11 Foundations Doctors Love—and Actually Use!

IT Cosmetics CC Cream with SPF 50 ($40)

“I have completely replaced my foundation with the IT Cosmetics CC Cream. I like it for all skin types because it’s a multitasker that offers the best of both worlds: makeup and skin care. It delivers great coverage while also delivering great sun protection (SPF 50).” —Miami dermatologist Annie Gonzalez, MD

ISDIN Eryfotona Ageless Sunscreen ($66)

“I use the ISDIN Sunscreen as my foundation. It has a high SPF and works for both UVA and UVB protection. I love the texture (it’s non-oily) and the subtle tint.” —Duxbury, MA plastic surgeon Christine Hamori, MD

Iridesse Day Brilliance Cream ($112), Tizo Facial Primer Suncreen ($42), SkinMedica Total Defense + Repair SPF 34 ($68), Sisley Phyto-Teint Expert ($140)

“Ahhh, foundation. I don’t wear any, but I do use Iridesse Cream to keep my skin lustrous and healthy. I use a sunscreen instead of a foundation, preferably one from Tizo or SkinMedica, and that is what I tell my patients to use, too. It is quite the reverse of having your foundation as your sunscreen because the protection is different! In the rare event that I use foundation, it is Sisley, but that is no more than a few times per year. I believe making the skin beautiful negates the need for foundation.” — Richmond, VA plastic surgeon Ruth L. Hillelson, MD

Colorescience Sunforgettable Total Protection Face Shield SPF 50 ($39)

“I am not currently wearing foundation daily, but when I do Instagram Lives I get the polished look of foundation without the fuss with Colorescience. — New York dermatologist Heidi Waldorf, MD

MAC Studio Finish SPF 35 Concealer ($24)

“I don’t like the feeling of foundation on my skin. I get a BBL fotofacial laser on my skin to clear up any brown or red spots and then do not need foundation. I do use MAC concealer over any new red spots or pimples that appear on occasion. I love it because it is thick enough to stay where I put it, but the color is natural-looking enough that it just blends right into my skin.” — New York dermatologist Jody Levine, MD

Urban Decay NAKED SKIN Weightless Ultra Definition Liquid Makeup ($40)

“It is lightweight, moisturizing, absorbs nicely (never cakes), and reflects light to make skin look luminous. This is best for normal or dry skin. Oily types should look for a dry or ‘mattifying’ option.” — New York dermatologist Jennifer MacGregor, MD

Dior Diorskin Nude Air Serum SPF 20 ($53)

“It gives me an incredibly natural glow, like I was just blessed with beautiful skin (which I am not!). Because it has hyper-oxygenated technology, the skin can breathe and not cause breakouts. I also really like that it doesn’t contain talc, which can be pore-clogging.” — Manhattan Beach, CA, dermatologist Annie Chiu, MD

Giorgio Armani Luminous Silk Foundation ($64)

“I love it because it’s breathable, but still gives full coverage. I also love the silky texture. It hydrates my skin without clogging pores.” — New York dermatologist Whitney Bowe, MD

Colorescience Pressed Mineral Foundation Compact ($55)

“It’s a fine zinc powder that gives beautiful coverage and excellent sun protection. Also, zinc has anti-inflammatory properties, so it works to help reduce inflammation from my rosacea.” — Chevy Chase, MD, dermatologist Elizabeth Tanzi, MD

NeoStrata Exuviance Skin Caring Foundation SPF 20 ($40)

“For years, I have had a problem with minor breakouts. I love this product because it’s oil free and SPF 15, and has great staying power, a matte finish, good color matching, and a very reasonable price.  It also contains polyhydroxy acids, which help your acne, and has anti-aging benefits.” — Beverly Hills, CA, dermatologist Rhonda Rand, MD