6 Lightweight Foundations That Actually Feel Good on Skin, According to Cosmo Editors
The antidote to the cakey makeup of your nightmares.
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Lightweight foundations are proof that less really can be more. They deliver glow and a more even skin tone, minus a heavy feel or cakey finish. Don't get me wrong, I love a full-coverage foundation as much as the next person for big moments, but oftentimes, daily wear calls for a foundation that lets your skin breathe while still giving your complexion some polish.
Not sure how to find the best lightweight foundation to suit your skin type and makeup preferences? Look no further than five of our favorite formulas for all time. From luxury options with serious skincare benefits to the oh-so-affordable L'Oréal Paris True Match Nude Tinted Serum that sits at a reasonable $15, there's a pick for everyone on our list.
L'Oréal Paris True Match Nude Hyaluronic Tinted Serum Foundation
Why we love it: Part skincare, part makeup, all glow. This budget buy is infused with hyaluronic acid, meaning it plumps, smooths, and evens out tone, all while looking undetectable on the skin. It's the perfect pick for no-makeup days… and glam nights when you just add a few extra drops. Smooth skin? Sorted.
One Cosmo editor says: "As a beauty editor, I’ve tested countless foundations, including all the luxury options and viral hits, but I always come back to this under-$20 drugstore skin tint. It’s shockingly full-coverage, accessible, and ideal for sensitive skin." —JASMINE HYMAN, ASSISTANT BEAUTY EDITOR
Why we love it: Your skin, but posh! Victoria Beckham really married luxury skincare with foundation, and although a splurge, it's one we can justify. These silky drops melt into the face like a dream, leaving your skin looking as radiant as Victoria's. Plus, that TFC8® tech? It helps your skin act like its younger self—improving elasticity, hydration, and smoothness over time while supporting the skin barrier. Think of it as a built-in skin coach that encourages your cells to do their best work.
One Cosmo editor says: "This stuff actually melts into your skin—like you barely feel it, but it still looks super polished. The glow is real! I used shade number 13, which is a warm-medium with neutral undertones. There are a total of 18 shades, and I’m hoping they will keep expanding the color range after a successful launch. As far as texture, it doesn’t feel heavy or settle into fine lines. Plus, it’s another VBB collab with luxury skincare brand Augustinus Bader, so it’s laced with TFC8, which is an award-winning skin-perfecting compound. This is worth the splurge!" —JULEE WILSON, BEAUTY EDITOR-AT-LARGE
Why we love it: If your foundation always seems to get dry, patchy, or settle into creases by midday, this pick from Make Up For Ever should be on your radar. It's incredibly hydrating (but not slippery or greasy) and gives skin a juicy plumping effect while covering up discoloration and breakouts.
One Cosmo editor says: "I fake having good skin whenever I wear this foundation. The water-based formula is extra hydrating, so it really just blends into skin and looks so natural and fresh (especially when I blend it in with a sponge versus a brush). " —BETH GILLETTE, BEAUTY EDITOR
Charlotte Tilbury Unreal Skin Sheer Glow Tint Hydrating Foundation Stick
Why we love it: There's nothing more convenient than a stick foundation for good skin on the go. This one from Charlotte Tilbury marries sheer, buildable coverage with a dewy (and slightly brightening) finish that instantly creates the effect of healthy, well-rested skin.
One Cosmo editor says: "This is literally the easiest foundation to use. I do two swipes on each cheek, one down my nose, one across my forehead, and a dot on my chin, and then quickly blend with a foundation brush. The result is luminous, even-looking skin that doesn't even look like I'm wearing makeup." —LAUREN BALSAMO, BEAUTY DIRECTOR
PATRICK TA Major Skin Hydra-Luxe Luminous Skin Perfecting Foundation
Why we love it: Ideal for makeup lovers who love coverage but hate feeling like they're wearing it. Patrick Ta's foundation has a serum-like texture that feels like air while evening out pigmentation and staying comfy all day.
One Cosmo editor says: "When I think of makeup artist-founded brands, my mind immediately goes to heavy-coverage products for a full beat. So I was a little hesitant to try this foundation from Patrick Ta, but its promises of hydration persuaded me to give it a go. To my surprise, this was one of the dewiest and most breathable foundations I’ve ever tried, while still being full coverage. My skin still looked like my skin, just with an added glowy veil. I didn’t even need to wear concealer with it (and that says a lot because my under-eyes are basically purple). The hydrating formula blended out so easily and didn’t irritate my sensitive skin. No notes Patrick!" —JH
Why we love it: The perfect last step in your morning beauty routine, this lightweight foundation combines buildable pigments with hydrating ingredients and SPF 30 to keep your skin glowing and protected all day. It's tested to be transfer and crease-resistant for up to 12 hours too.
One Cosmo editor says: “I’m obsessed with the Hourglass Veil Skin Tint, so I had high hopes for this multitasking counterpart. It’s basically a glowier version of the OG formula, and I love that it has SPF 30 in it for extra sun protection. It’s great on its own for light coverage or as a mix-in with some primer, or you can also build it up to a medium coverage with a full face of makeup.” —JH
Why Trust Cosmopolitan?
Lauren Balsamo is the beauty director at Cosmopolitan with more than 12 years of experience researching, writing, and editing beauty stories that cover all aspects of beauty. She regularly tests and analyzes new makeup while working with the industry’s top experts to assess new brands, trends, and technologies.
Lauren Balsamo is the beauty director at Cosmopolitan where she writes, edits, and produces all types of beauty content—from product reviews to personal essays and trend reports. She has covered beauty for more than a decade at Cosmopolitan. Follow her on Instagram.
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