Get the best foundation in Malaysia for your make up routine! Good makeup foundation creates an even base by covering skin discoloration, pigmentation, blemishes, etc.
However, the huge variety of foundation available (e.g., liquid, powder/ cushion, cream, etc) and with different levels of coverage too, can make selecting the right one for your skin type a tedious process.
We have narrowed the selection drastically with our reviews and recommendations on the best foundations below! Including drugstore foundations!
13 Best Makeup Foundations In Malaysia 2023
If you’re looking for the best foundation with SPF, many of these options (especially the cushion foundations) do have SPF.
- Best Foundation In Watsons – Maybelline Fit Me Matte + Poreless Liquid Foundation
- Best Foundation For Oily Skin – Maybelline Fit Me Skin-Fit Powder Foundation
- Best Liquid Foundation For Dry Skin – L’Oreal Paris True Match Liquid Foundation SPF16
- Best Cushion Foundation For Dry Skin – CLIO Kill Cover Glow Cushion
- Best Foundation For Normal Skin – Romand Zero Cushion
- Best Foundation For Combination Skin – LANEIGE NEO Cushion Glow or KATE Powdery Skin Maker
- Best Foundation For Sensitive Skin – Clinique Even Better Makeup SPF 15/PA++
- Best Foundation For Fair Skin Tones – LANEIGE NEO Cushion Matte
- Best Foundation For Dark Skin Tones – L’Oreal Paris True Match Liquid Foundation SPF16
- Best Long Wear Foundation – L’Oreal Paris Infallible 24H Fresh Wear Foundation
- Best Foundation For Mature Skin – Age 20’s Signature Foundation Cushion Double Cover
- Best Cushion Foundation For Natural Finish – Jungsaemmool Essential Skin Nuder Long Wear Cushion
Sponsored product:
1. Y.O.U Noutriwear+ Velvet Liquid Foundation (SPF 25 PA+++)
Y.O.U Noutriwear+ Velvet Liquid Foundation is a skin-care infused foundation that offers long lasting (24 hour) full coverage although it can also look minimal.
Litestay™️ technology in the formula incorporates Filmexel®, a natural biopolymer that acts as a protective barrier on the skin. It helps makeup stay on longer too.
The foundation is also formulated with Immortelle C-lock essence works against free radicals and encourages collagen protection to maintain youthful looking skin.
At the same time, soft light-diffusing powder disguises skin imperfections (e.g., redness, blemishes, fine lines, etc) on the surface. While keeping excess oil at bay. The result is a true silky matte texture that doesn’t feel dry on the skin.
Note: The texture is slightly creamy, so remember not to pump out too much when applying, just one pump is enough to cover the whole face.
Lastly, there is centella asiatica extract for calming inflammation, soothing and repairing the skin.
Therefore, Y.O.U NoutriWear+ Velvet Liquid Foundation really serves as both nourishing wear and makeup (“beauty wear”). And there are 4 different shades (warm ivory, pink nude, yellow beige, and sand beige) you can choose from.
- Type: Liquid
- Coverage: Full
- Finish: Silky Matte
- Sun Protection: SPF25 PA+++
- Size: 20ml
- Price: RM45.9
Pros:
- Dermatologically tested
- Alcohol, mineral oil, and paraben free
- Comfortable lightweight foundation with light to moderate coverage
- Long lasting
- Doubles as skin care
- With UVA and UVB protection
- Not drying
- Don’t have to use a lot per application
- Reasonably priced
- Smells nice
Cons:
- No dark shades available
2. Clinique Even Better Makeup SPF 15/PA++
Clinique Even Better Makeup SPF 15/PA++ handles the Malaysian climate well. It looks very natural and is able to cover acne scars (medium coverage).
But if your skin is prone to getting oily, this foundation might not be for you. As skin does tend to look dewy after a few hours of wearing it. So it suits dry to normal skin types better.
Primer will help with its performance.
The fact that it has SPF is a bonus! It also does not transfer or oxidize.
If you have sensitive skin, you can give the Clinique Even Better Makeup SPF 15/PA++ a shot if you’re looking for a daily foundation with light to medium coverage!
