When it comes to the best lightweight foundation, the aim is to achieve a finish that looks just like your skin, but better, ideally with some skincare benefits like boosting hydration and protection from harmful UV rays.
Choosing the best foundation that boasts a lightweight formula can be a difficult task - from finding a shade that matches your skin tone to identifying a formula that works for your skin type - but the positive about lightweight foundations is that they suit most people’s needs. For those with dry skin, the barely-there texture doesn’t cling to rough patches or settle in lines, but it also won't cause congestion for oily skin.
To save you from losing hours scouring the shelves or mindlessly scrolling, we've tested every lightweight foundation we could get our hands on to bring you a reliable, beauty editor-approved guide to the best ones to buy right now...
Lightweight foundation deals
The best lightweight foundations, reviewed by our experts
RRP: £39 | Shades: 12 | SPF: No | Finish: Fresh, glowing
Created to make our complexions look happy, content and wide awake (even when the reality is different), Trinny London's BFF De-Stress Tinted Serum is powered by hyaluronic acid, a hero hydrator that you’re probably already familiar with, and NP-TriOX complex, a plant-based ingredient proven to minimise the impact of stress on our skin.
The formula can either be sheered out to a tint or built up to achieve medium coverage, but regardless of how much you apply, it doesn’t tend to settle into fine lines. "This is the one base that me and my mum are both obsessed with," says woman&home beauty editor Jess Beech. "I'm noticing fine lines cropping up around my eyes and on my forehead, so I'm 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 coverage and skincare benefits
Avoid if: You want full coverage
RRP: £36.50 | Shades: 22 | SPF: Yes | Finish: Dewy glow
This foundation features niacinamide, hyaluronic acid and green tea extract, 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 is 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" says 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 that only seven of those cater to deeper skin tones.
Buy if: You'd like the added bonus of SPF
Avoid if: You need a good shade selection for deeper skin tones
RRP: £12 | Shades: 12 | SPF: Yes | Finish: Radiant
Overlook the less-luxe design of L'Oréal Paris Skin Paradise 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 perks up our mature skin a treat. We found the juicy finish just radiant enough on our combination complexion.
The downside is that the shade range is pretty poor but, due to the formula's sheerness, each shade can cover a few skin tones. It's also lightly fragranced, which is worth bearing in mind if you have very easily irritated skin. All in all, though, we thought this was a very good base full stop – but an outstanding one as far as the price is concerned.
Buy if: You want a hydrating, budget option
Avoid if: You don't like fragranced makeup
RRP: £24 | Shades: 18 | SPF: No | Finish: Natural
Pixi H2O Skin Tint is by far one of our favourite foundations of all time and a perfect pick for those who want their base to feel truly weightless. 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 yields 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 our best bronzers and blush. Former w&h shopping writer Amelia Yeomans used Pixi SkinTint for over a year as a go-to when she wants a featherlight base that looks 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
RRP: £58 | Shades: 17 | SPF: No | Finish: Satin
You may not have heard of Trish McEvoy, but this brand is beloved by those in the know (including W&H.com Beauty Channel Editor Fiona Mckim) for it's tightly curated range of brilliant, hardworking makeup. This foundation is a worthy addition - it contains plumping hyaluronic acid, offers buildable coverage and has a soft matte finish that works well for daytime but is polished enough for evening.
"I didn't expect to love this quite as much as I did," admits Fiona, "the bottle is quite unassuming - but the makeup artist created formula is beautiful. Creamy yet lightweight on the skin, it blends exceptionally well without looking streaky. I apply mine with a damp beauty sponge for a radiant, light finish, It doesn't sink into the lines around my eyes and lasts nicely from 7am application until 9pm cleanse working days."
Buy if: You want a versatile foundation for all occasions
Avoid if: You need a more affordable option
RRP: £42 | Shades: 13 | SPF: No | Finish: Sheeny
This foundation's USP isn't just that handy stick format (although it is extremely useful for travel or popping in a gym or handbag for top-ups) It's the skincare-packed formula. As well as the usual suspect, hyaluronic acid, this also includes peptides, fatty acids and not one but four skincare oils, for deep skin-quenching properties and a lovely glowy finish.
