
There are hundreds of foundations out there, and trust us, they're not all created equal. Some don't oxidize well, some feel too cakey, some really do nothing at all. Basically, finding your ideal formula is a necessary evil that can often feel like a chore rather than a fun shopping experience.
Spotting the perfect foundation shade is hard enough; finding your preferred formula can be even harder. More often than not, foundations offer way too much coverage or just not enough. It's a thin line, but some days we don't want heavy makeup and would much prefer something a lot lighter in the pursuit of that "no-makeup makeup" look. It's hard. Like who actually wants to go through dozens of foundations?
Let us do the hard work for you, because these are the 18 best lightweight foundations that offer minimal coverage, come in an inclusive shade range, and give your skin that subtle added glow. No more need for adding water to your foundation; these already have that covered.
IT Cosmetics Your Skin But Better CC+ Cream with SPF 50+ ($39, Sephora)

This color-correcting cream provides flawless coverage and protects skin with SPF 50+ UVA/UVB broad-spectrum physical sunscreen. The breakthrough formula doesn't crease or crack and instantly camouflages imperfections, including dark spots.
Clinique Even Better Glow Light Reflecting Makeup Broad Spectrum SPF 15 ($29, Sephora)

Get sheer to moderate coverage and a luminous finish. This moisturizing foundation instantly creates a natural radiance with subtle luminizing pigments.
Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer Broad Spectrum SPF 20 ($46, Sephora)

A perfect blend of skin care and makeup that hydrates skin and softens fine lines with a sheer hint of color for a healthy, dewy glow.
Maybelline Fit Me Dewy + Smooth Foundation ($8, Ulta)

This is a moisturizing foundation that is formulated to achieve a flawlessly smooth, hydrated, and more even skin tone. This foundation also features SPF 18 sunscreen to help protect the skin from sun damage.
Hourglass Vanish Seamless Finish Foundation Stick ($46, Sephora)

This long-wearing, waterproof formula provides up to 12 hours of coverage, contains double the amount of pigment versus traditional foundations, and adjusts to your body temperature to effortlessly blend into the skin.
Bobbi Brown Skin Foundation SPF 15 ($50, Sephora)

The lightweight, water-based formula sinks into skin, instantly helping to plump, moisturize, and boost your skin’s glow.
Charlotte Tilbury Light Wonder Foundation ($46, Sephora)

This foundation is a lightweight formula that illuminates, smooths, hydrates, and visibly minimizes pores and wrinkles for flawless-looking skin.
Giorgio Armani Beauty Face Fabric Foundation ($49, Sephora)

This formula blurs the look of pores and imperfections with a natural matte finish. At first touch, the foundation is a soft mousse, but as it spreads across the skin it melts into a powder.
Kosas Tinted Face Oil Foundation ($42, Sephora)

A featherweight, light-coverage foundation and hydrating skin elixir in 10 shades that can be worn across 30 skin tones.
Nudestix Nudies Tinted Blur Stick ($30, Sephora)

An innovative, soft-focus mineral technology that creates flawless-looking skin by smoothing and blurring the appearance of texture, blemishes, discoloration, lines, and pores.
Milk Makeup Sunshine Skin Tint SPF 30 ($42, Sephora)

This preservative-free, ultra-fresh formula offers coverage that is buildable yet breathable, all while protecting you with SPF 30.
Make Up For Ever Water Blend Face & Body Foundation ($43, Sephora)

Created with 80% water, Water Blend features a weightless feel and minimal, natural coverage. It applies quickly and then sets to ensure long-lasting coverage with a fresh, glowing look all day. It’s ideal for normal to dry skin.
Lancôme Skin Feels Good Skin Nourishing Foundation ($35, Sephora)

A hydrating, oil-free foundation with SPF 23 for the "no-makeup makeup" look, infused with antioxidants to protect against free radicals and pollution.
Urban Decay Naked Skin Weightless Ultra Definition Liquid Makeup ($40, Ulta)

It feels like wearing nothing, yet this foundation transforms your complexion. Skin looks natural, illuminated, and bright with a luminous demi-matte finish — like the beautiful skin you were born with.
BECCA Aqua Luminous Perfecting Foundation ($44, Ulta)

Veil your skin with foundation coverage that feels water-light, while it evens and perfects the complexion. Each weightless fluid drop imparts subtle luminosity that blurs imperfections and creates a soft focused glow.
Stila Lingerie Soufleé Skin Perfecting Color ($38, Ulta)

Advanced pigments and light-refracting particles smooth, blur, and even skin tone creating the optimal illusion — skin that looks naturally fresh and perfected. Creates a translucent veil, allowing each shade to cover a multitude of skin tones.
NARS Sheer Glow Foundation ($47, Sephora)

This foundation evens the complexion, while improving the look of skin’s texture and brightness. Powerful antioxidants protect against damaging free radicals, while glycerin attracts and holds moisture.
MAC Studio Waterweight SPF 30 Foundation ($36, MAC Cosmetics)
