The 14 Best Lightweight Foundations for Breathable and Buildable Coverage

Finding a natural foundation that leaves a second skin effect is not an easy task, and achieving a natural wake-up-like-this finish that lasts the whole day long is definitely one of the most requested beauty trends of the year 2022.

Less is more when it comes to beauty and makeup, and the natural makeup-non-makeup look is here to stay for the time being. Today, many formulas even offer skincare benefits and buzzy ingredients formulated for each skin type, skin concern, and finish. However, with the wide range of products and reviews out there, it’s not easy to know which ones are the real deal that enhances your natural beauty without much effort.

Wherever your personal foundation preferences lie, we guarantee there’s a foundation below for you, so scroll down to shop the best lightweight foundation options our editors swear by.

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Best Lightweight Foundations That Actually Look (and Feel) Like Your Skin

1. For the Clean Beauty Junkies | Kosas Tinted Face Oil, $63.00

An oil-based buildable coverage that suits every skin type —Even blemish-prone skin— It’s so subtle in its coverage and deeply hydrates the skin. The formula is vegan, made with mineral pigments and six botanical oils that deeply hydrate and blur the look of imperfections.

2. For Vegans on a Budget | Mecca Max Off Duty BB Cream With SPF 15, $20.00

This vegan foundation with SPF 15 is perfect for those who don’t want to break the bank but are also looking for a fresh foundation to wear daily with a sheer, dewy finish.

3. For The Cult Flawless Finish | Ilia Super Serum Skin Tint SPF 40 Foundation, $72

This award-winning foundation probably doesn’t need an introduction. Ilia Super Serum Skin Tint is possibly one of the best makeup innovations to come across our desk in quite some time. If you want to read our full review, read here.
The clean and multitasking formula feels like a thin pale oil cream at first but quickly melts into the skin, leaving the perfect amount of healthy, lightweight coverage and SPF protection.

4. For Preventing the First Sings of Ageing | Juice Beauty Stem Cellular CC Cream, $58

Rich in antioxidants, photo ageing approved with SPF 30 and organic ingredients. The lightweight formula, smooths uneven texture and creates a beautiful, glowing complexion. Available in five shades to match any skin type and colour.

5. For the Casual, No-makeup Makeup Look | Fenty Beauty Eaze Drop Blurring Skin Tint, $49

The lightweight formula manages to be buildable and long wear. It’s easy to apply and creates an instant blurring effect for a hydrated, diffused finish. The 25 flexible shades are humidity, sweat, and transfer-proof, which is also ideal for summertime.

6. For the Sheer Coverage | Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer Natural Skin Perfector, $72

This tinted moisturiser sinks into your skin—never sits on top of it—so it looks as natural as your own skin but brighter and dewier, which is a big yes for us. Infused with skin-nourishing ingredients, reduce the appearance of dry patches and prevent dehydration.

7. For that Cali Sun-Kissed Glow | Charlotte Tilbury Light Wonder Foundation, $76

What we love the most about this foundation is that it helps skin to look intentionally dewy, but you won’t feel any additional slickness. Plus, it’s lightweight enough for a natural look but also buildable if you find yourself needing a little more coverage. Bonus point, It has SPF 15.

8. For the Clean Finish | CoverGirl Clean Fresh Skin Milk, $16.99

The clean, fresh skin milk delivers enough coverage to even out the skin tone while blurring imperfections and brightening the complexion thanks to its ingredients such as coconut milk and alow extract for the perfect dewy look.

9. For the No-brainer Gals| Chantecaille Future Skin Cushion Skincare Foundation, $192

Formulated for sensitive skin, it contains soothing ingredients like aloe, chamomile, and arnica.

The innovative formula is also 60% charged with water, giving the foundation a lightweight gel-like texture and bringing moisture directly into the skin. It comes with a refillable soft cushion compact that makes building coverage even easier.

10. For the Appereance of Stress | Trinny London BFF De-Stress Tinted Serum, $75

Available in twelve shades, this tinted serum is formulated to combat the effect of stress on the skin. The beautiful formula truly feels like nothing on your skin, leaving the most natural glow. While it doesn’t give much coverage right away, it can easily be built up without looking cakey.

11. For the Afforable Nude Skin Feel | Flower Light Illusion Liquid Foundation Porcelain, $13.99

If you are into glossy, dewy, juicy skin vibe, then you’ll love this foundation – Hi JLo levels of glow – Despite it being cruelty-free, is not the cleanest formula; however, It will make you look like you have slept for ten hours straight, eat a serving of leafy greens every day, and have collagen twice a day.

12. For the Bare Skin Effect | Clarins Skin Illusion SPF 15, $52

Clarins Skin Illusion sits between a tinted moisturiser and a foundation. It has a light, fluid texture that covers without the heaviness of a full coverage foundation. A few drops will get the job done and keep the skin protected thanks to its SPF 15.

13. For Normal and Combination Skin | Rare Beauty Liquid Touch Weightless Foundation, $49.00

The viral foundation (Thanks to TikTok) has the perfect natural finish that lasts the whole day long thanks to its concentrated pigments. The best part? You only need 1 dot of foundation for the entire face to achieve the best results.

14. For A Second-skin Foundation | Sisley Phyto-Teint Nude, $120.00

The luxurious water-infused foundation provides the appearance of bare skin thanks to its powerful key ingredients that help to even out the complexion, hydrate, plump-up, and leave naturally perfect skin. We love that it also corrects blemishes without disguising the skin’s texture.

 

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