Even if you're a full-coverage gal, having a lightweight foundation in your makeup arsenal is just as essential. The “clean girl aesthetic” (AKA the “no-makeup makeup look”) is still very much a prominent beauty trend that's been carried over from 2022, and foundation with a skin-like finish is one of the key elements of a glowy, natural-looking complexion. Not to mention, at GLAMOUR, we are obsessed with any makeup that accentuates your natural beauty.
Not only do lightweight foundations feel like you have barely anything on your skin (perfect for everyday wear), but they are also often buildable, so you can easily adjust coverage whenever you need it. So, even if you’re a fan of going full-glam, you should still consider adding at least one lightweight foundation to your beauty collection.
Of course, finding the lightweight foundation that's right for you is not always easy. Depending on your skin type, desired finish and coverage, you may want to explore different options, including tinted moisturisers, dewy foundations and skin tints. To help you pick the one and only, we’ve put together a guide of the very best lightweight foundations on the market to fit every budget and preferences.
Best lightweight foundations at a glance:
- Best overall (our top pick): Fenty Beauty Eaze Drop Blurring Skin Tint, £27, Boots
- For dry skin: Rare Beauty Positive Light Tinted Moisturiser, £29, SpaceNK
- For oily skin: Maybelline Fit Me! Matte and Poreless Foundation, £7.99, LookFantastic
- With a dewy finish: NARS Light Reflecting Foundation, WAS £39 NOW £31.20, Sephora
- Best affordable option: The Ordinary Colours Serum Foundation, £3.85, Boots
- With a natural coverage: Glossier Perfecting Skin Tint, £20, Glossier
We’ve narrowed the list down not only based on the popularity of the products, but also based on our expertise (and rest assured, when it comes to foundations, we’ve tried and tested a lot). So whether you’re on the hunt for a more affordable pick or if you’re looking to splurge on a more premium product, you’ll definitely find a healthy mix of both below. And in case you wanted to find out more on how to pick the perfect lightweight foundation and if you’re curious about the right way to apply it, be sure to scroll all the way down to read answers coming from both our beauty team and industry experts.
Feeling inspired to upgrade your makeup routine? Check out our guides on the best bronzers, best concealers, best cream blushes and best liquid blushes. We can also help you pick the best lipstick, best highlighter, best eyebrow product and best mascaras.
Why we love it: Are you after that blurred finish? Say. No. More. The Fenty Beauty Eaze Drop is the answer to your foundation prayers. Available in 25 shades, this flexible skin tint instantly evens out your skin tone and feels incredibly lightweight throughout the day. Best part? It's also humidity, sweat, and transfer-resistant, which is a big plus in our book.
GLAMOUR-approved: Ever since this lovely product joined my makeup collection, I've never looked back. In fact, I've consistently been using it on a daily basis (and I'm definitely wearing it while writing this too). This is the one lightweight foundation I swear by. I'm a big fan of its lightweight formula, but most importantly, it's also surprising long-lasting. And on the days when I wanted more coverage, I could easily layer the product, which is an absolute win.
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Why we love it: Incredibly hydrating, this tinted moisturiser delivers weightless yet buildable coverage, resulting in a smooth, even finish. It also has SPF 20 built into its creamy formula, which also features vitamin E, making it a great potential addition to your makeup purse, whatever the weather. Despite its moisturising feel, it also won't leave your skin greasy or sticky. In fact, it will give you just the opposite – a gorgeous skin-like look.
GLAMOUR-approved: I don't know what I loved more, how hydrating it feels on my skin or how despite its lightweight formula, it still manages to give me an impressive level of buildable coverage. I also found that the best way to apply it is with your very own hands (almost like you'd do with any other moisturiser).
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Why we love it: This product is truly unlike any other. It delivers exactly what it claims to do: a finish that you'd expect if you're trying to go for a “your skin but better” look. Its breathable, ultra-light formula is designed to even out your skin tone, resulting in a blurred yet dewy finish. It also features glycerin, which is a great moisturising component that will keep your skin nice and hydrated throughout the whole day.
