THE LATEST FORMULATIONS NURTURE THE SKIN, COME IN SHADES THAT ARE MORE INCLUSIVE THAN EVER, AND GIVE HIGH COVERAGE THAT FEELS LIGHT. HERE’S WHAT WE’RE BUYING
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From new-gen hybrids…
Sitting comfortably where make-up and skincare intersect, these smart bases are packed with nourishing ingredients.
...to modern mattes
Forget dated flat finishes, these elegant formulas use refined pigments that work with skin’s natural tone without obliterating luminosity. It’s coverage we can get on board with.
Elizabeth Arden Flawless Finish Skincaring Foundation (40 shades), £32 A whisper of coverage with hyaluronic acid and vitamin E for hydration. Works best with fingertips for a natural effect. Shiseido Synchro Skin Radiant Lifting Foundation (30 shades), £41 The original won plaudits for its immaculate finish, this goes further with illuminating microcrystals and brightening vitamin C. Chanel Sublimage L’essence De Teint Foundation (13 shades), £110 Sheer as silk tulle and just as exquisite on the skin, this serum foundation brims with potent, protective antioxidants. Milk Makeup Sunshine Skin Tint (14 shades), £35 (£26 for refills) The cult favourite triple whammy of moisturising face oil, sheer coverage and SPF30 is now available in the UK. Givenchy Prisme Libre Skin Caring Glow Foundation (30 shades), £40 Formulators at Givenchy sprinkled colour-correcting pigments into a base that’s 90% skincare for a modern, dewy finish. Clinique Even Better All-over Concealer + Eraser (30 shades), £23 A little goes a long way in disguising dark circles and blemishes, while niacinamide and vitamin C work beneath the surface to tackle pigmentation. By Joy Adenuga 002 Brush £18 Its soft-as-a-bunny synthetic bristles buff in liquid foundation to a unified, flawless finish. Almost as useful as having make-up artist Joy Adenuga on speed dial.
Nars Soft Matte Complete Concealer (30 shades), £24
This little pot is a staple for Red’s beauty team. Whether it’s acne or discolouration, the bouncy texture seamlessly covers without caking. Bonus points for extending the shade range. Laura Mercier Secret Camouflage Brighten & Correct Duo (16 shades), £28 (out Feb) A dual-ended pen featuring both matte and luminous finishes to conceal blemishes and brighten dark circles. Genius. L’oréal Paris Infallible Fresh wear foundation in a Powder (6 shades), £13.99 Powder meets foundation that stays velvety-plush through rain, shine and vinyasa flow sessions.
Guerlain L’essentiel High Perfection Foundation (30 shades), £44
Engineered with perfect balance; the smallest amount conceals without accentuating pores or lines, leaving skin looking polished.
Artis Elite Rose Gold Oval 3 Brush £45.50
The cushiony, patented microfibre bristles soak up less product to blend creamy textures to a pro-looking airbrushed effect.
Il Makiage Woke Up like This Flawless Base Foundation (50 shades), £36
The finish? Skin-like. The shades? Extensive. And the virtual shade finder? Impressively accurate. An Insta-sensation that’s worth the hype. Clarins Everlasting Foundation (24 shades), £31 (out Feb) Long-wearing and high-coverage this may be, but it’s also so lightweight, you’ll forget you have anything on at all.