Every Single Clinique Foundation, Tested and Reviewed by a Beauty Editor
Clinique is the unsung hero we're missing out on.
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I never envisioned having a Clinique foundation in my makeup bag – well, at least before the age of 40. I know, stereotypical or what, but I’m sure many agree that Clinique is a brand you’d likely find when rummaging through your mom’s makeup bag. Well, here’s one beauty journalist willing to admit that she was wrong—and if you’re like me (hey foundation-obsessed girlie), I guarantee introducing a Clinique foundation into your routine will be one of the best beauty moves you’ll make.
For the past month, I’ve been testing the brand’s collection of foundations, and each one now has a permanent spot in my makeup bag. There’s a formula to suit everyone, whether you prefer full-coverage foundation, dewy foundation, or a barely-there skin tint. But the common denominator is that each one contains skin-loving ingredients—I'm talking vitamin C, vitamin E, and hyaluronic acid—so during my testing, I found that each formula felt incredibly lightweight, like you’re wearing your favorite skincare products and not makeup! Each foundation, whether a matte or radiant formula, was so easy to blend and kept my skin feeling plump and hydrated for as long as I was wearing it.
Keep reading for my full review on each of the best Clinique foundations to add to your makeup bag, pronto.
If you prefer the feeling of lightweight tints but want more coverage, Even Better Clinical Vitamin Makeup is for you. Merging skincare and makeup, it’s packed with vitamin C, B3, and E, so it keeps my skin feeling plump and hydrated for as long as I wear it–which is an essential now that the summer is slowly creeping closer, finally!
As for the finish, it layers on more coverage compared to the Sheertint (pls read below) but it lends a very similar, fresh-faced and radiant glow. It’s not overly dewy, but makes my skin look more unified, polished, and brighter–kudos to you, vitamin C.
The lasting power is impressive too, which TBH, surprised me. When a foundation is *this* weightless and silky, I expect it to gently fade throughout the day, but this bb lasted for hours.
Key Specifications:
| Shade range: | 26 |
| Coverage: | Light-medium |
| Finish: | Satin |
Clare wearing the Clinique Even Better Vitamin Makeup
On first dollop, I instantly fell in love with the Moisture Surge Sheertint Hydrator. I mean, it’s Bella Hadid’s favorite for a reason!
It has a hydrating, gel-like texture that feels super lightweight and breathable. So much so that I forgot I was wearing makeup. The finish is what keeps me hooked. It’s not super dewy, but it lends a natural veil of coverage that looks like my skin, only smoother and without the acne scarring (whoops).
One layer has enough oomph to softly knock back redness or pigmentation, but you will need a concealer to cover blemishes as it doesn’t build in terms of coverage.
It doesn’t feel sticky, nor does it turn my oily zones greasy, and it lasts surprisingly long without fading, which I found surprising considering it feels very hydrating to wear.
Key Specifications:
| Shade range: | 5 |
| Coverage: | Light |
| Finish: | Radiant |
Clare wearing the Moisture Surge Sheertint Hydrator
It's been a while since I was genuinely excited about a foundation, so much so that I feel the need to tell everyone about it. Yes, this is a true story and it’s about the Clinique Even Better Makeup SPF15. I’ve been wearing this formula for the past week and the compliments I’ve had... I would be a very rich lady if I was given a penny for each, or however the saying goes.
The finish is *stunning* – very natural, yet lends a healthy radiance. And the coverage is perfect for everyday, covering a small pimple or blotchy area, but giving the illusion you aren’t wearing makeup at all. I’m talking flawless and glossy.
It’s also a dream to apply as the fluid sinks into the skin with a beauty sponge. I just find I need a light wash of powder on top to keep it set in place throughout the day.
Key Specifications:
| Shade range: | 39 |
| Coverage: | Medium, buildable |
| Finish: | Natural |
Clare wearing the Even Better Makeup SPF15
The Even Better Clinical Serum Foundation has the most coverage out of all the Clinique foundations but it still feels as weightless and hydrating as some of my fave skin tints. Being a serum foundation it ticks both the makeup and skincare box as it delivers flawless, full coverage while ingredients like hyaluronic acid and vitamin C hydrate the skin while you wear it.
The finish is described as satin-matte by the brand, and I fully agree. It’s not fully matte, nor does it give dewy, glossy skin, but it sits in the middle, making it a great work or evening option.
Key Specifications:
| Shade range: | 42 |
| Coverage: | Full |
| Finish: | Soft-matte |
Clare wearing the Even Better Clinical Serum Foundation
If you’re into natural finishes, this foundation will be right up your street. It’s probably the most no-makeup makeup formula I’ve tried, not in the sense that it gives you dewy, hydrated skin, but that it mimics your natural skin only more unified.
The formula is very hydrating and feels comfortable to wear, but it also reduces shine in the right places and gives your complexion a naturally airbrushed result. My only gripe is that it doesn’t come with a pump so I found I was having to scoop excess product back into the bottle. But for the soft-focus finish and medium coverage, I’m willing to overlook that.
Key Specifications:
| Shade range: | 16 |
| Coverage: | Medium |
| Finish: | Natural |
Clare wearing the Superbalanced Makeup foundation
How I Tested The Clinique Foundations
I’ve tested *so* many foundations in my three years as a beauty writer—and luckily for you, there’s nothing I love more than recommending the best ones I’ve tried.
When reviewing Clinique, I tested each formula for ease of use, finish, lasting power, and coverage. I wore each formula for multiple days, seeing how it wore through a sweaty commute to work or a sunny summer holiday. These are the ones that stood out on top.
Clare Stephenson is the Senior Fashion and Beauty E-commerce Writer for Cosmopolitan, ELLE and Harper’s Bazaar. She has been an e-commerce writer since 2022, creating matter-of-fact reviews and shopping pages filled with her favourite products for every budget and need – whether that’s a glow-giving foundation, a high-tech LED face mask or the perfect wear-with-everything blazer.
Alongside writing, Clare loves to be in front of the camera creating shopping content, putting viral products to the test to see which ones are truly worth the hype. Through her work, she has interviewed leading dermatologists, makeup artists and industry experts to bring readers trusted advice and product recommendations.
Clare has contributed to titles across the Hearst UK portfolio, including Women’s Health, Good Housekeeping, Red and Prima. Prior to joining Hearst, she earned a BA in Multimedia Journalism from Bournemouth University, focusing her studies on magazines and editorial. She later worked as an editorial assistant at Voir Fashion Magazine, covering events including Fashion Week and interviewing notable brand founders.
Outside of work? You can find Clare strolling through London’s Columbia Road Market, pouring her fourth coffee of the day or heading to a Pilates class.
Follow Clare on Instagram @clarefrancesstephenson.
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