L'Officiel's Beauty Awards 2021: Best Bases
Primers, foundations, powders, and setting sprays are the fundamentals to the ideal pore-perfecting makeup look we all desire. Here, we cut through the clutter to bring you the best bases for every skin type.
Primers
Hydrating: GUCCI Sérum De Beauté Fluide Soyeux Silk Priming Serum
Larry Yeo: “This is my go-to prepper to quickly prep the skin before any makeup. It quickly softens the skin and tones down any patchiness in texture as well as creates a weightless smoothing effect on the skin.”
Mattifying: Laura Mercier Pure Canvas Primer - Blurring
A water-based primer that dries quickly and presents skin with a visible blurring effect that creates a smooth texture for makeup application. “My pores look smaller and it pairs well with a foundation to reduce oxidation,” says Dr Rachel Ho.
Setting Spray
Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless Setting Spray
This award-winning alcohol and oil-free setting spray contains a blend of Film-Former Polymers, Japanese Green Tea, and Aromatic Resin to set even the heaviest of makeup for up to 16 impressive hours.
Foundations
Mattifying (Liquid): NARS Soft Matte Complete Foundation
All signs of imperfections are diminished with this full coverage, natural finish foundation that keeps shine at bay, for as long as possible.
Mattifying (Cushion): HERA Black Cushion
Dab this on for a soft, matte glow all day long. It comes with lightweight, buildable coverage that goes on creamy but blends seamlessly.
Hydrating (Liquid): CHANEL LES BEIGES Healthy Glow Foundation
For a soft-focus glow, spread this sheer-coverage foundation over skin which also contains active ingredients to protect against environmental stressors.
Hydrating (Cushion): Burberry Ultimate Glow Cushion
For dewy, my-skin-but-better coverage, this foundation also doubles as skincare with hydrating hyaluronic acid and viola extracts to plumps and add radiance.
For Sensitive Skin (Liquid): Bobbi Brown Intensive Serum Foundation SPF40 PA++++
Makeup meets skincare in this foundation, which has over 26 skincare ingredients – including cordyceps and lychee – that help imbue you the skin with a natural, irritant-free glow.
For Sensitive Skin (Cushion): Anessa All-In-One Beauty Compact Sunscreen Natural SPF 50+ PA++
This compact has a velvety, primer-like finish, bringing with it a light tint that evens skin tone in a wonderfully natural way.
Powders
Brightening (Loose): Tatcha The Silk Powder
Nurul Suhaila says: “It is an ultra-fine powder with shimmer in it that feels light, soft, and smooth on the skin. It blends nicely, has no scent and has a blurring and brightening effect, giving skin a flawless, radiant finish.”
Brightening (Pressed): NARS Light Reflecting Pressed Setting Powder
This lightweight pressed setting powder locks makeup in place whilst imbuing your complexion with a real-life photo filter, thanks to its Photochromatic technology that automatically adapts to new sources of light.
For Oily Skin (Loose): Anastasia Beverly Hills Loose Setting Powder
This silky, lightweight loose setting powder is perfect for all skin types. Available in four shades, it blurs imperfections and delivers a matte finish for a flawless look.
For Oily Skin (Pressed): Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless Finish Powder
If you’re looking to get a smooth, soft-focus complexion, this pressed powder is one to consider. It contains rose wax, almond oil – which help to moisturise the skin – and light-reflecting pearls to illuminate your complexion.
For Dry Skin (Pressed): Bobbi Brown Sheer Finish Pressed Powder
The queen of all pressed powders. Available in 10 natural shades, this oil-absorbing compact helps to prevent the distracting shine you get at the end of a long day. Great for all skin types, this lightweight
formula gives you flawless skin with a matte finish.
