Foundations: The Best of the Best

Why is your skin so good?

A dedicated skin-care routine helps, but sometimes a really good foundation is the unsung hero behind that pristine glow. Foundations have come a long way from the days when they resembled a good pastry (“cakey,” “flaky,” “powdery”).

Today’s formulas have nailed that your-skin-but-better finish, keep reading to discover the best foundations in New Zealand!

The Best Luxury Foundation
Giorgio Armani Luminous Silk Foundation

This is the best foundation you can invest in, its a classic. It’s velvety smooth, blends seamlessly into skin with zero stickiness, and makes your face look pretty much perfect in a natural, well-hydrated, kind of way. Though it’s regularly used by makeup artists for red-carpet appearances, its application is surprisingly foolproof for the rest of us, too.

The Best Long-Lasting Foundation
Fenty Beauty by Rihanna Pro Filt'R Soft Matte Longwear Foundation

If you find yourself “lookin’ busted” (Rihanna’s words) try this full-coverage foundation. The formula feels lightweight on the skin and delivers a soft, matte, airbrushed finish all day long, like it has never met a pore in its life.

The Best Lightweight Foundation
Shiseido Synchro Skin Self Refreshing Foundation SPF 30

If your past experiences with foundation can be generally summed up as “cakey,” this will help make amends. It’s comfortable, flexible, and melts onto skin. You can easily wear this foundation all day, it has SPF for when the sun is still up, and a fresh-looking glow that will still be there when the sun goes down.

The Best Skin-Care/Foundation Hybrid
ILIA True Skin Serum Foundation

The skin-care ingredients in this foundation (aloe-leaf extract, jojoba oil, mastic) support skin and is fabulous for those who prefer light to medium coverage.

The Best Natural/Radiance Inducing Foundation
Christian Dior Dior Backstage Face & Body Foundation

This is the foundation that gives a pretty, believable skin-brightening effect. And the feel is very light, almost like that of a tinted moisturiser. It also comes in a convenient and secure squeeze top, making it great to tote around for travel.

The Best Foundation For Flawless, Glowing Skin
NARS Sheer Glow Foundation

This sheer, buildable foundation has a natural-looking finish that immaculately evens skin tone, and it is a long time best seller.