Chanel Fall-Winter 2023/24 Haute Couture Show / Photo Courtesy of Chanel
Makeup
The Skin-Saving Foundations Everyone's Obsessed With
Today’s foundations do more than just cover—they brighten, hydrate, and shield your skin from environmental aggressors. Infused with powerhouse ingredients like niacinamide, hyaluronic acid, and green tea, these innovative formulas address a variety of skin concerns. The future of foundation is here—and it’s all about caring for your skin.
Text Ebru Kabacık
Foundations are undergoing a quiet revolution. The new formulas focus on enhancing your natural beauty rather than masking it. With natural finishes that let your real skin shine through, these lightweight options are buildable for when you want more coverage. Loaded with hydrating agents like hyaluronic acid and glycerin, alongside skin-refining niacinamide and salicylic acid, these foundations are designed to nourish, correct, and protect. Ready to find your match? Here are 13 standout picks to add to your routine.
Chanel N°1 de Chanel Revitalizing Foundation, $78
Key ingredients: Red camellia oil, glycerin, and tocopherol.
Coverage: Medium.
This hydrating formula protects and revitalizes the skin while delivering a radiant finish.
Shiseido Revitalessence Skin Glow Foundation SPF 30 PA+++, $56
Key ingredients: Green tea and niacinamide.
Coverage: Light.
Infused with calming green tea and pore-perfecting niacinamide, this glow-boosting foundation leaves your skin visibly radiant and balanced.
Hermès Plein Air Foundation SPF 30 PA+++, $90
Key ingredients: Hyaluronic acid and glycerin.
Coverage: Light.
This lightweight formula offers an almost matte finish while ensuring your skin stays hydrated.
Kosas Revealer Skin-Improving Foundation SPF 25, $42, available at Sephora
Key ingredients: Niacinamide, caffeine, peptides, and hyaluronic acid.
Coverage: Medium.
This multitasking foundation smooths skin texture, reduces the appearance of pores, and provides hydration.
Perricone MD No Makeup Serum Foundation SPF 20, £13
Key ingredients: Tocopherol, peptides, and glycerin.
Coverage: Light.
A cult-favorite serum foundation that evens out skin tone while maintaining a fresh, natural look.
Ilia True Skin Medium Coverage Serum Foundation, $54, available at Sephora
Key ingredients: Aloe vera and allantoin.
Coverage: Medium.
Soothing redness and inflammation, Ilia’s natural-finish foundation feels like skincare with coverage.
Estée Lauder Futurist SkinTint Serum Foundation SPF 20, $55
Key ingredients: Glycerin and botanical oils.
Coverage: Light.
Hydration meets a dewy, lit-from-within glow in this weightless foundation.
Westman Atelier Vital Skincare Complexion Drops , $68
Key ingredients: Ginseng, squalane, and botanical oils.
Coverage: Light.
A favorite of Valerie Dayan, just a couple of drops of this foundation brighten, hydrate, and protect against free radicals, leaving your skin radiant and refreshed.
Clinique Even Better Clinical Serum Foundation SPF 15, $48
Key ingredients: Vitamin C and salicylic acid.
Coverage: Full.
This serum foundation targets dark spots and balances sebum production. Its impressive shade range is an added bonus.
Charlotte Tilbury Unreal Skin Sheer Glow Tint Moisturizing Stick Foundation, $46
Key ingredients: Vitamin E and hyaluronic acid.
Coverage: Light.
Swipe, blend, and glow. This foolproof stick foundation adds a luminous touch while keeping your skin hydrated and protected.
Natasha Denona Face Glow Foundation, $42
Key ingredients: Vitamin A and glycerin.
Coverage: Medium.
Softening fine lines and wrinkles, this foundation delivers a dewy finish with skincare benefits.
Amuse Dew Wear Foundation SPF 50+ PA++++, $27,54
Key ingredients: Vitamin C, hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, and panthenol.
Coverage: Light.
With a dewy finish and skin-loving ingredients, Amuse Dew Wear helps diminish the appearance of dark spots and pores.
