Facing up to this year’s new foundations

A KEY component of autumn’s ’no make-up’ make-up trend is a flawless complexion, and right on time, a ton of the big beauty brands have unveiled their latest foundation formulations. 

Whether you’re looking for age-defying properties, a fresh-faced glow or complete coverage, these are the best of the new bases.

GLOW-GETTERS

Promising to give you the ravishing radiance of a Hollywood star, Dior’s anti-fatigue Skinflash Radiance Boosting Makeup will give your complexion a burst of luminosity. That doesn’t mean you’ll be instantly transformed into Jennifer Lawrence on application, but it does help to banish dark circles, giving the skin a subtle sheen.

Looking for a multi-tasking product? Then try No7’s Lift & Luminate Foundation, hard-working liquid formula. It moisturisers, firms and brightens all in one go. But you might need to add concealer on top to banish more noticeable blemishes.

* Skinflash Radiance Boosting Makeup Primer, Dior, €41.50

* No7’s Lift & Luminate Foundation, €21

AGE-DEFIERS

Using the same principles as the brand’s popular Perfectionist firming serum, Estee Lauder Perfectionist Youth-Infusing Makeup is oil-free, but the silky liquid still feels really hydrating, so it suits dry skin in particular. And with a whopping 22 shades on offer (more than any other foundation we tested), it’s easy to find the perfect match.

* Estee Lauder Perfectionist Youth-Infusing Makeup SPF25, €46

SUPER POWDERS

Challenging the notion that powder should come AFTER your base, Bobbi Brown Skin Weightless Powder Foundation is a lot creamier than it looks, but still effectively mattifies any oily patches, and comes in a handy compact.

A new addition to the Vitalumiere family, Chanel Vitalumiere Loose Powder Foundation provides the kind of beautifully smooth, even coverage that’s hard to achieve without moisture. The tiny kabuki brush it comes with is a bit fiddly, but the super-soft bristles and miniature proportions help to distribute the finely-milled powder evenly across your face. Pricey, but worth every penny.

* Bobbi Brown Skin Weightless Powder Foundation, €42

* Chanel Vitalumiere Loose Powder Foundation SPF15, €65

COMPLEXION CORRECTORS

Designed to cover very noticeable marks, like acne scars, spots and dark circles, Vichy Dermablend Fluid Corrective Foundation is a heavyweight base enriched with Vichy Thermal Spa Water. The long-lasting matte finish formula also contains SPF35, and with Bronze the darkest of five shades, it’s better suited to paler skin tones.

Yves Saint Laurent Fusion Foundation offers a similar proposition, but with a dozen colours to choose from. Using ’NASA-inspired technology’, it conceals blemishes and redness almost as well as the brand’s iconic Touche Eclat pen, but the foundation doesn’t feel anywhere near as heavy. The lip gloss-like applicator is useful too, as some bottles dispense too much product in one pump.

* Vichy Dermablend Fluid Corrective Foundation SPF15,€21.50

* Yves Saint Laurent Fusion Foundation, €40.