The aim of the game with the best lightweight foundation is a complexion that looks like your skin, just better. Some go above and beyond appearances too, delivering skincare benefits like hydration and UV protection.
The best foundation with a lightweight texture will work what you already have. “Using a lightweight foundation allows your natural skin texture and features to show through and enhances their beauty,” says pro makeup artist Lan Nguyen-Grealis. “They tend to be quick and easy to apply, often just with your fingers, and don’t require extensive blending or layering which will save time in your makeup routine.”
When choosing the right foundation for you it’s always important to consider your skin type, and the good news is that lightweight foundations will suit pretty much all of them. “Light foundations are suitable for a wide range of skin types including normal, sensitive and combination,” continues Nguyen-Grealis. On dry skin, they’re great as the barely-there texture doesn’t cling to rough patches or settle in lines, and on oily skin, they won’t cause congestion. “These foundations are more breathable, reducing the risk of clogged pores or breakouts.” They're especially welcome around the summer months, when you want to let your skin breathe, although the best foundations with SPF are also a good option for this time of year.
To save you from scouring the shelves or losing hours to mindless scrolling, we've tested every lightweight foundation we could get our hands on to bring you a reliable, beauty editor-approved round-up of the best ones to buy right now.
The quick list
In a rush? Here are the best lightweight foundations at a speedy glance...
Best lightweight foundation overall
RRP: £39
Shades: 12
SPF: No
Finish: Fresh, glowing
Trinny London created their BFF De-Stress Tinted Serum, to make our complexions look happy, content and wide awake – even if the reality might be a little different. It’s powered by two skincare-worthy ingredients. The first is hyaluronic acid, a hero hydrator that you’re probably already familiar with, andNP-TriOX complex - a plant-based ingredient proven to minimise the impact of stress on our skin.
BFF De-Stress can either be sheered out to a whisper of tint or built up to achieve medium coverage. No matter how much you apply though, it doesn’t settle into fine lines. W&H beauty editor Jess Beech said, "This is the one base that me and my Mum are both obsessed with,". "I'm noticing fine lines cropping up around my eyes and on my forehead, so am always a fan of anything that makes them less noticeable. Since testing this, Mum has completely ditched all her other foundations, and I think her skin has never looked dewier."
Buy if: You want light-medium coverage
Avoid if: You want full coverage
Best lightweight foundation for long-lasting wear
RRP: £34
Shades: 32
SPF: No
Finish: Natural
This foundation is 89% skincare-based and in that 89%, you can find squalane and glycerin to hydrate as well as wild rose berry and plankton to balance shine. When you apply Glossier Stretch Fluid Foundation it’s clear from the off that it’s a foundation rather than a tinted moisturiser or serum. Even though the colour is a small part of the formulation, 11% is jam-packed with pigment.
"If I'm honest, I was surprised at how heavy this initially felt, but it didn't take much buffing and blending to get a smooth, cake-free finish," says Beech. "I was impressed with the staying power too, as most lightweight foundations I've tried have completely disappeared by the time I look in the mirror at the end of the day." The only downside is that it can nestle into pores and lines, making them more visible, so we found it worked best with a smoothing primer underneath".
Buy if: You want a hydrating formula that lasts
Avoid if: It'll bother you if it settles in your pores
Best lightweight foundation with SPF
RRP: £36.50
Shades: 22
SPF: Yes
Finish: Dewy glow
This foundation has niacinamide, hyaluronic acid and green tea extract in this formula, as well as SPF40 for protection against UVB rays. Consistency-wise, it’s lighter than the original and much thinner too, which means less coverage on things like hyperpigmentation and breakouts. While it’s not going to cover a spot, it's good at neutralising unwanted tones such as purple rings around your eyes and redness. The brightening benefits are impressive too, with plenty of glow.
"I tested the shade light which initially looked way too dark on the back of my hand – to the point that I considered saving it for a day when I didn't need to go out," explains Beech. "Somehow though, when I did apply it, it blended seamlessly without making me look even a little bit tangoed." There are 22 shades to choose from, but we were disappointed there are only seven of those are designed for deeper skin tones.
Buy if: You'd like SPF included
Avoid if: You need a good shade selection for deeper tones
Best lightweight foundation for applying in a hurry
RRP: £41
Shades: 4
SPF: Yes
Finish: Smooth and illuminated
This foundation is a bit confusing initially, as it comes out white rather than skin-coloured. The brand says that this is so it can adapt precisely to match your skin tone as you apply, which we were a bit cynical about. Also, the shades are pretty stretchy, so we think it’s quite easy to get a convincing finish from one shade across quite a wide variety of skin tones. However, the white particles do mean it creates an ashy finish on deeper complexions, and Erborian are currently reformulating their darkest shade to fix this.
