Reader question: What's the most natural-looking foundation?

Feb 12

Hello Ms. Liz and to other readers! I'm looking for a foundation that's light weight, has medium coverage and looks like second skin but lasts the whole day. Any suggestions? - J

Hi J! We're lucky to live in a decade that's obsessed with making makeup that doesn't look like makeup. I mean, imagine living in the 80s or 90s, where your only option is pancake foundation! Now that's dead and buried, never to be mentioned again, we have dozens of different formulas that can make your skin look however you like.

Here are five foundations that might be just what you're hunting for in terms of being skin-like and natural-looking. They have watery textures and a my-skin-but-better finish; should you wish for more coverage, you can always layer where needed. I also recommend using your fingers to work it onto your skin to maximize the pigments in the product.

To wit:

Benefit Hello Flawless Oxygen Wow Brightening Makeup (P1,900+). This is initially sheer but can be layered to achieve a medium coverage. It almost doesn't look and feel like foundation but it covers exactly where you need it to. Best for dry to combination skin.

Bourjois Healthy Mix Foundation (~P900 from online resellers). A favorite by Lisa Eldridge, this has a very watery yet hydrating texture, and a barely there, brightening finish. This is best for dry and/or mature skin, although my combination skin takes it well as long as it's set with powder.

Shiseido Sheer and Perfect Foundation (P2,200). This is quite runny but surprisingly starts off with medium coverage. It has a dewy, second skin finish that works for oily skin. It's quite pricey but a little goes a long way.

L'Oreal True Match Super-Blendable Makeup (P899). This is a great drugstore option! It hides minor flaws while still letting your skin show through. It's best for dry to combination skin.

Happy Skin Don't Get Mad, Get Even Hydrating Liquid Foundation (P999). This has the heaviest coverage among my picks (mid to heavy), but somehow it still manages to look like fresh skin. It has a demi-matte finish that stays on all day, so if you have particularly oily skin, this might work for you. There are only three shades available, however. Good luck!