Today I’m presenting an updated base roundup featuring my must-have favorites! I’m passionate about experimenting with new foundations, powders, and concealers, and recently, I have been leaning more towards glow boosters and complexion enhancers.
Here’s what has captured my affection. If you’re similar to me and feel that your favorite foundations sometimes appear a bit thick, heavy, or don’t blend seamlessly, I have some tips and tricks for you to consider!
Foundation
I want my foundation to enhance my skin while providing a natural finish, but I still require some coverage. With an abundance of sun spots and skin prone to redness, I look for formulas that offer medium coverage to create an even tone.
Dior Forever Skin Perfect Foundation ($57, Nordstrom) is the finest stick foundation I’ve encountered. It blends effortlessly, offers a very natural look, feels weightless on the skin, and I adore its appearance. The coverage is easily adjustable. I experimented with combining it with the Rhode Glazing Milk, and it’s definitely worth a perfect score. I mix shades since I often fall between Dior shades; I’ve used 2.5N, 2W, and 3N. At the moment, I’m mixing one of the 2s with the 3 for my ideal match. See it in action here.
Chanel Les Beiges Healthy Glow Foundation ($69, Chanel) has been my staple for many years, and I’ve lost track of how many bottles I’ve repurchased. My ideal match is BD41, and this golden undertone is the best skin match I’ve experienced. I appreciate their extensive shade options and various undertone choices. Recently, they’ve added BO, which leans olive, and the tones are excellent without being overly green or sallow. This foundation provides natural glowy coverage, hydrates, lasts long, and blends easily.
Armani Luminous Silk Foundation ($69, Nordstrom and Sephora) in the new formula competes closely with the Chanel option. In comparing the two, I think the new Armani formula feels slightly lighter (thinner), and the coverage is a tad sheerer, yet remains medium and glowy. I wear Shade 6.5 in this formula. See it in action here.
It Cosmetics CC+ Nude Glow ($47, Sephora and Ulta) is the finest CC cream I’ve tried. Most CC creams are quite thick, but this one is the thinnest I’ve encountered, allowing my skin to breathe even in humid conditions. While it remains creamy and somewhat thick in comparison to other bases, it feels like the skin tint version of a CC cream. I love that it features SPF 40. It’s perfect for everyday use, beach outings, biking, and pretty much any event.
Concealer
I’ve tended to skip concealer on most days, but I still reach for it when I have an event or a special evening out. I enjoy testing new formulas, and I recognize that many of you prefer minimal face makeup, but just a little concealer over a tinted moisturizer can make a difference.
Classic brands like NARS, Hourglass, and Tarte still deliver exceptional formulas, but lately, I’ve been reaching for YSL, Chanel, or Natasha Denona.
The YSL Touche Eclat ($40, Sephora) remains the top choice for under-eye brightening concealers. This works well for me since I don’t have prominent dark circles under my eyes. Sometimes, I just desire a bit of brightening, and I appreciate the consistency of this product. I wear Shade 3.
Chanel recently introduced a new concealer formula called the Ultra Le Teint Correcteur Concealer ($53, Chanel), which is the first Chanel concealer to suit me. While I admire their foundations, I have never been fond of their concealers. This one is thin yet easy to blend. I’ve tested a few different shades and prefer B40 or BD41. For concealers, I generally favor those with a bit of peachy or neutral tones for the eyes. This one runs similarly to the Prada formula, but I have a slight preference for the Chanel due to its color match on my skin. See it in action here.
Natasha Denona Hy-Glam ($32, Sephora) is the ultimate full coverage creamy concealer that I can utilize under the eyes or for spot concealing. It’s creamy, blends seamlessly, doesn’t cake, and lasts long. A 10/10, I adore this product.
Complexion Enhancers/Glow Boosters
I once believed that mixing glow products was unnecessary for me. Recently, there are times when a foundation feels overly heavy or thick. Or, my skin may be particularly dry, causing the foundation to not blend properly; however, I don’t want a heavier moisturizer underneath. I’ve discovered some incredible complexion mixers and glow boosters.
Armani Fluid Sheer ($43, Nordstrom) is a timeless classic. I don’t generally use these as highlighters because they end up being too sheer once blended. I prefer to mix them with my foundation, and I love Shade 10 because it’s golden yet sheer. It imparts a lovely glow to the skin. The only drawback is that it’s quite expensive to mix with foundation regularly.
One/Size Base Thinner ($36, Sephora) is a recent find in the Bronze Pearl shade, and I am absolutely obsessed. I love the shade and how it adds the ideal amount of glow to the skin. It blends excellently with foundations, providing the perfect glow. Not overly shimmery, not too emollient, not 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 and budget-friendly option. I appreciate that they offer various shades. I’ve experimented with multiple shades and love them all. It’s a fantastic multi-tasker. You can use it as a primer under foundation, mix it with your base, or apply it on top to add a touch of glow.
Saie Glowy Super Gel ($29, Sephora) is yet another excellent multi-purpose illuminator. I’ve tried this in various ways, but my favorite method is to mix it with foundation. I truly enjoy this mixed with the Armani Luminous Silk Foundation. I’ve tested all the shades, and Roseglow is my top choice. I believe it suits dry skin best without being heavy. Its gel formula has a slightly transparent quality that I really appreciate.
Charlotte Tilbury Hollywood Flawless Filter ($50, Sephora) is the original glow booster. While many dupes exist, some are quite good, I must acknowledge the original innovator. I love this product and still consider it worth the investment. If you find this too sparkly, I would also recommend her Unreal Skin Sheer Glow Tint Foundation Stick as a substitute.