As for the finish, we were told we looked well by at least one person every time we wore this. It manages to make skin look luminous and glowy but not greasy or shiny. This, combined with a generous amount of pigment and impressive staying power, make it a good choice for anyone with oily skin who previously thought lightweight foundations weren’t for them. "I first tried this on a bit of a whim when I realised – halfway through applying my makeup – that I'd completely run out of my normal foundation, and I've barely used anything else since," explains Beech. "Even if I'm using another foundation, I'll still mix a little of this in for added glow."
Buy if: You'd like a non-comedogenic option
Avoid if: You'd like a large range of shades to choose from
Best lightweight foundation for hydration
RRP: £33
Shades: 16
SPF: Yes
Finish: Natural
Weighing up foundation vs tinted moisturiser? When we tested this one, we found that it is pretty damn near faultless. We love that the ingredients focus on skin benefits but it still delivers as make up too. The pigment is buildable and has a water-silicone base that ensures it applies smoothly. Once it sets down it dries to a lasting, lightly radiant finish.
We got the best part of a day's wear out of this foundation. It doesn’t settle into lines or melt off at the first sniff of an oily T-zone or perspiration. The shade range has recently been extended to 16, which isn't enormous but the sheer pigment means each shade is highly forgiving, so most will find the right match. The slimline, light tube is brilliant for anyone who loves a makeup declutter, as well as making this portable and perfect for travel, as do the wanderlust-inspired shade names. A justified classic, there is very little not to love here.
See our full NARS Tinted Moisturiser review.
Buy if: You want a natural finish
Avoid if: You want a luxurious product
Best lightweight foundation for a perfect shade match
RRP: £28
Shades: Custom to you
SPF: No
Finish: Choice of matte, natural or radiant
If you've always struggled to find a foundation that is actually the right shade for you, this DCYPHER foundation is made to order to perfectly fit your skin tone, skin type, and desired finish. All we had to do was take a few quick photos on the website, select our formula preferences, and it was ready to be posted to us.
We were worried that it was too good to be true, but after several days of wear, we can safely say that this foundation really does deliver. Not only is the shade match perfect, but the finish is exactly what we hoped for. You can choose from coverage levels ultra-sheer, sheer, medium or full (we found that even medium was quite lightweight) and a matte, natural or radiant finish. It conceals redness whilst remaining lightweight and soft on the skin for day-long comfortable wear with no clinging to dryness or slipping around on oily patches. The pump applicator also makes for a mess-free experience. It doesn't include SPF, however, this isn't a deal breaker, especially if you master how to reapply sunscreen over makeup.
Buy if: You've struggled to find the right shade before
Avoid if: You want an option with SPF
Best lightweight foundation for dry skin
RRP: £24
Shades: 18
SPF: No
Finish: Natural
Pixi H2O Skin Tint is by far one of our favourite foundations of all time, and it is a perfect pick for those who want a truly weightless feeling on the skin. It glides on and blends out with minimal effort. We like to use our hands to apply it and you hardly need any product to cover your whole face.
For those with dry skin, this won't cling to any rough patches or blemishes, and will instead hydrate and provide a natural glow. Despite its thin texture, we also found it provides enough coverage to conceal light redness or small spots without the need for a heavy concealer. It doesn't move around throughout the day, and it also layers beautifully with other complexion products like the best bronzers. We have used Pixi Skin Tint for over a year and it is still our go-to when we want a featherlight base that will look just as good at the end of the day as it does when freshly applied.
Buy if: You have dry skin
Avoid if: You like a thicker foundation texture
Best luxury lightweight foundation
RRP: £48
Shades: 17
SPF: No
Finish: Dewy
This formula comprises 96% natural origin ingredients, floral extracts, and gives a fresh, dewy finish. We thought it felt a little thicker than some of our other picks but blended nicely with a firm brush and then quickly set into a light, flattering veil over the skin. No streaks, no dragging, and definitely no telltale tidemarks.
We thought this Dior foundation made our skin look great, while still feeling like skin. Naturally, if a matte, high pigment base is your go-to then this probably won't suit you (if that is the case our Dior Forever Matte foundation review is worth a read). However, it's long-lasting and didn't transfer onto a white collar on testing, which is always a plus. It is fragranced, which may not suit everyone (more specifically those with sensitive skin), but this being Dior, it's a quietly luxurious scent you'll probably love.