- Type: n/a
- Coverage: Light-Medium
- Finish: Natural
- Sun Protection: SPF 15/PA ++
- Size: 30ml
- Price: ~RM160
Pros:
- Sensitive skin types can try this
- Alcohol free
- Medium coverage (can cover acne scars)
- Does not crease
- Blends easily
- With SPF
- Looks natural and dewy
Cons:
- With silicones
- Costly
- Not many dark shades
- Not cruelty free
3. L’Oreal Paris True Match Liquid Foundation SPF16
On the hand, the L’Oreal Paris True Match Liquid Foundation SPF16 swatches are impressively close. Medium skin tones should be able to find their shade.
The swatch ranges includes one of the darkest shades available in Malaysian drugstores. Do go easy with application if you have a darker skin tone.
However, light shades are lacking.
Note that the foundation shade can to be slightly different once on the face. There are tips on how to choose your best shade on the official site.
Some prefer the L’Oreal Paris True Match Liquid Foundation SPF16 over the L’Oreal Paris Infallible 24H Fresh Wear Foundation as the best foundation in Malaysia, especially if your skin is very dry!
The watery formula feels lightweight and is suitable for dry skin with ingredients like panthenol, butylene glycol, glycerin and vitamin E.
It also makes dry skin look more dewy. Oily skin on the other hand, doesn’t do as well with the formula. There are specks of mica in it for a bit of shine too.
And as far as coverage goes, pores and dark spots will look less visible (exception: large pores). But blemishes and pimples (and some scars) aren’t completely covered.
- Type: Gel
- Coverage: Light-Medium
- Finish: Natural
- Sun Protection: SPF 16
- Size: 30ml
- Price: ~RM46.9
Pros:
- With UV protection (titanium dioxide)
- Alcohol and sulfate free
- Feels light on the skin and not sticky
- Does not appear cakey
- Easy to apply and build coverage
- Gives skin a subtle sheen (dewy natural look)
- Moisturizing
- Good lasting power (~8hours) together with primer and setting powder
- Non comedogenic formula
- No high-risk ingredients according to Incidecoder
Cons:
- With mica (controversial ingredient)
- Formula contains silicones
- Not compatible for oily skin
- Medium coverage at most
- Some don’t like the runny consistency
- Not easy to pick the exact shade
- Does not look good with large pores
- Less shades for light skintones
- Can look patchy after long wear
- Not cruelty free
4. RIMMEL Match Perfection Foundation
Coverage is low with the RIMMEL Match Perfection Foundation but it’s comfortable to wear on a daily basis, gives a natural glow to your skin, and blends well! The formula has SPF 20 protection too.
You can build it up since it doesn’t get cakey but many find that the coverage is still not enough. With powder, it lasts pretty long too.
Dry skin types are fond of the moisturizing formula because it does not emphasize dry patches. Although if you have very dry skin, you may still need to slap on some moisturizer first!
On oily skin types however, it will look greasy after a few hours.
Lastly, the smell is very appealing! Almost like a body lotion. Because of the fragrance it contains, sensitive skin types will want to be wary of using this foundation!
- Type: Liquid
- Coverage: Sheer
- Finish: Natural Glow Powder Finish
- Sun Protection: SPF 20
- Size: 30ml
- Price: ~RM30
Pros:
- No parabens, sulfates or alcohol
- UV protection
- Smells nice
- Moisturizing formula that is compatible with dry skin types
- Lightweight
- Gives natural glow to skin
- Blends well
- Affordable
Cons:
- Ethylhexyl methoxycinnamate present – not for sensitive skin
- 66% ingredient safety rating on SkinCarisma
- Sensitive skin types should stay away (limonene, linalool, unspecified fragrance, citronellol, etc)
- Contains denatured alcohol
- With silicones
- Sheer coverage – can’t cover spots
- Limited shades – only for pink and yellow undertones
- Not cruelty free
5. CLIO Kill Cover Glow Cushion
Now here’s a cushion foundation that will work with dry skin types! The CLIO Kill Cover Glow Cushion has exceptional coverage for a cushion foundation too. 1 layer will hide blemishes and red spots.
The included puff is good enough to achieve the effect of blurred pores.
It looks natural and if you’re after a glowy finish (without overdoing it), this is it! Dry skin or mature skin looks less dull with this foundation! Fine lines will not be more obvious too.
