These Lightweight, Sheer Foundations Basically Pay for Themselves in Skin Compliments

I'll be honest, I'm not really a foundation lover. When I was a teenager, foundation formulas were thick, heavy and breakout-inducing, constantly settling into patches of dry skin and somehow making my skin look worse, rather than better. Instead, I reached for tinted moisturisers and skin tints, pairing them with my favourite concealers when I needed a little extra coverage.

(Image credit: @tylynn)

However, formulas have come a long way in recent years, and brands have been creating sheer foundations that deliver everything I've ever wanted in a base product. Light-to-medium coverage, a lightweight feel, and a glowy finish that makes it look as if I spend my days getting weekly facials. What more could you want?

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Since discovering these sheer foundation formulas, I've made it my mission to test some of the best on the market, and I've whittled it down to a concise edit of products that I know will be in my makeup bag for years to come. I've never had more compliments on my skin since swapping out my usual base products for these sheer formulas, so I highly suggest you keep on scrolling...

The Best Sheer Foundations, Tried & Tested

• Best Overall: Nars Cosmetics Sheer Glow Foundation, £41
• Best Luxury Foundation: Victoria Beckham Beauty The Foundation Drops With TFC8, £104
• Best Affordable Foundation: No7 Pro Artist Weightless Silk Sheer Foundation, £20
• Best Foundation Stick: Merit The Minimalist, £34
• Best for a Glowy Finish: Chanel Les Beiges Water-Fresh Complexion Touch, £56

1. Nars Cosmetics Sheer Glow Foundation

best overall

Nars Cosmetics

Sheer Glow Foundation

Number of shades: 40

Pros

• Lightweight on the skin
• Buildable coverage
• Naturally radiant finish

Cons

• Wish the bottle came with a pump

(Image credit: @gracelindsay__ for Who What Wear UK)

This is the OG of sheer foundations, and for good reason. The lightweight formula feels undetectable on the skin, and whilst a small amount offers a sheer, naturally radiant finish, the coverage is buildable, so you can create a slightly heavier base if desired. I love wearing this when I want to smooth and even out my skin, without feeling like I'm actually wearing a lot of makeup. My only complaint? I wish the bottle came with a pump, as I find it can be quite messy to apply.

2. Victoria Beckham Beauty The Foundation Drops With TFC8

best luxury option

Victoria Beckham Beauty

The Foundation Drops With TFC8

Number of shades: 19

Pros

• Incredibly lightweight
• "Your skin but better" finish
• Chic packaging
• Skincare benefits

Cons

• Really expensive
• If you apply too much it can settle into dry skin and fine lines

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I know, I know, this Victoria Beckham Beauty foundation is so expensive. But I wouldn't recommend it if it wasn't one of the best lightweight, sheer formulas on the market. It takes a skincare-first approach, powered by Augustinus Bader’s TFC8, but it's the finish that I can't get enough of. The product glides on like butter, creating this "your skin but better" effect that has everyone asking me what my current makeup routine is. I will say, a little goes a surprisingly long way, and if I apply too much, it can sometimes settle into dry skin or fine lines, so start with a small amount for the best results.

3. No7 Pro Artist Weightless Silk Sheer Foundation

best affordable foundation

No7

Pro Artist Weightless Silk Sheer Foundation

Number of shades: 12

Pros

• More affordable than other options in this roundup
• Slim packaging
• Lightweight feel
• Natural finish

Cons

• Would love to see a wider range of shades
• Some may prefer a little more coverage

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I was really impressed when testing this No7 foundation. It has a lightweight, almost serum-like texture that melts into the skin, creating a beautiful, natural, second-skin finish. It definitely helps even out your skin tone; however, if you have any blemishes that you want to cover, you might want to go in with a concealer, too. It's packed with hyaluronic acid, vitamin C and vitamin E, so there are lots of added skincare benefits, but for me, the best thing about it is how quick and easy it is to apply. If you like a "no makeup" makeup look, you will love this.

