Today, I’m sharing an updated base roundup featuring my top picks! I enjoy experimenting with new foundations, powders, and concealers, and recently I’ve found myself leaning more towards glow boosters and complexion enhancers.
Here’s what I’ve been enjoying. If you’re similar to me and discover that your favorite foundations can sometimes feel a bit heavy, thick, or don’t blend seamlessly, I have some tips and tricks you might want to try!
Foundation
I prefer my foundation to resemble skin but better, while still providing some coverage. With numerous sun spots and a tendency for redness, I search for formulas with medium coverage to balance my complexion.
The Dior Forever Skin Perfect Foundation ($57, Nordstrom) is the best stick foundation I’ve used. It blends effortlessly, appears very natural, and feels lightweight on the skin—plus, I adore how it looks. The coverage is adjustable. I experimented with mixing this with the Rhode Glazing Milk, and it’s honestly a 10/10 experience. I mix shades as I typically fall between Dior shades; I’ve tried 2.5N, 2W, and 3N. Currently, I combine one of the 2s with the 3 for my ideal match. It’s displayed in action here.
The Chanel Les Beiges Healthy Glow Foundation ($69, Chanel) has been a staple for so many years that I’ve lost track of how many bottles I’ve purchased. My best match is BD41, and this golden undertone is the best match I’ve found for my skin tone. I appreciate their good range of shades and options for different undertones. They recently introduced BO, which is more olive, offering great tones that aren’t overly green or sallow, if that makes sense. This foundation provides natural glowy coverage, hydrates, lasts long, and is easy to blend.
The Armani Luminous Silk Foundation ($69, Nordstrom and Sephora) in the new formula is on par with the Chanel. In comparison, I find the new Armani formula feels slightly lighter (thinner) and the coverage is just a tad sheerer but remains medium and glowy. I wear 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 come across. Most CC creams tend to be quite thick, and this one is the thinnest I’ve tried, allowing my skin to breathe more in humid conditions. It’s still creamy and a bit thick compared to other bases, but it’s akin to the skin tint version of a CC cream. I love that it has SPF 40. It’s perfect for everyday wear, the beach, biking, and nearly any occasion.
Concealer
I’ve been skipping concealer most days, but I still grab it for events or special nights out. I enjoy trying new formulas and I know many of you prefer minimal face makeup, but just a smidge of concealer over a tinted moisturizer can work wonders.
Classics like NARS, Hourglass, and Tarte still offer fantastic formulas, but lately, I’ve been gravitating towards YSL, Chanel, or Natasha Denona.
The YSL Touche Eclat ($40, Sephora) remains the finest under-eye brightening concealer. It works well for me since I don’t have many dark circles. Sometimes, I just desire a little brightness, and I adore the consistency of this one. I wear Shade 3.
Chanel recently launched a new concealer formula called the Ultra Le Teint Correcteur Concealer ($53, Chanel), and it’s the first Chanel concealer that has truly worked for me. While I have loved their foundations, I’ve never been a fan of their concealers. This one is thin yet blends easily. I’ve tried a few shades, and my favorites are B40 or BD41. For concealers, I prefer them to be slightly peachy or neutral for under the eyes. This is very similar to the Prada formula, but I lean slightly towards the Chanel due to how well it color matches me. You can see it in action here.
Natasha Denona Hy-Glam ($32, Sephora) is the best full-coverage creamy concealer suitable for under the eyes or for spot concealing. It’s creamy, blends seamlessly, doesn’t cake up, and is long-wearing. I adore this product 10/10.
Complexion Enhancers/Glow Boosters
I used to believe that mixing glow products wasn’t necessary for me. Nowadays, sometimes foundations can feel overly heavy or thick. Occasionally, my skin is extra dry, and foundations don’t blend as they should, but simultaneously, I don’t want a heavier moisturizer underneath. I’ve discovered some amazing complexion mixers or glow boosters.
The Armani Fluid Sheer ($43, Nordstrom) is a classic. I don’t typically use these as highlighters, as they become too sheer when blended. I prefer combining them with foundation, and I love Shade 10 because it offers a golden yet sheer finish. It adds a lovely glow to the skin. The downside is that it’s somewhat pricey for regular mixing with foundation.
One/Size Base Thinner ($36, Sephora) is a recent find in the Bronze Pearl shade, and I am completely obsessed. I adore the shade and how it adds the perfect amount of radiance to the skin. It blends excellently with foundations and the glow is just right—not overly shimmery, too emollient, or sheer—simply perfect. I’m eager to try the Pink Pearl formula as well. Skin appears fresh and radiant without going overboard.
L’Oreal True Match Lumi Glotion ($17.99, Ulta) is a classic and budget-friendly option. I appreciate that they offer various shades. I’ve tried several and loved them all. It’s an excellent multi-tasker. You can use it as a primer beneath foundation, mix it with your base, or apply it on top for an added glow.
Saie Glowy Super Gel ($29, Sephora) is another great versatile illuminator. I’ve used this in various ways, but my preferred method is to mix it with foundation. I truly enjoy this blended with the Armani Luminous Silk Foundation. I’ve sampled all the shades, and Roseglow is my favorite. I believe this works best for dry skin, yet it’s not heavy. The gel formula gives it a slightly transparent quality that I love.
Charlotte Tilbury Hollywood Flawless Filter ($50, Sephora) is the original glow booster. There are plenty of dupes available, some of which are excellent, but I must acknowledge the original creator. I still believe it’s worth the investment. If you feel this might be too shimmery for you, I also adore her Unreal Skin Sheer Glow Tint Foundation Stick as an alternative.
