When summer hits, the last thing you want is your foundation melting off faster than your willpower at a family BBQ.

That’s where lightweight foundations come in, because the beauty of these formulas is that they give you just enough coverage to even out your complexion, while still letting your skin breathe.

Whether you’re soaking up the sun on holiday, or heading out for a game of padel on a hot day, lightweight foundations provide a fresh, natural finish that doesn’t migrate down your face the moment you step out the door. Not sure how to find the best lightweight foundation to suit your skin type? We tested the most popular formulas to determine which ones truly stand out.

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What is the best lightweight foundation?

When choosing what lightweight foundation works, it comes down to preference, budget and skin type. If your skin is dry, there's nothing better than a lightweight foundation as the barely-there texture doesn’t sit or dry patches. They're also great for mature skin types as they don't tend to settle in lines, and they work well on blemish-prone skin as they tend to be oil-free.