The beauty world is ever-evolving, with trends and products constantly rising and falling in popularity. But some foundations—despite their loyal fanbases or flashy marketing campaigns—have been deemed a total beauty disaster by top makeup artists in 2025.
Whether it’s due to poor formulas, unrealistic claims, or just being downright incompatible with modern skin concerns, these products are falling out of favor. So, if you’re wondering whether your go-to foundation is secretly sabotaging your look, keep reading.
Here are nine foundations that makeup artists say you’re better off avoiding this year!
1. Fenty Beauty Pro Filt’r Soft Matte Longwear Foundation
While matte foundations once dominated the beauty scene, makeup artists agree they’ve overstayed their welcome in 2025.
Many formulas leave skin looking flat, overly dry, or unnaturally cakey under the harsh lighting of today’s high-definition cameras. Worse yet, these foundations can suffocate skin, leading to clogged pores and breakouts.
With the growing emphasis on healthy, glowing complexions, heavy matte formulas feel dated. If you’re still holding onto one, it’s time to upgrade to a lightweight formula that lets your natural radiance shine through.
2. Maybelline Fit Me Matte + Poreless Foundation
We’ve all experienced it: you pick the perfect shade, only to find it turns two shades darker or more orange after a few hours. Foundations prone to oxidation are a big no-no in 2025.
Not only does it ruin your carefully crafted makeup look, but it also makes finding the right match frustrating. Oxidation often happens due to poor-quality ingredients or imbalanced formulations.
To avoid this, makeup artists recommend foundations with stable, high-quality pigments that stay true to their shade all day long.
3. Huda Beauty #FauxFilter Luminous Matte Foundation
Gone are the days when covering every pore and freckle was the goal. Makeup artists are ditching ultra-full coverage foundations that create a mask-like effect. These products can feel heavy, uncomfortable, and unnatural, making skin look overly airbrushed in an era where authenticity is prized.
Instead, the focus is on enhancing your natural features with buildable, medium-coverage options that blur imperfections while still letting your skin breathe. If your foundation feels more like a mask than a second skin, it’s time to reconsider.
4. IT Cosmetics CC+ Cream Oil-Free Matte with SPF 40
In 2025, sun protection is non-negotiable, yet some foundations still skimp on SPF. Products without at least SPF 30 are seen as outdated and not suitable for modern skincare standards.
Makeup artists emphasize that relying solely on foundation for sun protection isn’t enough, but having a solid SPF base in your makeup is a great backup.
Foundations that don’t offer adequate UV defense are falling out of favor as consumers grow savvier about protecting their skin from premature aging and damage.
5. bareMinerals Original Loose Powder Foundation
Powder foundations may have their place, but in 2025, they’re being called out for their tendency to emphasize dryness and fine lines. Many makeup artists warn that these formulas can make even the healthiest skin look parched and aged.
With more people prioritizing hydration and youthful radiance, powder foundations simply don’t align with current beauty standards. For those who love a matte finish, lightweight liquid or cream-to-powder hybrids offer a more modern and forgiving alternative.
6. Bobbi Brown Skin Foundation Stick
Oil-based foundations are notorious for clashing with water-based primers and skincare products, leading to patchy, uneven results. While they might work for certain skin types, makeup artists say they’re too finicky for the average user.
In 2025, versatility is key, and consumers want products that seamlessly integrate into their routines. If you’ve struggled with your foundation separating or failing to blend, it might be time to switch to a more universal, water-based option.
7. Tarte Amazonian Clay Full Coverage Foundation
A lack of shade range is one of the biggest beauty sins in 2025. Consumers and makeup artists alike are calling out brands that fail to cater to diverse skin tones. Foundations with limited options not only alienate potential customers but also reflect poorly on a brand’s commitment to inclusivity.
Many modern brands now offer 40+ shades with a variety of undertones to ensure everyone can find their match. If your foundation line doesn’t measure up, it’s worth exploring more inclusive options.
8. Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless Foundation
While radiant skin is in, glitter-infused foundations are out. Makeup artists agree that these products often emphasize texture, pores, and imperfections, leaving skin looking uneven rather than glowing.
A subtle luminous finish achieved through fine light-reflecting particles is the preferred alternative. If your foundation leaves you sparkling like a disco ball, it’s time to rethink your approach to achieving radiant skin.
9. NARS Sheer Glow Foundation
One-size-fits-all formulas are officially a relic of the past. Foundations that fail to address specific skin concerns, like acne, sensitivity, or aging, are losing their place in makeup bags.
Consumers and professionals alike now demand multifunctional products that provide skincare benefits alongside coverage. From hydrating ingredients to anti-aging properties, foundations that adapt to individual needs are the gold standard in 2025.
If your current foundation isn’t pulling double duty, it’s time to upgrade.