Best Foundations 2026: Why Armani, NARS & Estée Lauder REFORMULATED (+ New Holy Grails)

Your Holy Grail foundation got reformulated in 2026 — here's exactly why, and the new best foundations to buy now (drugstore to luxury, $16.99 to $145). In this #DamnGood Foundations Guide, we break down the industry-wide reformulation of cult classics from Armani, NARS, and Estée Lauder, what changed in the formulas, and the next-gen foundations actually worth your money. If you've been searching "why was my foundation reformulated" or "best foundation 2026 for oily skin / dry skin / mature skin," this episode is your full buyer's guide! In this episode you'll hear about: [01:42] The biggest headline: Why iconic foundations are being reformulated. [03:11] #ad Partner Spotlight on Vitamin C Month and the Vivier Serum 30. Shop here: https://go.shopmy.us/p-53366201 (use our code BEAUTY15 at checkout to save) [08:08] Armani Luminous Silk: Reviewing the new formula and the "shade shift." [10:37] The ingredient ban: Why brands are being forced to change formulas. [16:15] Clarins Double Serum Foundation: The "French Girl" twist on a serum foundation. [20:40] Le Skin by Mary Phillips: A deep dive into the Haley Bieber-approved serum foundation. [23:47] Outside-In Silk Serum Foundation: Testing the new line from the founder of Hourglass. [29:36] Estée Lauder Double Wear: Does the new 36-hour wear live up to the legendary OG Doublewear? [34:47] Maybelline Lifter Plump: The drugstore "dupe" for high-end glow. [37:19] NARS Natural Matte: An oily-skin savior with a blurring finish. [39:53] Hermès Plein Air Luminous Matte: Is the luxury price tag worth the "silk scarf" feel? [43:06] Dior ForeverSkin Wear: Jill’s standout pick for oily skin types. [44:56] Rare Beauty: Carlene's hot take on the new foundation [46:23] Closing thoughts: Navigating the great foundation debate of 2026. Vivier Serum 30 https://go.shopmy.us/p-53366201 (use our code BEAUTY15 at checkout to save) ARMANI BEAUTY | Luminous Silk Foundation: https://go.shopmy.us/p-53717525 CLARINS - DOUBLE SERUM FOUNDATION: https://go.shopmy.us/p-53718564 M.PH BY MARY PHILLIPS | Le Skin Weightless Foundation: https://go.shopmy.us/p-53718768 M.PH BY MARY PHILLIPS | Foundation Brush: https://go.shopmy.us/p-53719048 NATASHA DENONA | HY-Glam Foundation : https://go.shopmy.us/p-53719270 OUTSIDE IN - Silk Serum Foundation: https://go.shopmy.us/p-53721522 HOURGLASS | Veil Hydrating Skin Tint : https://go.shopmy.us/p-53721763 HOURGLASS | Unlocked Instant Extensions Mascara: https://go.shopmy.us/p-53721912 HOURGLASS - Ambient Lighting Finishing Powder: https://go.shopmy.us/p-53722255 THE ORDINARY | Ultra Lightweight Moisturiser: https://go.shopmy.us/p-53722367 Smashbox Hydrating Primer: https://go.shopmy.us/p-54438656 CIELE | Tint & Protect SPF 50+ Serum Foundation: https://go.shopmy.us/p-53722475 ESTÉE LAUDER | Double Wear Stay-in-Place Longwear Matte Foundation: https://go.shopmy.us/p-53932085 MAYBELLINE | Lifter Plump & Glow Foundation: https://go.shopmy.us/p-53722615 NARS - Natural Matte Longwear Pore Blurring Medium-to-Full Coverage Foundation: https://go.shopmy.us/p-53722931 HERMES | Plein Air Luminous Matte Skincare Foundation: https://go.shopmy.us/p-53723554 HERMES - Le Perfecteur Brush: https://go.shopmy.us/p-53724497 RARE BEAUTY | True to Myself Natural Matte Longwear Foundation: https://go.shopmy.us/p-53724629 DIOR | Forever Skin Wear Foundation 30ml: https://go.shopmy.us/p-53932419 DIOR | Forever Skin Glow Foundation: https://go.shopmy.us/p-53932345 Links & Social Media: Get all episode details: https://breakingbeautypodcast.com/episode-recaps/ 🇺🇸Shop our Amazon storefront: https://www.amazon.com/shop/breakingbeautypodcast 🇨🇦Shop our Amazon storefront https://www.amazon.ca/shop/breakingbeautypodcast Join the Breaking Beauty community: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/breakingbeautypodcast/ Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@breakingbeautypodcast Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1401081996684767 Substack Signup: https://substack.com/@breakingbeautypodcast Podcast Hotline: 1-844-227-0302 Hosts: Carlene Higgins: https://www.instagram.com/carlenehiggins/?hl=en and Jill Dunn: https://www.instagram.com/jilldunnbeauty/ Theme song, used with permission: Cherry Bomb by Saya: https://open.spotify.com/artist/5M60ox9b9C4RSPOYYQLTae?si=5fTy2nnTSCS-VsPrBl4hpg Produced by Dear Media Studio: https://dearmedia.com/ More about our podcast: “If you're going to trust anyone's beauty expertise, make it Breaking Beauty's founders, Jill Dunn and Carlene Higgins” - ELLE.com Get ready with us! We’re Jill and Carlene, two longtime beauty editors who have seen it all and swatched it all, and now we’re here to tell you what’s good every single Wednesday. Whether you’re searching for the latest insider-fave foundation, building a gimmick-free skincare routine, or interested in learning tips from the absolute best talent in the beauty biz, tune for epic guests like Makeup By Mario and breakthrough people who are moving the needle in beauty today.