When it comes to makeup, it all comes down to a great foundation.
While imperfections are what makes us human, and there’s been a recent (heartening) push to embrace them, there are occasions when only a flawless base will do.
With lockdowns already becoming a distant memory, many of us are rediscovering the contents of our makeup bags which have been gathering dust for two years while we lavished skincare upon our faces instead. But with the world open once more, it’s time to bring your makeup kit out of retirement.
Building foundations: the perfect time to start again
If you’ve looked deep into its depths only to find many of your trusty favourites have expired, don’t feel too disheartened - there’s never been a better time to start again. Brands across the spectrum have released fresh iterations ready to leave your complexion looking perfectly radiant, dewy, or matte, depending on your preference.
Whether you’re relearning how to apply a full face or want to master the ‘natural’ look, foundation is a key component.
What types of foundations are there?
They’re available in a head-spinning number of formulas, from old faithful liquid to new-gen gel and foolproof mineral-based powders. Riding on the back of the mania for all things 90s, some beauty big-hitters have even released mousse formulas, pulling us back in time to our experimental teenage years (minus the beige tidemarks, thankfully).
Each option requires varying degrees of expertise to master - so don’t worry if you’re a rookie. There really is a foundation for everyone.
It’s not all down to formulas though: finding the perfect foundation very much depends on your skin type as well as the final effect you’re trying to achieve. If you’re prone to acne, try foundations without irritants such as fragrance and alcohol. Oily skin pairs well with matte finishes, while the dry complexions will do better with oil or water-based formulas.
How to shop for the right foundation
- Bare all: it’s pointless testing new foundation if you’re already wearing makeup. Take it off to find your true match.
- Skin matters: liquid, powders, sticks and creams; which one’s right for you? Each are more suited to one skin type than another, so those with dry skin might find that a liquid feels better, while oil-prone complexions will probably feel more comfortable in powders.
- Switch it up: favourite foundation discontinued? Don’t have time to scour the shops for a replacement? Head to Findation and Match My Makeup. As long as you know your correct shade in one brand, it can show you alternatives from a whole slew of others.
- Take time: allow foundation to set, as colours can alter a little due to oxidisation. Ideally, you’d have it on all day to see how it stands against a full day’s wear, but if you’re in a hurry, half an hour is long enough before you decide to bin it or buy it.
- Samples are king: many brands will happily to give you a couple of samples of shades that might work for free. Test these before committing to a full-sized purchase and see how they work under other products in your kit.
We’ve collected the best options offering full, medium and light coverage in this edit (think of it as your digital beauty hall). Hopefully our guide will make finding your One that bit easier.
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Charlotte Tilbury Charlotte’s Beautiful Skin Foundation
They don’t call her the Queen of Glow for nothing, and this foundation brings the radiance in spades. It is fueled by hyaluronic acid, which will lock in moisture on even the driest of skin types. It also contains rose derived ingredients which are amazing at tackling dry skin concerns along with their highly regarded antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. All hail Queen Charlotte for this one.
Buy now £34.00, Cult Beauty
Estee Lauder Double Wear with SPF 10
Shade range: a stonking 63
An old school favourite that’s more than earned its stripes, Estee Lauder’s Double Wear foundation is in our beauty hall of fame. The full-coverage, mid-weight, matte-finish liquid formula glides on like a dream and locks into place all day, very helpful if you’ve got a habit of unconsciously touching your face and are frequently confronted with patchy skin by the time you return from the office.
It’s only flaw is that it still comes in a square glass bottle: chic on the dresser but it does mean it can’t be squeezed to get every last drop out.
Buy now £35.00, Boots
Laura Mercier Flawless Fusion Ultra-Longwear Foundation
Shade range: 30 hues
Longwear liquid foundation with full/medium coverage but an almost weightless feel, Laura Mercier’s little bottle has long been a resident in our beauty kit. This particular collection of foundation is available in 30 inclusive shades, from ‘shell’ (the lightest) to ‘espresso’ (ideal for dark complexions).
Although skin looks radiant, the final effect is a matte finish that stays put through sweat, humidity, water and more, offering 15 hours of go time. Features like freckles are blurred slightly, but not completely masked; it’s like airbrushing-lite.
Apply with a damp beauty sponge and blend gently for best results. For special occasions, we’d recommend setting with the brand’s hero Translucent Loose Setting Powder to get a diffused glossy sheen.
Buy now £36.00, John Lewis
Fenty Beauty Pro Filtr Soft Matte Longwear Foundation
Shade range: 50
This foundation has cemented a status as the hero product of Rihanna’s beloved Fenty Beauty range. Available in 50 shades with plenty of options for dark skin tones, the popular product lives up to the hype with a formula that results in a soft, matte finish and medium to full coverage. Even those who have often found their skin tone hard to match, have found their ultimate shade with Fenty, hence all the praise.
