14 of the best (and newest) foundations loved by Team MECCA
January 1 | 6 minute read
Compiled by Arabella Roden
Originally published on | June 4
As it turns out, MECCA HQ is no different; Any day at the office is punctuated with compliments, recommendations and knowing looks followed by, “Are you wearing [insert legendary, cult-favourite or just-launched-today beauty product]?
And, happily, this is one beauty community that will do anything except gatekeep. So, if you’re on the hunt for some new foundation inspiration (particularly as temperatures cool down and your skin’s needs change), we’ve gathered recommendations from our real-life team – the bases they rely on for long-lasting coverage (before-dawn work days, until-dawn nights out), radiance without the shiny effect (yes, even for oily skin types) and the luxurious formulas that look as good IRL as they do on camera (no easy feat!).
Loved by: Christie, Senior Beauty Writer
“Not since 2010 had I touched a full-coverage foundation (I’m a Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer gal forever!) – but this much-hyped formula found its way to my desk, and the rest is history. It achieves the impossible: an immaculate skin-like finish with enough (and buildable) coverage. While I wouldn’t consider it dewy, it does impart a subtle reflective radiance that evens out my skin beautifully. It’s since assumed the role of ‘night out’ or ‘long day’ foundation; I applied it at 5:45am and had this photo taken at 3:15pm – no touch-ups necessary, aside from a cheeky swipe of my favourite MECCA MAX cream blush! Be sure to prep skin with a lush moisturiser (I used Augustinus Bader’s The Cream).”
Loved by: Scarlett, Campaign Specialist
“My ‘special occasion’ foundation for when I need my coverage to last, the Traceless Soft Matte Foundation is buildable yet still beautifully skin-like. I apply with a sponge, which helps gently sheer out the coverage to achieve that soft, lit-from-within look. I love layering over the By Terry Brightening CC Serum in ‘No. 3 Apricot Glow’. Top with any shade of Westman Atelier's Baby Cheeks Blush (‘Chouchette’ and ‘Petal’ are my favourites) and finish off with a little dab of the Lit Up Highlight Stick in ‘Nectar’ – *chef’s kiss*!”
Loved by: Nav, Product Compliance Co-ordinator
“I first tried this product when I was working in-store and a customer asked me to use it on her during a makeup application. I loved the formulation – lightweight yet pigmented – and had to try it for myself! It’s definitely one of the most underrated foundations at MECCA, as it applies so beautifully and is truly ‘self-refreshing’ throughout the day. I have dry skin and use the M·A·C Cosmetics Hyper Real Serumizer and Skincanvas Balm as my skin prep, let it absorb for a couple of minutes, and then apply the foundation with the MECCA COSMETICA Double-Ended Complexion Brush.”
Loved by: Isabella, Sustainability Specialist
“The perfect everyday tinted moisturiser that leaves my skin looking glowy, but never oily! I apply it with my fingertips, and it glides on like a dream. It melts perfectly into my skin and doesn't clog my pores or feel heavy. A true icon!”
Loved by: Wensi, Head of Services
“As someone who loves a skin-like finish, Double Wear Sheer is a great everyday foundation – it’s lightweight and comfortable, and though the coverage is light, the blurring, skin-perfecting effect lasts all day. A little goes a long way, and it blends out easily with fingers for a natural finish. Heads up: it’s very liquid, so be careful when squeezing it out as it can run a bit. I also find it’s a great base for makeup; my cheek products blend very nicely over the top of this, and they also last all day!”
Loved by: Elaine, Trade & Content Manager
“The “Re” Evolve Foundation is perfect for days where I need medium coverage but still want a dewy, lighter finish – those days when my skin isn't behaving, but I don't want the heaviness of a full-coverage foundation. I apply with the JUNO & Co Microfibre Velvet Sponge and pair it with the NARS Liquid Blush in ‘Orgasm’ and Westman Atelier Lit Up Highlight Stick in ‘Brulee’ for a glowy finish.”
Loved by: Hansini, Strategy Analyst
“The NARS Light Reflecting Foundation is a skincare-infused marvel with buildable coverage. I use my fingertips to activate its magic, which leaves my skin with a beautifully luminous and radiant glow. For a flawlessly finished look, I personally love pairing it with the NARS Radiant Creamy Concealer – it’s a match made in heaven!”
Loved by: Isabella, Digital Content Specialist – Makeup
“My favourite daily foundation, perfect for the office! I love to wear this over my MECCA COSMETICA To Save Face SPF50+ sunscreen. It's not too heavy and builds to a medium coverage, and I love the fact that it’s makeup with skincare benefits. If I want a fuller coverage, I'll use my M·A·C Cosmetics 170 Slant Brush to buff it in; otherwise, fingers work a treat!”
Loved by: Steven, Influencer Relations Manager
“I discovered the Vital Skincare Complexion Drops at the launch event for Westman Atelier back in February and fell in love with the story behind the packaging and process of creating this amazing product. It’s become my daily foundation as it provides me with a nice dewy, natural finish. I love that it is breathable and has added skincare benefits too! I dispense the drops onto my fingertips and blend into the skin in an upwards motion, as I normally would with my moisturiser or serum.”
Loved by: Marie, Senior Campaigns Manager
“As someone with oily skin and pigmentation, this is perfect for when I’m after a lighter look but still want to feel confident. The serum consistency is great for my skin type and the coverage is just right. I apply it with a Rose Inc brush. Combined with a light dusting of the Kosas Cloud Set powder on the T-zone and dab of the Rose Inc blush in ‘Heliotrope’ on cheeks, it’s a trifecta of happiness!”
Loved by: Arabella, Chief Sub-Editor
“As a long-time fan of the cult-favourite Kosas Revealer Concealer, you’d better believe I was first in line to try the matching foundation! Luckily, it shares all the qualities I love about its concealer counterpart – medium coverage, hydrating formula – while giving my skin that elusive glow I’m forever trying to achieve. I apply it with fingers or a dense foundation brush and set with a misting of Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless Setting Spray.”
Loved by: Lucy, Senior PR & Partnerships Manager
“Charlotte’s Beautiful Skin Foundation is my best-kept beauty secret for a fresh, hydrated base that will have everyone asking what’s on your skin! I love to apply it with the Hourglass Vanish Seamless Finish Foundation Brush when I am after a little more coverage, and I mix in a few drops of the Hollywood Flawless Filter to make my skin really glow!”
Loved by: Vanessa, Senior Digital Marketing Manager
“My mum introduced me to the ILIA Skin Tint when we were visiting my sister in California! I love that it's super lightweight, which means I’m able to wear it every day and still have my skin look like skin. I put it on with a blending sponge, and when paired with the Westman Atelier Baby Cheeks Blush in ‘Poppet’ and Kosas Revealer Concealer? Glowy skin all day!”
Loved by: Sam, Junior Sub-Editor
“I'd been hearing about this foundation for months before I finally tried it – and now I understand why everyone loves it so much (including MECCA's own artistry experts!). Lightweight yet flawless, long-lasting yet hydrating, this formula somehow manages to do everything at once. Things can get cakey quickly on my dry, sensitive skin – but applied with a sponge, this delivers a smooth, almost undetectable finish every time. Set with the Hourglass Veil Translucent Setting Powder and glow added with the RMS Beauty Living Luminizer, and my base is ready to go. As someone who usually sticks to just concealer (Too Faced's is my ride or die), this is the formula that converted me to actually wanting to wear foundation.”
