Beauty lab Bases with benefits
Want an all-singing, all-dancing foundation? Cassie Powney puts the newest formulations through their paces
Collection Cica Foundation, £6.49 (17 shades)
It was only a matter of time before anti-inflammatory cica (centella asiatica leaf extract) found its way into a foundation. This one glides on effortlessly (that’ll be the silicone – fine by me) and offers medium coverage with minimal fade throughout the day. Plus, it costs the same as my daily coffee-and-croissant habit, so…
bareMinerals Original Liquid Mineral Foundation, £31 (30 shades)
If this was a Friends episode, it would be The One That Got All The Compliments. I’m talking medium coverage with a hint of healthy glow that lasts all day (it even survived a midday nap). The fact this mineral-based formula contains soothing and hydrating squalane and prickly pear extract is by the by – I’m stocking up because it makes my skin look better instantly.
Morphe Filter Effect Foundation, £18 (40 shades)
This creamy foundation blurs blemishes beautifully, leaving a medium-coverage, satin-matte finish that lasts all day. Great for oily skin types, but a bit exposing for those with dry patches or fine lines *raises hand*. With Fenty-level shade offerings, it’s a shame it doesn’t quite deliver on its hydrating promise.
Iconic London Radiance Booster, £30 (10 shades)
It’s no surprise the brand famed for its decadent highlighter has created a base that takes dewy to new levels. This sheer gel-crème formula leaves skin looking super-polished, but (understandably) doesn’t blank out hardcore blemishes like others on the page. I wore it underneath my usual foundation for a lit-from-within glow.
Esse Foundation, £57 (10 shades)
It’s nice to see make-up brands prioritising healthy microbiomes (the good bacteria that populate the surface of our skin). This certified-organic formula is super-blendable for a full-coverage foundation, but the bacteria-based science is reflected in the price. Me? I’d prefer to spend more on my skincare and go cheaper with my base.
Clarins Everlasting Foundation, £31 (24 shades)
Full-coverage matte foundations just aren’t for me and my fine lines, which is why I was so pleasantly surprised by this one. The creamy formula gives maximum coverage while looking far from cakey, and there’s zero fade by the end of the day, thanks to a clever organic-oat-sugar polymer that fixes colour pigment to the skin. Consider me converted.