The Difference Between These Flawless Foundations (and Which One's Best For You)


Fact: MAKE UP FOR EVER foundations are some of the best money can buy.

At $67, they're very reasonably-priced for professional-quality makeup products.

But even better, MUFE foundations are available in global shades that cater to an inclusive range of skin tones and undertones (which we can all agree should just be the norm, yeah?).

From Ultra HD to Reboot, we love all our MUFE foundation children equally. But how are you meant to know which one will tick all your foundation boxes like coverage, finish and staying power?

Keep scrolling for the difference between these best-selling flawless MAKE UP FOR EVER foundations so you can figure out which one to add to your next Adore order.

The Best MAKE UP FOR EVER Foundation For You.

Which MUFE foundation you'll enjoy most depends on what you look for in a foundation.

Do you want sheer, medium or full coverage? How about the finish, do you prefer dewy foundations or matte foundations, or something in between? Do you want the best MUFE foundation for oily skin, or one that'll suit drier skin types?

Yeah. It's a lot. But that's why we're here.

In order of coverage (from sheerest to full coverage), let's break down each foundation and who it's best for.

1. MAKE UP FOR EVER Watertone Skin-Perfecting Tint Foundation.

MAKE UP FOR EVER Watertone Skin-Perfecting Tint Foundation MAKE UP FOR EVER Watertone Skin-Perfecting Tint Foundation

Fast facts:

  • MAKE UP FOR EVER Watertone Skin-Perfecting Tint Foundation is the brand's newest foundation launch and comes in 23 shades.

  • Has a water-like fluid consistency and feels very light on the skin.

  • Coverage: Sheer but surprisingly pigmented, so you can build up the coverage as needed.

  • Finish: Dries down quite matte for a natural, radiant finish - definitely not dewy or wet look like some other skin tint foundations.

  • Water-based formula is oil-free, water-resistant, sweat-proof, humidity-proof and transfer-proof, and promises up to 24 hours of wear.

  • Suitable for acne-prone and sensitised skin types, too.

You can see this super light foundation in action in the video below.

Best for:

Anyone who wants a matte foundation finish, but with the sheer, radiant coverage of a skin tint!

Apply with the MAKE UP FOR EVER #116 Watertone Foundation Brush for an airbrushed finish, or with a damp sponge like MAKE UP FOR EVER Watertone Foundation Sponge or fingers for a more natural result.

MAKE UP FOR EVER Watertone Skin-Perfecting Tint Foundation MAKE UP FOR EVER Watertone Skin-Perfecting Tint Foundation

I'm wearing Watertone in the selfie above.

Keep in mind the photo was taken towards the end of the day and in direct sunlight a la a beauty influencer, but see how the foundation is glowy, but not too shiny, and still allows freckles and skin texture to shine through?

Matte foundations are often full coverage, and vice versa with sheer to light coverage foundations and dewy finishes.

Hence, the MUFE Watertone Skin Tint is a great, natural-looking option for those with normal to oilier or combination skin types.

2. MAKE UP FOR EVER Reboot Foundation.

Fast facts:

  • MAKE UP FOR EVER Reboot Foundation is a brightening and revitalising foundation for all skin types that comes in 27 shades.

  • Instantly brightens, smooths, firms, hydrates and evens out skin tone.

  • Contains skincare ingredients to improve skin appearance over time.

  • Coverage: Light to medium, but ultra buildable.

  • Finish: Radiant, luminous 'skin-like' finish that's neither matte or dewy.

  • Light, long-lasting formula is easy to apply and comfortable to wear throughout the day.

Best for:

Want a light to medium coverage foundation with a luminous, hydrated finish? Reboot is the product for you. You'll also love it if foundation tends to look patchy or flaky on your dry skin.

You can apply with fingers or a damp sponge, or the MAKE UP FOR EVER Buffing Foundation Brush N112 for a seamless blend.

MUFE reboot foundation before and after MUFE reboot foundation before and after

Meike, our Senior Category Manager for Hair, Makeup and Fragrance, converted from a full coverage base product to Reboot because it still delivers enough coverage to even out any rosacea redness, but with a hydrating, glowy finish.

This foundation won't hold up as strong against the elements like a truly long-wear product would. Rather, it melts further into the skin as the day goes on. This is what makes it the perfect summer base product.

Put simply: MUFE Reboot foundation is what'll make you look like you get enough sleep when you definitely don't.

3. MAKE UP FOR EVER HD Skin Foundation.

Fast facts:

  • MAKE UP FOR EVER HD Skin Foundation is a long-wearing liquid foundation that comes in 40 shades.

