10 Reviews: Best Foundation Not Cakey (Mar 2024)

These best transfer-proof foundations will stay put all day so you can say goodbye to cakey complexion!

A. Wahyu by A. Wahyu · updated on · price $9.99 - $56.00 · 649 views · 10 visitors liked products on this page

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Comparison Table

Let's jump into the specs!
Product Image
1
10 Reviews: Best Foundation Not Cakey (Mar  2024): As light as air
Maybelline New York
2
10 Reviews: Best Foundation Not Cakey (Mar  2024): Long-lasting pick
Black Opal
3
10 Reviews: Best Foundation Not Cakey (Mar  2024): Mess-free applicator
Rare Beauty
4
10 Reviews: Best Foundation Not Cakey (Mar  2024): For soft, matte finish
Too Faced
5
10 Reviews: Best Foundation Not Cakey (Mar  2024): Best for hot days
Fenty Beauty
6
10 Reviews: Best Foundation Not Cakey (Mar  2024): No-flashback formula
KVD Beauty
7
10 Reviews: Best Foundation Not Cakey (Mar  2024): Like a second skin
Make Up For Ever
8
10 Reviews: Best Foundation Not Cakey (Mar  2024): No more touch-ups
Estee Lauder
9
10 Reviews: Best Foundation Not Cakey (Mar  2024): For skin protection
Yves Saint Laurent
10
10 Reviews: Best Foundation Not Cakey (Mar  2024): Like never break out
Hourglass
Product Name Super Stay True Color Liquid Touch Weightless Foundation Peach Perfect Pro Filt’r Soft Matte Lock-It Ultra HD Double Wear All Hours Foundation Immaculate®
4 0 3 1 1 0 0 1 0 0
Features As light as air Long-lasting pick Mess-free applicator For soft, matte finish Best for hot days No-flashback formula Like a second skin No more touch-ups For skin protection Like never break out
Format Liquid Stick Liquid Liquid Liquid Liquid Liquid Liquid Liquid Liquid
Skin Type All Normal to dry Normal, combination Normal, combination, oily Normal, combination, oily All Normal, dry, combination, oily All Normal, dry, combination, oily Combination, oily
Color 29 options 26 options 48 options 7 options 50 options 26 options 50 options 56 options 39 options 22 options
Coverage Full Full Medium Medium Full Full Medium Medium to full Full Full
Finish Matte Matte Natural Matte Matte Matte Natural Natural, matte Matte Matte
price $9.99 $13.28 $29.00 $36.00 $36.00 $38.00 $43.00 $43.00 $54.00 $56.00
Buy at view product on Maybelline view product on Amazon view product on eBay view product on Black Opal view product on Amazon view product on eBay view product on Rare Beauty view product on Sephora view product on Amazon view product on eBay view product on Sephora view product on Amazon view product on eBay view product on Fenty Beauty view product on Sephora view product on Amazon view product on eBay view product on KVD Beauty view product on Sephora view product on Amazon view product on eBay view product on Make Up For Ever view product on Sephora view product on Amazon view product on eBay view product on Estée Lauder view product on Ulta view product on Amazon view product on eBay view product on Yves Saint Laurent view product on Sephora view product on Amazon view product on eBay view product on Hourglass view product on Sephora view product on Amazon view product on eBay

Do you find that no matter what products you use, your makeup looks cakey? Feeling uneasy about passionately hugging your loved ones because you’re afraid the foundation will stain their white shirt? Don’t worry! You’ve come to the right place. We’ve compiled a list of the top ten transfer-resistant, anti-cakey foundations. They give long-lasting coverage that keeps your face looking fresh all day and won’t rub off on whatever your skin comes into touch with. Continue reading!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Just in case you wonder...

Why does my foundation oxidize?

You should know that there are several causes why your foundation oxidizes. A number of the ingredients in your foundation could be reacting with the air, the oils on your skin, or other cosmetic products that you are wearing at the time of the reaction. The PH level of your skin also has an effect on your foundation.

Is SPF makeup as effective as sunscreen?

Technically, the SPF in your foundation is the same as that in your favorite sunscreen, and it can therefore help protect your skin from UV damage. However, the American Academy of Dermatology suggests reapplying SPF every two hours while out in the sun to guarantee optimum protection. Consider this: do you reapply your foundation every two hours?

How to keep using makeup without damaging the skin?

1. Take your time while picking your makeup.
2. Using a gentle cleanser, wash your face twice a day, as well as after you have finished any activity that causes you to sweat.
3. Before going to bed, take off all of your makeup, including your eye makeup.
4. Apply makeup gently.
5. Make sure you clean your makeup brushes at least once a week and that you are the only one who uses them.

How do you keep your foundation from settling into wrinkles?