4. Merit The Minimalist

best foundation stick

Merit Beauty

The Minimalist

Number of shades: 30

Pros

• Easy and quick to apply
• Acts as a foundation and concealer in one
• Lightweight, natural finish

Cons

• Might not be the best option for very dry skin

(Image credit: @gracelindsay__ for Who What Wear UK)

If you prefer a foundation stick, this one from Merit is one of the best natural-looking options I've tried. It somehow seamlessly blends a lightweight, sheer finish with impressive coverage, essentially replacing both foundation and concealer in your makeup bag. You can either apply it to areas where you want more coverage, or all over for a blurring effect. My complexion can't get enough, but if you do have very dry skin, you might want to prep with a hydrating moisturiser or primer.

5. Chanel Les Beiges Water-Fresh Complexion Touch

best for a glowy finish

CHANEL

Les Beiges Water-Fresh Complexion Touch

Number of shades: 26

Pros

• Sheer coverage
• Glowy finish
• Chic packaging

Cons

• A little goes a long way, so be careful not to apply too much

(Image credit: @gracelindsay__ for Who What Wear UK)

I really, really love this complexion product from Chanel. So much so that I've worn it every single day since getting my hands on it. The unique, gel-like formula is actually made up of around 60% water, which means it hydrates the skin whilst creating the most gorgeous, glowy finish. Micro-droplet pigments burst onto the skin for impressive coverage, whilst remaining incredibly lightweight. Similar to the Victoria Beckham Beauty foundation, a little goes a long way. In fact, just one or two pumps gives an even, illuminated finish that has everyone commenting on how good my skin looks.

6. Dior Forever Skin Glow

best for coverage

Dior

Forever Skin Glow

Number of shades: 45

Pros

• Hydrating formula
• Second-skin finish
• Buildable coverage

Cons

• Quite expensive

(Image credit: @gracelindsay__ for Who What Wear UK)

I know it seems a bit counterintuitive to say that a sheer foundation has good coverage, but what I love about this formula is that a light layer gives a gorgeously glowy, sheer finish, but when you build it up, you can achieve a little more coverage if desired. It's a great middle ground packed with skin-loving ingredients such as hyaluronic acid, niacinamide and peptides. Fair play, Dior, fair play.

7. Estée Lauder Double Wear Sheer Long-Wear Foundation

best weightless option

Estée Lauder

Double Wear Sheer Long-Wear Foundation SPF20

Number of shades: 27

Pros

• Super lightweight
• Lets your natural skin shine through

Cons

• Not the best option for very oily skin

It seems strange to have the words "Estée Lauder Double Wear" and "sheer" in the same sentence, but here we are. Whilst the original Double Wear formula is incredibly high coverage, this sheer iteration is ideal if you prefer a lightweight, second-skin base. It's so sheer that when I wear it, I feel like I'm wearing nothing at all. It doesn't cover blemishes, but it does even out your skin tone and add a natural radiance to your complexion, which both get big ticks from me.

8. Hourglass Veil Hydrating Skin Tint

best blurring option

Hourglass

Veil Hydrating Skin Tint

Number of shades: 18

Pros

• Creates a blurring finish
• Hydrating formula
• Easy to blend

Cons

• Would love to see a wider shade range

(Image credit: @gracelindsay__ for Who What Wear UK)

I know this is technically a skin tint, but it's so impressive that it felt wrong not to include it in this roundup. Lightweight? Yes. Skin-loving ingredients? Yes. A blurring effect? Yes. A radiant finish? Yes! It's everything I want in a sheer foundation and more, wrapped up in Hourglass' chic packaging. If you feel like a sheer foundation is still a little bit too much for your "no makeup" makeup look, I urge you to try this.

Why Trust Us

At Who What Wear UK, we know that beauty isn’t one-size-fits-all. Our editors have tested thousands of products, including skincare, makeup, hair and nails, over the years and work closely with trusted experts—dermatologists, make-up artists and leading industry insiders—to ensure every guide is well-researched, inclusive and relevant to you.

