If heat and humidity weren’t enough of a reason to favour to lightweight foundations over their counterparts, face masks should be the tipping point. After all, the last thing you want, or need, is makeup that sits like another thick layer on your face. Add to that mask-induced skin issues like maskne, skin sensitivity, and an overproduction of sebum, and you’ll likely avoid heavy-duty foundations that layer up on the skin and clog the pores.
Although the knee-jerk response may be to skip foundation entirely, there’s really no reason why you can’t rock a glowing, even complexion without choking your skin. With ever-improving formulations, many base makeup now boast highly breathable, lightweight textures that wear like a second skin so you barely feel they’re there. And some are hybrids that function as skincare and makeup (sometimes sun protection too), enabling you to cut back on the number of products layered on.
We’ve curated 11 foundations and tinted skincare that look effortless and feel weightless, even under face masks.
The cushion foundation that changed the game, this YSL foundation is newly formulated with NeO Skin Powder and infused with natural ingredients like Jasmine Petals to deliver buildable coverage with a luminous finish after just one stamp.
Its mineral pigments spread easily and smoothly, providing just a touch of colour to enhance the look of bare skin. Hyaluronic acid and glycerin lend it a soft, watery texture and boosts hydration.
Its water-light formula comes packed with sun protection and antioxidants. A fruit-based moisturising complex maintains lasting hydration so skin looks healthy and fresh all day.
Made up of some 56 per cent water, this sits on the skin like a hydrating mesh. Its ultra-fine texture means you can touch-up as often as needed without a cakey look or heavy feel. Hyaluronic acid further plumps and smooths skin.
Created by Japan’s top brand for sensitive skin, this multi-tasking essence has a fluid texture that spreads thinly and evenly. Helps to conceal redness, soothe dryness and repair the skin’s barrier function so it’s less prone to irritation.
Forms a thin veil that hugs skin so you don’t look made up. The light, layerable formula subtly blurs out the look of blemishes and evens skin tone without caking.
A cooling water-based gel that delivers a light wash of colour so skin still looks like skin, only fresher and more radiant. Green tea extracts provide antioxidant protection while rose water hydrates.
This oil-free moisturiser has brightening properties to reduce the look of dark spots. Botanical ingredients keep skin hydrated, while mineral-rich seawater helps to condition the skin.
Its soft-matte finish is glowy without looking greasy, and feels smooth but not dry. Moisturises and controls shine throughout the day, while its Skin-Fit Technology provides its lasting power.
Long-lasting but very comfortable, this comes in a range of shades that blend in seamlessly with Asian skin tones so you hardly notice it’s there. Japanese white peony hydrates and clarifies to improve skin over time.
So lightweight and blendable, you can easily get a beautiful finish just applying with fingers. Provides a nourishing skin diet of oil from the superfruit maracuja, hyaluronic acid, collagen, turmeric, and aloe.
Text: Goh Yee Huay/Her World, Additional reporting: Farisia Thang
We hope you like the products that we’ve curated! Just FYI, we may earn a commission from the links on this page. All prices are accurate and items in stock as of the time of publication.