Sarah Creal Today’s Highlights Peptide Balm Luminizer ($55, Sephora and Sarah Creal) is my current favorite cream highlighter. I know many of you love dewy highlighters from brands like Westman Atelier, Chanel, and Merit, etc. I adore the appearance of these products, but having lived in warm climates, I’ve found that they can become a greasy mess after a few hours. The Sarah Creal version offers a more natural look, but its formula is elite! It delivers that “lit from within” radiance.
Rhode Glazing Milk ($20-32, Sephora and Rhode) is an absolute must for dry skin. I don’t believe you need particularly dry skin to utilize it. I love mixing this with foundations to improve their blendability on the skin, especially when they appear or feel too heavy.
Contour/Bronzer
After many years experimenting with makeup, I must confess I still don’t enjoy contouring. I favor a subtle cream bronzer with some warmth, as cool tones tend to clash with my complexion. These are the most naturally appearing ones I’ve tried.
Makeup By Mario SoftSculpt Transforming Skin Enhancer ($34, Sephora) is my top cream bronzer with an emollient texture and sheer finish. I find it a bit too creamy to use on its own, so I typically set it with a powder blush or bronzer, but it’s fantastic for adding warmth to the skin. I’ve used both Medium and Medium Dark. Swatches are available here.
Merit Bronze Balm Sheer Sculpting Bronzer ($32, Sephora) is ideal for extremely dry skin or if you desire something lightweight or balmy. It does appear very sheer once blended, but I appreciate the warmth and the beautifully natural look it imparts on the skin.
Dior Forever Skin Bronze Bronzing Stick Balm ($52, Nordstrom) is another excellent skin-like bronzer. This may be my favorite bronzing stick, maintaining a very natural appearance on the skin. I can wear 02, 03, or 04 – the shades are quite versatile. It offers a satiny finish that mimics skin texture. I really enjoy that it’s a non-dewy choice without being overly matte. Swatches available here.
Powder
Lastly, a quick mention of my current go-to setting powder. I used to favor pressed powders, but in recent years, I’ve primarily relied on the Laura Mercier Loose Setting Powders ($26-$48, Nordstrom) with a puff. The longevity is significantly better with powder, and I believe hers are the best for achieving a natural finish.
Tools
A quick commendation for my preferred foundation brushes. I appreciate those from It Cosmetics, Hourglass, Fenty, and Laura Mercier. For concealer, I rely heavily on brushes from Hourglass and Real Techniques.
This concludes my current favorites! What are your go-to products?
**Top Complexion Products for Radiant Skin**
Attaining radiant skin is a common aspiration for many, and the appropriate complexion products can significantly influence this outcome. Whether you wish to enhance your inherent glow or address specific skin issues, several products are available to assist you in achieving that desired luminosity. Here’s a guide to some of the top complexion products that can help you obtain that coveted radiance.
**1. Vitamin C Serum**
Vitamin C is a potent ingredient recognized for its brightening and anti-aging attributes. It assists in evening out skin tone, minimizing dark spots, and providing protection against environmental damage. A quality Vitamin C serum can be applied in the morning prior to moisturizer and sunscreen for maximum benefits.
**2. Hyaluronic Acid**
Hyaluronic acid is a hydrating agent that draws moisture to the skin, resulting in a plump and dewy appearance. It is suitable for all skin types and can be layered below other skincare products. Seek out serums or moisturizers that incorporate hyaluronic acid for an instant hydration boost.
**3. BB Creams and CC Creams**
BB (Beauty Balm) and CC (Color Correcting) creams are multifunctional products that deliver coverage, hydration, and sun protection. They are ideal for those preferring a natural look while still evening out skin tone and offering a radiant finish.
**4. Illuminating Primers**
Illuminating primers are designed for application before foundation to establish a smooth, glowing base. They frequently contain light-reflecting particles which impart a subtle sheen to the skin, rendering it youthful and vibrant.
**5. Radiance-Boosting Moisturizers**
Moisturizers featuring added radiance-enhancing components such as niacinamide, peptides, or plant extracts can amplify the skin’s natural glow. These products function to enhance texture and tone while delivering essential hydration.
**6. Exfoliating Products**
Consistent exfoliation is crucial for maintaining radiant skin. Products containing alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs) or beta-hydroxy acids (BHAs) contribute to the removal of dead skin cells, unveiling a brighter complexion. Use these products as directed to prevent over-exfoliation.
**7. Facial Oils**
Facial oils can be a beneficial addition to your skincare regimen, particularly for those with dry or mature skin. Oils like rosehip, argan, or jojoba are abundant in antioxidants and essential fatty acids, nourishing the skin and augmenting its natural glow.
**8. Brightening Masks**
Brightening masks, whether in sheet or cream form, offer an immediate enhancement for dull skin. Ingredients like turmeric, licorice root, and pearl extract are recognized for their brightening properties and can be utilized weekly for optimal results.
**9. SPF with Added Benefits**
Sunscreen is an indispensable aspect of any skincare routine, but selecting one with additional perks, such as antioxidants or a slight tint, can further enhance your skin’s brilliance while safeguarding it from harmful UV rays.
**10. Highlighters**
For an instantaneous glow, highlighters are an essential makeup item. Available in liquid, cream, or powder formats, they can be applied to the high points of the face, including the cheekbones, brow bones, and the bridge of the nose, allowing them to catch the light and create a luminous appearance.
Integrating these complexion products into your skincare and makeup routine can aid you in achieving and preserving radiant, healthy-looking skin. Remember, consistency is imperative, and always select products that suit your individual skin type and needs for the optimal outcome.
