Because your skin deserves only the best, here are foundations that'll help you freeze time and preserve that glow.
Beyond the comfort of your 20s, foundation-hunting becomes quite the arduous task. Because at this point, you're no longer just looking for coverage—you now need quality hydration and skin-boosting properties from your makeup, too. It's by no means easy on the pockets, but the way a good formula can enhance your features with minimal effort, newfound skin concerns and all, will be worth shelling out those extra coins. Below, we run down tried and tested bases for ladies (and gents!) in their prime:
If a post-facial glow were to be a foundation, then Koh Gen Do's Aqua will be it. This product is known for its glossy, lightweight finish that glides over fine lines and pores to give the skin a healthier appearance. Since being reformulated in 2018, it now has improved coverage and longevity that resists fading from sweat and humidity.
KOH GEN DO Aqua Foundation, P2750, Beauty Bar
Forget about brushes and sponges, because this sheer yet buildable formula is designed to be applied with nothing but the warmth of your fingertips. Lightly buff it into areas that need smoothing such as the undereyes, and pat anywhere you need more coverage. The satin-matte finish is perfect for mature skin that's combination/oily, eliminating the need for powder without making you prone to excess shine.
CHANEL Les Beiges Healthy Glow Foundation SPF 25 PA++, price unavailable, Rustan's
When you're done applying this foundation, expect your skin to look like glass. That's because it's basically skincare with coverage—a creamy liquid infused with La Prairie's signature caviar extract that helps improve skin elasticity over time. The bottle's cap also holds an equally emollient concealer pot you can use over problem areas, saving you space and the trouble of meshing dissimilar formulas together.
LA PRAIRIE Skin Caviar Concealer Foundation SPF 15, P14,000, Rustan's
It may not be the highest coverage foundation out there, but if you're looking for a skin tint with age-defying ingredients, this is worth a try. Aside from lightly evening out your skin tone, it contains peptides that gradually minimizes the appearance of wrinkles and pores. The broad spectrum SPF deserves a shoutout as well, because sun protection is a must at any age!
PERRICONE MD No Makeup Foundation Serum Broad Spectrum SPF 30, P2950, Rustan's
This CC cream is popular for its impressive coverage and blurring effect, so while it's technically not a foundation, it deserves a spot on this list. That said, what we're most impressed about it is its ingredients list—rarely do we spot hyaluronic acid, peptides, collagen, antioxidants, snail secretion filtrate, and high SPF rolled into a base product, but somehow, It Cosmetics made it possible.
IT COSMETICS Your Skin But Better CC Cream SPF 50+, P2560, Sephora.ph
Hydrating foundations can be longwearing, too, and La Mer's lone liquid foundation is proof. Not only does it add a light veil of luminosity to otherwise dull skin, the added skincare benefits are worth making it an every day staple. Sheer it out with a sponge or build its coverage with a brush—it looks amazing on both ways!
LA MER The Soft Fluid Long Wear Foundation Broad Spectrum SPF 20, P6650, Rustan's
Another non-foundation that has impressed no-makeup makeup fans all over. Its light coverage is more than enough to serve as your daily base, naturally enhancing your complexion without drying it out and accentuating lines (shoutout to hyaluronic acid). If the original formula is too moisturizing for you, try the oil-free variant, but if you feel it's not dewy enough, go for the illuminating version.
LAURA MERCIER Tinted Moisturizer SPF20, P2050, Rustan's
This foundation combines everything you love about liquid and powder foundations into a bouncy gel compact—it smooths, covers, and lasts all day. It's also perfect for touching up in the middle of the day, refreshing your skin with a dash of coverage and some caffeine.
ELIZABETH ARDEN Flawless Finish Everyday Perfection Foundation Gel, P2750, Freyja, Glorietta 2
A few drops of this serum-like base is the secret to instantly dewy skin that doesn't look makeup-y. Peep that high SPF rating, too, which comes on top the myriad of skin-perfecting plant extracts that help brighten and refine your complexion the more you wear it.
BOBBI BROWN Intensive Skin Serum Foundation SPF 40, P3500, Rustan's
When you're missing your teenage skin's plumpness, one layer of this rich foundation has you (literally) covered. It has a texture-blurring, radiant finish that'll convince you to skip primer and highlighter, but it's not glossy enough to be uncomfortable on oily skin. In fact, it's actually oil-free! But what it does have are age-defying skincare ingredients, so it helps you mimic your dream complexion all while helping you achieve it.
ESTÉE LAUDER Perfectionist Youth-Infusing Serum Makeup SPF 25, P3100, SM Megamall
The "3X" in this product's name basically stands for the way it mimics three key things for maintaining glowing skin: moisturizer, serum, and illuminating primer. And since mature skin usually tends to lean on the dry side, this is exactly the kind of foundation that can restore your hydration levels while providing you with flawless coverage.
REVLON Age Defying 3X Foundation, P975, SM Beauty
This foundation has vitamin C and UVA/UVB protection so you can fade your dark spots and prevent new ones all at once. It doesn't feel heavy on the skin either—it's both sweat and water-resistant—so you don't have to worry about looking streaky after a few hours.
CLINIQUE Even Better Makeup Broad Spectrum SPF 15, P2000, TriNoma
Many mistake this foundation for an overly-dewy one, when in reality, its finish stays true to its name—a natural-looking glow that's neither too wet nor too flat. So whatever your skin type (or age, even!), this cult-classic is not likely to fail you.
NARS Sheer Glow Foundation, P2650, Rustan's
Mineral makeup is far from outdated, especially when it works as well as this one. Buff this pigmented yet lightweight powder in with a brush for buildable coverage that conceals redness and diffuses texture from fine lines.
JANE IREDALE Amazing Base Loose Mineral Powder, P1845, Rustan's
This cream foundation has the soft and rich texture of moisturizer so you can add coverage without accentuating dry patches and fine lines. In fact, you'll end up looking so radiant that the age-defying skincare benefits are simply a bonus.
SHISEIDO Future Solution LX Total Radiance Foundation, P4800, SM Megamall
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