The Five Most Sought After Foundations of 2021

We’ve rounded up a list of the top five foundations that we’ve seen people moving towards so far in 2021. Everyone is loving foundations with a natural finish, buildable coverage, and a wide range of shades. So, has your favourite foundation made the list? Read on and find out!

1. Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless Foundation

Waterproof, long wearing, with hydrating ingredients, it comes as no surprise that Charlotte Tilbury’s Airbrush Flawless Foundation has topped the list of most sought-after foundations so far in 2021. Tilbury put a lot of research into this range – from skin tone analysis to the hydrating benefits of the ingredients. While we don’t usually recommend a full coverage matte foundation for mature skin, Airbrush Flawless Foundation is designed to reduce fine lines and wrinkles. It applies beautifully to the skin, but throughout the day we've noticed a tendency for it to separate - especially in warm weather.

2. Giorgio Armani Luminous Silk Foundation

Although at this point it is almost expected that Luminous Silk would make the list, maybe the only surprising part is that it is not number one! Regularly making the list of the best foundations on the market, Luminous Silk has been a mainstay in beauty bags around the world. Its medium coverage, dewy finish formula has remained unchanged since its inception and has inspired sister products like the Luminous Silk Powder Compact. This is one of the few foundations that we firmly believe lives up to its famous reputation, it looks absolutely stunning in real life and in photos (though the shades do tend to lean fairly pink).

3. Huda Beauty #Fauxfilter Foundation

Huda Kattan developed this foundation so “that every person should be able to wear our foundation, no matter their skin tone, undertone or skin type.” Specifically targeting the coverage of blemishes, scars and unwanted pigmentation the #Fauxfilter Foundation can be used as a foundation and a concealer. If you’ve found your perfect foundation match in this range but don’t want something as full coverage, you can always sheer it out with some moisturizer. If you love full coverage foundation, we absolutely adore the Huda Beauty #Fauxfilter Skin Finish Foundation Stick - I was honestly surprised it didn't make this list!

4. Estee Lauder Double Wear Stay-In-Place Makeup

Although Estee Lauder has blessed us with numerous Double Wear ranges, none have become as iconic and perennially popular as Stay-In-Place. Made without oil or fragrance, Double Wear Stay-In-Place is a surprisingly lightweight full coverage foundation. Since its release almost 25 years ago, this was one of the first product lines with a truly inclusive shade range including a huge selection of undertones and depths. Although we always say skin prep is essential (though, just quietly, I've been known to lazily skip it every now and then), it is especially essential with Double Wear Stay-In-Place. It's full coverage matte finish can cause skin to look dry if it hasn't been appropriately hydrated beforehand.

5. Nars Natural Radiant Longwear Foundation

Rounding out the top five is the Nars Natural Radiant Longwear Foundation. According to one US study, 91% of surveyed participants “agree that the skin appears smooth while wearing the foundation” and it “blends effortlessly.” Its unique ingredient list includes the extracts of fruit like apple, watermelon, and raspberry with the goal of giving the skin a natural and longwearing glow. Non-comedogenic (meaning it won’t block your pores!) and oil free, this could be the best foundation for acne-prone skin. Often, when beginning to use a new foundation, the skin can develop a few pimples as it adjusts to a new foundation - even if it is non-comedogenic. If you decide to try out Radiant Longwear, give it a few weeks before deciding whether it is right for your skin or not!

Keen to try out one of these ranges? Head to our foundation finder to find your perfect foundation match now!