In contrast, other cushion foundations (like the Jungsaemmool Essential Skin Nuder Long Wear Cushion), only make dry skin look worse. Of course if you have flaky patches, those will still be noticeable.
For oily skin types though, this foundation feels a little greasy and tends to melt off. Transfer is also a real problem with the CLIO Kill Cover Glow Cushion unless you use setting powder on top:
It can get on your clothes, mask, bedding, etc. With setting powder, longevity is decent.
Shades are also very limited for dark skin tones. Most of the shades gear towards fair skin tones. But they do not oxidize.
- Type: Cushion
- Coverage: Full
- Finish: Natural Glow
- Sun Protection: SPF50+ PA++++
- Size: 15g
- Price: ~RM105
Pros:
- With UV protection (both physical and chemical ingredients)
- Without parabens, alcohol or sulfates
- With anti-aging ingredients like adenosine, niacinamide and vitamin E
- Moisturizing enough for dry skin types
- Glowy finish that looks natural
- Great coverage that does not accentuate fine lines
- Packaging looks expensive
- Cushion puff is actually good
- Smells nice
Cons:
- Some comedogenic ingredients (stearic acid, myristic acid, and palmitic acid)
- Chemical sunscreen ingredient may irritate sensitive skin (ethylhexyl methoxycinnamate)
- Average longevity (transfers easily without setting powder)
- Only for fairer skin tones
- Dry patches of skin still noticeable
- Feels oily on oily skin types and not as long lasting
6. Age 20’s Signature Foundation Cushion Double Cover
Age 20’s Signature Foundation Cushion Double Cover has the ability to hide freckles, redness, and dark pigmentation!
It works even better together with a color correcting primer. But it cannot cover acne scars. Building the coverage with a brush is advisable rather than using the included pad
Most notably, it will not bring out your fine lines! Besides that, it has a very high SPF rating. And it doesn’t just have good coverage, but will make it until the end of the day too. Without being sticky or oily!
Dry skin types find it moisturizing too. Thus, these reasons make it our top pick for the best foundation for mature skin! The finish is very natural.
The compromise is that this is also a very expensive foundation with a narrow shade range that only suits fairer skin tones!
- Type: Cushion
- Coverage: Medium
- Finish: Natural
- Sun Protection: SPF50+ PA++++
- Size: 30ml
- Price: ~RM112
Pros:
- Convenient for on-the-go use
- Evens out the skin tone
- Comfortable on the skin
- Lasts long
- Doesn’t dry out the skin
- Smells pleasant
- Buildable coverage
- Not cakey, looks natural
Cons:
- Only in fair shades
- Expensive
7. Romand Zero Cushion
Not for those who desire a glow or dewy finish, the Romand Zero Cushion looks more satin on the skin (compared to the Moonshot cushion foundation).
Coverage is good (e.g. pores not visible) even with 1 layer but still natural. And it will not oxidize or crease as the day progresses. It tolerates sweat and oil pretty well too.
For application, it’s quite thick with a smooth consistency. But it still feels light on the skin. You don’t need to use a lot. Some smudging can happen if you don’t powder it after.
You may also want to use a beauty blender rather than the cushion in the compact since the product it soaks up doesn’t transfer evenly to the skin.
Because it’s in a compact form, you can bring it with you for touch ups on the go! If you need to look perfect on camera, the Romand Zero Cushion is a good choice for a cushion foundation!
However for daily use, it doesn’t look as natural as other foundations on this list! A heavy hand or dry skin can result in a cakey texture easily. For dry skin types, be sure to use moisturizer first!
Color 21 is neutral while color 23 has a pink undertone. Although medium and darker skin tones will be disappointed with the lack of shades.
- Type: Cushion
- Coverage: Medium-Full
- Finish: Semi-matte
- Sun Protection: n/a
- Size: 14g
- Price: ~RM61
Pros:
- Sulfate, alcohol and paraben free
- Titanium dioxide
- Adenosine
- 88% ingredient safety rating on Skin Carisma
- Satin, semi matte finish
- Don’t need to use a lot
- Great buildable coverage
- Long lasting
- Feels light
- Smells nice
- Looks good in photos
- Portable
Cons:
- Fragrance and citronellol may irritate sensitive skin
- With silicones
- Stearic acid in formula – not for oily skin
- Limited shades
- Thick consistency is not easy to blend with the included sponge applicator
- Cakey on dry skin
8. LANEIGE NEO Cushion Matte
For a no-makeup look, the LANEIGE NEO Cushion Matte works with acceptable coverage – enough to cover pores.
