I’ve never really liked super heavy makeup, and I’m especially not a fan of it in warm weather. There is nothing worse than feeling like your face is sliding down your, well… face. Today I’m sharing three lightweight foundations to try this spring and summer.
Over the past two months I’ve tried these three lightweight foundations, all slightly unique. All three of these are wonderful lightweight options; it really just depends on what you’re looking for:
- Kosas Tinted Face Oil Foundation
- Iris & Romeo Best Skin Days 5-in-1 Skincare + Dewy Coverage
- Bobbi Brown Skin Long-Wear Weightless Foundation
If you’re interested in seeing the formula and texture of these lightweight foundations, be sure to watch the video below!
My beauty philosophy is that generally less is more. With the exception of a bold lip or heavier eye makeup for a night out (or during fashion week), I keep things pretty simple.
I have combination skin, so by midday – or sometimes sooner – I can get pretty oily. So, for me, when it comes to foundation, I want a nice, even skin tone without feeling like I’m wearing anything on my face.
3 Lightweight Foundations to Try this Spring and Summer
Kosas Tinted Face Oil Foundation
Contains SPF?: No
Clean Beauty?: Yes
Price: $42 for 1 oz.
Number of shades: 16
Kosas Tinted Face Oil Foundation is probably the lightest of these three lightweight foundations. In fact, I wouldn’t really call it a foundation. The formula is a little watery; think tinted serum. I wear shade 5.5. Kosas considers themselves a makeup brand with skincare benefits. This foundation features a blend of six different oils to moisturize, soothe, balance, and brighten skin.
PROS:
I really like Kosas Tinted Face Oil for days when I want little to no makeup. It’s light coverage, but still evens out my complexion. As far as texture goes, I LOVE it. I don’t even feel like I’m wearing face makeup, and like other Kosas products, a little goes a long way.
CONS:
Since this is a face oil, I wouldn’t recommend it for oilier skin types. When I’m feeling on the oilier side, I definitely feel shinier than normal, earlier in the day. It also seems to come off onto fingers easier than my less-oily days.
If you’re looking for a lightweight foundation with SPF, this doesn’t have any. (I personally don’t have a problem with this and use Supergoop! Unseen Sunscreen under my lightweight foundations. For other facial sunscreens to try, read this post.) I recommend applying sunscreen and waiting a few minutes before applying Kosas Tinted Face Oil to avoid pilling on the skin.
Iris & Romeo Best Skin Days 5-in-1 Skincare + Dewy Coverage
Contains SPF?: Yes, SPF 25
Clean Beauty?: Yes
Price: $64 for 1.75 oz. ($36 per ounce)
Number of shades: 6
This lightweight foundation from Iris & Romeo may give you sticker shock, but it’s actually cheaper per ounce than the other two products in this post.
Similarly to Kosas, Iris & Romeo Best Skin Days also boasts skin care ingredients despite it being a foundation. It contains hyaluronic acid, a power ingredient to hold and retain moisture, as well as antioxidants and Vitamin C. (Vitamin C notably helps to reduce dark spots over time for a more even complexion without makeup.)
This applies more like a skin care product than makeup, and the texture is similar to a whipped face cream. Best Skin Days is slightly heavier than the Kosas foundation, but still feels very light. I wear light medium.
PROS:
If you’re someone who likes a speedy makeup routine, this product is said to serve as a serum, moisturizer, sunscreen, and blue light/pollution protector, while providing coverage.
If you’re looking for a lightweight foundation with SPF, this contains SPF 25; higher than the Bobbi Brown product.
CONS:
There’s a pretty limited shade range here, with only 6 options to chose.
Both of the other lightweight foundations in this post are easily accessible, from Sephora to Nordstrom and other retailers. However, Iris & Romeo is a direct to consumer brand (at least for now), and you can only buy Best Skin Days on the company website.
Bobbi Brown Skin Long-Wear Weightless Foundation
Contains SPF?: Yes, SPF 15
Clean Beauty?: No
Price: $49 for 1 oz.
Number of shades: 42
Of all three lightweight foundations in this post, Bobbi Brown Skin Long-Wear Weightless Foundation is definitely the heaviest, but not as heavy as a full coverage foundation. I wear shade 4, or N-052.
Since this is a thicker formula than the other two lightweight foundations, you need to use more product here. I use my fingers to apply face makeup, but you can definitely use a makeup brush if you prefer.
PROS:
Despite this being the heaviest formula of all three, it provides the most coverage while still feeling lightweight.
Although the SPF isn’t as high as the Iris & Romeo Best Skin Days, you still get an SPF 15 and some decent sun protection.
There are a TON of shades to choose, Bobbi Brown Skin Long-Wear Weightless Foundation is definitely the most inclusive when it some to skin tone colors.
CONS:
If you’re looking for something super light, then you best bet is one of the other two.
