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There are countless of foundations out there that claim to give your skin a smooth, flawless finish. In fact, you can even say that it’s the bare minimum required of foundations, with the shelves filled with a multitude of options from high-end to drugstore variations.

This, hence, brings to mind the question: what distinguishes ordinary foundations from the standout ones, then? While it may seem like a daunting question, fret not: the market has been teeming with new foundation innovations lately, and we have the scoop on the best of them.

Intrigued? Read on to see our recommendations.

1. Max Factor Healthy Skin Harmony Miracle Foundation

Foundation Roundup Max Factor

Sure, we’ve all heard of foundations that provide great coverage, but what about a foundation that does just that, and happens to be good for your skin? Yup, you read that right: that is exactly what the Max Factor Healthy Skin Harmony Miracle Foundation claims to do.

Formulated with skin-loving ingredients, this foundation gives a fresh, flawless coverage that lasts all day. Not only that, it also offers 24-hours hydration and shine control, combating external stressors such as the sun and your office’s freezing cold air-conditioner. It comes in six different shades, and even has SPF20. Sounds perfect, really.

The Max Factor Healthy Skin Harmony Miracle Foundation is available at selected Watsons stores, and retails for SGD27.90. Check out what Daily Vanity readers feel about the foundation here!

2. Sephora Collection Glow Perfection Foundation

Foundation Roundup Sephora Glow

Banish uneven skin tones with a pump or two of this Glow Perfection Foundation from Sephora. Seriously, this nifty little product also happens to be radiance boosting as well as long-lasting, which means it can give up to 10 hours of even, glowing coverage.

Another plus point? Its available in 12 varying shades, which means that there is definitely the perfect one out there for you. No mixing needed to achieve a shade that is just right for your skin tone!

The Sephora Collection Glow Perfection Foundation is available at all Sephora outlets and retails for SGD26.

3. Benefit Hello Happy Soft Blur Foundation

Foundation Roundup Benefit

A real-life Instagram filter placed over your face at all times? Yes, please! The Benefit Hello Happy Soft Blur Foundation does precisely that, blurring out imperfections and evening out skin tones with its soft-focus optical blurring spheres.

According to users, it gives a natural looking coverage and even feels weightless on skin, which makes it all the more perfect for our hot and humid shores. Pick from a selection of 12 different shades, and get ready to see the effects of its namesake.

The Benefit Hello Happy Soft Blur Foundation is available at all Benefit boutiques and Sephora outlets, and retails for SGD49.

4. Colourpop No Filter Foundation

Foundation Roundup Colourpop

It may be called the No Filter Foundation, but this foundation by Colourpop is specially formulated with soft, blurring pigments that definitely makes it seem like you have a filter over your face. The product has a matte-finish, is oil free, and get this: only comes up to about SGD16. Say what?

Okay, it may add up to a little more if you add in the delivery charges, but shipping is free once you spend over SGD50, so you might as well pick up a few other items while you’re at it.

The Colourpop No Filter Foundation can be purchased on its site. It retails for USD12 (~SGD16.37)

5. Maybelline New York Superstay 24H Full Coverage Foundation

Foundation Roundup Maybelline

It’s not called the 24H Full Coverage Foundation for nothing — this one by Maybelline gives users the perfect full coverage that requires minimal touch-ups all-day. Even better yet, it has an oil-free formula, doesn’t clog your pores, and is transfer-proof, which means you can totally don a white shirt with this baby. Pick from six different shades, and bid mid-day makeup meltdowns goodbye!

The Maybelline New York Superstay 24H Full Coverage Foundation is available at all Guardian, Watsons and SASA outlets. It can also be purchased from major supermarkets and selected departmental stores. It retails for SGD24.90.

6. THREE Angelic Synthesis Foundation Serum

Foundation Roundup Three Angelic Serum Foundation

A foundation and a serum? That’s right, the Angelic Synthesis Foundation Serum by THREE is a multi-functional powerhouse, providing a perfect combination of foundation and skincare. Made of 83% naturally derived ingredients, the product reflects light to bring radiance and lustre to your face. It also happens to have a long-lasting, second-skin finish that feels natural and weightless. We’re sold!

