If you’re dealing with a parched complexion, you might have had bad experiences with chalky, uncomfortable foundations that settle in fine lines and dry patches and generally make everything look flat. 

But do some digging and you’ll find plenty of utterly ace bases that boost luminosity and feel great on the skin. Check out these particular gems …

Becca Aqua Luminous Perfecting Foundation

If your skin is feeling the effects of a stressful, knackering week (i.e. a dull, lined complexion), this clever formula brightens and blurs whilst remaining super lightweight. A little goes a long way too – just a few drops are enough to create a barely-there, lit-from-within glow.

£32, cultbeauty.co.uk

Shiseido Synchro Skin Glow Luminizing Fluid Foundation

Renowned for its ability to bring tired, parched skin back from the brink, this lightweight foundation contains a nourishing cocktail of argan oil, yuzu seed and wild thyme extract and blends like a dream. It basically does what it says on the tin, leaving skin glowing and plumped.

£34, lookfantastic.com

Revlon ColourStay Foundation Normal/Dry

Just because you have dry skin doesn’t mean you’re automatically craving a super dewy complexion. Enter this special dry-skin version of Revlon Colourstay, which delivers semi-matte coverage that doesn’t slip off come 4pm. Yet it’s comfortable and lightweight enough that it won’t end up looking chalky.

£12.99, Superdrug

Dior Backstage Face & Body Foundation

This was the foundation that was apparently used on The Duchess of Sussex for her wedding day, creating a natural base that famously let her freckles shine through. With a lightweight, glow-giving texture, it can be built up for heavier coverage if required.

£29, Selfridges 

Bourjois Healthy Mix Anti-Fatigue Foundation

Bourjois are one of the best high street brands out there and this foundation is a case in point. With a brightening array of vitamins (C, E and B5), it delivers round-the-clock hydration and gets skin looking the picture of health. Our hangover SOS product, grab it from Boots on your way to work to revive your complexion from the night before.

£9.99, Boots

Charlotte Tilbury Light Wonder Foundation

Ms Tilbury’s delicately blurring foundation imbues skin with a hefty hit of hydration thanks to special pseudo-ceramides, while skin renewing actives work to plump the complexion and boost uneven skin tone. The formula is ultra lightweight – and while the staying power isn’t terribly strong, it’s good for adding a little subtle coverage if full-on foundation isn’t your thing.

£32, Net-A-Porter

Armani Maestro Glow Nourishing Fusion Makeup

Most foundations contain water in their formulations, which is why they often look chalky as they set and the moisture evaporates. This one contains oils instead, which help to replace the lost lipids in dry skin and delivering a nourishing texture that lasts all day. It also has SPF 30 for extra sun protection.

£42, Debenhams