Buy now £30.00, Boots
Pat McGrath Labs Sublime Perfection Foundation
Once I tried this foundation, I never looked back, seriously, it’s that amazing. If you prefer a lighter coverage so more of a second skin effect, this is for you. It gives a sheer yet buildable coverage that will sit on your skin comfortably for 12 hours with no fear of cracking or drying. It contains Vita-Serum Complex which helps to boost hydration by activating the natural production of hyaluronic acid and ceramides.
Buy now £60.00, Selfridges
Huda Beauty #FauxFilter Luminous Matte Liquid Foundation
Shade range: 39
If you’re comfortable with a full face and want a blank canvas on which to create your masterpiece, look no further than Instagram MUA queen, Huda Beauty. The brand began with false lashes but has since spawned not only a makeup range, but skincare and fragrance too. For foundation, the revamped #FauxFilter Luminous Matte Liquid Foundation offers full, blanketing coverage with barely any of the weight usually associated with such foundations. The liquid glides on and is easy to blend, lasting all day and well into the evening. Use primer and finishing spray to keep your complexion looking 100 per cent flawless for even longer.
Buy now £34.00, Cult Beauty
Giorgio Armani Luminous Silk Foundation
Shade range: 40
This foundation provides buildable lightweight medium coverage and has excellent shade options for darker skin tones. If you have dry skin, then this is a great option as it provides a lovely dewy look, instantly making your skin look and feel silky.
Buy now £44.50, John Lewis
Clinique Beyond Perfecting Foundation and Concealer
Shade range: 160
Catering for an incredible 99.5 per cent of skin tones, Clinique is one of the best for makeup newbies and veterans alike.
If you’re a fan of heavier coverage bases, the Beyond Perfecting Foundation and Concealer is fantastic at erasing uneven skin tone and dark circles, allowing you to skip the concealer step entirely.
Like Estee Lauder’s Double Wear, this stays put all day, but it does has a slightly thicker consistency – so not ideal in hot weather. Still, that’s easily remedied: simply use more sparingly with a couple of drops of moisturiser if you don’t want to invest in something new for holiday.
Buy now £25.00, Clinique
Smashbox Studio Skin 24 Hour Hydra Foundation
Shade range: 40
Face the day confidently in Smashbox’s Studio Skin Hydrating Foundation, which promises a flawless finish for a whole 24 hours... although it’s a cardinal sin to sleep in your makeup, as any good beauty fan knows.
A lot of R&D has gone into the formula – it evens out the look of skin tone, doesn’t drop into pores or your fine lines and won’t oxidise, so what comes out of the pump is the true hue.
Buy now £31.00, ASOS
NARS Sheer Glow Foundation
Shade range: 40
This cult classic foundation has a buildable coverage, whether you prefer a ‘no makeup’ make up look or full on glam.
Designed for normal to dry skin types, it works to brighten and hydrate skin, while also protecting against external aggressors and free radical damage.
The medium coverage foundation has a sheer-like finish that melts into the skin to even out minor blemishes.
Buy now £35.00, Feel Unique
Glossier Perfecting Skin Tint
Shade range: 12
Perfect the ‘no makeup’ makeup look with this almost undetectable foundation from Glossier.
Becoming like a second skin, the lightweight formula can be used every day without it feeling too thick or caked on. It works to brighten your complexion, and minimise the appearance of pores without covering your freckles.
With an airbrushed-like finish, blend with concealer to cover blemishes and leave your skin looking dewy and bright.
Buy now £20.00, Glossier
Vichy Dermablend 3D Correction Foundation
Shade range: 5
Acne-prone skin meet Vichy, Vichy meet acne-prone skin. Working to clear your complexion and blur imperfections, the Dermablend 3D Correction Foundation has serious coverage with strong colour pigments.
The high-coverage foundation is long-lasting, staying in place for hours with a natural and mattified finish.
It is also hypoallergenic and so can be used on sensitive skin.
Buy now £23.00, Lookfantastic
Bobbi Brown Skin Long-Wear Weightless Foundation SPF15
Shade range: 43
The Bobbi Brown Skin Long-Wear Weightless Foundation is an oil-controlling product with real staying power.
The formula contains mineral powders that work to control excess oil and shine for a natural, full coverage, minimising the appearance of pores without settling into fine lines or creases or looking too caked on.
Yet, despite this, it remains hydrating where skin does not appear dry or flaky. It is also waterproof, sweat and humidity-resistant, has a SPF 15 and is offered in an extensive range of shades.
Buy now £35.00, Bobbi Brown
La Mer Soft Fluid Foundation
Enriched with SPF20 this foundation also contains Color Capsule Technology, which are colour pigments that mimic the skin’s true tones. It also contains the brands very own Soft Velvet Ferment, which is derived from high-performance algae found deep below the surface of the North Atlantic designed to soften and hydrate the skin.
