Whether you prefer full coverage or love ‘no makeup’ makeup, finding a foundation or tinted moisturiser that is long-lasting, in the finish you love, and that suits the tone and texture of your skin can be a struggle.
To help you simplify the process, the CF team has shared a sneak peek inside their makeup bags to reveal the best tinted moisturisers and foundations they have ever tried, with recommendations from IT Cosmetics to Laura Mercier.
I don’t like thick, cakey foundations and will use a bb cream in the summer or when I’m travelling. But, for a long day of meetings or evenings out, RMS Beauty is the only thing I use. It provides natural-looking coverage but with a flawless matte finish. It's the best foundation I've ever tried. Sheena Bhattessa, Founder
I have rosacea so I like my foundation to work hard to conceal redness and uneven tone, but without ending up looking like I'm wearing a mask. This one from IT Cosmetics never fails and I always get compliments for the dewy natural-looking glow I get from it. No wonder so many make-up artists use it for weddings. Becki Murray, Beauty Editor
What I like most about Nars' best-selling formula is that the glow-boosting formula is really buildable. That means that you can easily achieve both a lighter finish or fuller coverage, so it is verstaile enough for whatever look you are going for, and for both day and evening wear. Bibiana Obahor, Head of Graphic Design
I don't like to wear anything heavy as my base, which is why I love ZO Skin Health's primer and SPF. It has a sheer, velvety finish that lets my natural skin show through, but there's enough colour correction to give my complexion a little boost without full coverage. It's also good to know that I'm protecting my skin from the sun when I wear it. Gemma Louise Deeks, Fashion Editor
I love the Chantecaille Just Skin tinted moisturiser because the formula feels really lightweight and natural, but still provides even coverage and a beautiful, velvety finish on my skin. It also works really well with my favourite sunscreen – Ultra Violette SPF 50 – which I use as a primer underneath. Orla Lavery, Senior Press Officer
In your 40s the last thing you want is a foundation that is ageing. This one from Charlotte Tilbury is perfect. Use it sparingly for just enough coverage, and then dot it around as a concealer on areas that need a little more help. It comes in lots of shades too, to help you match your skin tone. Morag Turner, Citizen Enfants Editor
Laura Mercier has a ton of brilliant base products – from some of the best tinted moisturisers to full coverage foundations – but my secret for a really subtle finish is actually the brand's Pure Canvas Illuminating Primer. Designed to be worn under makeup, it has enough of a blemish-blurring tint to take the edge off any redness so it's my go-to for 'no makeup' makeup. Ella Mansell, Editorial Assistant
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Lead image credit: RMS Beauty
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