It’s pretty fair to say that finding the perfect foundation can feel like mission impossible. There’s an endless list of things that need to be considered; shade, skin type, the finish and, the most important thing, if you’re willing to break the bank for a flawless beat.

With SO many formulas from different brands, high street to high-end, and with some providing over 40 shades, making a decision is often overwhelming, but today, we’re helping you reach a decision by sharing our holy grail foundations.

During the Cosmo Beauty Awards nominations, we tried and tested foundation favourites and, in no particular order, these are our shortlist of foundations that will stay faithful no matter the weather – seriously, not even the Dubai heat can move them.

AirBrush Flawless Foundation, Charlotte Tilbury

 

This foundation is called Air Brush Flawless foundation for a reason: it literally feels like it’s melting into your skin. As a dark-skinned girl, finding the perfect undertone is a major thing and this foundation DELIVERED. It feels and looks exactly like my natural skin. I find it to have a satin finish; you immediately look like you’re glowing from within. Can you tell how passionate I am about this foundation or should I keep going? Dhs220 from Charlotte Tilbury.

Fenty Pro Filt’r Hydrating Longwear Foundation

When Rihanna released the Pro Filt’r Soft Matte foundation with a whopping 40-shade spectrum, the industry was shook, but this (50-shade) Hydrating Longwear foundation is the real deal. It has the same long-lasting coverage, but with the ultimate hydrating finish. This foundation is designed to be humidity and sweat resistant and it’s buildable, so it will definitely cover a multitude of sins should you need it to. Dhs175 from Sephora.

Rimmel Lasting Finish 25 Hour Foundation

This is the most affordable foundation out of this bunch, but I’m really impressed by it. The formula smooths everything, it has a medium to full coverage and it give you a radiant finish. The foundation works SO well with different skin types and it actually stays up to 12 hours (I could never try the 25-hour test – the skincare junkie in me wouldn’t allow it). Dhs68 from amazon

Shiseido Synchro Skin Lasting Liquid Foundation

I was pleasantly surprised with this product, and soon realised the Shiseido foundation is a must-have. It has a velvety texture, but feels uniquely airy and fresh on the skin. It is buildable and can last the whole day, and gives off an airbushed, flawless finish. Dhs240 from Sephora. 

Giorgio Armani’s Luminous Silk Foundation

I’ve been using this foundation for 3 years and it still hasn’t disappointed me (I hope that day never comes). It is lightweight, has a dewy finish, but also full coverage, yeah…it also confuses me. It soaks perfectly into your skin, and really does give a luminous silky finish. Totally worth the price tag. Dhs308 from Armani Beauty.

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