The 13 Foundations SL Readers Swear By
1. Kevyn Aucoin The Etherealist Skin Illuminating Foundation, £46
With across-the-board 5* ratings online, it’s little wonder Kevyn Aucoin’s beloved base made the cut. Our readers said it was “lightweight, with great colour matching and a long-lasting formula”. A little of its featherweight texture goes a long way. Expect coverage that melts into the skin, depositing a refined, buildable tint.
Available at CultBeauty.co.uk
2. Giorgio Armani Luminous Silk Foundation, £42
This silky-smooth base is regularly spotted inside make-up artist’s kits for a weightless yet tenacious formula that leaves behind an enviable glow. Also known for impressive coverage that looks great in pictures, it has a very inclusive shade range.
Available at LookFantastic.com
3. IT Cosmetics CC+ Full Coverage Cream SPF 50+, £31
We’re also big fans of this one at SL HQ. This cult CC cream hides everything (blotchiness, breakouts, dark patches) and gives an airbrushed finish. Yet it feels like you’re wearing nothing on the skin, and the SPF50 is a big bonus.
Available at CultBeauty.co.uk
4. Revlon ColorStay Foundation 24Hrs Coverage, £12.99
Loved by readers for its affordability and long-lasting formula, a creamy texture makes it easy to apply. It’s incredibly dewy too, so works particularly well on dry and mature skin types. The coverage is buildable for the days where you need more.
Available at Boots.com
5. Vita Liberata Beauty Blur Sunless Glow, £32.50
Lighter than others in this roundup, Vita Liberata’s glowing base has sheer-to-medium coverage that looks and feels hydrating, while lending skin a natural-looking tan.
Available at JohnLewis.com
6. Max Factor Facefinity 3-in-1 Flawless Foundation, £12.99
A favourite for its does-it-all formula (primer, concealer and foundation), this continues to be a Max Factor best-seller. You’ll find it evens out skin tone in an undetectable way, and never settles into pores or fine lines. Use a brush or damp beauty blender to really set it into the skin for a flawless finish.
Available at Boots.com
7. The Ordinary Serum Foundation, £5.70
This got rave reviews for its watery texture that sweeps over the skin seamlessly, without the need for heavy blending. Described as “lightweight with great coverage, a broad range of shades and inexpensive too”, reviewers also claimed it never leaves skin looking or feeling caked.
Available at CultBeauty.co.uk
8. Maybelline Fit Me Matte & Poreless Foundation, £5.99
One for those who prefer a matte finish, Maybelline’s full-coverage foundation covers redness and spots while neutralising uneven tone. Ideal for those with oilier complexions, it minimises the appearance of fine lines, pores and wrinkles.
Available at Boots.com
9. NARS Sheer Glow Foundation, £33.50
Several of you claimed this foundation made your skin feel like your own, but better and more refined. The runny formula makes application and blending a breeze, while turmeric and antioxidants protect against environmental damage and boost overall radiance.
Available at CultBeauty.co.uk
10. Oxygenetix Oxygenating Foundation, £45
Regularly recommended by dermatologists to those with acne, the formula is non-comedogenic (doesn’t clog pores), oil free, fragrance free and contains SPF protection. Pricey, but worth it if you struggle with spots and want soft yet full coverage that doesn’t result in further breakouts.
Available at FaceTheFuture.co.uk
11. Clinique Beyond Perfecting Foundation & Concealer, £28.50
This came out top in our SL reader survey – for its longevity, luminosity and a natural finish that can be worn sheer, or built up for an airbrushed effect. Either way, its wet-skin radiance lasts all day long.
Available at Boots.com
12. Becca Ultimate Coverage 24-Hour Foundation, £32
Becca’s beautifying base delivers a polished effect that doesn’t go patchy or dry out come 4pm. Readers love it for its hydrating feel (it’s 22% water) that never clings to dry areas and leaves your complexion looking plump and smooth.
Available at CultBeauty.co.uk
13. No7 HydraLuminous Moisturising Foundation, £15
Known for its anti-ageing formula and bargain price point, No7’s foundation is often said to be just as good – if not better – than more expensive brands. More of a tinted moisturiser than a full-coverage foundation, it uses vitamins A, C and E to nourish, hydrate and resurface uneven skin tone. A must for those wanting something a bit lighter and luminous.
Available at Boots.com
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