  • A new and improved version of the Ultra HD formula that gives a natural and undetectable finish that lasts all day and night.

  • Wears up to 24 hours and won’t cake.

  • Is sweat and water-resistant as well as non-comedogenic.

  • Coverage: Medium to full coverage.

  • Finish: Leaves a true-to-skin finish.

Best for:

Those wanting a flawless finish and a foundation that blurs imperfections and uneven skin tone.

Got a special event and need your makeup to last all day? This is the foundation you’ll want to add to cart.

This is a workable foundation that can be customised to your preferred finish.

For more sheer coverage, you can apply the MAKE UP FOR EVER HD Skin Foundation with fingertips starting at the centre of your face and blending outwards.

For medium coverage apply one pump and build to your desired coverage.

And a pro tip from the brand: To create an even more radiant, glowy finish, mix in a drop of your favourite face oil!

For a more satin-like finish, you can prep the skin with a setting spray or mist first using a damp sponge.

Brilliant!

4. MAKE UP FOR EVER Ultra HD Stick Foundation.

Fast facts:

  • MAKE UP FOR EVER Ultra HD Stick Foundation is a creamier long-wear stick version of the beloved liquid Ultra HD formula.

  • Coverage: Buildable from sheer right through to full coverage.

  • Finish: The same undetectable, skin-like finish as the liquid version.

  • Comes in 18 shades, and the compact stick format makes it ideal for pro makeup artist kits, and to travel with.

Best for:

It's a little bit old school, but this foundation stick tends to be a makeup artist favourite because the formula can provide anything from light to full coverage, but with the same flawless Ultra HD finish.

The stick makes it easy to whip out and glide straight onto the skin, however the texture isn't as malleable as the liquid Ultra HD version, so you'll need to work quickly to blend using a makeup brush or fingers.

MUFE Ultra HD Stick Foundation has a thick yet creamy texture that works well on normal to dry skin types, but can still be set with a translucent powder where needed.

Plus, you can use it to touch up foundation throughout the day or spot conceal blemishes and hyperpigmentation using a small, fine brush. A darker shade can also double as a cream contour.

5. MAKE UP FOR EVER Matte Velvet Skin Liquid Foundation.

Fast facts:

  • MAKE UP FOR EVER Matte Velvet Skin Liquid Foundation comes in 40 shades and is a matte foundation, but not as you know them.

  • It delivers long-wear, waterproof coverage that feels breathable, not dry or cakey like traditional matte foundations.

  • Coverage: Medium to full coverage that looks airbrushed, but not too 'fake'.

  • Finish: Out of all the MUFE foundations, this one gives the most matte, shine-free finish that still adds a silky, velvet look to the skin.

Best for:

This foundation is a winner for anyone with oily skin who wants a truly matte foundation that will diffuse shine throughout the day.

MAKE UP FOR EVER FOUNDATION MAKE UP FOR EVER FOUNDATION

As you can see in the side-by-side photo of Ruchi above, the Matte Velvet Skin formula shuts down more shine (or glow, depending on who you ask!) than the liquid Ultra HD formula.

But crucially, the skin still looks like real skin. No cracking, caking or drying out here.

Like with all of the foundations, you can apply this one with your fingers, a sponge or a brush, however a flat stippling foundation brush will allow you to buff the product into the skin for a seamless result.

Dry skin types might not find this formula hydrating enough unless you prep the skin with a hydrating primer and a good moisturiser, however oily and combination skin types will love the all day shine-free finish.

6. MAKE UP FOR EVER Matte Velvet Skin Blurring Powder Foundation.

Fast facts:

  • MAKE UP FOR EVER Matte Velvet Skin Blurring Powder Foundation is a pressed powder foundation that moves with the skin and doesn’t look chalky. 

  • A water-resistant formula. 

  • Coverage: Offers full coverage that blurs imperfections and minimises shine.

  • Finish: Matte finish that works to deliver a smooth and flawless complexion.

Best for:

Those who tend to get oiler patches or an oily T-zone.

The perfect easy-to-use compact (it comes with a little built-in mirror) to store in your handbag and use for touch ups throughout the day.

The double-sided sponge gives you the ability to customise your coverage

For light coverage you can use the white side of the sponge and for high coverage, the black side of the sponge works best.


Moral of the story: There's a MUFE foundation option out there to suit your skin type, and preferred coverage and finish. Praise be!

To see what these foundations look like in real life and hear what a makeup artist thinks, watch our ultimate guide to MUFE foundations in this comparison YouTube video below.

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