On testing, Fiona McKim found, "The texture of this is unique - a slick stick that swipes on like a highlighter balm rather than foundation. It certainly doesn't drag, dry out or sink into lines, however, with all those oils, breakout-prone types would be best to avoid this. I loved it - especially for lazy weekend days when I don't want to wear a heavy base. It does need to be topped after half a day or so, as it's so sheer - but that's easy as you don't even need a brush to work it in."
Buy if: You want something handy and glowy
Avoid if: You have oily skin
RRP: £48 | Shades: 17 | SPF: No | Finish: Dewy
This formula features 96% natural origin ingredients, floral extracts and yields a fresh, dewy finish. We thought it felt a little thicker than some of our other picks, but it 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 tell-tale tidemarks.
We thought this 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 (but our Dior Forever Matte foundation review will be worth a read). This is long-lasting and didn't transfer onto a white collar while testing, which is always a plus. It is fragranced, which may not suit everyone, especially 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, radiant finish
Avoid if: You want a budget option
RRP: £37 | Shades: 16 | SPF: Yes | Finish: Natural
Weighing up foundation vs tinted moisturiser? When we tested this one, we found it easily comparable to some of the best lightweight foundations out there. We love that the ingredients focus on skin benefits but still deliver as makeup, 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 and needs some improvement at the deeper end. The slimline, light tube is portable and perfect for travel, as are the wanderlust-inspired shade names. A justified classic, there is very little not to love here – our full NARS Tinted Moisturiser review explains more about what makes it great.
Buy if: You want an easy, apply-with-fingers option
Avoid if: You prefer a matte finish
RRP: £35 | 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 to cater to a broad range of skin tones.
While testing this foundation, we found that it did a great job of concealing yet was also weightless, matte and pore-minimising. The Moroccan Lava Clay and glycerin-infused formula gave our skin the gorgeous, natural glow we always wanted from a foundation. Overall, we loved the finish, coverage and moisture-boosting properties of this formula. While it does a great job at evening out the skin tone, you may feel the need for one or two touch-ups throughout the day.
Buy if: You want lots of shade options
Avoid if: You like a glowy finish
RRP: £34 | Shades: 32 | SPF: No | Finish: Natural
This foundation is 89% skincare-based including squalane and glycerin to hydrate as well as 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 - it's jam-packed with pigment and yields impressive coverage.
"If I'm honest, I was surprised at how heavy this initially felt, but it didn't take much blending to get a smooth finish," says Jess. "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
RRP: £35 | Shades: 30 | SPF: No | Finish: Radiant
The reason MAC Studio Face and Body Radiant Sheer Foundation is in most makeup artists' kits is 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 rubbed hastily into a bare face as it did when buffed into the skin in careful layers to create a polished face of makeup. It's just as at home on limbs as on cheeks, never transfers and resists a rain shower with ease – making it one of the best waterproof foundations.
The light and squeezy bottle is as convenient as they come, with a slim dropper-like top that makes light work of applying the formula with or without a brush. The shade range is pretty extensive. Overall, we think there are very few people who won't love this foundation, thanks to its versatility.
Buy if: You want buildable coverage
Avoid if: You want glam-looking packaging
RRP: £12.99 | Shades: 6 | SPF: No | Finish: Soft matte
Can a pressed powder ever rival a liquid foundation? Even the best powder foundation doesn't tend to make the greatest choice for anyone with dry skin. But unlike your classic pancake-y powder, this finely milled, pigment-packed option is designed to be a one-stop-shop base. We found the texture very easy to blend. The inclusion of skincare ingredients like antioxidant-rich algae aligns with what we expect from liquid foundation and, for oily and combination types, the finish is impressively skin-like, long-lasting and just the right side of matte.
As a compact, it's both portable and handbag-friendly, so great for those who like to top up their makeup on the go. As ever with powders, the little sponge included is no great shakes, so a firm, kabuki-style brush would be better for buffing. There's room for improvement in the shade range, too, as we'd like to see more options for deeper skin tones.
Buy if: You want an easy-to-apply, portable option
Avoid if: You have dry skin
How we tested and selected the best lightweight foundation
A selection of the foundations we tested for this guide
In order to create this thorough and comprehensive guide to the best lightweight foundations, we reviewed an array of products from several different price points to ensure our final list included options for various budget levels. When testing each one, we considered a number of factors, including the following...
- Texture: Most importantly, we were searching for products that felt undetectable and comfortable on the skin.
- Finish: From sheer to soft matte, we took into consideration the finish and how they wore through the day.
