Today I’m sharing an updated favorite base roundup! I enjoy experimenting with new foundations, powders, and concealers, and recently I’ve developed a preference for glow boosters and complexion enhancers.
Here are my favorites. If you, like me, feel that your preferred foundations can sometimes be a bit thick, heavy, or challenging to blend, I have some tricks and tips for you to consider!
Foundation
I prefer my foundation to resemble skin but with enhancements, while still needing some coverage. With sun spots and a tendency for redness, I seek out formulas that provide medium coverage to create an even skin tone.
Dior Forever Skin Perfect Foundation ($57, Nordstrom) is the best stick foundation I’ve come across. It blends effortlessly, appears very natural, isn’t heavy on the skin, and I adore the finish. The coverage is manageable. Mixing this with Rhode Glazing Milk is genuinely 10/10 and worth a try. I blend shades because I usually fall between Dior colors; I’ve used 2.5N, 2W, and 3N. Currently, I’m mixing one of the 2s with 3 for the ideal match. Here it is in action.
Chanel Les Beiges Healthy Glow Foundation ($69, Chanel) has been a staple for countless years; I’ve lost track of the number of times I’ve repurchased. My ideal shade is BD41, and this golden undertone is the best matchup I’ve found. I appreciate the broad shade range and various undertone options. Recently, they introduced BO, which is more olive, with great tones that aren’t overly green or sallow, if that makes sense. This offers natural glowy coverage, hydrates, lasts long, and blends easily.
Armani Luminous Silk Foundation ($69, Nordstrom and Sephora) in the new formula is equally matched with the Chanel. When comparing the two, the new Armani formula feels slightly lighter (less thick), and the coverage is somewhat more sheer but still medium and luminous. I use Shade 6.5 in this formula. Here it is in action.
It Cosmetics CC+ Nude Glow ($47, Sephora and Ulta) is the best CC cream I’ve experienced. Most CC creams are quite thick, but this one is the thinnest I’ve tried, allowing my skin to breathe in humid conditions. It’s still creamy and somewhat thick when compared to other bases, but it feels like a skin tint version of a CC cream. I love that it includes SPF 40. It’s perfect for daily wear, beach outings, bike rides, and virtually any occasion.
Concealer
Most days I tend to skip concealer, but I still reach for it on event days or special nights out. I love testing new formulations and I know many of you prefer minimal face makeup, but even a dab of concealer atop a tinted moisturizer can work wonders.
Classic brands like NARS, Hourglass, and Tarte continue to provide stellar formulas, but recently I’ve been leaning towards YSL, Chanel, or Natasha Denona.
The YSL Touche Eclat ($40, Sephora) remains the best undereye brightening concealer for me. It works well since I don’t suffer from many dark circles. Sometimes I prefer just a touch of brightening, and I adore the consistency of this one. I wear Shade 3.
Chanel has recently released a new concealer called the Ultra Le Teint Correcteur Concealer ($53, Chanel) and it’s the first Chanel concealer that I’ve found effective. While I’ve always loved their foundations, their concealers never appealed to me. This one is thin yet easy to blend. After trying a few shades, I prefer B40 or BD41. For concealers, I usually gravitate towards peachy or neutral tones for the eyes. This is quite similar to the Prada formula, but I slightly favor the Chanel for its color match on me. Here’s how it looks in action.
Natasha Denona Hy-Glam ($32, Sephora) is my favorite full coverage creamy concealer, suitable for under the eyes or spot concealing. It’s creamy, blends wonderfully, doesn’t cake, and lasts long. I rate this 10/10.
Complexion Enhancers/Glow Boosters
I used to believe mixing glow products wasn’t necessary for me. Nowadays, certain foundations can feel overly heavy or thick, or my skin may be particularly dry, causing foundation to not blend well. However, I prefer to avoid using a heavier moisturizer underneath. I’ve discovered some fantastic complexion mixers and glow boosters.
