The quest for a seamless base is a personal journey – especially when working against dryness – but a little collective wisdom never hurts. From low-maintenance, moisture-rich tints to long-wear formulas that don't to cling to texture, these are the tried and true foundations the RUSSH team actually wears and empties

YSL Beauty Skin Affair Cushion Foundation

A go-to serum based foundation for super light, fresh ‘no makeup makeup’. Great for touch-ups on the go.

Loved by: Emily Algar, Beauty Editor 

I love this foundation. The dry patches on my face also loves how hydrating and long wearing it is.

Also Loved by: Stacey Gaskin, Consumer Revenue Manager

Glossier Stretch Fluid Foundation

I’ve never been much into a full-coverage foundation (not even during the peak 2010s). I’ve found it always looks a tad cakey and unnatural on me – and I recently read that it’s much harder for paler skin to wear heavy pigments, which has been incredibly validating of my aversion. That said, I’ve been using the Glossier Stretch Fluid Foundation in Very Light for the last year as a bit of a spot concealer and it’s done the job. It’s very sheer, which is my M.O. I’m more interested in something that smooths and softens, than trying to achieve something unnaturally perfect.

Loved by: Cassandra Dimitroff, Features and Production Editor

NARS Sheer Glow Foundation

I’ve probably been wearing NARS Sheer Glow foundation since I first started wearing makeup. What I love most about it is how buildable it is, while still leaving the skin with a natural-looking, fresh finish. 

Loved by: Jaime Carmody, Digital Marketing Specialist 

Pat McGrath Skin Fetish: Sublime Perfection Foundation

This has been in my makeup bag for many years, and is my favourite high-end foundation. I love the thin formula and the skin-like, longwearing finish with medium buildable coverage is amazing for events and evenings.

Loved by: Stacey Gaskin, Consumer Revenue Manager

Hourglass Illusion Luminous Glow Foundation Broad Spectrum SPF 30

I have tried and tested plenty! I have gone through every stage of foundation, and I keep landing back to Hourglass Illuminous Glow Foundation. Truly the glowiest and lightest foundation for day and night. And it has bonus SPF 30 in it.

Loved by: Samantha Corry, Social Media Coordinator and Writer

Dior Backstage Face and Body Foundation

I’m also a loyalist to Dior Backstage. Lightweight yet buildable, it lends itself beautifully to a range of occasions. My shade has a habit of selling out quickly, which turns restocking it into a rather exhilarating game.

Loved by: Serafina Angeli, Campaigns Manager

MERIT The Minimalist Perfecting Complexion Stick

Love this for on the go touch ups. It sits really well on top of face oils. Great to conceal spots or even for all over the face with my fingertips. It lives in my handbag – I should probably purchase multiples to ensure diverse placement.

Loved by: Stacey Gaskin, Consumer Revenue Manager

Ommage First Base

I’m loving the just launched Tinted Face Cream from Lara Worthington’s new Ommage range. I like that it’s buildable and hydrating, which is such a great combination. The packaging is gorgeous too.  

Loved by: Aleks Beare, Brand Art Director

Bobbi Brown Skin Foundation Stick

I have a bit of a foundation curse following me around. Every time I fall in love with a product, it ends up discontinued. But my current go-to is the Bobbi Brown Skin Foundation Stick. It’s medium to full coverage so I only use a small amount and really blend it out for something a bit lighter. It’s also so easy to travel with.

Loved by: Mia Steiber, Digital Strategy Director & Associate Publisher

bareMinerals Complexion Rescue Skin Perfecting Tint

A skin tint more than a foundation – I have used this product for over a decade, and was first introduced to it when I started working at MECCA. It’s very hydrating and gives me light to medium coverage. A great everyday base for evening out skin redness and texture.

Loved by: Stacey Gaskin, Consumer Revenue Manager

Armani Beauty Luminous Silk Perfect Natural Glow Foundation

My pick for when I need a proper face for like 12+ hours is Luminous Silk.

Loved by: Emily Algar, Beauty Editor 

Rationale Beautiful Skin Superfluid SPF30

My favourite product for when I want just the lightest bit of colour correction is Rationale’s Beautiful Skin Superfluid. I love the way it evens your complexion, while still letting your own skin shine through.

Loved by: Mia Steiber, Digital Strategy Director & Associate Publisher

Charlotte Tilbury Beautiful Skin Foundation

I am eternally loyal to the Charlotte Tilbury Beautiful Skin Foundation. It’s light but buildable – so it’s my go-to no matter the occasion. It also leaves you with the most beautiful glowy finish. Pro tip: if you want extra glow, use the Ultra Violette Supreme Screen SPF as your base. 

Loved by: Kirsty Thatcher, Senior Digital Editor

Charlotte Tilbury Hollywood Flawless Filter

I could easily leave the house with a few swipes of Flawless Filter, a few dots of concealer and a touch of mascara are all I need to feel effortlessly put together.

Loved by: Serafina Angeli, Campaigns Manager

CHANEL Les Beiges Water-Fresh Tint

For super light, fresh ‘no makeup makeup’.

Loved by: Emily Algar, Beauty Editor 

If you want more recommendations, Beauty Editor Emily Algar has perfected her list of best foundations for every skin type.