Buy now £98.00, Cult Beauty
MAC Studio Fix Fluid SPF 15 Foundation
Shade range: 56
With a motto like all ages, all races, all sexes, it’s no surprise that MAC is one of the most inclusive brands out there. The brand’s Studio Fix Fluid SPF15 foundation is great for brown and dark skin tones due to its extensive shade options. Plus, it not only provides long-lasting full coverage but a stunning dewy finish without excess shine.
Buy now £29.00, MAC
UOMA Beauty Say What?! Foundation
Shade range: 51
Black-owned beauty brand UOMA Beauty is inspired by founder Sharon Chuter’s Nigerian heritage. The Say What?! Foundation is one of the most popular products in the range and is not only available in 51 shades but six unique formulas (dubbed ‘skin kins’) catering to different skin concerns, with each relating to a specific skin tone. All of the formulas include biomimicry pigments that help blur imperfections and soften fine lines but the ‘Black Pearl’ skin kin is designed especially for the darkest shades in the range and consists of tomato extract to eliminate dullness and boost radiance.
The foundation provides full, buildable coverage and results in a matte finish.
Buy now £17.70, Cult Beauty
EX1 Invisiwear Liquid Foundation
Shade range: 16
The EX1 foundation is a premium product at an affordable price point.
Designed for all skin types – even those with sensitive skin – the oil and fragrance-free formula has a light to medium coverage and a glowy, demi-matte finish.
Even out your skin tone and cover imperfections with ease with this non-pore clogging product that blends seamlessly. The velvety vegan foundation can last for around 10 hours.
Buy now £12.50, Superdrug
Diorskin Forever Undercover
Shade range: 25 shades
If you are looking for a high-performance, full coverage foundation, the Diorskin Forever Undercover may just be what you have been searching for.
The water-based formula is highly pigmented and leaves a workable texture with real staying power. Despite feeling lightweight on your skin, the almost camouflage-like foundation covers marks and hyperpigmentation with a natural-looking matte finish.
Buy now £37.00, Dior
The Ordinary Serum Foundation
Shade range: 17
Don’t let the purse-friendly price fool you, this foundation is just as good (if not better) than some of its high-end counterparts. Each shade is classified by undertones like pink, red, neutral or yellow, so finding your perfect match is easier than ever. As for the formula itself, expect a long-lasting lightweight effect that provides a beautifully glowy finish, making your skin look bright and healthy.
Buy now £6.40, Cult Beauty
Sleek MakeUP creme to powder foundation
Shade range: 5
If you love a full coverage matte look, then this foundation is for you. The creamy oil-free formula has a velvet-like texture that results in a smooth finish and is made with Jojoba oil which stops the foundation feeling and looking dry on your skin. It is available in 24 shades, many of which cater to brown and dark skin tones, and it’s an absolute bargain too!
Buy now £7.99, Boots
Too Faced Born This Way Foundation
Shade range: 35
Too Faced’s oil-free Born This Way Foundation is infused with Alpine Rose which makes the skin appear brighter and more radiant as well as Hyaluronic Acid providing long-lasting hydration. But most impressive of all, it creates a silky smooth finish that is guaranteed to bag you a few compliments throughout the day.
Buy now £32.00, Boots
Kevyn Aucoin The Sensual Skin Enhancer
This lightweight cream skin enhancer contains honey and jojoba oil for the ultimate nourishment. It’s silky with a buildable coverage, but allows your natural skin to show through so as not to appear cakey. A little of this goes a long way and for best application, pat into your skin using your fingers, or lightly buff out using a stippling brush.
Buy now £27.00, Cult Beauty
GIVENCHY Prisme Libre Foundation
This foundation is described as the perfect hybrid between skincare and foundation with 97 per cent of ingredients from natural origin. One of the key benefits is 24 hours of hydration which will leave you looking luminous all day and all night long. It also delivers long term results including improved skin moisture and refined blemishes over time. A definite winner if you ask me.
Buy now £40.00, FeelUnique
Saie Slip Tint
If you haven’t heard of the brand Saie, you can be forgiven as it’s fairly new, however, let me tell you, this tinted moisturiser is unforgettable. It contains hyaluronic acid and SPF 35 as well as a dash of liquorice with impressive brightening benefits. This ingredient also helps to protect skin from discolouration and pigmentation after sun exposure and when combined with anti-inflammatory aloe vera, it moisturises and delivers antioxidants. Last but not least, pansy flower soothes irritation and argan oil will ensure that dryness never shows.
Buy now £27.00, Cult Beauty
Typology Tinted Serum
This foundation is rich in squalane, which is the ultimate multitasker and skin saviour. It mimics what is naturally found in skin to take care of its barrier. The hydrating hero leaves skin healthy, reduces dryness, and diminishes the appearance of redness and fine lines. This will finally put a stop to the never-ending of cycle of adding more foundation to compensate for dry flakes.
Buy now £25.90, Typology