You can simply use a damp makeup sponge to remove any excess foundation that has accumulated in your pores and lines. If you have blemishes, avoid using too much foundation in the hopes of concealing them since this can just aggravate them worse. You can also apply the makeup using a brush if you want. 

10 Reviews: Best Foundation Not Cakey (Mar 2024)

Here are the best foundation not cakey
Maybelline New York Super Stay - Best Foundation Not Cakey: As light as air
https://www.amazon.com/

1.
Maybelline New York
Super Stay

As light as air

4  visitors like this
price from
$9.99
Our opinion:

The Maybelline New York Super Stay Foundation is here! This foundation is oil-free and provides natural-looking coverage. The formula is on the thicker side, so it takes some mixing, but once applied, it feels as light as air. The transfer-free formula guarantees up to 30 hours of use, so you can be certain that it will get you through the day and night without smudging into your clothing.

Promising review:

Tik Tok made me buy this and I am glad I did. It covers well without the cakey mess. The texture is smooth and the color perfect. Don't need alot to cover a lot ! (Did I say that right? ha ) I really hate when Tik Tok forces me to buy something but as least this time it worked out in my favor ! ! ! !

by Susan Anne

Format Liquid
Skin Type All
Color 29 options
Coverage Full
Finish Matte
Black Opal True Color - Best Foundation Not Cakey: Long-lasting pick
https://www.amazon.com/

2.
Black Opal
True Color

Long-lasting pick

price from
$13.28
Our opinion:

To get a long-lasting foundation, you don’t have to pay the equivalent of six Starbucks Iced Caffè Lattes. This under $15 discovery from Blk/Opl is evidence. The stick formula dries to a silky finish that isn’t heavy and won’t go all over your phone screen. Blk/Shade Opl’s ID technology assures you’ll select the correct shade for your skin tone, and it includes vitamin C and vitamin E to nourish and protect the skin. 

Promising review:

I love this foundation. As someone with texture skin/acne issues I love the way it looks on my skin. It has amazing coverage but doesn’t look cakey. (And doesn't oxide /change undertones…in my opinion)

by Katrina

Format Stick
Skin Type Normal to dry
Color 26 options
Coverage Full
Finish Matte
Rare Beauty Liquid Touch Weightless Foundation - Best Foundation Not Cakey: Mess-free applicator
https://www.sephora.com/

3.
Rare Beauty
Liquid Touch Weightless Foundation

Mess-free applicator

3  visitors like this
price from
$29.00
Our opinion:

Never, ever, ever underestimate Selena Gomez’s new makeup line. There’s a lot to like about it, but one of the best is this foundation. It’s a weightless serum formula that feels like nothing on your face, and although it doesn’t provide much coverage at first, it can easily be built up to cover my acne scars without looking cakey. Additionally, the mess-free, doe-foot applicator allows you to apply one dot at a time.

Promising review:

I loved this foundation it is so light weight and feels great. I was wearing a too faced foundation and I was starting to look so Cakey. I decided to give this a try and I loved it. It blends so well with the Rare liquid foundation brush.

by agui541

Format Liquid
Skin Type Normal, combination
Color 48 options
Coverage Medium
Finish Natural
Too Faced Peach Perfect  - Best Foundation Not Cakey: For soft, matte finish
https://www.sephora.com/

4.
Too Faced
Peach Perfect

For soft, matte finish

1  visitors like this
price from
$36.00
Our opinion:

Sephora’s over 3500 five-star ratings don’t lie. This medium-coverage matte foundation is one of the most long-wearing, transfer-resistant formulations available. It produces a perfect, soft, matte finish that is never cakey or mask-like. It helps regulate oil without feeling heavy, according to reviewers, and it lasts all day. Furthermore, this product is also cruelty-free and gluten-free. What’s not to like, anyway?

Promising review:

My favorite foundation! It lasts all day, gives me great coverage and never looks cakey!

by cmaree92

Format Liquid
Skin Type Normal, combination, oily
Color 7 options
Coverage Medium
Finish Matte
Fenty Beauty Pro Filt’r Soft Matte  - Best Foundation Not Cakey: Best for hot days
https://www.sephora.com/

5.
Fenty Beauty
Pro Filt’r Soft Matte

Best for hot days

1  visitors like this
price from
$36.00
Our opinion:

Rihanna’s release of the Fenty Cosmetic Pro Filt’r Soft Matte Longwear Foundation opened the road for beauty businesses to become more inclusive of all skin tones. It also has a fantastic formula that is never cakey and prevents any shine from coming through. Simply dab this mixture across your face and smooth it out with your favorite foundation brush. It’s also resistant to humidity and perspiration, making it excellent for hot days.

