The 10 Best Foundations

Choosing the right shade is just the start: from velvet softness to a dewy glow, there’s a whole host of formulas to help you create a flawless base

1. Hello Flawless in Beige

£24.50, Benefit, benefitcosmetics.co.uk

Benefit's compact comes with a sponge for building heavier coverage, while using the brush will achieve a more sheer finish.

2. Diorskin Airflash in 300 medium beige

£33, Dior, available nationwide

This innovative product is easy to get to grips with. Lightly spray on to your face from 20cm and you will get a velvety soft finish.

3. Photo Ready in Natural Beige 005

£12.99, Revlon, availablenationwide

Thick but easy to blend, this provides even coverage with a slightly dewy finish. Oil-free.

4. Creamy Foundation in 103

£35, RMK, lookfantastic.com

Japanese brand RMK has a growing fan base due to yellow base tones in even the palest shades. It goes on like silk and makes your skin glow, covering imperfections.

5. Select SPF 15 in NC37

£19.50, MAC, maccosmetics.co.uk

The yellow tones in this are more flattering than those on the pink spectrum. If your olive skin tends towards sallow, this will brighten it.

6. Sheer Matte Foundation in Medium3

£29.50, NARS, narscosmetics.co.uk

This is great for combination skin prone to blackheads, with a sheer finish that stays matte all day.

7. Perfect refining foundation in 20, Natural Light Ochre

£34, Shiseido, 0207 313 4774

Gradually releasing hydration, this product melds seamlessly with skin, thanks to a less viscous oil than in most products.

8. Amethyst & Pure Minerals gemstone foundation in 4

£17.90, Rituals, rituals.com

Whether or not the gemstone extracts are the reason, it's undeniable that this heavyweight formula gives great coverage.

9. Vitalumière Satin in 40 Beige

£33, Chanel, 020 7493 3836

A very liquid formulation containing moisturisers, making it ideal for those with drier skin. Light-reflecting particles soften fine lines.

10. The Eraser in 021 Nude

£9.90, Maybelline, available nationwide

The soft microfibres ensure this product goes on without dragging, pushing into fine lines and pores for a soft-focus finish.