The Foundations Our Writers Actually Buy
Save this article to read it later.
Find this story in your account’s‘Saved for Later’section.
Comment
This roundup first appeared on Wednesday, July 3, 2024, inThe Strategist Beauty Brief,a weekly newsletter in which our beauty writers share their must-tries, can-skips, and can’t-live-withouts. But we liked it so much we wanted to share it with all of our readers. If you want more first impressions of buzzy launches, quick takes on what’s trending on TikTok and Instagram, and deep dives into the week’s best beauty launches, sign uphere.The Strategist Beauty Briefis delivered every Wednesday.
If you’re a regular reader of theStrategist Beauty Brief,you know we’re pretty picky about our products. Yes, we’re always down to try a dupe and test an internet trend. But we’re passionate about our basics, too. So we thought we’d drop in to share a bit about our favorite, tried-and-true products — the everydayface moisturizers,body lotions, anddeodorantsof it all. This week, we’re sharing our can’t-live-without foundations. Read on to find out the special-occasion and everyday formulas we’re wearing.
New! You can now save this product for later.
I picked up a bottle of Sheer Glow when I was 15, and for almost a decade, I didn’t stray. But the older I got, the less I felt the need for a foundation with such full coverage (although it has sheer in the title, that foundation is anything but). I couldn’t betray my beloved NARS, and I also didn’t want to have to figure out my shade again, so I simply switched to another product from the brand: theLight Reflecting foundation. It’s a much lighter coverage, so unless you really layer it up, it looks remarkably close to real skin. It’s also easy to get a dewy finish to your makeup, and it overall just gives that even, healthy glow that I want from a foundation. —Rachael Griffiths
New! You can now save this product for later.
I mostly stick to atinted moisturizerfor everyday wear. I’d been using the Ilia one for a while now, but recently I’ve switched allegiances to thebareMinerals Complexion Rescue. When I initially tested it out at Sephora, I was struck by how close the color match was. I like that it has a cream rather than liquid consistency, which makes it easier to apply with my fingers; just a light layer helps even out my skin tone and looks very seamless and natural. —Kitty Guo
New! You can now save this product for later.
I graduated from Glossier’s skin tint to itsStretch Fluid Foundationwhen it came out last August. It’s become my everyday go-to, because it offers more coverage than the skin tint (enough to cover any blemishes or dark spots) but has a very natural finish. It’s never drying, thanks to its moisturizing ingredients (squalene and glycerin are some of them), and despite being kind of thick out of the pump, it’s incredibly lightweight after application. —Arielle Avila
New! You can now save this product for later.
I don’t typically wear much foundation day to day, but for special events I lovePat McGrath’s Skin Fetish foundation: medium coverage, velvety finish, and a wide shade range. What’s not to love? —Dominique Pariso
New! You can now save this product for later.
I’ve been a longtime year-round user of a discontinued Vapour foundation. Recently I tried out the newCharlotte Tilbury sheer foundation stickand am absolutely floored. The brand sent me a sample, and I loved it so much that I bought another shade (a darker one for light contouring) the next day. The formula is everything I want: very glow-y, sheer but buildable, and hydrating. I set it with a light dusting of powder and myUrban Decay setting spray, and it lasts for hours. —Crystal Martin
The Strategistis designed to surface useful, expert recommendations for things to buy across the vast e-commerce landscape. Every product is independently selected by our team of editors, whom you can read abouthere. We update links when possible, but note that deals can expire and all prices are subject to change.
