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Best for oily skin
MAC Studio Fix Fluid SPF15
When it comes to colour ranges and a photo-perfect finish that looks beautiful on camera (and in real life), MAC Studio Fix is hard to beat. The oil control properties are especially useful for oily complexions in the heat of spring and summer, while the lightweight hydrators such as hyaluronic acid and algae extract promise a comfortable, all-day wear. The result? Believable, soft matte skin.
Best for skincare benefits
Clinique Even Better Clinical Vitamin Makeup SPF50
Given Clinique’s impressive roster of skincare, it’s easy to forget just how good (and fool-proof) its make-up range is. Case in point: this lightweight skin base. It’s loaded with skin-caring ingredients such as niacinamide, vitamin C and SPF50, yet feels completely weightless, especially in the warmer months. A little goes a long way; so start with a small amount and build up the coverage as you go. It imparts a gentle radiance that results in a healthy-looking complexion.
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Best for glow
Hourglass Luminous Glow Foundation SPF 30
If it’s dewy, bouncy skin you’re after, look no further. Hourglass’ SPF30 base delivers a radiant finish (it’s an Instagram Paris filter in a tube) and the moisturising formula makes it a winner for dry complexions. The creamy texture blends out seamlessly, too.
Best for redness
Shiseido Revitalessence Skin Glow Foundation SPF30
A firm favourite amongst team ELLE UK, this creamy foundation is jam-packed with niacinamide, probiotics and camellia extract which acts as a calming salve for redness-prone and extra dry complexions. It contains SPF30, and considering how Shiseido is revered for its extra refined sunscreen textures, this foundation wears comfortably on the skin.
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Best for dry skin
Tom Ford Architecture Radiance Hydrating Foundation SPF50
This medium-to-full coverage foundation delivers a polished finish with a hint of luminosity; enough to make one appear well-rested and fresh without looking shiny. It doesn’t settle into fine lines or cling onto dry patches, and has SPF50 for extra protection. It’s creamy, so a little goes a long way.
Best for combination skin
Lancôme Teint Idôle Ultra Wear Foundation SPF35
Some beauty products are just so reliable and crowd-pleasing, they stand the test of time. This is one of them. Teint Idôle Ultra Wear seamlessly disguises redness, pigmentation, uneven skin tone and scarring without feeling heavy or going cakey by midday. It photographs beautifully, and helps with refining the appearance of pores, too.
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Best for mature skin
Bobbi Brown Intensive Serum Foundation SPF40 
With its thin and fluid texture, this foundation quickly melts into the skin, leaving behind a natural-looking coverage that looks completely natural. The finish is dewy, and it contains skin-enlivening ingredients to help restore lacklustre complexions. It doesn’t highlight fine lines and blends out seamlessly.
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