My favourite type of foundation ; one that leaves the skin looking hydrated glowy and youthful. I have so many that I like to use but I’ve managed to whittle it down to my current favourite 8. ‘Scuse the weird lighting in these photos….daylight seems hard to come by at the moment so I had to use my studio light in the evening.
IT CC Illuminating SPF50(£31)*. Ok a tinted moisturiser/CC by name but it really has a VERY good coverage so is definitely categorised as a foundation. It’s a great all-rounder and it really is one of my every day go-to’s and has been for a while. I like that it’s also easier to get hold of IT now that it has gone into some bigger Boots stores too and I’m desperate to try their famous concealer!
NARS Sheer Glow. (£33) Obvs. A hall of fame foundation that has to be included in the dewy skin line-up and takes the crown as the most infamous dewy finish base. I never liked the original formula of this (it changed a few years ago) but now I really get on with it and find it works on so many different skin types. Great colour range. Oil-free as are ALL NARS foundations FYI.
Kevyn Aucoin The Etherealist Skin Illuminating foundation (£47). A foundation that I don’t think is raved about enough. I’ve used this since it launched a few years ago and it’s such a great medium-full coverage dewy foundation. It contains both light-reflecting particles and pearlescent pigments to create a warm glow on the skin. I think if they had priced this under £40 it would be a lot more talked about.
Chanel Vitalumiere (£40). Probably the foundation I’ve used for the longest in my kit. It’s such a classic and it’s a great hydrating, super lightweight foundation which is great on more mature skin or if you are dry or dehydrated. This used to be my go-to for brides and people yearning for that second skin finish. Not a great shade selection though!
Chantecaille Future Skin(£68). I think the priciest of my picks and it’s one I’ve used in my professional kit for many years ; it’s especially good for brides who want that second-skin, natural finish and it’s one of the best I have used on mature skin. It doesn’t sink into fine lines and gives a beautiful, radiant finish with a decent coverage to boot. A foundation that is good to have for that *special occasion* treat when you want your skin to look AMAZING. The ultimate luxe red carpet foundation! Oil-free and gel-like feel. Packed full of wonderful skincare.
Bourjois Healthy Mix Foundation (£9.99). It’s been re-packaged since I last purchased but I believe the formula is the same. This is one of my favourite high street foundations and it gives a lovely fresh skin finish AND it’s long wear and seems to stay put all day long.
BECCA Aqua Luminous Perfecting foundation (£32). A really nice water-infused, weightless and healthy glow finish foundation. This is one that I use a lot for evenings and special occasions. The only thing I don’t like about it is the pipette-dropper applicator, the product is sometimes a little messy to get out, particularly when you are coming to the end of the bottle, but it doesn’t stop me from buying it.
Bareminerals Complexion Rescue Hydrating foundation stick(£29)* This is a water-based medium coverage foundation was so surprised that a stick foundation gave such a lovely finish. You can see my full review and how it looks on my skin right here. I love a stick foundation as it’s super quick and easy to apply and this has a really cooling and fresh feel to it and literally melts into your skin. One to look at if you like your ‘clean’ formulas. SPF25. Oil-free.
If like me, you have an oily skin but still love a dewy finish, just make sure you prep the skin before foundation application and get a good setting powder on your t-zone. I love the Laura Mercier Translucent Setting powder or the Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless Finish compact is better for on-the-go / handbag touch-ups.
What are your favourite glow-getter foundations? Have you tried any of the above?
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