Traditionally, the onset of spring will see a glut of sheer foundations popping up on beauty counters. Their soft, dewy textures and diaphanous finishes whisper of sun and a general lightening up of weather, attitude and make-up. That is the way the wind blows at this time of year, but you need not feel restricted by it. There are bases for every budget, skin tone and preference. I relish swapping my foundation each spring for something lighter and more light reflective (now that there is actually some light to reflect, that is). The only rule is that, whatever the coverage, tone or finish, foundation shouldn’t look flat or static in the grand stretch.
For light texture with full coverage, the new Bobbi Brown Skin Long-Wear Weightless Foundation (€38) is a nice option. Bobbi Brown is one of the best foundation brands on the market, and was catering to every skin tone long before it became fashionable to realise that not all women fall somewhere between "Warm Parchment" and "Flaked Almond" on the Dulux colour chart. This new base is buildable to full coverage and, though matte, isn't at all dull. If you are extremely pale, the lightest shade, alabaster, will work beautifully, but thankfully there are 29 more shades to choose from.
For something a little lighter, The Ordinary Colours Serum Foundation (€6.70 from cloud10beauty.com) offers medium coverage in 21 shades at an unbeatable price. Buff it out to nothing for a glowing spring complexion, or build it in areas where you need it to work a bit harder for you. This foundation gives you the option of sheer coverage, or that little bit extra.
For a genuine sheer foundation Chanel Les Beiges Healthy Glow Gel Touch Foundation (€55) is the sort of product that the women in Titian's paintings would have worn, had Chanel only had the means to make it in the 16th century. Thankfully, it exists now. I ditch most other foundations in favour of this one during brighter weather. It is the perfect foundation – light and glowing with a sumptuously expensive looking "spa skin" finish. You will need a concealer for blemish cover, but this is good skin in a compact.
Rimmel Lasting Finish Breathable 25 Hour Foundation (€10.99 from Boots) is ideal if you like light to medium coverage with a matte finish, but can’t bear the powdery look, or a product that sits. It is also great for men, as it looks natural. I picked up a bottle of this out of curiosity in Boots, and love it. If the matte finish doesn’t appeal to you, try it mixed with an illuminating moisturiser to catch and reflect light and give a dewier finish.
Should the talk of brighter weather in no way diminish your fondness for the sort of full coverage flawless base that gives perfect results, NARS Radiant Longwear Foundation (€45) is the foundation of your dreams made real. The 33 shades has something for every skin tone. I like this best tapped firmly into skin with fingers for a completely flawless finish.