The THREE Angelic Synthesis Foundation Serum is available at its beauty counters in Takashimaya and Tangs. It retails for SGD85.

7. Kate Tokyo Powdery Skin Maker

Foundation Roundup Kate Tokyo

A light-weight foundation that transforms to a powdery texture in a matter of seconds? It’s more likely than you think! This innovative piece of technology is a newcomer to Kate Tokyo, ensuring instant full coverage without a hint of stickiness due to the adhesiveness of the liquid that settles into a powdery finish. Trust us when we say that you’ll definitely be upping your foundation game with this baby.

The Kate Tokyo Powdery Skin Maker is available at selected Watsons and SASA stores. It is also available at Don Don Donki, Welcia-BHG, as well as on Lazada. It retails for SGD34. Check out what Daily Vanity readers feel about the foundation here!

8. BeautyBlender Bounce Liquid Whip Long Wear Foundation

Foundation Roundup Beautyblender Bounce Liquid Whip Longwear Foundation

BeautyBlender? As in, the BeautyBlender sponge? That’s right, the brand has now branched out, creating a weightless, velveteen-matte foundation that you can use in conjunction with their iconic BeautyBlender makeup sponge.

It claims to glide on skin with a light-as-air texture that allows for easy blending. Another plus point? It comes in 32 diverse shades to choose from.

The BeautyBlender Bounce Liquid Whip Long Wear Foundation is currently available on Sephora US. It retails for USD40 (~SGD54.46).

9. Yves Saint Laurent All Hours Stick Foundation

Foundation Roundup Ysl All Hours Stick Foundation

Not only is the Yves Saint Laurent All Hours Stick Foundation available in an ultra-convenient, practical package, but it is also oil-free and comes in a beautiful cream-to-powder formula that makes shine control a breeze.

The Yves Saint Laurent All Hours Stick Foundation will be available from 3 August at its boutiques located at Ion Orchard and VivoCity. It is also available at its beauty counters in department stores such as Metro, Takashimaya, and Tangs. It retails for SGD88.

10. Revlon PhotoReady Insta-Filter Foundation

Foundation Roundup Revlon Photoready Insta Filter Foundation

You’re not seeing things: The Revlon PhotoReady Insta-Filter Foundation does, in fact, come equipped with a built-in blender. This means that blending is made super easy and convenient, with the lightweight, innovative formula certainly helping things along.

The Revlon PhotoReady Insta-Filter Foundation is available at all Guardian and Watsons outlets. It It can also be purchased from major supermarkets and selected departmental stores. It retails for SGD27.90.

11. By Terry Nude-Expert Duo Stick

Foundation Roundup Terry Nude Expert Duo Stick

A foundation that is part highlighter? Now we’ve really heard it all. The By Terry Nude-Expert Duo Stick truly gives you the best of both worlds, with one end of the stick being a high coverage, matte finish foundation, and the other being a highlighter guaranteed to give your skin a pearly, radiant glow. The travel-sized packaging also makes it extra convenient for touch-ups on the go!

The By Terry Nude-Expert Duo Stick will be available at selected Escentials beauty counters, such as at Tangs and Paragon from mid-August. It retails for SGD78.

12. Shu Uemura The Lightbulb Fluid Foundation

Foundation Roundup Shu Uemura The Lightbulb FoundationThe best-selling The Lightbulb Fluid Foundation from Shu Uemura is getting a revamp this year, with the new formula sporting an effortless, natural texture that applies on like second-skin. It is even tailor-made for Asian skin tones, so finding the perfect shade is going to be a breeze, really.

The Shu Uemura The Lightbulb Fluid Foundation will be available at all Shu Uemura boutiques, such as at Bugis Junction and VivoCity. It will also be available at its beauty counters in departmental stores such as Isetan and Metro from the 1 September onwards. It retails for SGD72.