Get that #nofilter and airbrushed look with top foundations that treat all skin types and erase spots, redness and pigmentation.
Whether you’re a makeup beginner or a pro, picking the right foundation is not an easy feat. The hunt for a perfectly matched shade (concealers included) requires research and trial-and-error at various beauty counters and stores. First things first: What’s your formula of choice? Ours is liquid foundation as it doesn’t budge or smudge, and it gives skin a flawless finish. And then there’s scoring the right shade, which can be a struggle for darker skin tones. Thankfully, with the world of beauty gradually becoming more inclusive, this will soon be a thing of the past.
We’ve chosen the best liquid foundations for different skin tones and types from popular makeup brands available in Singapore. Go on and ace that base!
Estee Lauder Double Wear Stay-In-Place Makeup SPF 10 Foundation
24-hour wear, SPF included and medium-to-full coverage – what more do we need? Estee Lauder Double Wear Stay-In-Place Makeup SPF 10 Foundation is great for those with oily skin as it’s oil-free and oil-controlling, waterproof and transfer-resistant. You won’t even have to touch up throughout the day.
Coverage: Medium to high coverage
Shade range: 40 shades
Estee Lauder Double Wear Stay-In-Place Makeup SPF 10 Foundation, $71, available at all Estee Lauder outlets, Sephora and online.
Burberry Matte Glow Liquid Foundation
Whether you’ve got a cool or warm undertone, Burberry Bright Glow Foundation’s spectrum of shades caters for a range of fair-skinned to light olive-skinned Asian women. It’s also weatherproof – perfect for Singapore’s tropical heat. If you’re looking to brighten up your skin, this one offers a matte finish with a lit-from-within glow.
Coverage: Light coverage
Shade range: 30 shades
Burberry Matte Glow Liquid Foundation, $85, available at Burberry Cosmetics stores, Sephora and online.
Chanel Ultra Le Teint Ultrawear All-day Comfort Flawless Finish Foundation
When it comes to a skin-like finish, this foundation is a winner in our books. Its ultra-soft formula instantly disappears onto skin, leaving it velvety and matte so there’s no need for touch-ups.
Coverage: Medium to full coverage
Shade range: 30 shades
Chanel Ultra Le Teint Ultrawear All-day Comfort Flawless Finish Foundation, $74.70, available at all Chanel outlets and counters.
Mac Cosmetics Studio Fix Powder Plus Foundation
A classic that’s stood the test of the time, this two-in-one powder and foundation compact is loved for its lightweight, long-wearing formula and matte finish – which is great for combination to oily skin. However, the product is known to oxidise, so be sure to get a few shades lighter or test at the counter before you decide on a shade.
Coverage: Medium to full coverage
Shade range: 18 shades
Mac Cosmetics Studio Fix Powder Plus Foundation, $59, available at Mac Cosmetics stores, Sephora and online.
Fenty Beauty Pro Filt’r Soft Matte Longwear Foundation
It’s evident that whatever Riri touches turns into Fenty gold. But nothing had us prepared for the launch of Fenty Beauty and its 52 foundation shades that sent all beauty brands into a shockwave. This miracle bottle has a light-as-air formula that’ll fill in your pores and give you a smooth, shine-free finish.
Coverage: Medium to full coverage
Shade range: 50 shades
Fenty Beauty Pro Filt’r Soft Matte Longwear Foundation, $52, available at Sephora and online.
Urban Decay Stay Naked Weightless Liquid Foundation
Urban Decay’s Stay Naked Weightless Liquid Foundation range offers a bigger selection of shade ranges, making it much easier for deeper-skinned girls to find their right colour. The slightly fuller coverage from this foundation also aids uneven skin tone and pigmentation. Pro tip: Bring dimension back into the skin with glowing highlights and don’t forget to set your makeup with the All Nighter Setting Spray.
Coverage: Full coverage
Shade range: 24 shades
Urban Decay Stay Naked Weightless Liquid Foundation, $55, available at Urban Decay stores, Sephora and online.
Make Up For Ever Ultra HD Invisible Cover Foundation
For ultra-smooth coverage, slather on this creamy foundation. The name says it all – spots, pigmentation and uneven skin tone almost vanish upon application. The coverage is also super buildable and you don’t have to worry about feeling cakey. And with 50 shades, you’re sure to find your one true pairing.
Coverage: Medium to full coverage
Shade range: 50 shades
Make Up For Ever Ultra HD Invisible Cover Foundation, $72, available at Sephora stores and online.
Milani Cosmetics Conceal & Perfect 2-In-1 Foundation
This multi-tasking foundation is truly a godsend, saving us precious time during our makeup routine. Despite its dual roles, the texture is very much lightweight and blends perfectly. However, it does get tricky to conceal and perfect with just one shade, so you might have to purchase two bottles. We’ll gladly do so with that price tag.
Coverage: Low to medium coverage
Shade range: 16 shades
Milani Cosmetics Conceal & Perfect 2-In-1 Foundation, $21.70, available at selected Watsons outlets and online.
Huda Beauty #FauxFilter Foundation
Did someone say high coverage? ‘Cos we’re so here for it. A little goes a long way with Huda Beauty’s #FauxFilter Foundation, thanks to the thick and velvety formula. One swatch and you’ll easily see that it hides blemishes, conceals hyperpigmentation and blurs imperfections. It can get a little cakey if you’re piling it on, so make sure you’ve applied a hydrating primer beforehand.
Coverage: Full coverage
Shade range: 30 shades
Huda Beauty #FauxFilter Foundation, $88, available at selected Sephora stores and online.
Kvd Vegan Beauty Lock-It Liquid Foundation
Back when Kat Von’D was the face of Kvd Vegan Beauty, she wowed everyone with the Lock-It Tattoo Foundation that even concealed her tattoos. Despite a slight name change, it’s still the same transfer-resistant and full-coverage formula that stays put. High-coverage foundations tend to dry up the skin so always moisturise and prep with primer.
Coverage: Full coverage
Shade range: 45 shades
Kvd Vegan Beauty Lock-It Liquid Foundation, $59, available at Sephora and online.
Giorgio Armani Beauty Luminous Silk Fluid Foundation
This highly-raved foundation is quite a cult item – hey, even celebs like Kim K are obsessed, and with good reason. The price tag is a little painful but trust us on this. The luxurious formula seamlessly blends with the skin and offers a flawless, glowy finish and an air-brushed look. No need for filters!
Coverage: Medium to full coverage
Shade range: 8 shades
Giorgio Armani Beauty Luminous Silk Fluid Foundation, $90, available at various Giorgio Armani Beauty outlets including Ion Orchard and online.
Hourglass Vanish Seamless Finish Foundation Stick
If you’ve never tried using a foundation stick before, we reckon you can get started with this. The Hourglass Vanish Seamless Stick is a foundation and concealer rolled into one, with a formula that glides on like butter on warm toast. It’s great for all skin types, provides 12-hour coverage and is packaged in a triangular bullet so you won’t miss a spot.
Coverage: All coverage
Shade range: 40 shades
Hourglass Vanish Seamless Finish Foundation Stick, $76, available at Sephora and online.