- Ingredients: Each foundation in this 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 product was applied to the face and worn for at least a day, often several, to see how it performed.
- Value for money: Finally, we paid close attention 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 that are worth considering. Our experts have expanded on these further into the guide, but the quick list is as follows...
- Your skin type and needs
- The key ingredients in the formula and the results they give
- The texture you prefer
- Price point
A good candidate for a lightweight foundation will allow your skin to peep through, offering a fresh and natural finish. Those without many concerns, "Can have their pick of lightweight foundations," says pro makeup artist Rose Gallagher. "Those who want glow can look for a skincare base, or for something more skin-like opt for an oil-free formula." To find the best foundation for oily skin, Gallagher recommends looking for balancing ingredients, such as 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. "Soothing ingredients like vitamin B5 and E are a bonus as they nourish and protect the skin."
Aside from this, think about finish and texture. "Lightweight foundations can be quite sheer, and if you want more coverage you might have to use another layer or a little concealer on top," adds Elanna Pecherle, makeup artist and founder of Pearl Beauty. "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 liquids."
Pecherle continues: "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.".
Lan is a well-established makeup artist who has worked with big names including 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.
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.
Mira Parmar is a London-based professional makeup artist and hair stylist whose work has taken her all over the world. Having worked with several celebrities and on many shoots over the years, she knows what makes a great lightweight foundation – both on and off camera.
What are the common ingredients in a lightweight foundation?
When it comes to the formulas of lightweight foundations, they aren’t packed full of pigment like a typical full-coverage base, which means there is more space for extra ingredients. Not only will these enhance the finish of your foundation but also improve the all-round health of your complexion. The ones to look out for are:
- Antioxidants: Antioxidants, including vitamins C and E, shield skin from free radicals, which are emitted by pollution, UV rays and smoke. Free radicals can damage our healthy cells, accelerating the look 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: This 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, this 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: A lovely calming ingredient that's 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, moisture can escape and things like pollution and bacteria can sneak in. Using ceramides in your skincare and makeup will help prevent this from happening, keeping your complexion soft and healthy.
- SPF: It’s crucial to wear sunscreen year-round, even when it’s gloomy outside. UVA rays, which are responsible for the majority of skin ageing, can penetrate through clouds. We advise using a dedicated sunscreen to ensure your skin is fully protected, but having a little extra in your foundation as a supporting act is never a bad thing.
Which types of foundation are the most natural looking?
"The most natural foundation finishes are soft, lightweight and breathable formulas, giving you just enough coverage," says makeup artist Mira Parmar. "The perfect natural-looking formulas are sheer tints which provide a hint of colour whilst evening out skin tone. Tinted moisturisers are heavier but still lightweight and tend to be dewy and fresh."
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," Mira continues. "Some light formulations are dewy and radiant and some are matte, so which you choose will depend on your preference."
What's the best way to apply lightweight foundation?
This depends largely on the formula you opt for. Compared to other base products, lightweight foundations also make for a simpler application, Lan Nguyen-Grealis says: “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.”
As a general starting point, a light and buildable coverage can often work well with a fluffier brush or blended with your fingertips, whilst thicker formulas often benefit from being buffed into the skin to create a flawless finish. If improving your base product's longevity is important, applying one of the best primers with gripping properties beforehand will help to lock your foundation down.
Which is better, cream or liquid foundation?
For those with dry and/or mature skin, you may benefit from investing in a cream formula, as they are often slightly richer in consistency and more hydrating. Not only do they hydrate dry skin, but they are often more flattering on fine lines. However, if you're after a truly weightless finish, this can be harder to find in a cream formula.
Alternatively, liquid foundations are great for quick application and have more of a lightweight consistency. Ranging anywhere from velvety matte to fresh and glowy in finish, it’s good to have an idea which one you’re looking for before you start shopping. If you want to manage a particular skin concern – such as oiliness – but also want something lightweight and undetectable, liquids are great for ticking both boxes.
Which type of foundation is best for a no-makeup-makeup look?
A good amount of work goes into a no-makeup look, even if you want the result to look 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.”
Applying your base with your fingers is fine if you're on the go (or in a hurry in the mornings), but make sure to warm your hands first and press the product into your skin, to maximise its staying powder. However, ideally, you'll opt for a brush with relatively spaced-out bristles to help buff your lightweight foundation or tinted moisturiser into your complexion, resulting in an even finish.
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