Hate the feeling of foundation on a cold, dry day? Here are 8 face bases our beauty director recommends instead
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These lightweight formulas offer a fresh finish, don’t go cakey during the day, and above all, they feel comfortable on skin.
If you dislike the feel of make-up on your skin, you might tend to steer clear of foundation. We get it: formulations of the past may have felt heavy, cakey and even drying, but they’ve come a long way in recent years.
Today, we’re spoilt for choice with a wide range of skin base finishes, types and coverage, all of which are factors that will determine how a product feels on your face. Above all, there are more lightweight options than ever, which have been created to deliver a comfier feel when applied to skin. Ideal, particularly if your skin is feeling dry during this colder weather.
These innovations don’t compromise on benefits either. They still offer long-lasting and buildable coverage, a natural, fresh finish, and they don’t slowly go cakey come midday.
So, whether you’re someone who doesn’t usually like wearing foundation or you’re just looking for a lightweight face base that doesn’t feel heavy on dry skin during winter, these are the lightweight formulas our beauty director relies on time and time again.
Estée Lauder Futurist Hydra Rescue Moisturising Makeup
If you want a formula that makes your skin look radiant, fresh and healthy, look no further than this Estée Lauder option. It’s my go-to when I feel like my skin needs a quick pick-me-up and, despite feeling incredibly lightweight on skin, it still boasts an impressive medium-to-full coverage that stays put all day.
Shop Estée Lauder Futurist Hydra Rescue Moisturising Makeup at Lookfantastic, £31.50
Merit The Uniform Tinted Mineral Sunscreen SPF50
This is, hands down, one of my favourite launches from last year. As soon as you apply it, it delivers an even cloak of coverage that doesn’t mask skin. The finish makes you look naturally glowy and, most importantly, it sits so comfortably, you’ll forget you’re even wearing it.
Shop Merit The Uniform Tinted Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50 at Merit, £34
Lisa Eldridge Seamless Skin Enhancing Tint
Having already amassed a legion of beauty editor and make-up artist fans, this skin tint is a Stylist beauty desk favourite. It’s packed with nourishing ingredients, like prickly pear oil and glycerin, to give skin a boost while creating a soft and subtle base that evens out your complexion.
Shop Lisa Eldridge Seamless Skin Enhancing Tint at Space NK, £29.60
Vieve Skin Nova Complexion Balm
Developed to deliver a second skin-like finish, you don’t need much of this complexion balm. Just a little dollop is enough to stretch across the face, meaning the tube will last you ages. Plus, it gives skin the same glowy finish as the brand’s cult Skin Nova primer. Add to that a collection of considered ingredients, including hyaluronic acid, polyglutamic acid, niacinamide and amino acids, and it ticks all the boxes.
NYX Professional Makeup Bare With Me Blur Skin Tint Foundation
If you like a base that has a blur-like finish, this is the skin tint for you. As you blend, it covers skin with a medium coverage that sweeps over dark spots and hyperpigmentation, making skin appear more even. Plus, added niacinamide and glycerin means it doesn’t dry out skin, which is a must during this cold snap.
Shop NYX Professional Makeup Bare With Me Blur Skin Tint Foundation at Lookfantastic, £9.99
Fenty Beauty Eaze Drop Blurring Skin Tint
Hinted at in the name, this formula was developed to give skin an appealing blurred effect while still looking natural. Serving no-make-up make-up in a bottle, just a few drops go a long way to stretch across the face. It’s one of the few skin tints that seriously considers undertones, meaning you’ll easily find a good skin match, too.
Shop Fenty Beauty Eaze Drop Blurring Skin Tint at Boots, £21.75
Chanel Les Beiges Healthy Glow Foundation
Yes, it’s a foundation, but trust me: it’s a dream on skin. It has a silky formula that’s easy to blend, and as it dries down, it melts into skin. It also contains clever light-reflecting powders and pigments that work to make skin appear smoother with zero risk of it going cakey.
Shop Chanel Les Beiges Healthy Glow Foundation at Sephora UK, £44.20
Saie Glowy Super Skin Foundation
Packed with 85% skincare ingredients, this medium-buildable foundation feels completely weightless on the skin while still imparting a healthy-looking glow. It has a serum-like texture that delivers a sheet wash of colour but can be built up for more coverage, if you wish.
Images: Adobe; courtesy of brands