We focus on formulas that deliver, whether they’re affordable favourites or luxury investments. Our product selection is based on tangible results, ingredient know-how and what we’d truly recommend to a friend.

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This Just In: 24 Late Summer Arrivals I'd Easily Wear Into Fall

Shop in Shop is a monthly column dedicated to rounding up the latest arrivals, seasonal trends, and styles from our favorite brands and retailers.

Although the air is still thick with humidity, summer is indeed winding down. My summer style has been a steady rotation of jorts, lacy blouses, spaghetti-strap tanks, and slip dresses—easy pieces that feel as laid-back as my summer has been. But I'm ready to make the most of what's left of the season and kick my late-summer style into high gear. I want to have even more fun with my accessories by adding trend-forward pieces like bandana scarves and bug-eye sunglasses, along with pre-fall arrivals like suede bags and purple barn jackets. These are specific picks, I know, but they're exactly what's on my late-summer shopping list. To see 24 new arrivals from Quay, Quince, Free People, and Michael Kors that work now and well into fall, keep reading.

(Image credit: @annadzhenderson; @aniyahmorinia)

I look forward to getting a few new Free People pieces every season, and the items I share below are a mix of what I currently own and what is left on my wish list. I've been wearing the Sky Dancing Midi Dress ($168) on repeat this month, while the Chelsea Funnel-Neck Jacket ($168) is coming with me to Outside Lands next week. No matter what city and climate you live in, these pieces will carry you through to fall.

Free People

Sky Dancing Midi Dress

Free People

Monica Top

Free People

Chelsea Funnel-Neck Jacket

We the Free

Deep Trance Dropped Boyfriend Jeans

We the Free

Skipper Pleated Chino Midi Skirt in White Water Bay

We the Free

Collins Washed Canvas Funnel-Neck Jacket

(Image credit: @quayaustralia; @quayaustralia)

Historically, I've played it pretty safe in the eyewear department. This summer, however, I've reached for edgier pairs, and I love the contrast they give to more relaxed summer outfits. QUAY has every trending style for the season. Here are six of my current favorites.

quay

No Comment

quay

Main Feed

QUAY

Aura Points

quay

In the City

quay

Nevermind

quay

Gone Viral

(Image credit: @onequince; @onequince)

I'm calling this section from Quince my "mix and match edit." I'm not in the mood to buy one-off pieces that I'll wear for one month before the season changes. I think the following pieces are versatile enough to wear with the rest of my late-summer-into-fall wardrobe.

Quince

100% Organic Cotton Gauze Sleeveless Swing Dress in White

Quince

Italian Leather Glove Ballet Flats in Cherry

Quince

100% Silk Printed Square Scarf in Tiny Dot Black/White

Quince

100% Washable Silk Slip Dress in Black

Quince

100% Organic Cotton Boyfriend Crew Sweater

Quince

Italian Leather 65mm Stiletto Mule

(Image credit: @michaelkors)

I can't leave you without sharing a few new handbags that have crossed my desk. I love these pre-fall styles from Michael Kors. They play into the current and predicted trends of the remainder of the year: east-west shapes, suede materials, and bucket styles.

Michael Kors

Nolita Whipstitched Pochette

Michael Kors

Nolita Tote Bag

Michael Kors

Laila Shoulder Bag

Michael Kors

Jana Crossbody Bag

Michael Kors

Laila Shoulder Bag

Michael Kors

Kyla Convertible Pochette

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"Teddy Bear Bronde" Is the Seamless, Lived-In Hair Color That's Taking Over Summer 2026

I'm a beauty editor, which means trend-spotting is a very real part of my job. Whether it's predicting the bixie would be the number one short haircut of 2026 (so far, so good) or fully immersing myself in an obsession with mermaid waves, I'm constantly talking about all things hair. This year, the top summer hair trends can be summed up with one word: effortlessness.

It girls are swapping high-maintenance hair colors for easy, blended, natural-looking ones. Whether blonde, brunette, or somewhere in between, these colors require little upkeep and few salon appointments to keep them looking fresh. In fact, the more natural and grown-out they look, the better.