Buy if: You want a long lasting finish
Avoid if: You want a budget option
Best lightweight foundation for an even skin tone
RRP: £34
Shades: 50
SPF: No
Finish: Matte
You don't need to have flawless skin to wear a lightweight foundation – as long as you opt for something that evens out the skin tone. Not only is this foundation available in a whopping 50 shades, but it also comes in nine intensities for all skin tones.
When we tested this foundation, we found that it did a great job of concealing our imperfections. It was also weightless, matte, and pore-minimising. The Moroccan Lava Clay and glycerin-infused formula gave our skin the gorgeous, natural glow we’ve always wanted from a foundation. It's really light in texture, so we recommend shaking it beforehand to avoid any potential mishaps. Overall, we loved the finish, coverage, and moisture-boosting formula. While it does a great job at evening out the skin tone, you may need one or two touch-ups throughout the day.
Buy if: You'd like buildable coverage
Avoid if: You like a glowy finish
Best lightweight foundation on a budget
RRP: £12
Shades: 12
SPF: Yes
Finish: Radiant
Overlook the design of this foundation because it's a seriously good product. When testing, we found that the texture is slippery and quenching, with solid skincare ingredients like aloe vera, glycerin, and SPF, plus the finish is a light soft-focus glow that perked up our mature skin a treat. The juicy finish is the right side of off-puttingly shiny for those with oily skin, and we found it just radiant enough on our combination complexion.
The downside is that the shade range is pretty poor, but due to the sheer pigment, each shade can span a good few skin tones. It is also lightly fragranced, so if you have very easily irritated skin you might want to go carefully. But all in all, we thought this foundation was a very good base full stop, but an outstanding one as far as the price is concerned.
See our full L'Oréal Paris Skin Paradise review.
Buy if: You want a hydrating, budget option
Avoid if: You don't want a fragranced foundation
Best buildable lightweight foundation
RRP: £62
Shades: 36
SPF: No
Finish: Satin
Warning: If you try Pat McGrath Skin Fetish you'll probably wish you didn't like it as much as you do. Obviously getting hooked on a £62 foundation isn't ideal for anyone on a budget. That said, it wouldn't feel right not to include this, because it really is excellent. The shade range is extensive but where this foundation stands out is its texture and finish which we found surprisingly thin, like a light milky fluid that offers bags of spreadability, slip, and time to buff it in for a polished, seamless finish.
It is buildable, meaning one pump gives the sheerest pigment, two pumps can give a light-to-medium look then you can keep on building from there without appearing caked or overdone. The finish is a classy semi-sheeny satin, while powerhouse skincare ingredients like hyaluronic acid and ceramides plump and hydrate for a natural, lasting glow.
Buy if: You like a polished finish
Avoid if: You'd like a more affordable option
Best lightweight foundation for every skin tone
RRP: £16
Shades: 40
SPF: No
Finish: Natural
Although Fresh Nude foundation isn't new, it has undergone an eco-makeover and the packaging is now fully recyclable – but its formula is the real winner here. Weightless and moisturising, with buildable, medium coverage, it truly has something to offer most complexions.
Its former pump has been replaced with a new spatula, so we had to scoop the product out, which we didn't love. However, we liked having greater control over how much product we were using. For the perfect finish, we recommend buffing it in with one of the best foundation brushes for flawless, healthy-looking skin. If you've never tried this foundation before, now is the time. The huge shade range (40 with 3 undertones to pick from, to be precise) means it's now possible to find the one that suits your skin perfectly.
Buy if: You'd like a cruelty-free option
Avoid if: You like a foundation pump
Best lightweight foundation for face and body
RRP: £32
Shades: 30
SPF: No
Finish: Radiant
You can almost guarantee this foundation is in most make up artist's kits because this sheer, buildable, long-wearing yet light and fresh-looking base is unbelievably versatile. When testing, we found that it worked just as beautifully as a drop or two rubbed into a bare face as it did when buffed into the skin in careful layers to form the base of a polished face of makeup. It's just as at home on limbs as it is on cheeks, never transfers, and resists a rain shower with ease, making it one of the best waterproof foundations. The light, squeezy bottle is as convenient as they come, with a slim dropper-like top that makes light work of applying anywhere - with or without brushes.
The shade range is extensive and we think there are very few people who won't love this foundation, thanks to its versatility.
See our full MAC Studio Face and Body Radiant Sheer Foundation review.
