Foundations have found a new life as formulations that contain clinical ingredients that converge coverage with skincare.
These days we expect our beauty with a side serve of benefit – makeup that’s actually good for our skin – and foundations have well and truly stepped up to the plate.
Many of today’s foundation formulas fuse skin technology with colour correction and flawless coverage. Some foundations promote collagen production and strengthen elasticity of the skin to help fight signs of ageing, usually with active ingredients such as hyaluronic acid, peptides and Vitamin C. Others are enriched with vitamins and antioxidants to help even out skin tone, add hydration and radiance and boost the look and function of the skin. More still are specifically formulated to act as a second skin for compromised or sensitive skin
Cosmetics manufacturers have long included sun protection to their product lines. With moisturisers and foundations now including an SPF of 15, 30 and even 50, we’re provided with extra protection from the sun. Of course, we should still apply a traditional sunscreen product in addition for maximum protection.
Once considered a simple tool for covering up unwanted blemishes and uneven skin tone, the humble foundation is now anything but basic. Here are our favourite foundations with benefits.
Double-duty
foundation tips
For an ultra-natural daytime look, mix your foundation with your favourite day moisturiser. And to ramp up your luminescent glow for a night out, try mixing your foundation with a highlighting primer.
Bobbi Brown Intensive Skin Serum Foundation SPF25, $103. With its Active Skin Energizing Complex, as well as Argireline Peptide and hyaluronic acid, this formula instantly brightens and covers imperfections while recharging the skin’s appearance and fighting the visible signs of ageing.
Sisley Phyto-Teint Ultra Eclat in Ivory, $115. This light-diffusing fiuid foundation includes a mineral complex to enhance the complexion’s natural radiance, Buckwheat seed extract which acts as an anti-pollution shield, and extracts of Mallow and Gardenia flower to provide hydration and comfort for fresh-feeling skin.
Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless Foundation, $65. This cult favourite bottles the smoothing, pore-blurring airbrush effects with the anti-ageing skincare benefits of a serum.
Jane Iredale Liquid Minerals A Foundation, $95. The grand dame of skincare makeup, this is essentially a serum with pigment that provides sheer to medium coverage, providing hydration, smoothing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles and minimising the look of pores.
Youngblood Loose Natural Mineral Foundation, $84.95. This fan favourite mineral foundation looks after sensitive skin while providing broad spectrum sun protection.
Clinique Even Better Clinical Serum Foundation SPF 20, $65. Built with three serum technologies, this satin matte oil-free formula is packed with actives: Clinique’s exclusive darkspot-fighting molecule UP302, Vita min C, salicylic acid and hyaluronic acid.
Skeyndor Vitamin C Brightening Matte Foundation, $83. Vitamin C, algae extract and a moisturising complex give greater luminosity to the skin while improving firmness. The fluid medium to high coverage works especially well to cover imperfections and unify the tone for mature skin.
Lycogel Breathable Camouflage SPF30, $108. This buildable matte foundation works hard to deliver oxygen, moisture and nutrients to the skin, making it great to use post-treatment or for uber senstitive skin types.
Morphe Filter Effect Soft Focus Foundationin Shade 16, $30. An oil- free, skincare-infused foundation that delivers a natural yet medium coverage for a flawless, filter-effect finish.
Napoleon Perdis Advanced Mineral Makeup, $69. A superb mineral foundation, it’s infused with Vitamins A, C and E and light-diffusers to blur imperfections, nourish and protect.
Ella Baché Superfluid Great SPF50+ Skin Tint, $55. Available in four colours, this skin tint combines maximum sun protection with an ultra lightweight, glowy sheer coverage.
Invisible Zinc Tinted Daywear, $32. We all know the most important skincare product is sunscreen so this is definitely a triple-duty winner that combines SPF30 sunscreen plus moisturiser plus sheer foundation.
