that gives a healthy, glowing finish
"My fave foundation is Double Lasting Foundation from Etude House. Despite being long-lasting with high coverage, it’s one of the few formulations that isn’t powdery or dull. It gives my ‘dehydrated oily’ skin a comfy feeling and a healthy, radiant finish." – Mari Perez, Beauty Blogger
Etude House Double Lasting Foundation in Sand, P1,098, Greenbelt 4
A pressed powder with a natural look
"I love Cargo’s HD Pressed Powder because it makes me look fresh-faced but not too made up. After smoothing it on, I can just rush out the door without having to worry about touch-ups. It’s breathable and airy with just the right amount of coverage." – Gladys Siao, Entrepreneur
Cargo HD Pressed Powder, P1,750, Beauty Bar
A handy stick that’ll get you ready for your close-up!
"As an actress, I need to look flawless on TV and the EB Advance Studio Finish Stick really helps hide my imperfections (like super dark under-eye circles!). It’s gentle on my skin, and I like that it gives me full coverage without making my skin feel sticky." – Max Collins, Actress
Ever Bilena EB Advance Studio Finish Stick in Miel, P230, Watson’s
A lightweight liquid with party potential
"My all-time fave is RMK because it feels very light. Its skin-like finish makes it great for everyday use. It has buildable texture, so it’s also suitable for dressier occasions. As a makeup artist, I’ve been using RMK on my clients for years now. I find their bases very workable, and their shade has yellow undertones that work well on Asian complexions." – Alexis Ching, Makeup Artist
RMK Liquid Foundation in 103, P2,800, Independent online sellers
A full coverage compact that’s great for travel.
The Face Shop’s Ink Lasting Foundation is really good! It lasts all day, doesn’t cake, and has great coverage. I apply it in the morning and just touch up a little at night. Plus the case is so small and cute; it fits even in my evening purse. – Chelsea Robato, Model & Blogger
The Face Shop Ink Lasting Foundation To Go in V203, P 1,495, Shangri-La Plaza
A glamorous Asian fave that’s kind to your skin
My current pick is Shiseido’s Synchro Skin Glow, which makes me look fresh but not shiny. It goes on seamlessly, and it is great for both hot and cold climates. It was actually my derma that first mentioned that Shiseido's bases were non-comedogenic. And as soon as I switched, I’ve had fewer breakouts. – Mara Aquino, Event Host & Sports Reporter
Shiseido Synchro Skin Glow Luminizing Fluid Foundation in Rose, P2,750, Trinoma
A silky foundation that’s great for evening
The MUFE Ultra HD is so good because it provides such a natural finish to the skin. It’s lightweight, and I especially love using it for parties. I use it on my clients and they rave about its flawless finish. – Erica Ng, Makeup Artist
Make Up For Ever Ultra HD Liquid Foundation, P2,830, SM Megamall
A sneaky marvel for that no-makeup look
I like to appear makeup-free but flawless. The NARS Natural Radiant Longwear Foundation grants a Photoshopped in real life finish, without looking overly-edited. Also, being a morena with tanned, yellow undertones, NARS was pretty on point with the Barcelona shade for me. – Jamine Gabriel, Interior Designer
NARS Natural Radiant Longwear Foundation in Barcelona, P2,950, Rustan’s The Beauty Source
A no-fuss base that’s great for looking pore-free!
I use Maybelline’s Fit Me because it leaves a seamless finish and blurs my pores. It works well for my combination skin, and the lightweight feel is great for our tropical climate. - Muriel Orais, Model & Flight Attendant
Maybelline Fit Me Matte + Poreless Foundation in Classic Ivory, P399, Landmark
*Answers have been edited for clarity.