This is the most ‘breathable’ type of foundation, according to a cosmetic chemist

For days when you don’t feel like wearing a ton of makeup, but want that your-skin-but-better glow, your best bet is a lightweight foundation. Something with just enough coverage that feels light and airy on your skin. Ginger King, a cosmetic chemist, says you should use a water-based foundation.

“Water-based foundations are very light and natural,” says King. “Just to enhance skin tone, more like a tinted moisturizer.” She says foundations that aren’t water based are either oil-based, which she says can clog your pores, or silicon-based, which she says are semi-occlusive for longwear. Most water-based foundations don’t last very long, so don’t expect to get all-day coverage.

To spot a water-based foundation, check the ingredient list. The first ingredient will be water, says King. But to get you started, here are some of our favorite water-based foundations.

5 of the best breathable foundations with water-based formulas

1. MAC STUDIO WATERWEIGHT SPF 30 FOUNDATION ($31)

2. GLOSSIER PERFECTING SKIN TINT ($26)

This product is exactly what it says it is—a skin tint. It won’t mask dark spots or blemishes, but it will give you skin a more youthful, dewy glow with a more even finish.

3. Cover FX Natural Finish Foundation ($42)

4. Too Faced Born This Way Foundation ($39)

5.

($40)

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