The 17 Best Lightweight Foundations from $7 to $68
Finding the right foundation is tricky. You want to make sure it’s the right shade, it delivers adequate coverage and it stays on. Another important factor is texture. If you have a formal event to attend, odds are you’re going to want a full-coverage foundation. But when it’s a typical Tuesday afternoon and you just need to dash to a quick meeting or a lunch date, you want something that’s light and breathable. Enter lightweight foundations. Not only do they give you the coverage you need, but the best of them don’t even feel like you have anything on. Ahead, 17 of our favorite lightweight foundations you can buy right now.
RELATED: The 9 Best Foundations with SPF for Healthy Coverage All Year Round
1. Fenty Beauty Eaze Drop Blurring Skin Tint
Is there anything that Fenty Beauty can’t do? Though it’s still fairly new on the market, Eaze Drop has already become a favorite among makeup wearers who don’t want too much on their face. The buildable formula has a light-to-medium coverage that promises to leave your skin looking blurred and smoothed, and never caked or creased. It comes in 25 shades for all.
2. Glossier Perfecting Skin Tint
Glossier’s Perfecting Skin Tint is the ultimate choice for non-makeup wearers who want a little bit of coverage. This lightweight formula contains diamond powder, which gives a brightening effect, while minimizing the appearance of pores; it also features glycerin to keep the skin nice and moisturized.
3. Thrive Causemetics CC Cream
This multi-faceted cream is a great addition to your makeup bag if you want great coverage without the weight of a full-bodied foundation. With color-correcting pigments and a creamy texture, it also includes sunscreen and moisturizer and is available in 18 shades.
4. Pat McGrath Labs Sublime Perfection Foundation
Pat McGrath Labs reigns supreme in the makeup space and this foundation is clear evidence as to why. With over 1,000 five-star reviews, the Sublime Perfection Foundation builds from sheer to medium coverage and blends so well it looks like a second skin.
5. Ilia Super Serum Skin Tint SPF 40 Foundation
Keep your pores clear and your skin glowing with this clean beauty pick. Made with plant-based squalene—a lipid that moisturizes your skin—this paraben- and formaldehyde-free tint will keep your skin looking supple, while also covering any pesky blemishes. Not convinced? See how our editors rated the product here.
6. Kosas Tinted Oil Foundation
Ever look at Nick Jonas and think, “Wow, that hunk of a man has skin just as perfect as his abs”? Well, you may not have access to that majestic six pack of his, but you can definitely get your hands on his foundation. Celebrity men’s groomer, Marissa Machado revealed that she used this tinted oil foundation on all three Jonas Brothers when they attended the 2020 Grammy Awards. Made with six nourishing botanical oils that balance, moisturize and plump your skin, this foundation will give you a youthful glow.
7. Dior Backstage Face and Body Foundation
If you have plans to attend a summer wedding, baby shower or any bash where you may be shedding some tears, opt for Dior’s Face and Body Foundation. Not only will it give you the lightweight coverage you want, but it’s also waterproof and sweat resistant, so you can bawl your eyes out knowing there won’t be any distracting streaks left on your face.
8. NARS All Day Luminous Weightless Foundation
For those days when you need some longevity in your coverage, try this classic pick from NARS, which promises up to 16-hours of weightless wear. It's loaded with vitamins A, C and E, which deliver antioxidant benefits to protect the skin. It also has scarlet spiderling root extract to reduce discoloration over time, giving you a more even skin tone.
9. IT Cosmetics CC+ Cream with SPF 50
For fuller coverage, go with this fan favorite from IT Cosmetics. Not only does it have SPF 50 to combat damaging UV Rays and boost anti-aging effects, but it also delivers to give you a natural-looking finish, so you don’t look pasty.
10. L'Oréal Paris Infallible Pro-Glow Foundation
If you’re trying to get a long-lasting glow on a budget, this one’s for you. Lightweight and creamy, this foundation offers medium coverage, goes on smoothly and leaves behind a subtle sheen.
11. Charlotte Tilbury Light Wonder Foundation
Charlotte Tilbury’s Light Wonder Foundation checks all of the boxes. Not only does it feel like nothing on, but it also illuminates, smooths, hydrates and visibly minimizes pores and wrinkles thanks to ceramides and mica in the formula. Oh, and it’s vegan, cruelty-free and gluten-free, too.
12. MAC Cosmetics Studio Face and Body Foundation
This tried-and-true pick has been a staple for celebrities (and regular folks) for many years. Formulated for all skin types—yes, even sensitive skin—the Studio Face and Body Foundation is waterproof and long-wearing (up to 8 hours) without ever feeling too heavy or sticky.
13. Bobbi Brown Skin Long-Wear Weightless Foundation SPF 15
This water-based and oil-free formula works wonders for oily and acne-prone skin (because we don’t do clogged pores around here). Lightweight as it feels, it still offers foolproof coverage, so your skin looks more even without feeling like a you’re wearing a ton of makeup.
14. Lancôme Teint Miracle Hydrating Foundation
They say a true glow comes from within, but you can still enhance yours with this hydrating foundation that claims to “recreate the true natural light of perfect skin.” With soothing rose extract and gylcerin among its ingredients, Lancôme’s Teint Miracle Radiant Foundation will give you a natural finish that lasts up to 18 hours.
15. CoverGirl Clean Matte Liquid Foundation
Ditch the cakey look for good with CoverGirl’s Clean Matte Liquid Foundation. With three formulas that cater to different skin types (normal, oily and sensitive skin), CoverGirl’s Clean offers lightweight coverage for everybody. Easy, breezy and beautiful, indeed.
16. Trestique Tinted Face Stick
This ultra-light foundation glides on like a dream. Though it goes on creamy, it sets to a soft, matte finish, so you don’t have to worry about your face appearing too dewy.
17. Chanel Les Beiges Healthy Glow Foundation Hydration and Longwear
This one is a splurge, but according to the hoards of rave reviews, it’s well worth it. Chanel’s Les Beiges Healthy Glow Foundation is made with light-reflecting pigments, so you look extra radiant when you snap those selfies. It also contains antioxidants to protect your lovely skin from pollution, free radicals and blue light.
RELATED: What Is the Best Foundation for Mature Skin? Here Are 8 That Women Love
PureWow may receive a portion of sales from products purchased from this article, which was created independently from PureWow's editorial and sales departments.
