18 May 2024 , 08:00
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A beauty routine during the warmer months needs changing up a bit- the more minimal the better for the majority of us who still want to feel fresh faced and natural.
There are many different products on the market which can help us create perfectly flawless looks without the worry of getting a sweaty top lip and oily T zone. It all starts with complexion- getting a good SPF, setting spray, and tinted moisturiser can all do the trick- and for a longer lasting look, a lightweight foundation can really elevate a look for a more 'put together' finish.
Here I have taken a look at the best foundations for different skin types and ages, and what luxury brands are worth splurging on.
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Best long-lasting foundations to buy 2024
Best overall lightweight foundation
NYX Born to Glow Foundation
Creamy, buildable, soft and radiance-boosting, this lightweight foundation from NYX is a total dream for under a tenner.
Available in 45 shades to suit all skin tones, its vegan formula offers a dewy, iridescent finish, and is perfect for normal to dry skin that needs a little dash of fresh-faced fabulousness.
It offers a medium coverage that you can build upon if you want full coverage. It stays put and is easy to apply, as well as being perfectly blendable.
One fan said: "I'm just obsessed with the glow this foundation gives. It's subtle and leaves your complexion dewy without a cakey look."
Buy here for £6.29 on Amazon.
Best lightweight foundation for youthful skin
Revolution Pro CC Cream Perfecting Foundation SPF30
A foundation/SPF hybrid is what we like to see.
Revolution Pro CC cream with SPF30 is a must for those wanting an affordable yet hybrid skincare/makeup product (Image: Revolution Beauty)And, at such an affordable price, we would expect their to be a little leeway with coverage but it turns out the reviews online suggest otherwise.
One reviewer gushed: "I have very pale and dry skin. I went for shades F0.1 and F3 as i wanted different tones for winter and summer months. The product comes in cute packaging and a pump. The colour are as I expected and it has a silky finish. It looks full coverage but does seem drying. It mentions that the product has hyaluronic acid and collagen + most importantly for me SPF 30.
Buy here for £5 at Revolution Beauty
Clinique Moisture Surge™ Sheertint Hydrator SPF 25
Mimetic-ShadeTM Technology means each sheer, perfecting shade blends flawlessly with a range of skin tones.
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Clinique's sheer formula is more on the tinted moisturiser spectrum, but many love it's coverage properties (Image: Clinique)Hyaluronic acid and activated aloe water help keep skin hydrated for 12 hours. SPF and antioxidants help shield skin from the harmful effects of UV, pollution, pollen and other impurities.
Here one beauty lover couldn't get enough: "Wanted something light for the summer instead of usual foundation, I absolutely love it, I have had so many compliments on how lovely my skin looks, it's so nice and easy to apply, will definitely be buying again".
Buy here for £34 at Clinique
Best Lightweight Foundation for Dry or Mature Skin
No7 Lift & Luminate Triple Action Serum Foundation
A serum-infused lightweight foundation is perfect for dry or ageing skin, offering an instant youth-boost.
This base boasts light-reflecting particles to immediately take the focus away from fine lines and wrinkles, giving a radiant glow. This foundation also evens out your skin tone, covering pores and pigmentation, without creasing into wrinkles. There's also an SPF 15 to protect against the damaging effects of the sun's rays.
A happy customer said: "I have looked for a foundation that didn't look too heavy as we are coming into the summer months, and thought I'd give this a go. I was very pleasantly surprised... It went on my skin beautifully, you only need a small amount as it goes a long way, and my skin looked amazing, which was lovely after a year in lockdown."
Buy here for £20.95 at Boots
The Body Shop Fresh Nude Foundation
No messing around, the Fresh Nude Foundation does what it says on the bottle, helping create a natural, nude glow finish with a fresh-faced, moisturised feeling.
The Fresh Nude formula promises to give users a natural looking finish (Image: The Body Shop)But the best part of this little glow up? 40 shades. Enriched with vitamin E and aloe vera, it feels comfortable, not cakey, on skin. It lets your skin breathe and look healthy and smooth with a radiant finish.
Buy here now for £22 at The Body Shop
Lightweight foundation for sensitive skin
Armani Luminous Silk Foundation
This Armani Foundation I have seen so much of online- beauty bloggers seem to love it's natural yet flawless coverage (Image: Look Fantastic)A multi-award winning hydrating foundation with a radiant, satin finish. And with a huge 1,567 five star reviews on the Look Fantastic website, it looks like we can trust it will do the trick for those with sensitive skin.
One reviewer praised the foundation: "Such a lovely finish , nothing too cakey but does have some coverage. I would say is more of a summer foundation to give you that amazing glow and skin like look."
Another added: "After seeing this on various people’s Instagram, I thought I’d give it a go and wow! I colour matched via LF site to my Estée Lauder (2C2) which has always been my go to foundation. I was starting double wear was a bit think and this silk foundation is a true match and lighter. Looks so lovely on the skin."
Buy here for £36.80 at Look Fantastic
Best Lightweight foundation for oily skin
Elf Flawless Finish Foundation Lightweight, Medium Coverage & Semi-Matte
If you've got oily or combination skin you may prefer more of a matte finish, and this budget-friendly lightweight foundation is ideal.
It works to improve uneven skin tone and texture, is super-blendable and offers medium-to-full coverage. It's oil-free yet contains glycerin to hydrate and soften your skin, and it's vegan-friendly and cruelty-free.
"I wanted this foundation to smooth out my skin, and still look natural," says one Amazon review. "I think it does achieve this, it still makes my skin look natural but the darkness under my eyes has depleted.
"The foundation is really lightweight and non-sticky so my face feels soft and not tacky afterwards."
Buy here for £9 at Amazon
Best for Medium coverage
NARS Light Reflecting Foundation
NARS have won over so many beauty lovers with this formula- it seems to be a 'size fits all' kinda product (Image: John Lewis)Suitable for most skin types, including sensitive skin. Medium, buildable coverage with a natural finish. Breathable, all-day wear. 36 shades. Makeup that looks like skin and acts like skincare- many beauty fanatics claim it feels light as air.
One reviewer praised the coverage pay off: "I am new to this range. Very impressed with the colour, quality and buildable coverage of this foundation. Its not thick and sticky, sinks into the skin leaving a glowing complexion. Thankyou to the lady on the Nars counter at Liverpool for your help. Will definitely buy again."
Another claimed "This foundation is gorgeous. Feels so light and looks really fresh and dewy on but still gives decent coverage. Doesn't sink into any fine lines either."
Buy here for £41 at John Lewis
Charlotte Tilbury Light Wonder Foundation
Light-as-air, silky-soft, and breathable, this is your go-to for a lightweight foundation that simply glides on - and stays there.
It's packed with silicones and mica, which make for a seamless application and offers a natural-looking medium coverage, which is also buildable.
One rave review read: "This is easily the best foundation I have EVER put on my face. It's perfectly moisturising, never cakes on my skin, and wears fabulously throughout even the longest days."
Buy here for £39 at Charlotte Tilbury