We’re entering the hotter (possibly hottest) months of the year, meaning now’s the time for the lightest, most breathable and cooling items in our wardrobe, from tank tops and cotton dresses to sandals and linen shorts.
Similarly, our faces require makeup that looks natural and feels barely there when the mercury goes up because skin, too, needs to breathe. And just as you wouldn’t pull on a cashmere sweater in the heat, neither would you want to have a layer of heavy foundation sitting on your skin.
To help you achieve – and maintain – a fresh, radiant look in spite of the heat and humidity, we’ve rounded up some airy, lightweight foundations that feel like nothing when applied, even as they veil over blotchiness, blemishes and pores. Think your natural skin, only better.
Airy Light Foundations For Singapore Weather
For flattering lighting at all times
Nars Light Reflecting Foundation, $78
Talk about being seen in the best light. This contains a “photo-friendly” powder that reportedly adjusts your complexion tone according to the light intensity so you’ll never look washed out, while a Light Reflecting Complex improves skin luminosity. On top of that, 70% of this foundation is skincare ingredients that help to improve skin clarity over time and protect against environmental aggressors.
Buy
For a natural, sun-kissed glow
Chanel Les Beiges Healthy Glow Foundation, $90
Get the sort of complexion that looks like you’ve been getting lots of fresh air and sunshine – without actually having to be outdoors. Its light-reflecting powders and pigments reduce the look of blemishes while making skin appear smoother. Hydrating ingredients keep skin feeling comfortable all day.
Buy
For high coverage that’s comfy
Shu Uemura Unlimited Breathable Lasting Foundation, $74
Lightweight, but delivers full coverage for flawless-looking skin. It sets to a super thin layer that’s said to be half the thickness of regular foundations so skin can breathe, and has a unique stretchable texture that holds pigments in place for a perfect finish all day long. Sponge-like powders absorb sebum and sweat so you don’t have to worry about your makeup melting or looking greasy.
Buy
For anti-ageing perks
Charlotte Tilbury Light Wonder Foundation, $76
A foundation that not only helps to conceal pores, wrinkles and imperfections but treat them as well. It helps to boost collagen production and skin renewal using a botanical alternative to retinol, plus pseudo-ceramides to keep skin hydrated for up to 18 hours.
Buy
For closeup-ready skin
Make Up For Ever HD Skin Foundation, $68
The brand recently upgraded its famous HD Foundation to be even lighter more undetectable and natural-looking. Boasting a flexible micro-mesh structure, this foundation delivers a true-to-skin finish that won’t cake or settle into lines. It’s also waterproof and sweatproof, and comes in a whopping 40 shades so you’re sure to find one that’s a perfect fit for your skin tone.
Buy
For easy-breezy matte perfection
Tarte Shape Tape Cloud Foundation, $60
Who says it’s no good to have your head in the clouds? With its light-as-air texture and special Cloud 9 complex which provides 24-hour hydration, this foundation softens the look of pores, wrinkles and rough skin. It won’t crease as the day wears on, so skin stays soft and smooth looking.
Buy
For even, satiny skin
Gucci Fluide de Beaute Fini Naturel, $100
It has a silky smooth feel and adheres snugly to skin for a super natural finish. Like a nude-coloured veil, this feather-light formula works blur out blemishes and pores without masking skin’s natural appearance. The coverage is buildable, so you can layer on a little more where needed.
Buy
For oil-control + hydration
Burberry Matte Glow Cushion, $93
Look glowy, not greasy, with this luminous-matte cushion foundation. Besides being sweat- and transfer-resistant, it’s enriched with bamboo powder and silk-cotton tree flower extract which keep skin matte for up to 10 hours even as it boosts hydration levels. Rosa damascene and Darjeeling tea leaf extracts provide antioxidant and anti-pollution benefits.
Buy
For a runway-worthy complexion
Dior Backstage Face & Body Foundation, $68
This is what makeup artists use to give models gorgeous skin. Its coverage is highly buildable, so you can dab on just a little for a natural, glowy-matte complexion, or add more layers over blemished areas. It’s so light and blendable that it can be used on the decollette and shoulders to even out skin tone. Made to last under the bright lights of the catwalk, this waterproof formula won’t budge under extreme heat and humidity.
Buy
For dewy Korean glass-skin
Lavien Derma Radiance Essence BB SPF50+/PA++++, $60
Nicknamed ‘Collagen BB’, this light, creamy formula is made up of 71% skincare ingredients, as well as micro-collagen, peptides and amino acids – all goodies that aid in firming and smoothing skin. Bonus: it has a patented plant-derived complex which cools and calms heated and inflamed skin while soothing irritation.
Buy
For soothing, seamless wear
Rare Beauty Liquid Touch Weightless Foundation, $48
As weightless as a serum, this offers medium buildable coverage that’s enough to even skin tone and minimise the look of pores while still keeping skin looking like skin. It won’t settle in pores or cake along lines, and it also helps to calm irritation, thanks to a botanical blend of lotus, gardenia and white water lily.
Buy
For an effortless no-makeup look
Fenty Beauty Eaze Drop Blurring Skin Tint Foundation, $49
Extremely fluid and easy to apply, this skin tint has a hydrating QuickBlur complex which creates a soft, diffused effect that instantly improves the look of natural skin. It delivers light-to-medium coverage that’s resistant to heat and humidity, and won’t rub off easily.
Buy