Armani Fluid Sheer ($43, Nordstrom) is a classic. I don’t typically use these as highlighters since they become too sheer upon blending. I prefer mixing them into a foundation, and I love Shade 10 for its golden yet sheer quality. It imparts a lovely glow to the skin. The only downside is the high cost for regular mixing into foundation.
One/Size Base Thinner ($36, Sephora) is a new favorite in the Bronze Pearl shade, and I am completely obsessed. The shade accentuates a perfect glow on the skin. It blends flawlessly with foundations and provides an ideal glow—neither too shimmery, too greasy, nor too sheer—just perfect. I’m eager to try the Pink Pearl formula as well. Skin appears fresh and radiant without being excessive.
L’Oreal True Match Lumi Glotion ($17.99, Ulta) is a classic that is also budget-friendly. I love that they offer various shades. I’ve tried several and adore them all. It’s an excellent multi-tasker: wear it as a primer, mix it into your base, or apply on top for a hint of glow.
Saie Glowy Super Gel ($29, Sephora) is yet another versatile illuminator. I’ve experimented with this in different ways and my preferred method is mixing it with foundation. I particularly cherish it combined with the Armani Luminous Silk Foundation. After trying all the shades, Roseglow is my favorite. I believe this works best for dry skin though it’s lightweight. It has a slightly transparent quality to its gel formula, which I enjoy.
Charlotte Tilbury Hollywood Flawless Filter ($50, Sephora) is the original glow booster. While there are many duplicates, some of which are excellent, I must commend the original innovator. I love this product and still think it’s worth the investment. If you find this too shimmery, her Unreal Skin Sheer Glow Tint Foundation Stick is a wonderful alternative.
Sarah Creal Today’s Highlights Peptide Balm Luminizer ($55, Sephora and Sarah Creal) is my favorite cream highlighter these days. Many of you love dewy highlighters from brands like Westman Atelier, Chanel, and Merit. I adore the look of these, but living in warmer climates means a few hours leads to a greasy mess. The Sarah Creal highlighter appears more natural, and the formula is elite! It delivers that lit-from-within glow.
Rhode Glazing Milk ($20-32, Sephora and Rhode) is an absolute 10/10 for dry skin, but I don’t think you need overly dry skin to benefit from it. I love this combined with foundations to help them blend seamlessly, especially when they appear or feel too heavy.
Contour/Bronzer
Even after all these years of makeup experimentation, I must say I’m still not keen on contouring. I favor a subtle cream bronzer that adds warmth, as cool tones often clash with my complexion. These are the most natural-looking options I’ve found.
Makeup By Mario SoftSculpt Transforming Skin Enhancer ($34, Sephora) remains my go-to cream bronzer, featuring an emollient texture and sheer finish. I find it a tad too creamy for solo use, so I generally set it with a powder blush or bronzer, but I love how it warms the skin. I’ve experimented with both Medium and Medium Dark. Swatches are available here.
Merit Bronze Balm Sheer Sculpting Bronzer ($32, Sephora) is perfect for extremely dry skin or if you’re seeking something exceptionally sheer or balmy. It does blend out quite sheerly, but I appreciate the warmth and utterly natural look it imparts to the skin.
Dior Forever Skin Bronze Bronzing Stick Balm ($52, Nordstrom) is another fantastic skin-like bronzer. It’s probably my favorite bronzing stick because it delivers a very natural appearance on the skin. I can use shades 02, 03, or 04 – they’re all quite versatile. It offers a satiny finish that resembles skin. I favor that it’s a non-dewy option without being overly matte. Swatches are available here.
Powder
A quick shoutout to my favorite setting powder at the moment. I used to lean towards pressed powders, but for the last few years, I’ve primarily used Laura Mercier Loose Setting Powders ($26-$48, Nordstrom) with a puff. Their lasting power is superior, and I believe hers is the best for achieving a natural look.
Tools
I’d like to give a quick mention to my favorite foundation brushes. I adore those from It Cosmetics, Hourglass, Fenty, and Laura Mercier. For concealer, I rely on brushes from Hourglass and Real Techniques.
That concludes my current favorites! What are your go-to essentials?
