Contributing beauty director and revered industry expert Alessandra Steinherr shares the best new foundations for every occasion this season, plus the primers and powder to make sure it lasts all day long.
It’s hard to find “the one” – the perfect foundation that works for every occasion. You may have a certain skin type but in terms of coverage and finish – depending on whether you’re at work, out in the evening or on holiday – you probably have different requirements, whether matt, glowy or long-lasting. Personally, I have a foundation wardrobe. I’m excited by all the recent launches, which offer brand-new formulations and so many shade options, which means that everyone can find the right one to suit them. This is my edit of the best new bases that are real beauty game-changers.
Favourite foundations
Chanel Ultra Le Teint Velvet
This is very matt, making it ideal if you’ve got more of an oily skin and really don’t want any shine. It’s also so light that anybody who doesn’t like heaviness or too much texture can wear it – it doesn’t feel tacky at all.
£37, chanel.com
Guerlain Parure Gold Gold Radiance Foundation
This is a reformulation of an existing product and is beautifully hydrating, so it’s really great for drier skin. What’s nice is that it’s sweat- and humidity-proof as well. And the texture is gorgeous – it gives more of a satiny finish, leaving the complexion illuminated.
£63, guerlain.com
Clarins Everlasting Youth Fluid
This is great for a more mature complexion because it contains skincare ingredients, so you’re getting colour plus care. It’s more of a radiance boosting, firming formulation for someone who doesn’t want their foundation to set into their expression lines.
£35, clarins.co.uk
Pat McGrath Skin Fetish Sublime Perfection Foundation
If you’re struggling to find a foundation to match your skin tone, I really recommend this range which comes in 36 different shades that are categorised by undertones. It is a natural, second-skin foundation and is very buildable – it makes your skin look incredible.
£60, patmcgrath.com
Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless Foundation
This foundation gives full coverage but doesn’t look chalky or dull – it gives the complexion a luminous glow. It also feels super light. I’d say this is an ideal choice for anyone who leads a busy lifestyle and needs to do their make-up in the morning, go to work and be done with it.
£34, charlottetilbury.com
Pick of the primers
As we go into winter, when it is cold outside and the heating is on indoors, there are two new primers that stand out for me as they boost the skin, add a bit of hydration and also help foundation stay put.
Giorgio Armani Luminous Silk Hydrating Primer
£34, armanibeauty.co.uk
Dior Backstage Face and Body Primer
£27.50, dior.com
Perfect powder
By Terry Hyaluronic Hydra-Powder
Now available in eight tinted hues, it’s like a real-life Instagram filter. The powder sets make-up and also blurs pores, controls shine and lends a luminous matte finish that won’t settle in fine lines and, thanks to the hyaluronic acid, keeps the skin hydrated.
£42, byterry.com
