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On no-makeup makeup days, the best lightweight foundations are the unsung heroes of our beauty routines.
Source images:Allureeditors; Collage: Laneen Wells
No matter your preferred finish or format, theres a lightweight foundation out there for you.
“The formula is, for me, unmatched.
Think of it as the last step in your skin-care routine and the first in your makeup routine.
Shopping director Shanna Shipin applying the Kosas BB Burst
And for spots that need a little extra camouflaging, pair it withKosass Revealer Concealer.
Truly imperceptible coverage that blends easily and wears ridiculously comfortably.
“I love how glowy this formula is and the shade range is also so beautiful.”
Shipin before applying Kosas BB Burst
Tsubaki oil,ginseng, and pomegranate extract make your skin look and feel better than before.
Turns out, it was a matter of timing, says interim shopping director Deanna Pai.
It imparts enough coverage to even out my skin tone while feeling like nothing at all.”
Shipin after applying Kosas BB Burst
This is a true skin-care-meets-makeup hybrid in all senses that lends super breathable, light coverage with every app.
Youll get a super lightweight feel and soft-focus finish that sets on its ownno powder necessary.
Enter: Anastasia Beverly Hills’s Blur Balm Stick.
Senior news editor Nicola Dall’Asen applying the Ilia Super Serum Skin Tint SPF 40
The result is a silky app with just the right amount of pigment payoff.
It feels like a serum on the skin but reads like the buildable, light-to-medium coverage foundation it is.
What’s not to love?
Dall’Asen before applying the Ilia Super Serum Skin Tint SPF 40
New York-based makeup artistLisa Aharonalso approves, especially for mature skin.
Often, lightweight foundations feature skin-loving ingredients, as theyre closer in consistency to skin care than heavy makeup.
Still, she recommends using moisturizer to prep skin.
Dall’Asen after applying the Ilia Super Serum Skin Tint SPF 40
When applying a lightweight foundation, the natural warmth from your fingertips is an excellent tool for blending.
“This should give you a smooth veil of coverage, eliminating any redness or unevenness.”
I usually go in outward, circular motions.
Interim shopping director Deanna Pai applying Westman Atelier’s Vital Skin Care Complexion Foundation Drops
Then, I fine-tune any additional blending with a clean foundation brush," makeup artistJoseph Carilloadded.
Does the brand offer a wide shade range inclusive of consumers with all skin tones and undertones?
Is it safe for readers who have sensitive skin or wear contact lenses?
Pai before applying Westman Atelier’s Vital Skin Care Complexion Foundation Drops
Is it on the affordable side or more of a splurge?
Is its packaging consciously designed or needlessly wasteful?
This ensures our testing base spans different skin tones, genders, and dermatological conditions.
Pai after applying Westman Atelier’s Vital Skin Care Complexion Foundation Drops
For more on what’s involved in our reporting, check out our completereviews process and methodology page.
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