Arming yourself with the right foundation is an important consideration in any make-up routine. As the base of your look, it can quickly help take you from off-duty to full glam, and while we love the latter from time to time, a lightweight foundation is essential to have in your kit. Why you ask? Well, for days where the sun is beating down or you want to tap into the clean girl aesthetic, a light foundation can be your saving grace. Plus, the beauty of a lightweight foundation lies in its versatility, which allows you to build coverage without compromising a natural-looking finish.
The Best Lightweight Foundations To Buy: Our Shortlist
Best overall lightweight foundation: NARS Cosmetics Sheer Glow Foundation
Best budget-friendly option: Maybelline Super Stay up to 24H Skin Tint Foundation + Vitamin C
Best lightweight foundation for sensitive skin: IT Cosmetics, Your Skin But Better CC+ Cream with SPF50
Best for coverage: IT Cosmetics Your Skin But Better CC+ Cream with SPF50
Sometimes less really is more, so whether you’re a make-up enthusiast or someone who prefers a minimalist approach, the allure of a lightweight foundation is undeniable. From cult classics to affordable high street buys, shop our full edit of the best lightweight foundations below.
The Best Lightweight Foundations 2023
NARS Cosmetics Sheer Glow Foundation
Description
An expert and beauty editor-approved sheer to medium-coverage foundation with a glowy, satin finish.
Pros
- Luminous
- Hydrating
- Buildable
Cons
- No pump
Glossier Perfecting Skin Tint
Description
An ultra-thin, breathable skin tint that evens out the skin’s appearance and won’t cover up your freckles or cake your pores.
Pros
- Breathable
- Enhancing
- Vegan
- Cruelty free
Cons
- 12 shades
Fenty Beauty Eaze Drop Blurring Skin Tint
Description
A buildable light to medium foundation perfect for a no make-up make-up look.
Pros
- Instant, blurring skin tint in 25 flexible shades
- Hydrating
- Smooth texture that layers well with primer and skincare
Cons
- Reviews say its hard to build to medium coverage
Charlotte Tilbury Beautiful Skin Foundation
Description
A much-loved foundation, heaven sent for those who are after something natural-looking that feels enhanced rather than covered.
Pros
- Vegan free
- 30 shades
- Smoothes
Cons
- Reviews say packaging isn’t the best
Maybelline Super Stay up to 24H Skin Tint Foundation + Vitamin C
Description
A lightweight foundation infused with vitamin C, for a luminous skin-like finish.
Pros
- Feels like you have nothing on
- Long lasting
- Vitamin C
IT Cosmetics Your Skin But Better CC+ Cream with SPF50
Description
‘Your skin but better’ – a hydrating, full-coverage CC cream teamed with SPF50 that evens skin tone.
Pros
- SPF50
- Colour Corrector
- Poor minimising
Cons
- Not fragranced some aren’t a fan of the smell
Rare Beauty Positive Light Tinted Moisturiser
Description
Just like a moisturiser this foundation can be applied with fingers. It works to reduce the appearance of pores and fine lines while blurring the skin for a natural-looking, radiant finish.
Pros
- Moisturising
- Blurs
- SPF 20
This story originally appeared on GRAZIA UK.