Buy if: You'd like buildable coverage
Avoid if: You'd like active skincare benefits
Best lightweight foundation powder
RRP: £12.99
Shades: 6
SPF: No
Finish: Soft matte
Can a pressed powder ever rival the best lightweight foundation in liquid form? Even the best powder foundation is not the right choice for anyone with dry skin but, unlike your classic pancake-y powder, this finely milled, pigment-packed powder is designed as a one-stop-shop base. We found the texture to be very fine and easy to blend. The inclusion of skincare ingredients such as antioxidant-rich algae brings this in line with what we expect of liquid foundation, and, for oily and combination types the finish is impressively skin-like while being long-lasting and just the right side of totally matte.
Being a compact, it's both portable and handbag friendly, so if you're someone who likes to top up their makeup on the go, this is a great option. As ever with powders, the little sponge included is no great shakes, and a firm kabuki-style brush would be better for buffing. More shades on the deeper end of the spectrum wouldn't go amiss too.
Buy if: You want an easy-to-apply-on-go option
Avoid if: You have dry skin
Best lightweight foundation for glow
RRP: £45
Shades: 29
SPF: No
Finish: Natural
This foundation has over 30 shades available and the formula contains Vitamin C, which works to brighten your complexion and even out skin tone. When testing, we loved that it gave our skin a flawless and natural look. It was easy to blend out with a brush or a sponge and we were pleased to find that a little bit goes a long way, especially if you are going for a light finish. But depending on your skin type, you may need to apply a bit of powder to finish off the look as we did on our combination skin.
It certainly delivers on radiance and the finish is truly glow-enhancing, and we found that this lasted long into the evening. After a long day spent running errands, it stayed in place and our skin still had the same gorgeous glow as when the foundation first set. If you're looking for the best lightweight foundation to give you a truly healthy glow, this is the one for you.
Buy if: You'd like to conceal imperfections
Avoid if: You have oily skin
How we tested and selected the best lightweight foundation
A selection of the foundations we tested for this guide
Finding the best lightweight foundation on the market is no mean feat. This is why we took a number of factors into consideration when testing each of these products, including:
- Texture – The most important thing to look for in a lightweight foundation is texture, so we were searching for products that felt invisible and comfortable on the skin.
- Finish – The next thing we took into consideration was the finish, from sheer to soft matte, and how they fared through the day.
- Ingredients – Every lightweight foundation in our guide has had its ingredient list thoroughly scrutinised, with skincare actives and base liquids assessed (as this will differ hugely between the best serum foundations vs a traditional foundation vs CC cream, for example).
- Performance – Each was applied to the face and worn for at least a day, or often several, to see how it performed.
- Value for money – Finally, we paid a close eye to packaging and value for money. We know that comparing a £60 foundation with one that costs £9.99 isn’t apples for apples, so the cost-to-performance ratio was carefully considered.
How to choose the best lightweight foundation
When shopping for the best lightweight foundation, there are a few things to consider:
- Your skin type and needs
- The key ingredients in the formula and the results they give
- The texture you prefer
- Price point
"Normal skin types can have their pick of lightweight foundations," says pro makeup artist Rose Gallagher. "Those who want glow can look for something with a skincare base, or for something more skin-like opt for an oil-free formula." To find the best foundation for oily skin in a light texture, Gallagher recommends looking for ingredients designed to balance oil like niacinamide, clay, or charcoal.
Sensitive or dry skin types should “look for formulas that include ceramides, squalane, and hyaluronic acid to ease the dryness," according to Gallagher, who concludes that, "soothing ingredients like Vitamin B5 and E are a bonus as they nourish and protect the skin."
But beyond this, you'll also want to think about the finish of the foundation and what sort of texture you're after. "Some lightweight foundations can be quite sheer, and if you want a bit more coverage than that you might have to use another layer or a little concealer on top – so choosing a foundation that is either buildable or pairs well with other liquid products on top is key. There are also lightweight powder foundations that can work better on oily skin types than a liquid foundation," adds Elanna Pecherle, makeup artist and founder of Pearl Beauty.
Pecherle also notes that "lightweight foundations will usually have water at the top of the ingredient list, as well as water-soluble actives like hyaluronic acid, peptides and fermented extracts that are highly compatible with the skin. These formulas absorb easily and enhance the skin-like feel." If you can find a foundation with these factors within your budget, you're onto a winner.
Professional makeup artist Rose has grown a huge online following over the years thanks to her easy-to-follow tutorials as well as her honesty and practical advice. Rose is candid about her rosacea, a condition that causes skin to appear red and feel both dry and uncomfortable. This makes her a reliable source for helping you find a lightweight foundation that provides plenty of coverage and doesn't irritate the skin.
