When it comes to the best lightweight foundation, the aim is to achieve a finish that looks just like your skin, but better. Popular picks may also offer skincare benefits such as boosting hydration and protecting your complexion from harmful UV rays.
The best foundation that boasts a lightweight formula will work on what you already have. Choosing the right base product 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 and desires.
Whilst they work great for those with dry skin, as the barely-there texture doesn’t cling to rough patches or settle in lines, they also don’t cause congestion for oily skin. They're also brilliant in summer for less of a heavy feel on skin (the best foundations with SPF are also a good option for this time of year for added protection).
To save you from trying to scour the shelves or lose hours to mindless 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...
Best 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 a little different), Trinny London's the BFF De-Stress Tinted Serum is powered by two skincare-worthy ingredients. First up is 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 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 with SPF
RRP: £36.50 | Shades: 22 | SPF: Yes | Finish: Dewy glow
This foundation features niacinamide, hyaluronic acid and green tea extract, as well as SPF 40 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 – to the point that I considered saving it for a day when I didn't need to go out," 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: £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 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 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 other complexion products like the best bronzers. We have used the Pixi SkinTint for over a year and it is still our go-to when we want 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: £12 | Shades: 12 | SPF: Yes | Finish: Radiant
Overlook the less-luxe design of the 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 perked up our mature skin a treat. The juicy finish is on 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 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 it 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 want fragrance
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 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 (if that is the case our Dior Forever Matte foundation review is worth a read). But 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 (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 hydration
RRP: £37 | 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 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 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 – our full NARS Tinted Moisturiser review explains more about what makes it great.
Buy if: You want a natural finish
Avoid if: You want a luxurious product
RRP: £45 | Shades: 30 | SPF: No | Finish: Natural
This foundation comes in 30 shades and the formula contains vitamin C, which works to brighten your complexion and even out skin tone. When testing, we loved that it gave ours 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 when opting 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 – the finish is truly glow-enhancing – and we found that it 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 a brilliant lightweight option that'll 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
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 any "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 always want 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 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 like buildable coverage
Avoid if: You like a glowy finish
RRP: £42 | 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 from DCYPHER 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 our custom formula was posted out to us.
Being completely honest, we were worried that all this sounded too good to be true but, after several days of wear, we can safely say that this foundation really does deliver. Not only was our shade match perfect, the finish was exactly as we hoped, too. You can choose from ultra-sheer, sheer, medium or full coverage (we found that medium still felt quite lightweight) and a matte, natural or radiant finish. We found it concealed redness while remaining lightweight and soft on the skin for day-long comfortable wear, with no clinging to dryness or slipping around on oily patches. Its pump also makes for a mess-free experience. There's no SPF here, but this won't be an issue if you master how to reapply sunscreen over makeup.
Buy if: You struggle with shade-matching
Avoid if: You want an option with SPF
RRP: £34 | Shades: 32 | SPF: No | Finish: Natural
This foundation is 89% skincare-based and, within that, you'll 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 and yields impressive coverage.
"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 to this one 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: £61 | 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 foundation that costs £60+ isn't ideal for anyone on a budget. That said, it wouldn't feel right not to include it, because it really is excellent. The shade range is extensive but where this foundation really 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 coverage, two pumps a light-to-medium look, then you can keep applying from there without appearing caked or overdone. The finish is a classy, semi-sheeny satin, while 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 want a more affordable option
RRP: £41| Shades: 4 | SPF: Yes | Finish: Smooth and illuminated
This base is a bit confusing initially as it comes out white. Erborian says that this is to allow it to adapt precisely to match your skin tone as you apply, which we were a bit cynical about. However, though there aren't many, 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 the brand is 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 makes 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 those with oily skin who usually think 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
RRP: £35 | Shades: 30 | SPF: No | Finish: Radiant
You can almost guarantee MAC Studio Face and Body Radiant Sheer Foundation is in most makeup artists' 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 create the base of a polished face of makeup. It's just as at home on limbs as on cheeks, it never transfers and it resists a rain shower with ease – also 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 active skincare benefits
RRP: £12.99 | Shades: 6 | SPF: No | Finish: Soft matte
Can a pressed powder ever rival the best lightweight 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 fine and 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 took a number of factors into consideration, 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. Consumers without additional skin concerns "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, 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 the finish and texture you're after. "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," 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 liquid foundation."
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." If you can find a foundation with these factors within your budget, you'll be onto a winner.
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, can shield skin from a type of cell called free radicals, which are emitted by pollution, UV rays and blue light, for example. If the skin isn’t protected, these 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, much-needed moisture can escape from our skin, and things 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 crucial to wear sunscreen year-round, even when it’s gloomy outside. UVA rays, which are responsible for the majority of skin ageing, can even 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, 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 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 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 may require some trial and error in order to discover the finish you like the best, however it also 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, make sure to apply one of the best primers with gripping properties beforehand will also 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 is can be harder to find in a cream formula.
Alternatively, liquid foundations are great for a 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 when trying to achieve a no-makeup-makeup look?
Despite the name, a good amount of work still goes into a no-makeup-makeup look, even if you want the end 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, in order 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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