I Usually Hate Foundation, But I've Just Added These 15 to My Makeup Stash

If you're after a lightweight foundation that tackles dullness and discolouration, look no further. Not only does this new formula from Givenchy give skin next-level luminosity thanks to hydrating glycerine and a hefty dose of water, but it also contains four shades of colour-correcting pigment to even out tone. The result? Natural-looking coverage that leaves skin feeling hydrated and nourished without greasiness.

Proving that high-coverage foundations don't have to be heavy and tacky, this formula veils skin with a lightweight, velvety finish. It leaves skin looking airbrushed and does a nifty job as disguising my giant pores. Not only does it contain ingredients that allow the skin to breathe, but it also contains pre and probiotics to help keep the skin barrier healthy and strong.

Not only is this stuff seriously long-lasting, but it's also super-hydrating with hyaluronic acid to plump and vitamins C and E to deliver antioxidant protection and amp up the glow.

Dewy skin-lovers, this one's for you. In all honesty, I have never, in all of my time as a beauty journalist, come across a foundation this hydrating. The coverage is still relatively full, but deeply nourishing marula oil helps deliver a natural-looking glow that, if you ask me, goes unrivalled.

For days when my skin is behaving itself a little more than normal, this buildable formula is becoming my go-to. It contains vitamin C and hyaluronic acid to plump and brighten, and is lightweight enough to leave my skin peeping through underneath.

If you have had the joy of experiencing It Cosmetics Your Skin But Better CC+ Cream, you'll know that It Cosmetics know a thing or two about creating great skin-loving bases. However, if you prefer your base to be a little lighter and more buildable, this long-lasting foundation could be better for you. Containing aloe vera extract combined with vitamins E and B5, it delivers a radiant finish without leaving skin with a tell-tale sheen.

This cult foundation has been on my radar for years, but I never really gave it enough airtime. Not only does the formula offer up impressive coverage that doesn't settle in fine lines, it is also infused with rose hip extract to boost glow, tackle blemishes and blur pores in the longterm. 

Few brands nail skincare-infused makeup quite like Shiseido. With the Synchro Skin Concealer already a hot favourite amongst beauty editors, this foundation makes for the perfect accompaniment. The oil-free formula makes it great for those with breakout-prone complexions, and Shisedio's special technology has it working in tandem with skin to keep things look fresh all day long.

Weirdly, it took me a really long time to try this. Since it launched, I have heard beauty editors and experts raving about its flawless, natural-looking finish, but I didn't pick up a tube until a few weeks ago. Out of all of the new foundations in my collection, this is by far my most-used. Infused with hydrating hyaluronic acid and glycerine, the finish is lightweight, radiant and almost impossibly natural-looking. Plus, it's proved seriously hydrating for my stressed-out winter skin. 

While most products on this list lean further towards foundation, this stuff is skincare first, foundation second. It contains neurophroline to help combat the effects of the stress hormone, cortisol. It delivers a blendable, sheer finish that leaves skin looking good long after you've taken it off.

I have heard many U.S. beauty buffs rave about this stuff and I have finally ordered a bottle to try for myself. From what I have seen, it delivers a sheer, glowing coverage that smooths and blurs pores. A hefty dose of botanical extracts and actives help keep skin healthy and happy. I can't wait for it to arrive!

Despite the fact this formula is called a skin tint, I'd definitely consider it a foundation. Sure, it's very lightweight and sheer, but it can be built up to provide some impressive coverage. It contains a bunch of skin-loving ingredients such as hyaluronic acid, but the best inclusion is butterfly bush flower extract, which helps to defend against skin-ageing blue light pollution from our screens. It's been my WFH sidekick. 

When I first tried this on the back of my hand, it felt slightly too creamy to be something that promised a second-skin finish. But after applying it to my face, I fell in love. It sinks into the skin, taking the excess luminosity and shininess with it to leave a suitably radiant (but not oily-looking) complexion. Natural extracts help to soothe, calm and hydrate the skin while the pigment is busy delivering an airbrushed finish. 

Besides the fact this is quite possibly the chicest foundation bottle in existence, the formula is a total winner, too. It blends like butter and plant-based glycerin works to keep skin hydrated and healthy throughout the day. When I could do with a few hours extra sleep, this is the first thing I reach for come morning.

It might be affordable, but these ingredients aren't here to mess around, and neither is the finish. Collagen and peptides work to plump and hydrate while niacinamide helps to smooth and reduce the appearance of pores and blemishes. Plus, it contains an impressive SPF 30 for extra sun protection. The result? A full-coverage that looks natural and radiant.

This post was originally published at an earlier time and has since been updated. 

Up next, these low-maintenance hair trends are going to dominate in 2021.