Promising review:

All time favorite,I just love it ..does not leave my skin cakey,blends into skin so well

by romanaah

Format Liquid
Skin Type Normal, combination, oily
Color 50 options
Coverage Full
Finish Matte
KVD Beauty Lock-It  - Best Foundation Not Cakey: No-flashback formula
https://www.sephora.com/

6.
KVD Beauty
Lock-It

No-flashback formula

price from
$38.00
Our opinion:

For medium-to-full coverage, just a teeny-tiny drop of this foundation is needed. Once applied, you can be confident that it will remain in place until it’s time to wash your face at the end of the day. The no-flashback formula immediately conceals anything from blemishes to tattoos and comes in a variety of meticulously formulated shades to complement a variety of skin tones and undertones. Superb!

Promising review:

Im in love! My official go to. Covers everything so well and if you apply correctly it does not make you cakey at all. Buy a good brush and applying it will be 10x better. Im so stokes for this purchase!

by tsaric

Format Liquid
Skin Type All
Color 26 options
Coverage Full
Finish Matte
Make Up For Ever Ultra HD - Best Foundation Not Cakey: Like a second skin
https://www.sephora.com/

7.
Make Up For Ever
Ultra HD

Like a second skin

price from
$43.00
Our opinion:

This Make Up For Ever Ultra HD Invisible Cover Foundation is a ride-or-die foundation for the ages. This iconic liquid foundation feels like a second skin on your face, softly blurring out blemishes like an Instagram filter in real life. As a result, you’ll have a natural finish that won’t transfer to your shirt collar. It doesn’t hurt that it comes in 50 different shades. It’s no surprise that it’s consistently ranked as one of the top liquid foundations.

Promising review:

This is my favorite foundation, I switched for awhile but always come back to this foundation. It gives me a smooth look that isn’t cakey and stays all day. And in the south you want a foundation that is going to last through this humidity!

by leahd33

Format Liquid
Skin Type Normal, dry, combination, oily
Color 50 options
Coverage Medium
Finish Natural
Estee Lauder Double Wear  - Best Foundation Not Cakey: No more touch-ups
https://www.ulta.com/

8.
Estee Lauder
Double Wear

No more touch-ups

1  visitors like this
price from
$43.00
Our opinion:

All-day coverage? Yes. A wide selection of shades? Yes. Is the matte formula oil-free? Absolutely. You’ll really like a matte finish, which is natural and creates an even complexion that blends seamlessly. Estée Lauder’s Double Wear Makeup is a new matte foundation that will keep you looking beautiful no matter what. It’s so light and comfy that you won’t think it’s been worn for so long. There is no need for touch-ups.

Promising review:

I apply in the morning with a damp sponge (sometimes over primer) and set with a light dusting of Double Wear Powder Foundation. I use satin pillowcases and have fallen asleep with my makeup on and woken up with barely, if any, transfer.

by Red 'til I'm Dead

Format Liquid
Skin Type All
Color 56 options
Coverage Medium to full
Finish Natural, matte
Yves Saint Laurent All Hours Foundation - Best Foundation Not Cakey: For skin protection
https://www.sephora.com/

9.
Yves Saint Laurent
All Hours Foundation

For skin protection

price from
$54.00
Our opinion:

Is it possible for a foundation to be alluring? If it’s from YSL, then yes. The creamy, light product is a delight to apply, and it also includes SPF 20 and black tea for skin protection. This selection immediately blurs pores and fine lines for all-day perfect wear that appears freshly applied. It is manufactured in France with the highest quality pigments and ingredients that respect and care for the skin while providing the ideal natural matte finish.

Promising review:

My favorite foundation!! I struggled with finding a foundation that did not break out my extremely acne prone skin, and this one did not!! It covers everything very well without looking cakey, however it may oxidize the slightest bit.

by emilykvalvaag

Format Liquid
Skin Type Normal, dry, combination, oily
Color 39 options
Coverage Full
Finish Matte
Hourglass Immaculate® - Best Foundation Not Cakey: Like never break out
https://www.sephora.com/

10.
Hourglass
Immaculate®

Like never break out

price from
$56.00
Our opinion:

This oil-free foundation will make it seem as if you never break out. It’s made from cashmere kaolinite clay and rapidly changes from liquid to powder, resulting in an all-day finish that conceals flaws in a natural-looking way. This foundation is also devoid of mineral oil, parabens, phthalates, and triclosan, and contains less than 1% synthetic fragrance. This product is also cruelty-free, vegan, and gluten-free.

Promising review:

I absolutely love this foundation! Gives my skin a perfect airbrushed look and stays that way all day without settling into fine lines or looking cakey. [...]

by kristievv

Format Liquid
Skin Type Combination, oily
Color 22 options
Coverage Full
Finish Matte

Conclusion

You’ll never have to worry about irritating those annoying spots again if you choose one of the skin-friendly foundations from the list above. Instead, you can flaunt flawless makeup that makes pores, pimples, and zits completely invisible on your face.

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