Sarah Creal Today’s Highlights Peptide Balm Luminizer ($55, Sephora and Sarah Creal) is my favorite cream highlighter right now. Many of you love dewy highlighters like those from Westman Atelier, Chanel, and Merit, etc. I admire many of these looks, but having always lived in warm climates—just a few hours of wear leads to a greasy situation. The Sarah Creal one is more naturally looking, and the formula is outstanding! It imparts that lit-from-within glow.
Rhode Glazing Milk ($20-32, Sephora and Rhode) is a 10/10 essential for dry skin. You don’t need to have extremely dry skin to benefit from it. I enjoy mixing this with foundations to aid in better blending on the skin when they appear or feel too heavy.
Contour/Bronzer
After years of trying makeup, I must admit that I’m still not a fan of heavy contouring. I prefer a subtle cream bronzer with a hint of warmth, as cool tones typically clash with my skin tone. Here are the most natural-looking options I’ve used.
Makeup By Mario SoftSculpt Transforming Skin Enhancer ($34, Sephora) is my top cream bronzer boasting an emollient texture and sheer finish. It may be slightly too creamy to wear alone, so I usually set it with a powder blush or bronzer, but this does wonders for warming up the skin. I’ve tested both Medium and Medium Dark. Swatches here.
Merit Bronze Balm Sheer Sculpting Bronzer ($32, Sephora) is ideal for extremely dry skin or if you’re after something sheer or balmy. It applies very sheer once blended, but I enjoy the warmth and incredibly natural finish it gives my skin.
Dior Forever Skin Bronze Bronzing Stick Balm ($52, Nordstrom) is another exceptional skin-like bronzer. This is likely my favorite bronzing stick, as it maintains a very natural look on the skin. I can wear shades 02, 03, or 04; they’re quite approachable. It has a satin finish that mimics skin beautifully. I appreciate that this option is non-dewy but not overly matte either. Swatches here.
Powder
Lastly, a brief mention of my favorite setting powder at the moment. I used to prefer pressed powder, but over the past few years, I’ve primarily relied on the Laura Mercier Loose Setting Powders ($26-$48, Nordstrom) using a puff. The staying power is significantly better with powder, and I believe hers leads to a very natural look.
Tools
A shoutout to my favored foundation brushes. I adore the ones from It Cosmetics, Hourglass, Fenty, and Laura Mercier. For concealer, I’m loyal to the ones from Hourglass and Real Techniques.
This concludes my favorites for now! What are your go-to picks?
**Top Complexion Products I Recommend**
Achieving a flawless complexion is a popular beauty aspiration, and with the multitude of products available, it can be daunting to select the right ones. Here are some highly recommended complexion products for their effectiveness and quality.
1. **Foundation: Estée Lauder Double Wear Stay-in-Place Makeup**
Renowned for its long-wearing formula, Estée Lauder Double Wear offers full coverage without heaviness. It provides a matte finish and is available in a broad range of shades, catering to different skin tones.
2. **Concealer: NARS Radiant Creamy Concealer**
This concealer is lauded for its creamy consistency and excellent coverage. It effectively conceals blemishes, dark circles, and imperfections while imparting a radiant finish. The formula is enriched with hydrating elements, making it suitable for all skin types.
3. **BB Cream: Garnier SkinActive BB Cream**
For those in search of a lighter alternative to foundation, Garnier’s BB Cream delivers a natural, dewy finish. It merges skincare benefits with light coverage, offering hydration, sun protection, and a touch of color.
4. **Powder: Laura Mercier Translucent Loose Setting Powder**
A cult favorite, this translucent powder beautifully sets makeup without adding extra color or texture. It aids in controlling shine and offers a soft-focus effect, making it ideal for all skin types.
5. **Blush: NARS Blush in Orgasm**
NARS Orgasm is an iconic blush celebrated for its universally flattering peachy-pink shade with a subtle shimmer. It gives a natural flush to the cheeks and caters to a wide variety of skin tones.
6. **Highlighter: Becca Shimmering Skin Perfector Pressed Highlighter**
Becca’s highlighter is famous for its creamy feel and intense shine. It grants a natural, radiant glow to the skin and comes in multiple shades to fit different complexions.
7. **Primer: Smashbox Photo Finish Foundation Primer**
This primer creates a smooth base for makeup application, minimizing the visibility of pores and fine lines. Its lightweight, oil-free formula suits all skin types and helps prolong the wear of makeup.
8. **Bronzer: Benefit Cosmetics Hoola Matte Bronzer**
Hoola is a matte bronzer that delivers a natural-looking tan without shimmer. It’s perfect for contouring or adding warmth to the face and comes in several shades to fit various skin tones.
9. **Setting Spray: Urban Decay All Nighter Long-Lasting Makeup Setting Spray**
To ensure makeup stays in place throughout the day, Urban Decay’s setting spray is essential. It locks in makeup, controls shine, and keeps the complexion looking fresh for hours.
10. **CC Cream: IT Cosmetics Your Skin But Better CC+ Cream**
This CC cream provides full coverage while including skincare ingredients. With SPF 50, it’s a great choice for sun protection alongside achieving a flawless finish.
These complexion products are highly recommended for their ability to enhance and perfect the skin. Whether you seek full coverage or a natural glow, these products accommodate various needs and preferences, enabling you to achieve a beautiful complexion.
