11 of the best foundations according to marie claire editors

As a busy working mum, I’m always on the lookout for a foundation that’s super hydrating, lightweight, dewy (but not too sheer) and lasts all day. Kevyn Aucoin’s The Etherealist Skin Illuminating Foundation, $84, could be my new favourite base!

I’m currently rotating between Bourjois City Radiance Foundation for day and Giorgio Armani Maestro Glow at night. Both give sheer coverage with a dewy finish.

By Terry Light Expert Click Brush. When I heard that the creator of YSl’s touché éclat had created a foundation I had to try it – and I love it. I’m not a fan of heavy foundations and this one makes my skin feel luminous (possibly because it contains hyaluronic acid, which plumps the skin). It also comes in a stick – like touché éclat – which I love. 

On the weekend I use Shiseido’s Perfect Hydrating BB Cream SPF30. This was recommended to me by the beauty editors at work. It was the first BB cream I’ve tried, and I love it because it leaves my skin feeling moisturised and dewy. Plus it has SPF.

I like foundations with buildable coverage and Giorgio Armani Luminous Silk Foundation has been my top pick for years now. I love the radiant finish it gives (I always set with powder around my oily t-zone) and it feels like you’re wearing nothing at all.

By Terry Light Expert Foundation stick – I love the transparency and the handy stick brush that fits into my handbag for unexpected touch-ups.

Chanel Les Beiges All In One Healthy Glow Fluid SPF 15 No. 30 is my go to.

Giorgio Armani Luminous Silk Foundation – I like how light this is on the skin but at the same time it has great coverage to even out skin tone.

Chanel Vitalumiere Satin Fluid Make-up SPF 15.  I love the finish it gives and the coverage is great.

I tend to go for a BB or tinted moisturiser over foundation as I don’t want anything too heavy. At the moment I’m using Dr. Jart+ BB Bounce Beauty Balm and am loving it: the coverage is great without feeling like a mask, I don’t get too shiny by the end of the day and a few people have randomly commented on my skin looking good so I’m taking that as a win. 

Dior Diorskin Nude Air Serum, Healthy Glow Serum Foundation. It took a little getting used to the consistency of this foundation because it is so light, but now I’m hooked. I just apply with my fingers (I know – not ideal but who has time in the morning) for light coverage during the day and at night when I want a little more I use a foundation brush to apply and it gives me a great evening look too. It’s not heavy at all and feels like you’re not wearing anything, which is another big tick.

My go-to is NARS Sheer Glow Foundation because it’s quick to apply, it gives a really natural, dewy coverage and clears up your blemishes without feeling like you’re wearing much make-up at all.

On the weekend though I love using BB Cream and always use Bare Minerals Complexion Rescue Tinted Hydrating Gel Cream – it’s pretty reasonably priced, light coverage and it’s SPF 30, so really it covers all bases.