With more than a decade of experience in the beauty industry, makeup artist Elanna noticed a need for more minimal product offerings, which inspired her to launch her own brand called Pearl Beauty. Her chosen look is glowing, natural-looking skin, making her a font of knowledge surrounding lightweight foundations.
What ingredients might you find in a lightweight foundation?
As the formulations for lightweight foundations aren’t as packed full of pigment as a full-coverage base might be, there’s more space for added ingredients. These will not only help to enhance the finish of your foundation but also improve the all-round health of your complexion. The ones to look out for are:
- Vitamin C (and other antioxidants): Antioxidants, like vitamins C and E, work to shield skin from a type of cell called free radicals which are emitted by things like pollution, UV rays and blue light. If the skin isn’t protected, these free radicals can damage our healthy cells, accelerating the appearance of fine lines and hyperpigmentation. Antioxidants do their best work during the day when our skin is most exposed to these kinds of stressors.
- Hyaluronic acid: Hyaluronic acid is a kind of ingredient called a humectant, which means it works like a magnet to attract water into the skin and hold it there. Small but mighty, a single molecule of hyaluronic acid can hold up to a thousand times its weight in water.
- Glycerin: Like hyaluronic acid, glycerin is also a humectant, which makes it another brilliant ingredient for preventing dehydration so that skin looks plump and dewy rather than dull and tight.
- Aloe vera: Aloe vera is a lovely calming ingredient that is great for soothing dry or sensitive skin experiencing a flare-up.
- Ceramides: If you picture the outer layer of our skin like a wall, then ceramides are the mortar that helps to hold the cells together. If that mortar isn’t structurally sound, much-needed moisture can escape from our skin, and nasties like pollution and bacteria can sneak in through the cracks. Using ceramides in your skincare and makeup will help prevent this from happening, keeping your complexion soft and healthy.
- SPF: It’s really important to be wearing sunscreen all year round, even when it’s gloomy outside. UVA rays, which are responsible for the majority of skin ageing, can penetrate through clouds. We always advise using a dedicated sunscreen product to ensure your skin is fully protected, but having a little extra in your foundation is never a bad thing.
FAQs
Which types of foundation are the most natural looking?
"The most natural foundation finishes are soft, lightweight and breathable formulas, making them the perfect spring or summer foundations and giving you just enough coverage," says makeup artist Mira Parmar. "The perfect foundations that are natural looking are your sheer tints which provide a hint of colour whilst evening out skin tone. Tinted moisturisers are heavier but still lightweight and they tend to be dewy and fresh," she says.
Beauty balms and colour correctors are other great options for a natural base. "BB creams also provide skin benefits like blemish control, and CC creams are 2-in-1 makeup and skincare so work to neutralise and colour correct the skin. Some formulations are dewy and radiant and some are matte, so which you choose will depend on your preference."
Which is better, cream or liquid foundation?
Cream foundations can be great for those with dry skin or mature skin as they tend to be slightly richer in consistency and more hydrating. Not only do they quench dry skin, but they also look more flattering on fine lines. However, if you're after a truly weightless finish, this is harder to find in a cream formula.
Liquid foundations, on the other hand, can be great for quick application and more of a lightweight consistency. They can range from velvety matte to fresh and glowy, so it’s important to narrow down which finish you’re looking for. If you want to manage a particular skin concern – e.g. oiliness – but you also want something lightweight and undetectable, liquids can be great to tick both boxes.
Which type of foundation is best when trying to achieve a no-makeup-makeup look?
Lan is a well-established makeup artist who has worked with the likes of Beverly Knight, Paloma Faith and Nicole Scherzinger. She has more than 20 years of experience in the industry and is always keen to test out new products for her kit – especially foundations and bases.
Don’t be fooled by the name, a fair amount of work still goes into a no-makeup-makeup look – even if you want the end result to look bare-faced and like you barely made any effort at all. Choosing the right foundation is important, as you want your skin to still look like skin. “I’d recommend a tinted foundation or a tinted moisturiser as they’re sheer with light coverage, which allows your natural skin to show through without looking cakey,” says Nguyen-Grealis. “These tend to be less matte and more satin or dewy in texture, mimicking the natural look of healthy skin.”
If you’re on the go or in a hurry, applying with your fingers is fine, just make sure you warm your hands first and really press the product into your skin to maximise it’s staying powder. Ideally, though, it’s good to use a brush with relatively spaced-out bristles to buff your lightweight foundation or tinted moisturiser in for an even finish.
