This roundup first appeared on Wednesday, July 3, 2024, in The Strategist Beauty Brief, a weekly newsletter in which our beauty writers share their must-tries, can-skips, and can’t-live-withouts. But we liked it so much we wanted to share it with all of our readers. If you want more first impressions of buzzy launches, quick takes on what’s trending on TikTok and Instagram, and deep dives into the week’s best beauty launches, sign up here. The Strategist Beauty Brief is delivered every Wednesday.
If you’re a regular reader of the Strategist Beauty Brief, you know we’re pretty picky about our products. Yes, we’re always down to try a dupe and test an internet trend. But we’re passionate about our basics, too. So we thought we’d drop in to share a bit about our favorite, tried-and-true products — the everyday face moisturizers, body lotions, and deodorants of it all. This week, we’re sharing our can’t-live-without foundations. Read on to find out the special-occasion and everyday formulas we’re wearing.
I picked up a bottle of Sheer Glow when I was 15, and for almost a decade, I didn’t stray. But the older I got, the less I felt the need for a foundation with such full coverage (although it has sheer in the title, that foundation is anything but). I couldn’t betray my beloved NARS, and I also didn’t want to have to figure out my shade again, so I simply switched to another product from the brand: the Light Reflecting foundation. It’s a much lighter coverage, so unless you really layer it up, it looks remarkably close to real skin. It’s also easy to get a dewy finish to your makeup, and it overall just gives that even, healthy glow that I want from a foundation. —Rachael Griffiths
I mostly stick to a tinted moisturizer for everyday wear. I’d been using the Ilia one for a while now, but recently I’ve switched allegiances to the bareMinerals Complexion Rescue. When I initially tested it out at Sephora, I was struck by how close the color match was. I like that it has a cream rather than liquid consistency, which makes it easier to apply with my fingers; just a light layer helps even out my skin tone and looks very seamless and natural. —Kitty Guo
I graduated from Glossier’s skin tint to its Stretch Fluid Foundation when it came out last August. It’s become my everyday go-to, because it offers more coverage than the skin tint (enough to cover any blemishes or dark spots) but has a very natural finish. It’s never drying, thanks to its moisturizing ingredients (squalene and glycerin are some of them), and despite being kind of thick out of the pump, it’s incredibly lightweight after application. — Arielle Avila
I don’t typically wear much foundation day to day, but for special events I love Pat McGrath’s Skin Fetish foundation: medium coverage, velvety finish, and a wide shade range. What’s not to love? —Dominique Pariso
I’ve been a longtime year-round user of a discontinued Vapour foundation. Recently I tried out the new Charlotte Tilbury sheer foundation stick and am absolutely floored. The brand sent me a sample, and I loved it so much that I bought another shade (a darker one for light contouring) the next day. The formula is everything I want: very glow-y, sheer but buildable, and hydrating. I set it with a light dusting of powder and my Urban Decay setting spray, and it lasts for hours. —Crystal Martin
The Strategist is designed to surface useful, expert recommendations for things to buy across the vast e-commerce landscape. Every product is independently selected by our team of editors, whom you can read about here. We update links when possible, but note that deals can expire and all prices are subject to change.