Recently, there's been one natural-looking hair-color trend filling up my IG feed, and I can't lie… I'm highly influenced to embrace it, like, yesterday. I'm talking about "teddy bear bronde." It's a warm, sun-kissed, and caramel-like color that celebs like Hailey Bieber and Rosie Huntington-Whiteley have already cosigned. Keep scrolling to learn why it's taking over in summer 2026 and how to maintain it once you have it, according to experts.

What is teddy bear bronde?

First things first, what is teddy bear bronde? The last word is the key. Bronde is a combo of blonde and brunette. It's a caramel-colored in-between—not exactly light, not exactly dark. "This technique involves creating soft, delicate highlights that are slightly lighter than the natural hair color (no more than two levels lighter)," Revlon R&D salon expert stylists tell me. "The highlights are carefully blended and seamlessly diffused throughout the hair to avoid harsh regrowth lines and ensure a natural-looking transition as the hair grows out."

The aim, they say, is to re-create the natural lightened effect that you'd get from being out in the sun. It's all about "adding brightness, dimension, and movement while preserving the harmony of the base color." The result is sun-kissed, luminous, and sophisticated.

If executed properly by a stylist, "the technique allows the natural regrowth to blend seamlessly, avoiding the traditional root effect and ensuring a soft, gradual transition as the hair grows. This makes the highlights a low-maintenance service, reducing the need for frequent salon visits while maintaining a polished and natural appearance," they tell me. As someone who loves a low-maintenance hair color, I'm sold.

(Image credit: @amaka.hamelijnck)

How to Achieve Teddy Bear Bronde

It's one thing to know which color you want; it's another to communicate it to your hairstylist. While inspiration pics are always recommended, the experts have a few tips to ensure you get a true teddy bear bronde. "A clear way to request this service in the salon is to explain that you would like to add brightness and dimension to your hair in a natural-looking way without creating strong contrasts," they explain. "The goal is to achieve subtle highlights that are one to two levels lighter than your base color while maintaining harmony with your hair's natural undertones and reflect."

Depending on your current base color, soft beige and light brown are typically recommended, as they enhance movement and dimension without looking unnatural. "The result is an elegant, luminous, and effortlessly natural look—as though the hair has been gently lightened by the sun over time," they add.

(Image credit: @tatemcrae)

How to Care for Teddy Bear Bronde Hair

Teddy bear bronde is about as low-maintenance as you can get, but that doesn't mean an at-home haircare routine can't extend the stunning, sun-kissed aesthetic. "To further extend the longevity of the result, the stylist may recommend a personalized at-home maintenance routine using color-depositing products such as shampoos, masks, or pigmented serums. These products help preserve the desired tone, reflect, and color balance while maintaining the hair's cosmetic quality, shine, and overall health between salon appointments," the stylists say.

Moisturizing and strand-strengthening products are also key. They enhance the luminous look of the color and keep color-processed hair in check. (I don't know about you, but my hair always feels so weak after a color appointment, and don't even get me started on split ends.) Below, see a selection of the best nourishing and strand-strengthening haircare products.

REVLON

Colorsilk After Color Conditioner

Per the name, Revlon's Colorsilk After Color line is perfect for strengthening hair post-salon appointment. This conditioner strengthens damaged molecular bonds in the hair shaft, and keeps color intact.

REVLON

Colorsilk After Color Shampoo

Don't forget the matching shampoo.

REVLON

Colorsilk After Color Shielding Hair Serum

This hair serum prevents color fading by forming a protective shield. It also boosts hydration, strengthens hair, and reduces split ends by a whopping 99%.

KRISTIN ESS HAIR

Weightless Shine Working Serum

A good shine serum like this will enhance the luminosity of teddy bear bronde.

Living Proof

Full Dry Volume & Texture Spray

Fine-haired people (like me) will love the volume and bounce you get from this.

Odele

Air Dry Styler

For no-heat days, I rely on an air-dry cream to keep my hair looking polished.

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