The best foundations: These clever formulations won't suffocate your skin

Fusion ink foundation, £30.50, yslbeauty.co.uk

September may now be the dog days of summer, weather-wise, but the shops are in full autumn swing – even if you want the full coverage of a winter-weight foundation as much as you're ready for bed socks and extra blankets.

It's wise to get your new foundation sussed soon, though, and with the clever formulations available today you won't feel like your skin is suffocating. Whatever you plump for, the same rules apply when testing out shades – colour match on your face and check in natural light, not just the beauty counter's fluorescent bulbs.

Phyto teint expert 3 natural

£79, sisley-paris.co.uk

Lightweight and blendable, this liquid foundation provides a medium level of coverage, while still blurring imperfections, and is designed to last up to 12 hours while still allowing skin to breathe.

BB Crème + Blur in Medium

£12.99, Garnier, superdrug.com

Some in the beauty world may have moved on to CC and even EE creams, but don't discount a BB just yet – this one dries to a lovely matt velvet finish, smoothing out skin texture.

Smooth finish flawless fluide

£34, Laura Mercier, johnlewis.com

A very thin liquid, this is great for building up coverage where needed and works particularly well on oily skin, although the way the nozzle leaks slightly in the lid is annoying.

ColorStay Foundation

£12.99, Revlon, boots.com

Not strictly new, these foundations, much-loved in America, are undergoing a push over here. Two versions are designed for oily or dry skin and adapt to the way your skin changes throughout the day.

Fusion ink foundation

£30.50, yslbeauty.co.uk

Designed to see you from morning to night, this feels remarkably light on skin while still providing a reassuring layer of flawless coverage for those who feel in need of it.