If you have combination skin, it does have some mattifying properties. The final finish is more velvet than matte. This foundation doesn’t seem to dry out the skin either. And it’s not sticky.
But while the coverage holds on, the finish progressively gets less matte (especially on the T-zone) throughout the day. In fact, it gets greasy quick in humid weather.
Luckily, reapplication on-the-go is easy. Just don’t overdo it or you’ll get a cakey look. Expect to reapply at least twice in a span of 8 hours.
If you’re in a cool environment, it should hold up better. So it’s suitable for daily use at the office, with little risk of transfer.
LANEIGE NEO Cushion Matte also contains ethylhexyl methoxycinnamate, zinc oxide, titanium dioxide – a combination of chemical and physical sunscreen ingredients.
If you have sensitive skin, you should take note of ethylhexyl methoxycinnamate. There is fragrance with this foundation too, though subtle.
Getting the right shade is not straightforward. You may want to go to Sephora and try out the product to find your match! If you have tan skin, there may be some whitecast with this foundation.
On the whole, the LANEIGE NEO Cushion Matte is suitable for those on the lighter side of the shade spectrum.
And it is one of the best makeup foundation in Malaysia that works for most skin types (except for very oily or sensitive skin types).
- Type: Cushion
- Coverage: Medium
- Finish: Velvet Matte
- Sun Protection: SPF42 PA++
- Size: 15g
- Price: ~RM89
Pros:
- Titanium dioxide is the second top ingredient (sun protection)
- Natural-looking matte finish
- Easy to reapply
- Little to no transfer
- Up to medium coverage
- Comes with a refill
- Not drying
- Stylish compact
- Not sticky
Cons:
- Gets oily fast in humid weather
- With unspecified fragrance – and citronellol and limonene may irritate sensitive skin
- With silicones
- Some don’t like the smell
- Whitecast on darker skintones
- Cakey if you use too much
- Not full coverage
- Not cruelty free
9. Jungsaemmool Essential Skin Nuder Long Wear Cushion
A look at the ingredient list for the Jungsaemmool Essential Skin Nuder Long Wear Cushion reveals some skin-friendly ingredients with anti-aging properties, like niacinamide and adesonine.
And while we appreciate their inclusion (e.g., added sun protection), there are some ingredients like ethylhexyl methoxycinnamate (chemical sunscreen) that are not advisable for sensitive skin.
In addition, if you are prone to breakouts and fungal acne, there are comedogenic ingredients (like stearic acid and safflower seed oil) to be wary off!
The foundation itself is lightweight but you will still be able to feel it on your skin. The foundation offers light to medium coverage.
Fair Light has red undertones that suit Caucasian skin tones. However, the Light shade seems to suit Asian skins with yellow undertones.
Results are not as consistent based on what we found from best foundation reviews in Malaysia.
Sometimes, it looks cakey. But if you blend it right, it looks very natural! Although up close, breakouts can still be visible.
And despite its sheer coverage, subtle glow, and long-lasting performance, this foundation has its weakness. It doesn’t look good on dry skin. Dry patches actually look more obvious!
Inconsistent results leads us to conclude that the Jungsaemmool Essential Skin Nuder Long Wear Cushion is not for makeup beginners. Or those with dry skin, sensitive skin, or acne-prone skin.
However, oily skin types will like that the Jungsaemmool Essential Skin Nuder Long Wear Cushion doesn’t feel greasy.
And in the hands of someone more experienced, you can achieve a really beautiful natural-looking glow with the Jungsaemmool Essential Skin Nuder Long Wear Cushion!
