The Best 'Barely There' Bases
My biggest (and longest-term) goal for my skin has always been to get it to a place where I don’t have to wear makeup every time I leave the house. It’s been years of testing skincare and building up the courage to take my spots and scars out into the world, but I’ve finally gotten to a place where my skin is (relatively) clear and so I’m comfortable enough to spend my weekends bare-faced and my workdays with just the lightest touch of makeup. Naturally, it goes without saying that you should feel empowered to look however you want when you leave the house, whether that’s full coverage, au naturel, or somewhere in-between. For me, I’ve found my sweet spot with light, sheer bases that cancel out the redness in a natural way, and make skin look like, well, skin.
If you’re lucky enough to not need a full coverage foundation, or simply want skin to feel a little lighter and more natural, I’ve rounded up the best bases for giving a natural healthy glow, and sheer, buildable coverage (listed in order of lowest-highest coverage).
If you’re popping out for a Sunday coffee: Trinny London BFF Skin Perfector
The lightest coverage option, since it doesn’t technically contain any pigment, this is a skincare-makeup hybrid, combining hydrating benefits with light reflecting microspheres that adapt to your skintone (basically blurring any imperfections), and incorporating SPF30 for safe and effective sun protection. I didn’t even realise it functioned as base makeup until the first time I wore it on its own. I removed it and saw a little tint on the cotton pad - it’s just enough to make you skin look like it’s having a really good day, and not quite enough to merit a double cleanse. A truly solid ‘no-makeup makeup’ product.
If all you need is a little spot coverage: Glossier Stretch Concealer
On days where I’ve slept in and am short on time, my skin is looking particularly clear, or I really can’t be bothered to clean my brush/beautyblender, I cut my base routine short at concealer. This solid formula melts into a cream, offering a surprising amount of buildable coverage that’s perfect for targeting the bad stuff while melting into skin and looking invisible - so you don’t need to apply it all over. It’s easy to build coverage, but I tend to just concentrate it on any areas of redness (spots and around my nose) then blend it out with my fingers - sometimes that’s all you need.
If your skin is playing up: Bare Minerals Original Foundation
This isn’t a new product for me - in fact, I used it many years ago when I was first finding my footing with foundation. My acne was at its worst and I wanted to cover it up without resorting to a heavy, pore-clogging base. Cut to 2019 and my search for something to cover my skin without looking and feeling like a mask. Since this fared so well for me when I had full-blown acne, it’s now my go-to when my skin is going through a breakout phase and I need a little bit coverage without undoing all the handwork of my skincare routine. The tiniest dusting makes light work of toning down redness and although it’s by no means high coverage, it provides more than you’d expect, and certainly makes spots look less obvious. If you’re looking for a foundation that your skin won’t hate, look no further.
If you’re only going to work: Bare Minerals Complexion Rescue Tinted Gel Cream
I’ve tried BB and CC creams in the past and been disappointed every time - they’re never quite as light and skin-kind as you expect them to be. This isn’t marketed as BB or CC, but it’s exactly the kind of texture and finish I’d always expected and hoped for from one - whipped cream and gel-like at the same time, so it melts upon application (warm it up between your fingers and pat on) and looks fresh and glowy. I wasn’t surprised to learn that the formula contains squalane (a powerful hydrator) to keep skin feeling moisturised while providing sun protection (SPF40), and just the right dose of coverage to even out skin tone. It’s a great all-in-one that makes your morning routine quick and simply with zero fuss.
If there’s a chance you might run into someone you know: Bobbi Brown Intensive Skin Serum Foundation
This is the highest coverage of the bunch, but still feels weightless, comfortable, and won’t leave skin looking gross by 3pm. The name says it all really - the texture is silky like a serum, and blends so beautifully into skin that actually barely any blending is needed. On top of that, the dewy (but never greasy) formula contains SPF40 and a skin-brightening botanical blend so you don’t have to feel bad about wearing it. One pump gives all-over coverage that you’ll forget is even on your skin, but if there’s a chance of bumping into a friend/colleague/ex, you can feel confident that your skin looks ~fresh~.