Why we love it: If you're someone who follows TikTok beauty trends, chances are you've probably already seen this product all over your feed (at least we have). Not only does it deliver the most luminous finish and an impressive amount of coverage, but it also features powerful skincare ingredients including cacao peptide, Japanese lilyturf, milk thistle and biomimetic oat – all designed to look after your skin while you're all glammed up.
Save big when shopping for the best lightweight foundations with these Sephora discount codes.
Why we love it: Oily skin shouldn’t prevent you from rocking a natural ‘no-makeup’ look, and this neat little product guarantees exactly that. With an ultra-lightweight formula, this foundation contains micro-powders that absorb oil, providing a matte and poreless-looking finish.
Enjoy more savings when shop for best lightweight foundations with these LookFantastic discount codes.
Why we love it: Affordable and lightweight? Where do we sign up? This great product glides onto your skin for a smooth and subtle semi-matte finish that’s capable of lasting throughout the entire day without settling into fine lines. It’s nice and versatile as well, coming in 21 different shades to suit all skin tones, all boosted with SPF 15 for added sun protection.
Save big when shopping for the best lightweight foundations with these Sephora discount codes.
Why we love it: If you’re looking to get your hands on that “Armani Glow”, look no further – this silky foundation will help sculpt and brighten your complexion without breaking a sweat. The best part? It’s suitable for all skin types, it's buildable and it has an oil-free and glycerin-infused formula that keeps your skin hydrated throughout the day.
Enjoy more savings when shop for best lightweight foundations with these LookFantastic discount codes.
Why we love it: This hardworking lightweight foundation is your best bet if you’re going for that perfect dewy, 'real skin' finish. It’s breathable and great at brightening and unifying uneven skin tones. The foundation also includes a botanical alternative to retinol and SPF 15 to take care of your skin.
Why we love it: This lightweight foundation is incredibly versatile and can easily be applied in a sheer layer for a more radiant everyday finish or else built up to create medium coverage. In addition to being waterproof, it can be worn comfortably for up to 8 hours for a long-lasting, glowing finish.
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Why we love it: 18 hours of hydration and 12 hours for a long-wearing, matte finish? Yes. Please. This oil-free and fragrance-free product is infused with pigments that give your skin a radiant, dewy finish. It’s avail able in a range of shades to suit all skin tones too, so no need to worry about colour matching too much.
Enjoy up to 50% off when you shop for best sun creams with these LookFantastic discount codes.
Why we love it: Sheer? Check. Matte? Also check. Long-lasting and weightless? Check and check. This product will give your skin a very healthy, natural and authentic appearance with just enough coverage to let your natural beauty show. It also has SPF 20 and is sweat- and humidity-resistant, so it’s great to use in the summer.
Save big when shopping for the best lightweight foundations with these Sephora discount codes.
Why we love it: The colour. The glow. The radiance. What more do you need? This lightweight foundation is great for hydrating your skin and visibly improving your complexion. It’s designed with skincare in mind, containing extracts of wild pansy, hibiscus, nasturtium and iris as part of its nourishing formula.
Save big when shopping for the best lightweight foundations with these Sephora discount codes.
Why we love it: This lightweight foundation is the perfect blend of makeup and skincare. Thanks to its creamy water-gel texture infused with plant-based glycerin and hyaluronic acid, this product leaves your skin with lasting moisturisation and hydration for up to 24 hours. No tools needed either, just use your fingers to blend it for an even, buildable coverage.
Enjoy up to 50% off when you shop for best sun creams with these LookFantastic discount codes.
Why we love it: What do you get when you mix a tinted moisture balm with a traditional foundation? You get Jones Road's What The Foundation, of course. Made with jojoba oil and sodium hyaluronate, it blends into your skin seamlessly without appearing cakey.
Why we love it: Is it a foundation? A glow primer? Concealer? Highlighter? Yes to all of that. Available in 8 different shades, this cruelty-free product even comes with its own anti-microbial system.
Save when shopping for the best lightweight foundations with these Boots discount codes.
Why we love it: Along with other premium lightweight foundations, this one from ILIA is ideal for building a flawless finish that's weightless and free from silicones, oils and fragrances. Available in 30 flexible shades.
