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8 Foundations for People Who Hate Foundation

These light-as-air formulas will give you a flawless complexion and make you feel like you're wearing nothing at all
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Like death, taxes and Kardashian news in my Facebook feed, foundation has always been one of life's unpleasant inevitabilities for me. Cursed with imperfect skin, I've never been comfortable skimping on foundation, but at the same time, the feel of heavy creams and goopy liquids on my face makes me squirm.

Fortunately, in this age of brilliant beauty tech, there's no need to forgo foundation -- nor do I have to tolerate less-than-stellar products. There are, of course, BB creams, which combine the creamy texture and hydrating properties of a moisturizer with light coverage; CC creams, which even out skin tone sans mask-like pallor, and cushion compacts that provide a weightless, dewy finish. But even the most reluctant foundation-wearers sometimes require a little something more.

That's where this new breed of light-as-air foundations comes in. They deftly blur imperfections and create a smooth makeup canvas while making your skin look like your skin. Here, the eight amazing foundations that will make a convert out of you.

Image via Imaxtree

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For a Soft-Focus Filter
Try: Urban Decay Naked Skin Weightless Ultra Definition Liquid Makeup, $40

Ever fantasize about having somebody follow you around all day holding a "Mayfair" filter in front of your face? Me too. Since that's probably asking too much of, well, anybody, I'll settle for this Urban Decay foundation instead. Despite being imperceptible, it obscures blemishes beautifully, thanks to little light-diffusing spheres. To boot, it's loaded up with ingredients that skin loves, like peptides and antioxidants.

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For Barely-There Texture
Try: Bare Minerals BareSkin Pure Brightening Serum Foundation SPF 20, $29

This foundation is so mind-blowingly silky, you might just want to rub it all over your skin. Though you'll hardly feel it on your skin, you'll definitely notice the luminosity it imparts on your complexion. The SPF only sweetens the deal.

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For a Big-Bang-for-Your-Buck-Base
Try: CoverGirl Ready Set Gorgeous, $7.90

Because a flawless foundation can make all of the difference, shelling out for a quality product ain't no thing -- but when you can get a great product for under $10? Even better. That's just one reason why this stuff is so great. The creamy formula evens skin while reducing shine, and it sticks around all day. At the same time, your own skin still shines through.

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For DIY Adjustable Coverage
Try: Cover FX Custom Cover Drops, $44

This new spin on foundation isn't just buildable, it's whatever you want it to be -- which is why Cover FX's new Custom Cover Drops snagged a 2015 Total Beauty Award in the breakthrough category.

Simply mix this pigmented solution into your base of choice (think: serums, lotions and oils). Add one drop for a barely-there foundation look, or up to four drops for fuller coverage. We recommend using it with your favorite sunscreen for a makeup base that's chock-full of SPF or a mattifying cream for shine-free coverage. Alternatively, we've also used it to achieve an ultra-glowy night-out look by mixing it with illuminating cream. With this stuff, the world is your (flawless-skinned) oyster.

BY MARY SQUILLACE | AUG 26, 2015 | SHARES
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