I love shopping for makeup, but looking for a new foundation tends to fill me with dread. Finding the perfect shade match [1] is difficult, but when you also have to find a product that will have enough coverage to mask your imperfections without blocking your pores and stressing your skin out . . . the whole experience can quickly turn into an actual nightmare.
Over the years, I've tried countless bottles of foundations — from drugstore favourites to luxurious picks — and my hunt for the one product that would hide my blemishes without making me look like I painted my face has led me to these eight finds. So, from well-known brands to under-the-radar foundations, here are the ones that I turn to when my skin is acting up.
bareMinerals Blemish Remedy Foundation
Don't be afraid of mineral powders! Although the coverage of the bareMinerals Blemish Remedy Foundation [2] (£27) isn't as intense as your average liquid foundation, it's totally buildable, and I love using it on days when most of my skin is looking good. Formulated with tea tree oil, it will help promote clearer looking skin, and who doesn't like a foundation that will cover your imperfections and work on clearing them?
Oxygenetix Breathable Foundation
Although the formula in the Oxygenetix foundation [3] (was £49.50, now £35) was originally created to cover the redness of chemical peels, dermatologists started recommending it to treat and prevent blemishes. Described as "the world's most breathable foundation," it increases the oxygen uptake, stimulates the production of skin cells, and, thanks to it's added 2 percent of salicylic acid, doesn't clog pores or create a buildup of bacteria — and if Kourtney Kardashian used it to treat her acne [4], then you know it's good!
Charlotte Tilbury Magic Foundation Flawless Long-lasting Coverage Spf15
I've talked about my love for Charlotte Tilbury products [5] many times before, and I'll say it again: the Magic Foundation Flawless Long-lasting Coverage Spf15 [6] (£30) is one of the best bases out there. Available in 15 different shades, it has a "hyper-intelligent" formula that's supercharged with vitamin C, genius hyaluronic filling spheres, and mushroom extract. It offers full coverage, glides on the skin, and will conceal your imperfections without looking cakey. And as if all this wasn't enough, this foundation also lasts all day and has an SPF of 15.
Bioderma Sebium Global Cover
Bioderma might be known for its micellar water, but its Sebium Global Cover Foundation [7] (£14.50) should also be on your radar. Composed with salicylic acid, AHA, and zinc, this product prevents the formation of new blemishes whilst acting on existing spots and blackheads. And as a bonus, the cap includes a green balm that will neutralise redness.
LOLA Balancing Oil Free Foundation SPF 15
The LOLA Balancing Oil Free Foundation SPF 15 [8] (£17) glides onto the skin thanks to it's lightweight formula. It's very easy to apply, and it will give your skin extra luminosity thanks to the hydrating plant extracts that it contains.
Clinique Anti-Blemish Solutions Liquid Make-Up
The Clinique Anti-Blemish Solutions Liquid Make-Up [9] (£27) is a fail-safe that I always turn to if I don't know what to use. Clinique is a brand that I trust, and this product will give you great coverage without being heavy. It will also neutralise the appearance of redness and help prevent future blemishes. A great all rounder!
Vichy Dermablend Corrective Fluid Foundation
The Vichy Dermablend Corrective Fluid Foundation [10] (£20) is a product that can be used on even the most sensitive and fragile skin. It's incredibly pigmented, and it will last all day without getting all cakey.
WUNDER2 Coverproof Foundation
The WUNDER2 Coverproof Foundation [11] (£25) is lightweight, and it won't clog your pores. This no-frills product won't give you the fullest coverage, but it means that your good skin won't be hidden under a thick layer of foundation.