Though the sun is still undecided on whether it's going to come out to play, this (drizzly) week marked the official beginning of summer. With the advent of the new season, it's not only time to mix up your wardrobe and bare legs after a long, bleak winter, it's also time to mix up your makeup, especially your foundation.
Shelve those thick, full coverage foundations that winter calls for and invest in a lightweight, illuminating base that will inject some summer glow into your complexion whilst allowing your skin to breathe.
Whatever your skin type, skin woe or skin aspirations, there are some incredibly clever bases out there that will make your face radiate, even if the sun isn't. Here are our favourites...
Perfect for those who hate foundation
This little number calls itself a BB, a CC AND a tinted moisturiser (ideal for the indecisive). It gives a flawless, dewy finish without looking like you have any makeup on and really tackles skin's hydration - so much so, you will see a difference in a mere week of using. So, if foundation sinking into the crooks and cracks of your face was your issue before, Complexion Rescue is for you. Six new shades are being added to the collection in July.
Coverage: Light
Finish: Dewy with a light sheen
SPF: None, so team with a sheer primer.
Perfect for those who crave that holiday glow
Those who prefer a bronzed glow will be au fait with Guerlain's Terracotta range, especially the cult bronzer. And if you haven't tried the Joli Tient, you should. Adding lots of warmth (without a sheen) to your complexion, this little bottle will give you that perfect hint of bronze, even if you haven't left the UK.
Coverage: Medium
Finish: Matte
SPF: 20
Perfect for that enviable baby-skin finish
If, like us, you have fallen hook, line and sinker for Charlotte Tilbury's Magic Foundation, the Light Wonder is the summer foundation for you. Ticking the boxes of all your needs, this number illuminates, smoothes, hydrates, minimises pores and reduces wrinkles while also encouraging collagen production with its powerful botanical alternative to retinol. So, yes, it is indeed a wonder.
Coverage: Light to medium
Finish: Sheer and luminous
SPF: 15
Charlotte Tilbury Youth-BoostingPerfecting Skin Foundation, £32
Perfect for a luminous finish
Becca is known for its beautiful, natural finishes that make the skin all the more luminous, without looking caked. This Aqua Luminous Perfecting Foundation is available in eight colours and contains 32% water, blurring imperfections and giving you that natural radiant finish.
Coverage: A little goes a long way, but you can build for more coverage.
Finish: Light and luminous
SPF: No SPF, but pair with an illuminating primer for protection.
Perfect for a natural glow
Cited as a 'makeup kit essential' by iconic makeup artist, Wendy Rowe, Fresh Glow is one product you need to get your beauty mitts on. If worn alone, you'll need the skin of a new born (or a Burberry model) but it can be mixed with your other foundation to illuminate your skin and give it that perfect summer finish.
Coverage: None
Finish: An incredibly dewy and natural sheen
SPF: None, so either put SPF on before, or mix with a foundation with SPF for coverage as well
Perfect for the 'I woke up like this' look
Perricone MD products (created by a dermatologist), have the skin's health and radiance at their heart. This cult product, giving a dewy and flawless finish, came about by demand from his vast A-lister clientele. This one-shade-adapts-to-all formula is a serious summer winner.
Coverage: Light, but covers imperfection
Finish: translucent
SPF: 30
Perfect for a polished, but light finish
Yes, just because the sun is shining doesn't mean you must forgo foundation. Luckily NARS has this wonderful oil free, weightless base that still offers full coverage, while giving a natural looking finish. What's more, it lasts for 16 hours - ideal for those clammier days.
Coverage: Full
Finish: Matt
SPF: None, so team with a bronzing primer
Perfect for those who like a touch of gold
The Hylamide Photography Foundation in golden tan is as close as you can probably get to applying pure gold onto your skin. However, once blended it just gives you a touch of the Beyonce golden glow that we all crave. Blurring away imperfections, reducing the appearance of fine lines and even textures, this summer foundation is basically a sold-focused filter in a bottle.
Coverage: Light, but can be mixed with other make-up
Finish: Golden and radiant
SPF: None
Best for the skin's health as well as coverage
With active ingredients from hyaluronic acid (for hydration), Vitamin C (for elasticity) and creatine (for smoothness and texture), this light weight foundation is way more than just another foundation. The perfect product for summer, Kiko's Second Skin isn't just armed with a UVA sunscreen, but protects from UVB rays too, helping protect the epidermis in the long run. What's more it is fragrance free, Paraben free and hypoallergenic.
Coverage: Medium
Finish: Velvety
SPF: 15
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