The Best Foundations for Summer 2021

COVER STORY / 2021-05-31

Foundation is truly the backbone of any makeup look. Whether you’re going for a subtle no-makeup look or for high-impact drama, a good foundation is the key to getting it all right. However, finding the right foundation can also be intimidating. You have to look for that one magic bottle that combines a skin-friendly formula with your exact shade match. It’s an invaluable skill to master if you want to look your best consistently.

There are a lot of choices to make. Do you like sticks or powders, liquids or cream? How much coverage do you want? Do you prefer a dewy or matte finish? The correct foundation formula can make the dressing-up process quicker and infinitely more pleasurable endeavor. After a year in which many of us skipped wearing make-up, now is the time to find the perfect formula for you. From concealing those blemishes and even out your skin tone, the right foundation really can do it all.

Scroll down to see the best foundations that offer a little something for everyone.

1. Estee Lauder Futurist Hydra Rescue Moisturizing Makeup Foundation

For days when you really need your base to stay in place, try this one from Estee Lauder. A unique blend made using chia seeds, infused with our IonCharged Water, this one is a non-drying foundation. You’ll fall in love with its ultra-smooth formula. This liquid foundation lends a soft-focus finish that blurs away the look of pores and wrinkles. It also comes in an inclusive range of shades with varying undertones.

Estee Lauder Futurist Hydra Rescue Moisturizing Makeup Foundation-3W2 Cashew

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2. Charlotte Tilbury Light Wonder Foundation SPF15

CT needs no introduction. There are numerous remarkable products by this brand. Yet, here we are again, all praises for their Light Wonder Foundation with SPF 15. This one is surely a standout pick. The hydrating formula is ideal for combination and dry skin types. Little goes a long way with it, imparting a subtle luminosity. The texture is fairly thin, making it easy to build up from medium to full coverage.

Charlotte Tilbury Light Wonder Foundation SPF15-6 Medium

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3. Makeup Forever Ultra HD Invisible Cover Stick Foundation

There’s no denying that this is the reigning champion among all full-coverage stick foundations out there, hands down. Unlike many other stick foundations, with the Makeup Forever Ultra HD foundation, there’s never a risk of it ending up chalky. It’s also a top choice for those with sensitive and dry skin. This one is highly unlikely to cause irritation.

Make Up Forever Ultra HD Invisible Cover Stick Foundation-Y325 Flesh

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4. Huda Beauty Fauxfilter Luminous Matte Liquid Foundation

This is one of the best foundations money can buy. The velvety smooth liquid blends seamlessly into skin with zero stickiness, and makes your face look like it just has a second skin on! This iconic foundation keeps your skin well-hydrated and covered. It is regularly used by makeup artists for red-carpet appearances, its application is surprisingly foolproof too! The faux filter luminous matte foundation is ideal for combination to oily skin types, and it comes in an inclusive range of shades with varying undertones.

Huda Beauty Fauxfilter Luminous Matte Liquid Foundation

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5. Shiseido Synchro Skin Radiant Lifting Foundation SPF30

This is a go-to foundation for the daily wear category. It boasts of a combination of transparent pearls, radiant microcrystals, and advanced optical filters that balances and adapt to any ambient lighting condition, while an exclusive blend of humectants binds moisture to the skin for 24-hour hydration. It’s packed with water, which makes for a lightweight, refreshing texture we love especially on hot days. Apply it with fingertips or a brush, and layer it for more coverage. The only drawback? It doesn’t come in a particularly wide range of colors, so here’s hoping that changes soon.

SHISEIDO SYNCHRO SKIN RADIANT LIFTING FOUNDATION SPF30

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A dedicated skin-care routine is a must to have, but sometimes a really good foundation is the unsung hero behind that pristine glow. Today we have foundation formulas that have combined skin caring ingredients with makeup. Whether you’re looking for full coverage or a no-makeup-makeup filter, these foundations will leave you feeling good, and of course, looking like yourself.

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