- Type: Cushion
- Coverage: Light-Medium
- Finish: Natural glow
- Sun Protection: SPF 50
- Size: 14g
- Price: ~RM70-100
Pros:
- Paraben, sulfate, alcohol free
- With sun protection
- With beneficial ingredients – niacinamide, adenosine, ceramide, panthenol
- Natural radiant finish that is not too glowy for daily use
- Long wear
- Up to medium coverage
- Blends well on oily skin
- Does not feel heavy
- Doesn’t crease
Cons:
- With unspecified fragrance and ethylhexyl methoxycinnamate – not for sensitive skin
- Contains mica (controversial ingredient)
- Comedogenic ingredient, stearic acid is present
- Can look different every time you use it
- Makes dry skin look worse
- Few shades
10. L’Oreal Paris Infallible 24H Fresh Wear Foundation
It may not be totally infallible, but the L’Oreal Paris Infallible 24H Fresh Wear Foundation is a drugstore foundation that has been compared to many high end brands! Like the Lancome Teinte Idole.
Coverage is buildable and high in spite of the watery consistency. You can feel it on your skin but not uncomfortably so. It feels less obvious on the skin than the Maybelline 24hr Stay foundation.
The satin-matte finish of the L’Oreal Paris Infallible 24H Fresh Wear Foundation is natural and looks great on camera.
So if you don’t want to spend a lot for a one-time occasion, the L’Oreal Paris Infallible 24H Fresh Wear Foundation is a reliable option for the best drugstore foundation in Malaysia with high coverage and longevity.
Most impressively, it can take you through the whole day (in hot weather too), or at least 7-8 hours before you need a touch up! With no sign of fading or oxidation!
If you manage to find your shade out of the many shades available, it can be a perfect match!
Downsides of this foundation however, include the way it makes dry patches and wrinkles show up more!
There are some tips for smoother application, like shaking the bottle before you use it. Using a brush instead of a sponge, applying in sections, or layering it on top of a moisturizer or hydrating primer.
However a major concern if you have sensitive skin or acne prone skin, is the strong use of fragrance in this foundation!
- Type: Liquid
- Coverage: Full
- Finish: Natural Semi-Matte Powder
- Sun Protection: SPF 21-30
- Size: 30ml
- Price: ~RM52.9
Pros:
- Sulfate and paraben free
- With sun protection
- Fantastic coverage
- Wears light
- Doesn’t fade, transfer, or oxidize
- Photographs well
- Not sticky
- Great longevity
- Holds out long even in hot weather
- Comparable performance to higher-end brands
Cons:
- Contains denatured alcohol
- Low ingredients safety rating on SkinCarisma (67%)
- With silicones
- Heavily fragranced – Linalool, citronellol as fragrance could irritate sensitive skin
- Tendency to make patches more obvious
- Settles into lines, wrinkles, and pores
- Not cruelty free
11. LANEIGE NEO Cushion Glow
You just need a little of the LANEIGE NEO Cushion Glow for moderate coverage. Which is buildable but does not quite offer complete coverage.
It applies easily and adheres to the skin and lasts in our hot climate. It smells nice too!
If you prefer a dewy look, you can get the LANEIGE NEO Cushion Glow instead of the more matte-looking Romand Zero Cushion.
And while the Romand Zero Cushion is better off for events and special occasions, the LANEIGE NEO Cushion Glow can be your daily foundation!
As with the Romand Zero Cushion, the LANEIGE NEO Cushion Glow is prone to getting cakey on dry skin. So use a moisturizer or a hydrating primer first!
For cool undertones, go for shade 21. Some shades leave a white cast at first, but will look better once the LANEIGE NEO Cushion Glow foundation oxidizes.
- Type: Cushion
- Coverage: Sheer To Medium
- Finish: Natural Dewy
- Sun Protection: SPF50 PA++
- Size: 15g
- Price: ~RM89
Pros:
- With high SPF protection
- Dewy finish that is good for daily use
- Suitable for combination skin
- Buildable coverage
- Does not transfer easily
- Lasts long
Cons:
- Expensive
- A bit sticky
- Not full coverage
- Cakey on dry skin after a few hours
- Not cruelty free
12. KATE Powdery Skin Maker
For combination skin types that tend to get oily in the T-zone, the KATE Powdery Skin Maker provides moisture and some oil control.
Great if you’re trying to keep your skin looking matte! The final finish is similar to what you would get with a powder – smooth and matte.
You may not even need setting powder as the staying power is quite decent! Oily skin types find it long lasting too. While dry skin types may not like this foundation (i.e. too drying).
However, it doesn’t smell great. And coverage is far from full and it doesn’t build easily. Don’t put too much or it will look cakey after a few hours. Pores can still be visible so primer is advisable.
