10 Best Sheer Foundations for a Light Tint and Radiant Finish
We love a glam makeup moment probably more than most, but there’s something to be said for the simplicity of a natural look. When it comes to achieving an even skin tone with light coverage, there’s no better product than sheer foundation. Unlike full-coverage foundations (which we still love, don’t get us wrong), sheer formulas let your natural complexion shine through, freckles and all. And, thanks to the buildable nature of sheer foundation, there’s no risk of accidentally looking cakey if you want to add a little more coverage.
The best part about skin tints is that there’s truly something for everyone and all skin types. If you have oily skin, there are matte foundations with ingredients like sebum-reducing niacinamide. Those with dry skin should look for more hydrating, glowy formulas with a dewy finish. There are even oil-free versions for acne-prone skin and natural-finish options for mature skin. Find your new favorite below!
1. BEST SHEER FOUNDATION SHADE RANGE:
NARS Sheer Glow Foundation
This buildable sheer foundation contains hydrating glycerin (dry skin be gone!) but has a natural finish instead of a dewy one. We especially love how it brightens our skin over time with turmeric and vitamin C. But that’s not even what makes it one of the best lightweight foundations—it’s the epic shade range taking into account different undertones.
2. MOST SKIN-LIKE SHEER FOUNDATION:
ARMANI Luminous Silk Foundation
If you’re looking for a more medium-coverage foundation that’s just as buildable and lightweight, this is the most silky, skin-like option. How does it do it? Well, the oil-free foundation’s formulation features a patented process that lets the pigments lay flat on the skin’s surface for a second-skin makeup look. It’s also the perfect foundation for those with acne-prone skin who still want that coveted luminous finish.
3. BEST SHEER FOUNDATION FOR DRY SKIN:
CHARLOTTE TILBURY Beautiful Skin Foundation
This lightweight, hydrating foundation is more like a CC cream because of the way it color corrects our skin while letting our natural look shine through. You can build it up to a medium coverage or keep it sheer and skin-like. We especially love its skincare ingredients, such as rose complex to brighten and hyaluronic acid, to hydrate dry skin. There are even antioxidants to protect skin from pollutants. You get all of that plus long-wear pigments.
4. BEST SHEER FOUNDATION FOR SENSITIVE SKIN:
ILIA True Skin Serum Foundation
When our skin is feeling dull and just overall blah, we reach for this serum foundation that’s packed with skincare ingredients safe for even the most sensitive skin. The light, breathable formula contains niacinamide and allantoin to minimize the look of pores, fine lines, redness, and uneven tone—all without fragrances and known irritants. And if we’re looking for sunscreen/sun protection in our liquid foundation, we reach for the brand’s Super Serum Skin Tint with SPF 40.
5. BEST SHEER FOUNDATION FOR GLOWY SKIN:
L'ORÉAL PARIS True Match Lumi Healthy Luminous Foundation Makeup
When our skin is feeling dry and we want that glowy finish, this is the medium-coverage, buildable foundation we reach for. It contains nourishing and brightening ingredients like antioxidants and vitamins C and E, and instantly gives our skin that lit-from-within, healthy glow, all while covering blemishes and dark spots. We don’t even need concealer. It also contains SPF 20, which is an added bonus—but remember to still apply sunscreen underneath!
6. MOST LONG-WEARING SHEER FOUNDATION:
DIOR Backstage Face & Body Foundation
What we love about the DIOR Backstage Face & Body Foundation is how adjustable it is for any look. Running out the door and looking for a quick spot treatment? Tap this sheer foundation on for more coverage than you might get from your tinted moisturizer. Feeling super glam? The buildable coverage means that it can transform from sheer to full with just a touch more product. And it truly lasts all day even in the sun and heat, which makes it a makeup-artist favorite.
7. BEST SHEER POWDER FOUNDATION:
BOBBI BROWN Skin Weightless Powder Foundation
If you’ve got oily skin that can’t seem to hold onto makeup, a pressed powder is your best bet. BOBBI BROWN Skin Weightless Powder Foundation is an oil-free, non-comedogenic formula that starts as a powder, but goes on as a cream. If you’re looking for sheer coverage, you’ll want to dust this over your face with a powder brush. Save your makeup sponges for days when you’re looking to upgrade this foundation to medium coverage, or even full coverage. Best of all, it comes packed into a tiny compact that you can sneak into every purse or coat pocket.
8. BEST MULTITASKER SHEER FOUNDATION:
YENSA BEAUTY Skin on Skin BC Foundation
Whether we’re in the mood for a BB, CC, or full-coverage foundation, this is our go-to for an even complexion with zero heaviness. It also reduces redness, smooths texture, and brightens up our skin, all with SPF 40 for an extra dose of sun protection.
9. BEST BLURRING SHEER FOUNDATION:
MAKE UP FOR EVER Ultra HD Invisible Cover Foundation
Our pores, dark spots, and blemishes are totally blurred out when wearing this lightweight foundation. It’s incredibly buildable, too. When we want a sheer finish, we use our fingers to apply, and a flat foundation brush for medium to full coverage. What can’t this foundation do?
10. BEST BALM-FORMULA SHEER FOUNDATION:
KEVYN AUCOIN Foundation Balm
The iconic makeup artist Kevyn Aucoin sure knew how to create a stellar makeup product. Since his untimely death, his brand has continued to launch makeup-artist faves with some of the best formulas around. This lightweight balm leaves our skin feeling so hydrated with hyaluronic acid and vitamin E, and the soft matte finish makes it perfect for all skin types.
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