Each spring, beauty companies bring us a slew of new foundations for the warmer weather and below are my tried-and-tested picks for my dehydrated combination skin.
From left to right:
1. Kanebo Sensai Fluid Finish Lasting Velvet Foundation ($50). This may have made its debut last year but it is still one of my favorites. It contains Phyto-Squalene, Rice Extract, 55% Fuji-Sensui Water, Koishimaru Silk to deeply moisturize along with and SPF 15 to protecting from the sun. I loved that it provided great, natural-looking coverage and left behind a velvety, not overly matte finish that is perfect for the warmer months.
My Shade: FF 203 Natural Beige
2. Laura Mercier Oil Free Supreme Foundation ($42). A new addition to Laura’s famous line of foundations, this oil-free formula is packed with Aloe, Green Tea Leaf extract and other skin-loving ingredients like vitamins A, E and Panthenol. It provides medium to high coverage and keeps my skin matte all day without drying it out. Oilier skin will love this too!
My Shade: Warm Ivory
3. Estee Lauder Invisible Fluid Makeup ($35). With a super thin water-based formula (we are talking RMK Liquid Foundation thin!) to mimic the lightweight, ultra-natural appearance from an airbrush application and Hyaluronic Acid for all day hydration, I was sold only after one application of this new foundation. Not only did it feel and look completely invisible as claimed, it evened out my skin so beautifully that concealer, wait what concealer? It also dries down to a satin finish that stays put over 10 hours. Makeup guru Lisa Eldridge is also a fan of this.
My Shade: 2CN2
4. NARS Pure Radiant Tinted Moisturizer Broad Spectrum SPF 30 /PA+++. Infused with Kopara, Oceana Saffron, Galaxaura, Ascorbyl Glucoside and mineral rich seawater from French Polynesia, this tinted moisturizer covers just like a foundation and has taken me from winter all the way to spring. It goes on ultra creamy and leaves behind a natural, dewy finish, plus it comes with SPF 30 and PA+++ to offer great protection against UVA and UVB rays.
My Shade: Alaska.
What are some of YOUR favorite foundations for spring and summer?
16 Comments
Thanks for your advise, please can you tell me if any of these products are fragrance free?? Ta from the UK x
Hi Ta,
All of these have a scent, with the Laura Mercier and Estee Lauder being the lightest.
Thanks for info, that a shame really need a fragrance free one. Do you know of any good foundations that are scent free at all? BTW love ya blog x
I’m still looking for a leightweight and mattifying foundation for summer. Maybe I’ll try the BB Creams from Dior or Estée Lauder, they are new in Germany. 🙂
Oooooo let me know how you like the Estee Lauder one. I tried their Cyber White Extra Intensive BB Cream years back but didn’t like it much.
ooh, I’ve been curious about the NARS, since I don’t like heavy coverage.
I’ll use it on you next time! I think you’ll like it 🙂
Missha M signature complete BB cream (23) with MAC mineralized finishing powder 🙂
How do you like the Armani foundation Phyllis? I’m curious for your opinion on this one as well as the Chanel Aqua Lumier. I’ve been pondering on getting the Armani but still not sure. Thanks!
Hi Tina,
I have only tried the Luminous Silk Foundation and Designer Shaping Cream Foundation from Armani. The LSF is also thin like the Estee Lauder and good for spring/summer but it is silicone-based which can be pore-clogging for some. The Designer Shaping Cream Foundation, on the other hand, is super rich and creamy foundation which is good for the winter but definitely too heavy for the warmer months.
which one is your favourite?
If I MUST choose one, it will most likely be either the NARS or the Estee Lauder.
I been try nars teint pure radiance new one good i love it i use colour alaska and i been try dior bb cream hydralife i bought in sephora france that also very good its cover and light with spf 30 I love it both but i still confused to find powder compact for me i try many product still break me out sometime or could be from serum i use huhhh tell me which one good compact powder and poudre for combination skin area t oily and cheek normal to dry?
Thank you for all your recommendations. My sensitive skin is dry combination like yours so this is helpful for at least narrowing down on which one’s to pick from.
I do have a question though: What do you think about the following foundations for summer? I’m considering them for an outdoor summer wedding and I noticed you gave them an A+ grading. Well these hold up in 30 degree C weather?
Bobbi Brown Skin Foundation Spf 15
Smashbox Studio Skin 15 Hr Wear Hydrating Foundation Spf 10
Hi Maggie,
The foundations you mentioned are great for the summer too! I would definitely go with the Smashbox for an outdoor wedding.
Long time follower, first time commenting. 😉
I’d have to agree with you that this NARS TM is fabulous. Love it to pieces. Best TM I’ve tried. 😀