Best Non-Foundation Bases

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When you want to forgo the foundation for something a little lighter take advice from those in the know and opt for a complexion-perfecting product instead. We’ve spoken to six beauty industry insiders to discover the products they rate to master ultra-lightweight, effortless coverage without a drop of foundation in sight…

NARS Soft Matte and Radiant Creamy Concealers

“I love perfecting the skin with just concealer. I like to use a soft fluffy brush and buff in NARS Soft Matte Concealer through the centre of the face. I then use NARS Radiant Creamy Concealer under the eyes and in any area that needs to be covered up. I recommend using two colours. One that matches the skin tone exactly and one that is one shade lighter. This allows you to add dimension to the face and looks more natural. The benefit of using a matte and radiant concealer together is that you can achieve a flawless finish while being able to place the glow in strategic places like the tops of the cheekbones and down the bridge of the nose,” says Vincent Ford, NARS Lead Artist.

Sisley Blur Powder

“I love to use Blur Expert straight on top of moisturiser. I use both a small fluffy brush to build up the coverage in areas which need it and a larger power or kabuki brush over the rest of the face. Blur Expert is amazing making skin look healthy, it gives just enough coverage to hide any imperfections or blemishes. It’s super easy to touch up throughout the day, always looks fresh and never cakey,” says Zoe Taylor, Makeup Artist.

Erborian CC Dull Correct

“Our CC Crème’s can be used instead of foundation for a your-skin-but-better finish. The violet colour pigments will burst on application to the skin, colour matching to your skin tone and neutralising any areas of sallowness or yellow hues. Apply all over the skin or in targeted areas of dullness for a radiant finish. The lightweight formula contains liquorice extract to brighten, centella asiatica to soothe and natural glycerine to hydrate. Using your fingertips to apply, sweep a fine layer all over skin,” says Dorothee Massoulier, Erborian General Manager.

By Terry Hyaluronic Tinted Hydra Powder and CC Serum

“Layer this tinted hyaluronic-infused powder over the By Terry Brightening CC Serum for an ultra-natural finish. I recommend using a powder puff or dome headed brush, and picking up a little powder at a time, applying it in a ‘press and roll’ motion over each area. This will prevent the powder moving the CC Serum and allow precise application. It will also encourage longevity. The finish is light and smooth with a touch of glow and because it contains hyaluronic acid, it helps retain moisture for a silky feel,” says Chynara Kojoeva, By Terry Senior Lead Artist.

RMS Beauty Luminizing Powder

“If you want to skip on foundation, use 2-3 drops of the RMS Beauty Oil as a primer. This will help to even out skin tone and warm the complexion. The multi-dimensional, moonlit-champagne pressed powder adds a soft luminous glow and it’s an extremely fast and natural way to achieve the look of skin perfection. For a sun-kissed finish, you can use the Madeira Bronzer for all-over radiant look,” says Rose-Marie Swift, Founder of RMS Beauty.

Ren Satin Perfection BB Cream SPF15

“With a light to medium coverage this BB cream is a great alternative to foundation. The innovative formula contains antileukine, which is derived from seaweed and helps to protect against UV damage. UV light is also converted into beneficial red light by noni extract that helps to stimulate elastin, leaving skin feeling firmer. While magnesium, glycogen and vitamin C work to revitalise sluggish skin and reveal renewed luminosity. To apply, warm a little product between your fingertips and press-pat into the skin for a natural finish,” says David Delport, Ren Clean Skincare Global Ambassador and Product Expert.