This season, there are several foundations that really impressed me. I’ve been loving them a lot and they’re definitely at the top of my holy grail list. You’ve probably heard about these foundations or own them since a lot of folks seem to really love them as well.

Ideally, for me, a foundation should be lightweight, non-sticky, has very good coverage, non-cakey, and should adhere to the skin for hours and hours, even if you sweat. It should have a good SPF number, but it should not oxidize. Yes, I’m quite picky that way, although that’s a lot to ask for a foundation. I also prefer foundations that don’t need to be applied with a primer, because there are days when I’m so in a hurry to go somewhere and applying primer is an extra step that I may not be able to afford putting on when I’m time-constrained.

Anyway, as much as I want that perfect foundation, there are only a few that I could count that seems to satisfy my criteria. Nowadays, I tend to use foundations that almost met and satisfy these criteria. They are almost, if not, perfect for me, or are the next best thing.

Charlotte Tilbury

Airbrush Flawless Longwear Foundation in 4 Neutral (44 USD) – This skincare-foundation is my most favorite from Charlotte Tilbury. It has a very pretty and elegant packaging and on my skin, this feels light. The coverage is full and it has a natural matte finish that doesn’t look dry or cakey. A little bit goes a long way with this and it lasts several hours on me. This blurs my pores, blemishes, and post-acne marks. Also, this evens my skintone well and it kind of makes me look glowy. I love that this doesn’t budge or slide on my oily skin, and it doesn’t transfer. I can wear this alone or with any primer.

Airbrush Flawless Finish Setting Powder in 1 Fair (0.28 oz: 45 USD) – This very fine setting powder packed in a luxurious golden compact looks impeccably elegant. I love how natural this goes on the skin and it not only reduces shine and sets makeup/foundation, it doesn’t have any flashback and it can work as a standalone powder foundation as well. I love that this doesn’t cake and this does not settle on my pores. However, this powder tends to oxidize and it doesn’t have a good shade range (only three, so far), so, I suggest picking up a lighter shade than your normal tone. Overall, this product blends and applies on my skin and foundation seamlessly and it’s one of the most wonderful setting powders I’ve ever tried.

Dior Backstage Face & Body Foundation in 2 Neutral (1.6 oz: 40 USD) – I didn’t realize how good this foundation was until I tried a sample of it. Texture-wise, this is perfect. I love how light and fluid this feel and this applies like a second skin on me. The finish is matte but not drying and this actually looks more natural. I would say that the coverage of this foundation is medium yet it’s good enough for me since it completely covers my sins and imperfections, lol. I also love that you can use this not only for the face, but also for the body, and it doesn’t slide nor cake for any skin type, not even for my oily skin. The packaging of this is cute too. Now, if only this has an added SPF.

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Pat McGrath Labs Skin Fetish: Sublime Perfection Foundation in Light Medium 9 (1.18 oz: 68 USD) – An ultra-expensive foundation from PMG that does not disappoint. This truly is a very good foundation and is almost perfect in every way, with or without any use of a primer. The coverage of this can go from light to medium, and even to full, and the finish is very natural. It feels very light and fluid like the Dior Backstage Foundation above and is also very similar to the Chanel Vitalumière Aqua and Perfection Lumière Velvet Foundations. I love that this looks and feels like a second skin, so, this is very light. This does not settle on the pores and fine lines and looks very very natural. Still, I wish this has an SPF.

The New Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer Natural Skin Perfector Broad Spectrum SPF 30 in 2W1 Natural (1.7 oz: 47 USD) – An update to the original Laura Mercier tinted moisturizer that is loved by many, this new and improved formula is meant to have more skincare benefits and still has that natural dewy finish look. The coverage of this tinted moisturizer is pretty light as the previous version, but this feels a bit less creamy and it sets better on the skin. I like to wear this on very good skin days, or for a quick everyday natural makeup look. Since my skin is on the oily side, I still set this with a very good setting powder like the one from Charlotte Tilbury, the Airbrush Flawless Setting Powder above, or the Armani Luminous Silk Compact Powder Foundation, reviewed HERE.

Shiseido Synchro Skin Self-Refreshing Foundation SPF 30 in 220 Linen (1 oz: 47 USD) – An Allure Best of Beauty Winner, I feel like this could be the foundation I’ve been looking for. It seems to meet all my criteria and standards for a foundation, except that I couldn’t find the right shade match for me. Thank goodness I got a sample to try it first. Hopefully soon, I will be able to find the exact color for my skintone because this foundation is truly amazing. I love how you don’t need to put a lot of this and still has that perfect medium to full coverage with a natural finish on the skin. This feels fluid but not too fluid and not overly creamy either. Also, this covers imperfections very well and it can last for several hours without sliding, no matter what the humidity level and temperature may be, and it stays on even when you sweat. Something about this foundation reminded me of the Tom Ford Waterproof Foundation in terms of performance and lasting power.

Overall, I love love these foundations. They serve my needs at any activity level and they helped me put on my best face forward, rain or shine, sweat or dry, and whatever the situation may call.

Do you have any holy grail foundations? What are they? Have you tried these already? What do you think of them?

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