I’ll be honest, I’m not really a foundation lover. When I was a teenager, foundation formulas were thick, heavy and breakout-inducing, constantly settling into patches of dry skin and somehow making my skin look worse, rather than better. Instead, I reached for tinted moisturisers and skin tints, pairing them with my favourite concealers when I needed a little extra coverage.

However, formulas have come a long way in recent years, and brands have been creating sheer foundations that deliver everything I’ve ever wanted in a base product. Light-to-medium coverage, a lightweight feel, and a glowy finish that makes it look as if I spend my days getting weekly facials. What more could you want?

Since discovering these sheer foundation formulas, I’ve made it my mission to test some of the best on the market, and I’ve whittled it down to a concise edit of products that I know will be in my makeup bag for years to come. I’ve never had more compliments on my skin since swapping out my usual base products for these sheer formulas, so I highly suggest you keep on scrolling…

The Best Sheer Foundations, Tried & Tested

1. Nars Cosmetics Sheer Glow Foundation

This is the OG of sheer foundations, and for good reason. The lightweight formula feels undetectable on the skin, and whilst a small amount offers a sheer, naturally radiant finish, the coverage is buildable, so you can create a slightly heavier base if desired. I love wearing this when I want to smooth and even out my skin, without feeling like I’m actually wearing a lot of makeup. My only complaint? I wish the bottle came with a pump, as I find it can be quite messy to apply.

2. Victoria Beckham Beauty The Foundation Drops With TFC8

I know, I know, this Victoria Beckham Beauty foundation is so expensive. But I wouldn’t recommend it if it wasn’t one of the best lightweight, sheer formulas on the market. It takes a skincare-first approach, powered by Augustinus Bader’s TFC8, but it’s the finish that I can’t get enough of. The product glides on like butter, creating this “your skin but better” effect that has everyone asking me what my current makeup routine is. I will say, a little goes a surprisingly long way, and if I apply too much, it can sometimes settle into dry skin or fine lines, so start with a small amount for the best results.

3. No7 Pro Artist Weightless Silk Sheer Foundation

I was really impressed when testing this No7 foundation. It has a lightweight, almost serum-like texture that melts into the skin, creating a beautiful, natural, second-skin finish. It definitely helps even out your skin tone; however, if you have any blemishes that you want to cover, you might want to go in with a concealer, too. It’s packed with hyaluronic acid, vitamin C and vitamin E, so there are lots of added skincare benefits, but for me, the best thing about it is how quick and easy it is to apply. If you like a “no makeup” makeup look, you will love this.

4. Merit The Minimalist

If you prefer a foundation stick, this one from Merit is one of the best natural-looking options I’ve tried. It somehow seamlessly blends a lightweight, sheer finish with impressive coverage, essentially replacing both foundation and concealer in your makeup bag. You can either apply it to areas where you want more coverage, or all over for a blurring effect. My complexion can’t get enough, but if you do have very dry skin, you might want to prep with a hydrating moisturiser or primer.

5. Chanel Les Beiges Water-Fresh Complexion Touch

I really, really love this complexion product from Chanel. So much so that I’ve worn it every single day since getting my hands on it. The unique, gel-like formula is actually made up of around 60% water, which means it hydrates the skin whilst creating the most gorgeous, glowy finish. Micro-droplet pigments burst onto the skin for impressive coverage, whilst remaining incredibly lightweight. Similar to the Victoria Beckham Beauty foundation, a little goes a long way. In fact, just one or two pumps gives an even, illuminated finish that has everyone commenting on how good my skin looks.

6. Dior Forever Skin Glow

I know it seems a bit counterintuitive to say that a sheer foundation has good coverage, but what I love about this formula is that a light layer gives a gorgeously glowy, sheer finish, but when you build it up, you can achieve a little more coverage if desired. It’s a great middle ground packed with skin-loving ingredients such as hyaluronic acid, niacinamide and peptides. Fair play, Dior, fair play.

7. Estée Lauder Double Wear Sheer Long-Wear Foundation