All products featured on Allure are independently selected by our editors.

However, we may receive compensation from retailers and/or from purchases of products through links in this article.

On no-makeup makeup days, the best lightweight foundations are the unsung heroes of our beauty routines.

Film strips with images of people smiling while wearing lightweight foundation on their faces

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.

Kosas BB Burst Tinted Moisturizer Gel Cream in branded component on a light gray background

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.”

Selfie of Shipin before applying Kosas BB Burst

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.”

Selfie of Shipin after applying Kosas BB Burst

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.

Ilia Super Serum Skin Tint SPF 40 white serum bottle of skin tint with pale nude and white dropper cap to the side on light gray background

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?

Selfie of DallAsen before applying the Ilia Super Serum Skin Tint SPF 40

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.

Selfie of DallAsen after applying the Ilia Super Serum Skin Tint SPF 40

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.

Westman Atelier Vital Skin Care Complexion Foundation in branded component on a light gray background

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?

Selfie of Pai before applying Westman Ateliers Vital Skin Care Complexion Foundation Drops

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.

Selfie of Pai after applying Westman Ateliers Vital Skin Care Complexion Foundation Drops

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.

Our staff and testers

A beauty product is a personal purchase.

We’re keeping things light but never boring:

Done reading?

A silver tube of Trinny London BFF De-Stress Tinted Serum on a light gray background

Now, watch Ariana Greenblatt’s 10-minute makeup routine:

Shop all of our latest obsessionsin one place!

foundation in branded clear bottle with gold and black cap on light gray background with red and white 2024 allure best of beauty seal

Anastasia Beverly Hills Blur Balm Stick in branded component with best of beauty seal in the top right corner on a light gray background

Danessa Myricks Beauty Yummy Skin Serum Skin Tint brown tube component with white accents on a light gray background with red Allure Best of Beauty seal in the top right corner

Chanel Les Beiges Healthy Glow Foundation in branded component on a light gray background

Embryolisse Lait Crème Sensitive in branded tube component on a light gray background

Belif the True Cream Aqua Bomb white jar with black lid on light gray background