The best illuminating makeup bases

Chanel Le Blanc De Chanel Multi-Use Illuminating Base

1/11

This cult favorite iconic makeup base instantly illuminates the complexion with a subtle halo and perfectly evens out the skin's texture too. You can apply and blend it with a brush or fingertips and it even offers some illuminating coverage that can mask dark circles and redness.

Revlon Revlon PhotoReady Brightening Primer, $29.90

2/11

A fluid-textured primer that glides on skin. It leaves a bright, luminous finish that also evens out skin tone, all thanks to super fine pearl particles in the formula.

Tarte Radiance Drops, $50

3/11

This looks like an oil but is a non-greasy formula that glides easily onto skin.Under your foundation, it acts as a highlighting primer with its pearlescent glowy finish, and can even be used to moisturise lips. It has coconut, jojoba oil and vitamin E so it’s great for your skin.

M.A.C Prep + Prime Natural Radiance Face Primer, $69

4/11

A silky gel emulsion that blends effortlessly into skin, hydrates and smoothens the complexion to improve foundation application. Vitamins E and C provide antioxidant benefits, caffeine boosts mircocirculation, and illuminating pearl powders give instant radiance. Available in Radiant Yellow for deeper skin tones, and Radiant Pink for fairer skin tones.

Charlotte Tilbury Wonder Glow Instant Soft-Focus Beauty Flash, $51.09, from net-a-porter

5/11

This makeup primer can be worn under or over foundation, or even on its own. It is infused with a subtle radiant tint, and lends skin a soft focus effect with pigments that reflect light, blurring imperfections and fine lines. Dull, tired skin is left luminous and awake.

Cover FX Illuminating Primer, $59

6/11

This has a mineral complex that refines skin with minerals and vitamins, and also helps to boost microcirculation. It makes light bounce off the skin, creating the appearance of a natural-looking, luminous glow.

Estee Lauder Genuine Glow Priming Moisture Balm SPF15, $67

7/11

Despite the word “balm” in its name, this makeup base is oil-free, lightweight and spreads easily. It smooths and primes skin for foundation weightlessly, and encourages a natural glow.

Benefit That Gal Brightening Face Primer, $51

8/11

A silky-textured pink-toned primer that brightens skin tone, thanks to tiny light-reflecting pigments. Skin dullness melts away once you apply it and what’s more, it contains raspberry and chamomile to soothe and care for skin too.

Shu Uemura TSUYA Skin UV Under Base Youthful Radiance Mousse SPF30 PA++, $68

9/11

This mousse-to-cream formula needs to be smoothed on with a makeup sponge. It plumps up skin and smooths away fine lines by infusing skin with moisture. Plus, it lends skin a luminous, rosy veil and has UV protection to boot.

Make Up For Ever Radiant Primer Peach, $70

10/11

This lightweight and creamy makeup primer leaves skin with a more evenly-toned appearance and helps makeup to look fresh for longer. It has hydrating, firming and smoothing skincare benefits and the peachy tone gives skin a subtle, natural rosy glow.

Chantecaille Liquid Lumière Anti-Aging Illuminator, $37.99, from net-a-porter.com

11/11

This anti-ageing primer makes the complexion look wonderfully glowy with a pearlescent soft pink radiance thanks to light-reflecting pigments. What’s more, it also has bamboo and pea extracts to offer skincare benefits by boosting skin’s collagen production to firm and smooth away fine lines over time.