Credit: Courtesy of brands
Make-up
Not a fan of foundation? These are the best non-foundation bases for glowy, even and healthier-looking skin
7 months ago
4 min read
For some people, foundation can often feel too heavy. Thankfully, innovations in the beauty sphere mean there are plenty of non-foundation base products to try instead.
Over time, our preferences change. Just a couple of years ago, I wouldn’t leave the house without applying my favourite matte foundation first. Within the space of a few swipes, it gave me full coverage, took away any signs of oil and stayed put all day. Today, my matte foundation can be found collecting dust on my vanity, only to be picked for special occasions.
As I’ve got older, I’ve noticed my preference for base products has shifted massively. Now, I much prefer lightweight textures that concentrate on giving my skin a fresher, healthier-looking finish rather than covering it up. This has led to me exploring the vast offering of ‘non-foundation’ formulas out there.
From waters and serum oils to gels and cloud-like foam, there are so many different options for those who want a dewy, sunkissed or more even finish without having to apply a heavier foundation. Here, I’ve rounded up my favourites.
Best non-foundation bases to try
Vieve Skin Nova
A make-up and skincare hybrid in one, this handy primer has become a go-to for almost every beauty editor I know. It contains hydrating and skin-soothing ingredients such as niacinamide and beta-glucan, but my favourite thing about it is the light-reflecting pigments. Dewy but not shimmery, these pigments give skin a healthy-looking glow so it’s all you need on your face.
Whind Marrakech Sun Instant Glow Tinting Water
Like this name suggests, this clever formula gives skin a sunkissed bronzy finish that’ll make it look like you just got back from holiday. The serum-in-water texture sinks into skin quickly with zero stickiness, leaving a golden hour glow.
Shop Whind Marrakech Sun Instant Glow Tinting Water at Whind, £30
Elemis Superfood Glow Priming Moisturiser
When I first tried this moisturiser five years ago, I instantly fell in love with it – and my feelings haven’t changed to this day. Creamy and easy to apply, this formula contains kombucha and fermented ginger extracts to boost radiance in the skin. Apply a 10p-sized coin dollop to skin and watch as it boosts your complexion.
Shop Elemis Superfood Glow Priming Moisturiser at Lookfantastic, £46
L'Oréal Paris Paradise Lumi Glotion
A primer, tint, highlighter and contour in one – it’s fair to say that this handy little tube does it all. My favourite way to wear it is all over my skin on its own. It has a slight bronzy tint that evens out my skin, while added glycerin and shea butter leave my complexion hydrated.
Shop L’Oréal Paris Paradise Lumi Glotion at Lookfantastic, £11.99
Glossier Futuredew
This is quite literally dewy, luminous, radiant skin in a bottle. The oil-serum texture is a joy to apply and once it’s on, skin looks instantly brighter and lit from within.
Drunk Elephant D-Bronzi Anti-Pollution Sunshine Drops
This product doesn’t need much of an introduction. After going viral on TikTok, retailers struggled to keep it in stock, and for good reason. Often described as sunshine in a bottle, it gives skin a subtle, healthy glow while a mix of antioxidants simultaneously helps to protect skin against pollution and environmental aggressors.
Shop Drunk Elephant D-Bronzi Anti-Pollution Sunshine Drops at Sephora UK, £35
Milk Makeup Cloud Glow Primer
The first time I used this primer, I was slightly taken aback by its texture. Described as ‘cloud-like’, it dispenses as a foam, but when applied, I’m pleased to report it isn’t the slightest bit tacky or sticky. Easy to gently massage into skin, it instantly reduces signs of redness while giving skin a more even appearance.
Saie Dew Bronze Soft-Focus Effortless Liquid Bronzer
I originally started using this formula to contour my face (which it’s brilliant at, by the way), but one day I dabbed the doe-foot applicator around my face and blended the product out. The result was an overall bronzy, fresh finish. It’s beautiful mixed with moisturiser, too.
Shop Saie Dew Bronze Soft-Focus Effortless Liquid Bronzer at Cult Beauty, £20
Erborian Glow Creme
This formula contains subtle pearlescent pigments that work to blur and illuminate skin. Once applied, these pigments also gently reflect the light without giving skin the appearance of a disco ball.
e.l.f. Bronzing Drops
Affordable and long-lasting, this formula is great for a warm glow. The first thing to note is that is does contain shimmer, so if you’re not a fan of intense glow, go lightly. I recommend mixing it with your moisturiser to keep things subtle. But if you decide you want to amp up the bronze, the formula builds nicely.
Images: courtesy of brands
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