Summer is in full swing and while we'll be swapping out our winter jumpers for light maxis to accommodate the warmer weather, for most of us our makeup routines will change too.

Wearing a full face of makeup on a hot summer’s day can be very uncomfortable and by the end of the day it can look drastically different to how it looked when you first set out of the house. Lots of people choose to go makeup-free or skip foundation as not many are not as long-lasting as they claim to be and by the end of the day or just don’t give that natural finish.

However, for those of us that still want that flawless base, there is no need to worry as I’ve compiled a list of the top foundations for the summer and some tips about how to apply them!

1. Charlotte Tilbury Magic Foundation (full coverage)

The Magic Foundation by Charlotte Tilbury does exactly what it says and is literally magical. It conceals any imperfections and is perfect for anyone that wants a full coverage look which is manageable. It’s difficult to wear high coverage foundations in the heat without it melting off, but the Magic Foundation dries down to a natural demi-matte finish so is great for those who have skin that’s on the oilier side as it mattifies and stays in place without giving a plastered appearance.

RRP: £32

Don't forget to claim your 10% student discount with House of Fraser!

2. NYX Total Control (skin like and weightless)

The Total Control Drop foundation is so weightless and looks like skin but better. It comes in a super runny liquid form but is very concentrated with pigment so you only need a few drops for your whole face. It doesn’t have a traditional pump, but instead a pipette style applicator which I love as you can choose exactly how much product you want. It has a medium-buildable coverage and a smooth airbrushed matte finish.

RRP: at £14, it's a steal!

3. Nars tinted moisturiser (easy to use/no fuss/and radiant)

On the other side of the scale, a product which I discovered last summer is the Velvet Matte Tinted Moisturiser by Nars. It’s so easy to use, is lightweight and as with most Nars base products it’s recommended that you apply it with your fingers for the most natural finish. It really is a no fuss product and although it’s a tinted moisture has a decent amount of coverage (at least light-medium) depending on how much product you squeeze out. The Velvet Matte is recommended for those with combination-oily skin, and they also have a similar product- the Pure Radiant tinted moisturiser which is better suited to those with dry-normal skin as it’s more hydrating.

Both products have SPF30 which is essential in the summer to protect against sun damage, and also have ingredients which are supposed to actually gradually improve your skin the more you wear it

Nars Pure Radiant Tinted Moisturiser Spf 30

RRP: £29.50

Nars Velvet Matte Skin Tint Spf 30

RRP:£30

Don't forget to claim your 10% student discount with House of Fraser!

4. Giorgio Armani Luminous Silk Foundation (glow)

If you’re looking for a slightly dewy finish and a sun-kissed glow, the Giorgio Armani Luminous Silk foundation is the one for you. As the name suggests, it makes skin look luminous. Although on its own it’s best for normal-dry skin, with a really good primer and setting spray anyone can get away with wearing it if you’re not into looking matte since it’s oil-free. It’s on the pricier end of makeup, so I wouldn’t recommend it as an everyday foundation but it’s definitely worth having for special occasions and since you only need a pump or two it will last for ages!

RRP: from £40

Don't forget to claim 15% off feelunique.com with UNiDAYS

5. L’Oréal Infallible Total Cover Foundation (Affordable)

This foundation is great for anyone that wants quality without having to spend a fortune. L’Oréal is one of the few drugstore brands that always deliver and have such a wide range of products. With an RRP of £9.99, the Total Cover Foundation from the Infallible range is a steal and performs just as well as the other products on this list. Perfect for someone who wants a full coverage look that won’t budge or smear throughout the day. It provides a flawless matte finish and without having to use an excessive amount can hide discolouration, blemishes and any other imperfections.

RRP: £6.95 down from £9.99 with feelunique.com

Don't forget to claim 15% off feelunique.com with UNiDAYS

Extra helpers:

1. Nip and Fab foundation dark mixer

For most people, one of the best things about the summer is catching a tan, but on the flipside, it can be annoying as you have to buy a new foundation to match your summer shade. The Nip and Fab foundation mixer in dark is a life saver- all you need to do is apply a few drops to your foundation, mix it together and you have your own customised shade to perfectly match your complexion. Retailing at only £12.99 on ASOS it’s cheaper than buying a whole new foundation, and as you only need a couple of drops it lasts for ages.

RRP: £12.99

Don't forget to claim 10% off ASOS with UNiDAYS

2. Iconic London illuminator drops

The Iconic London Illuminator Drops are multi-functional and worth every penny. As well as being a liquid highlighter, you can also mix in a couple of drops with your foundation to give your skin an extra sparkle all over. They come in three different shades ranging from pearlescent to bronzy and suit any complexion. They can also be used on the body for any areas that you’d like to draw attention to such as your collar-bones, and even your legs for a Hollywood glow.

RRP: £33

Don't forget to claim your 10% student discount with House of Fraser!

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