The liquid formula is not sticky and is comfortably lightweight on the skin. If you have yellow undertones in your skin, the shades will match well. And won’t oxidize throughout the day.
Shades are limited as what you would expect from a Japanese brand.
- Type: Liquid
- Coverage: Light
- Finish: Natural Matte
- Sun Protection: n/a
- Size: 30ml
- Price: ~RM60
Pros:
- Natural matte finish
- Good lasting power on oily skin
- Does not cake
- Affordable
Cons:
- Drying for dry skin types
- Poor coverage for large pores
- Limited shades for darker skin tones
13. Maybelline Fit Me Matte + Poreless Liquid Foundation
Now with a pump for easy dispensing, the Maybelline Fit Me Matte + Poreless Liquid Foundation is popular for its affordability and wear-ability.
While the coverage is not full (medium is the most you can hope for), it is enough to cover some pores and minor flaws (not so much for dark spots) for a few hours’ use.
It provides a matte but natural finish similar to powder, without drying out skin or feeling heavy.
Combination skin types do especially well with this foundation. And oily skin types will enjoy the matte texture.
One thing to note with this foundation is that it oxidizes fast. The foundation can be 2 shades darker once it oxidizes!
And hence, you should get a lighter shade than you think you will need. There is a huge range to choose from!
If you don’t often wear make up and have combination skin, the Maybelline Fit Me Matte + Poreless Liquid Foundation is affordable and one of the best foundations you can find in Watsons!
- Type: Liquid
- Coverage: Light to Medium
- Finish: Natural Matte
- Sun Protection: SPF 21-30
- Size: 30ml
- Price: ~RM35
Pros:
- Sulfate free
- With vitamin E
- Sun protection (titanium dioxide)
- Relatively short ingredient list
- No essential oils
- No smell
- Pump dispenser is convenient
- Lotion-like consistency that is comfortably light on the skin
- Affordable
- Matte finish
- Medium coverage
- Does not turn cakey
- Darker skin shades available
Cons:
- With silicones
- Contains denatured alcohol
- Oxidizes fast
- Not full coverage
- Not as long lasting as other liquid foundations
- Might be a hit and miss for picking the correct shade
- Doesn’t cover dark pigmentation in 1 layer
- Not cruelty free
14. Maybelline Fit Me Skin-Fit Powder Foundation
With talc as one of the main ingredients, the Maybelline Fit Me Skin-Fit Powder Foundation provides oil control. Though not for more than 8 hours!
And if this is your fist time using a powder foundation, the formula is forgiving, not sticky, and lightweight. Coverage is not bad (light to medium), even on oily skin.
The resulting finish looks like what you would get with liquid foundation.
It makes skin look matte and smooth. And is able to cover up smaller pores, blemishes, and an uneven skin tone. However, a brush will work better than the provided sponge applicator.
It’s long lasting in hot weather (if you don’t sweat a lot), and compared to Korean or Japanese foundations, there’s a wide selection of different shades to choose from.
Note: The shades in the liquid foundation of the same Fit Me range are darker than the powder.
Maybelline Fit Me Skin-Fit Powder Foundation is a dupe for the more pricey MAC powder compacts or the MUFE Matte Velvet Skin Compact. And thus, ideal for daily use at work or casual wear!
- Type: Powder
- Coverage: Light to Medium
- Finish: Matte
- Sun Protection: SPF32 PA+++
- Size: 9g
- Price: ~RM37
Pros:
- Alcohol free
- No high-risk ingredients according to Incidecoder
- Very affordable
- Doesn’t cake
- Long lasting for oily skin with oil control
- Medium coverage
- Easy to apply
- Can be worn alone
- With SPF
- Dark shades available
- Not cakey
Cons:
- With silicones and mica
- Sponge applicator is not nice to use
- Doesn’t last if you sweat a lot (i.e. not waterproof)
- Not cruelty free
Conclusion
There’s more than one best foundation in Malaysia. If you’re still not sure which to get, see our recommendation list at the top of this post!
For maximum convenience, a compact or cushion foundation will suit busy lifestyles! And if you only wear make up for special occasions, try the Maybelline Fit Me Matte + Poreless Liquid Foundation.
