Celebrated makeup artist Caroline Barnes joined us to talk base products. Let her expertise lead you to the right texture and finish, plus enjoy hints and tips on application.
All About the Base
Your-skin-but-better is the way to approach this season’s flawless bare-faced look. The latest foundations can help you to achieve that lusted-after invisible finish, whether you choose a barely-there glow or immaculate full coverage. Read on to discover Caroline's thoughts.
SHOP FOUNDATION
ANTI-AGEING
Le Métier De Beauté
Peau Vierge Anti-Aging Complexe SPF 18
“This is a beautiful hybrid of skincare and makeup. I love that it contains retinol to improve skin’s texture over time. It’s feels feather-light, with a super soft texture, yet it really grips the skin so it’s very long-lasting. It’s a wonderful boost for winter complexions, or for dull, dry skin.”
Buildable coverage
KEVYN AUCOIN
The Etherealist Skin Illuminating Foundation
“This is a lovely foundation; it’s something I’d probably use on the red carpet because it’s got a lovely consistency and it covers imperfections and blemishes really well. It lasts, gives coverage with a flattering glow, and it comes in a really nice selection of shades too.”
Buildable coverage
BECCA
Aqua Luminous Perfecting Foundation
“This is perfect if you have oily skin, but still want a contemporary radiant finish. The water-based gel offers long-lasting coverage and the formula helps to absorb oil. You get a lovely natural dewy glow that lasts. The pipette applicator also means you have control and don’t waste any product.”
Buildable coverage
CHANTECAILLE
future skin
“This cult foundation feels so lightweight but you get good medium coverage and it connects really well with the skin. It has a matte finish – so it’s nice for more oily skin, but the soft texture would also work well on dry skin with no need for powder.”
Buildable coverage
NARS
sheer glow foundation
“I’ve used this for many years – it really brings skin to life with a three dimensional radiance, and a sophisticated no-glitter glow. The texture is so lovely – really light. I press this into the complexion using a damp Beautyblender for a smooth, glossy finish.”
Buildable coverage
BY TERRY
light-expert click brush
“This is so sheer and skin beautifying; perfect if you like a natural look with a radiant, glowy finish. The lightweight formula melts wonderfully into the skin. It’s great for T-zone coverage; simply stipple it on with the nice dense brush and blend it in.”
Buildable coverage
EVE LOM
Radiance Perfected Tinted Moisturiser SPF 15
“This feels light-as-air. It’s labelled as a tinted moisturiser, although you do get a bit more coverage. It is natural looking, buffs in really well and I’d say it feels like skincare when you put it on – very fresh and cooling. It also contains antioxidants to protect your skin.”
Buildable coverage
LAURA MERCIER
Tinted Moisturiser SPF 20
“This is a real cult product and so easy to use – simply warm with fingers and apply it like a moisturiser. It gives skin a really soft finish. This is brilliant if you don’t like the feel of makeup on your skin – it’s so lightweight and just perfects the skin tone.”
POWDER
NEW
BECCA
Blurring Loose Powder
“Powders set makeup but the latest technology means that they can also give this three-dimensional, blurred finish to the skin. It’s not a flat matte look - this powder has got movement to it, and slightly reflects the light – it’s a much more modern finish.”
PRO TOOL
kevyn aucoin
the foundation brush
“Synthetic brushes like this absorb next to no product, which makes them more efficient than animal hair brushes. This is a really good, dense brush; it’s well balanced and beautifully tapered, so fits into all the little nooks and crannies of your face, allowing you to be very precise.”
