Spring Foundations to Help You Lighten Up

There is a huge selection of clever, lighter foundations on the market at the moment. If you want to cut down on that wintry heavy makeup feeling without compromising on quality and coverage, we recommend giving one of these bases a go:

• Nars All Day Luminous Weightless Foundation (€43)

The most recent foundation release from Nars is very light in texture, but still packs much of the coverage punch of their cult favourite foundation, Sheer Glow. This leaves a modern matte finish, by which I mean a matte that doesn't look flat and dull on the skin, but it will be more difficult to wear on dry skin. Try applying a hydrating mask before your foundation.

• Rimmel Match Perfection Cream Compact Foundation (€9.49)    

It is widely known around Beaut.ie HQ that I've been singing the praises of Rimmel's original Match Perfection formula for years. It rivals some foundations that cost five times as much, and it's one of the only foundations that I consistently use up and repurchase. 

The compact version offers the same beautiful finish with a touch more coverage and fits snugly in your bag. 'Nuff said.

• Clinique Beyond Perfecting Foundation and Concealer (€32)

This offers more coverage than the other bases on the list, but it's here because the finish is lovely, and it's so incredibly convenient. If your skin is in okay condition, a thin layer of this will cover all minor evils. Layer it where needed and it will act as a concealer. 

Here's our comprehensive review.

• Rimmel BB Cream Radiance (€8.99)

This glowy new take on Rimmel's previous BB Creams is positively radiant. The coverage is light, so blemished skin will need a bit of assistance from a good concealer, but it's worth it for the light reflective, healthy skin finish. If your skin is oily, prime first to help this moist formulation stay in place all day. 

• Bobbi Brown Intensive Skin Serum Foundation SPF 40 (€49.50) 

This foundation from Bobbi Brown has freshly arrived on counters. I can hear you wincing at the price, but this stuff is in a league of its own. The formulation is deliciously hydrating, and has a thin, mildly gelatinous texture like a serum, but the coverage and finish need to be seen to be believed. This is my favourite product of 2015 so far - head in for a sample!

Have you tried any of these foundations, and are you in the market for a new one? Share your thoughts with us in the comments.