The top foundations for a fresh, radiant complexion

Whether you’re after full coverage or a more natural look, Sonia Haria has the products to try

There was a time when the extent of products on offer for the complexion would either be a thick, cakey foundation that made your face look two-dimensional, or a greasy tinted moisturiser that would slide off and disappear into the ether by the end of the day. Every shade would be a variation of a pinky colour, with no thought for different undertones (even very pale skin can have olive-y undertones, as much as darker skin can).

Thankfully, beauty brands have seriously upped their game in the past few years and now there are options: more shades, of course, but also different textures depending on the level of coverage you would like and the finish on the skin. There are brilliant foundations that disguise redness and pigmentation while looking completely natural, and concealers that hide the most troubling dark circles. Even if you are not a keen make-up wearer but just want something to even out the skin tone and make you look slightly more awake, there’s a formula for that, too. Here are the techniques that will help you get the desired result.

1 You would like: a full coverage liquid foundation that stays put all day.

If you’re a committed foundation wearer but just want something more natural-looking, there’s no need to ditch the base for another texture. The key is in the formulation. Modern foundations are now mostly medium coverage and billed as “buildable”, which basically means you can keep adding product for full coverage without it looking like you’re wearing too much make-up. One of the most impressive new foundations on the market is the Revitalessence Skin Glow Foundation by Shiseido. It immediately makes the skin look better. If you are completely put off by anything remotely “glowy” or “dewy”, the latest foundation by Sisley, the Phyto-Teint Perfection Foundation, is glorious. It leaves a soft-matte finish that smoothes pores, but crucially doesn’t settle into fine lines or wrinkles. The new Luminous Silk Serum foundation by Revolution, meanwhile, is a high street winner, coming in at £11.

2 You would like: make-up that looks like skincare.

“Skin tints” have become an entirely new category in make-up over the past year. Put simply, they are the new version of tinted moisturisers that you may have used in the 1990s or Noughties. These tints contain lots of skincare ingredients, such as smoothing niacinamide and hydrating hyaluronic acid, with an added tint that evens out the complexion without giving too much coverage. One of the first skin tints to launch was Vital Skincare Drops by Westman Atelier. A light fluid dispensed by a dropper, you can rub this on to your skin with your fingers or apply with a brush for more control.

3 You like: no make-up, except for spot correction.

For the woman who just needs a quick scribble of coverage over dark circles, a blemish or a patch of pigmentation, there are a whole host of products that fit the bill. These products have full coverage pay-off so would be too heavy for use all over the face, but are ideal for non-make-up wearers looking to spot-correct. The Face Pencil by Jones Road – Bobbi Brown’s make-up line – couldn’t be easier to use. Simply draw the pencil where you need coverage and blend with your fingers. The latest product by cult American brand Ilia is the Skin Rewind Complexion Stick, which is also very easy to use. Just dab, blend and you’re good to go. Merit’s bestselling The Minimalist does exactly what it says on the packaging, concealing the skin with an undetectable finish.