Why we love it: This product is basically an Instagram filter that works in real life. With a shade range of 30, it has a soft matte formulation that's enriched with niacinamide, does not block your pores and is oil--free, shine-free and smudge-proof. What more could you possibly want in a skin foundation?
Save when shopping for the best lightweight foundations with these Boots discount codes.
Why we love it: A foundation that last up to 32 hours? Take my money. Providing full yet lightweight coverage, this product uses innovative oxygen technology to feel light as air. Plus, it also contains a healthy dose of vitamin C, which your skin will love.
Save when shopping for the best lightweight foundations with these Boots discount codes.
Why we love it: Radiance in a bottle. This medium-coverage foundation provides a natural finish for up to 16 hours. It's especially suitable for mature skin, thanks to antioxidants such as vitamin C, vitamin E and vitamin B5. Oh, and did we mention that it also contains hyaluronic acid to keep your skin hydrated and plumped all day long?
Why we love it: Looking for something lightweight enough to feel like second skin? This premium Chanel foundation has a formulation that consists of 75% water, which helps create a softened, smooth finish. Ideal if you want to go for that natural ‘no-makeup’ look.
Why we love it: Old-school, cakey foundations used to have a bad reputation for, well, ruining your skin underneath. No more. This foundation from IT Cosmetics does precisely the opposite. It works like skincare – thanks to ingredients like aloe vera, vitamin E, vitamin B5 and hyaluronic acid – to improve your skin and complexion over time. *chef's kiss*
Save when shopping for the best lightweight foundations with these Boots discount codes.
Why we love it: This creamy, lightweight foundation actively improves the look of your skin, thanks to a blend of polymers that treat it with every use. Developed by dermatologists, it has a staying power of up to 24 hours and is ideal for oily or combination oily skin.
Why we love it: If you have a pale complexion, sensitive skin or are just generally more prone to burning in the sun, then this is the product for you. With SPF 50, this foundation will give you the protection you need while helping you look drop-dead gorgeous.
Save when shopping for the best lightweight foundations with these Boots discount codes.
Which lightweight foundation is for you?
As mentioned, there are many products that fall into the category of lightweight foundations, including tinted moisturisers, skin tints, dewy foundations, matte foundations and more. But which one should you pick? This usually depends on both your preference and your skin type. If you have dry skin, we definitely recommend checking out a tinted moisturiser, but if you’re someone who has oily skin, you might be more interested in foundations with a matte finish. It's also important to keep in mind that although all of the aforementioned foundations are considered “lightweight,” their coverage levels still vary from light, medium, full and buildable. So make sure to pick the one that fits your preference most.
How to apply a lightweight foundation
The number one rule that you need to keep in mind when it comes to makeup is simple: There. Are. None. So the best thing that you can do is to simply have fun and find out what works best for you and your skin type. When it comes to applying any type of foundation or products with a creamy or liquid formula, many tend to reach for three tools: makeup sponges, brushes and (you guessed it) your very own hands. Like with most things, each one of this trio has its own pros and cons. For example, despite their popularity, quite a few people dislike the way makeup sponges soak up the product, while others are not fond of the streaks that a brush may leave. Meanwhile some are concerned about the hygiene aspect of applying foundation with your bare hands.
So, in reality, it all comes down to you. Are you someone who loves a wet, dewy and airbrushed finish? Go for a makeup sponge. Or are you someone who’s after more coverage and easy blending? Grab a foundation brush. But if you’re someone who’s into a natural look, we recommend using your trusty fingertips. Also, do keep in mind that depending on the type of a lightweight foundation you end up picking, you may want to adjust your application technique accordingly. For example, if it’s a liquid skin tint, a makeup sponge may not be the best choice as it will likely soak up the majority of the product, whereas if its a creamy or a thicker formula, then by all means, stick with the sponge or a brush. And if you opted for a tinted moisturiser, it might be a good idea to apply the product with your fingers (similar to how you would do your skincare).
For more shoppable beauty content from Glamour UK Commerce Writer Denise Primbet, follow her on Twitter @deniseprimbet and Instagram @deniseprimbet.
