6 of the best foundations

L’Oréal Paris Infallible Matte Foundation

If you find that your foundation slips off and your skin always looks greasy by midday, then a true matte formula is what you need. This foundation does a great job of soaking up excess oil, but does so in a super lightweight formula that glides over your skin and doesn’t cake or look chalky.

Clinique Beyond Perfecting Foundation + Concealer

If you want something that really covers up imperfections, this foundation doubles as a concealer too. Use the side of the wand to apply it like your foundation or just use the tip to dot it on areas that need a bit more work. It gives full coverage but the wand applicator stops you from ever applying too much, and it’s long-lasting too.

Elizabeth Arden Flawless Finish Perfectly Satin 24HR

If you want fuller coverage, suffer from an oily T-zone or just don’t like to touch up your foundation, then try this long-lasting formula. It has a nice matte finish, but doesn’t feel heavy or as though it’s drying out your skin.

Bobbi Brown Intensive Skin Serum Foundation SPF 25

If you want a foundation that treats your skin, this is packed with brightening and smoothing ingredients, so it’s as good as any serum. The dropper makes applying just the right amount simple, and the moisturising formula gives tired skin a fresh and plump look.

Bourjois Nude Sensation Foundation

With its silky, whipped cream-like texture, this blends easily to smooth out fine lines and pores, just like a primer. It feels super-light and even though it has a slightly matte finish, it still leaves skin looking like skin.

Lancôme Miracle Cushion

The latest high-tech cover-up to hit counters, this has a spongy cushion-like material you press the makeup pad into. It feels slightly damp and cooling on your skin, giving you a fresher, lighter and more dewy look than you would get from a normal foundation. Great for dry skin that cries out for a bit more moisture, the compact size also makes it easy for applying on the run.