7 Of The Greatest Foundations Of All Time
Choosing the best foundation finish for your skin type is the best place to start according to our Head of Education Niamh Butler. “A drier skin type may want to avoid a matte finish, as this type of foundation could emphasise texture,” says Niamh. “Oily skin types should take into account that a very dewy foundation may not have the longevity they would like.”
To help you find The One, we’ve put together a list of some of the best foundations of all time…
Best Foundations For 2023
Charlotte Tilbury
Airbrush Flawless Foundation, £39.00
Best Full Coverage Foundation
A fine example of doing what it says on the ‘tin’ (as in, a very aesthetically pleasing bottle), Charlotte Tilbury’s Airbrush Flawless Foundation is one of the OGs when it comes to delivering a truly airbrushed look. It’s filled with many skin-boosting ingredients including AirCool™, which aides its long-lasting superpowers, and Magic MossCellTec™, the ultimate dose of hydration. It’s also available in 44 shades in a range of cool, warm and neutral tones.
Nars
Sheer Glow Foundation, £38.00
Best Foundation For Mature Skin
This editor, influencer, worldwide approved skin base, formulated with vitamin C and turmeric extract, is famed for its natural finish, buildable coverage, glow-giving abilities and basically creating the best version of your skin. Offering a satin, glowing finish, this sheer base is the best lightweight foundation for all skin types, especially mature skin types who seek a dose of radiance and hydration in their makeup.
By Terry
Light-Expert Click Brush, £51.00
Best Foundation For Combination Skin
Radiant skin no matter where you are is a given with this clever, handy design. Perfect for on-the-move moments with its built-in brush, this weightless formula that targets dull skin and redness. If you’ve yet to try the wonder that is By Terry Light-Expert Click Brush Foundation, expect a smooth, glowing base minus any oiliness or midday shine.
Kevyn Aucoin
Stripped Nude Skin Tint, £36.00
Best Natural-Looking Foundation
Love the idea of ultra-light coverage that feels like next to nothing and nails that your-skin-but-better look? Giving a diffused effect, Kevyn Aucoin's gorgeously lightweight base has a silky-smooth texture and is a must-try for anyone who enjoys the no makeup makeup look. It is one of our favourite foundations for the summer.
IT Cosmetics
CC+ Cream Original SPF50+, £46.00
Best SPF foundation
IT Cosmetics’ most iconic product is much more than a CC Cream – it’s one of the complexion perfectors for smooth coverage and suncare. This revolutionary full-coverage, hyaluronic acid, niacinamide and vitamin E infused formula offers a whopping dose of SPF 50+ sun protection without any white cast. Moreover, we love its near-magical blurring effect on skin that makes you look dewy and healthy.
Laura Mercier
Silk Crème - Oil Free Photo Edition Foundation, £22.80
Best Foundation For Oily Skin
To say Laura Mercier's Silk Crème Oil Free Photo Edition Foundation creates a flawless canvas is cutting it short – it’s beautifully pigmented, which means a little goes a long way to cover any redness or acne scars. This oil-free formula delivers a demi-matte effect that lasts up to 12 hours and really does look incredible in pictures and videos, making it best long-lasting foundation for your next special event.
Chantecaille
Future Skin Foundation, £80.00
Best foundation for dry skin
Having recently had a deserved revival thanks to the series Euphoria and TikTok, Chantecaille Future Skin Foundation is the ultimate jar of goodness and does wonders on skin. Firstly, there’s the texture which does not feel like your average foundation, but rather a blissfully smooth face cream (it is, essentially, made up of 60% water). Then there’s the glowing, second-skin finish, achieved through reflective circular pigments. And let’s not forget Chantecaille’s signature touch – a medley of botanicals that sooth, refresh and make.
How To Find Your Foundation Shade
The best natural looking foundation requires the perfect shade match. You’ve found your formula, but how can you find the shade? “To get a true match, always test on an area that has been cleansed of previous foundation,” says Niamh. “The jawline works best, as a correct match here will mean there won’t be a shade difference between your face and neck.” For more guidance, check out our Foundation Finder, or pop into your local Space NK store where one of our beauty advisors can colour match you in minutes.
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