Skin is in: Why we're wearing less full-coverage foundations

At the recent Fashion Awards in London last month, actor, model and author Pamela Anderson showed up without a lick of makeup. This is not the first time the Baywatch star has chosen to go makeup free on camera. Back in September 2023, Anderson made waves at Paris Fashion Week with her bare face.

Speaking to foreign news outlets, the 56-year-old describes discarding her heavy makeup as “freedom” and “a relief”, adding that she is “much more comfortable in my own skin.”

Anderson’s decision to discard heavy makeup is part of a larger foundation-free movement that is rooted in skin positivity and self-acceptance. “I also am in an industry that really focuses on beauty. And I thought: I’m going to challenge beauty,” she says.

“I want my skin to still look like skin even with makeup on,” says Anda (@andathesea_), a local influencer, who regularly sports a lightweight skin tint paired with concealer to remind her 41.1k followers on Instagram that it is natural to have blemishes.

While Anda believes that “there’s nothing wrong with wanting to enhance your features with makeup,” she thinks that as an influencer, it’s important to use her platform to “remind women that they are beautiful as they are (with or without makeup)”

Makeup artist and body neutrality advocate Mary Victor (@maryvictorofficial) echoes her views, "as much as I enjoy doing a full glam, there are also days where I wear less foundation to let my skin breathe." Adding that, "We should wear makeup however we feel comfortable with. At the end of the day, how we feel is the most important."

Globally, the beauty industry has been shifting towards lighter skin-loving formulas, fuelled in part by the demands of the pandemic (where more time was spent at home) and mandatory mask-wear coupled with the introduction of tinted moisturisers, sunscreens and hydrating water tints, taking the place of conventional, pigmented foundations.

In September 2023, Fenty Beauty launched its lightweight Eaze Drop Blur + Smooth Tint Stick, which can be built up to your desired coverage. Meanwhile, US-based makeup brand Jane Iredale created a water-based Hydropure Tinted Serum that is packed with hyaluronic acid, allantoin and olive squalene to offer the lightest touch of coverage.

Less coverage, more skin

The increased knowledge of skin care has also contributed to the move away from full coverage sticks and creams. According to Dr Rachel Ho of La Clinic, she has seen more patients coming in seeking aesthetic treatments for clearer complexions, with the hope of reducing the reliance on foundations.

She shares that the reasons behind this increase is multi factorial, adding that not only are patients more aware that problems like hyperpigmentation and acne can be treated with evidence-based treatments such as lasers and chemical peels, but they also know these treatments are effective and safe when performed by accredited doctors.

“The in-office clinic procedures do not require downtime, making it accessible for patients who want faster results”, adds Dr Ho.

At the same time, Dr Ho shares that “there is a growing global trend of patients seeking professional medical treatments for their concerns, and this normalises seeking help as well as reduces the stigma associated with getting aesthetic treatments”.

But as to whether this leads to women ditching base makeup altogether, Dr Ho says there are still many who might feel insecure about going base makeup-free due to certain skin conditions like scarring. “Base makeup can help a patient feel emotionally better as they seek ongoing treatments, which do take time to work.”

Makeup artist Larry Yeo makes the case for embracing lighter coverage: “Full coverage foundation can make your complexion look cakey and highlight texture in the skin if not properly applied.” He stresses that ultimately, the base makeup product you pick needs to suit your skin type and texture.

Another point to note: While there isn’t anything harmful in using full coverage foundation regularly, high coverage, occlusive products may worsen your breakout woes among those with oily or acne-prone skin types.

Says Dr Ho: “High coverage foundations often require thorough cleansing with a dedicated makeup remover, [as] residual makeup particles that are not completely removed can trigger irritation and clogged pores.”

Lightweight foundation

Credit: Gucci Beauty

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Try: Gucci Eternite De Beaute Foundation SPF15, $105
Start with a lightweight liquid foundation that feels comfortable on the skin. It should not only achieve a second-skin finish, but also allows you to layer for more coverage where needed. With its high-skin affinity powders and pigments and an ultra-performant polymer technology, this foundation stays in place all day. It also soothes and hydrates with the use of hyaluronic acid and black rose oil. Comes in 15 shades.

Concealer

Credit: M.A.C Cosmetics

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Try: M.A.C Cosmetics Studio Fix Every Wear All Over Face Pen, $63
A foundation and concealer in one, it camouflages dark under-eye circles, redness and blemishes. Plus, the infusion of vitamin E, hyaluronic acid and caffeine keeps skin moisturised and protected. Comes in 19 shades.

Tinted base

Credit: Hourglass

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Try: Hourglass Veil Hydrating Skin Tint, $84
This sheer formula imparts a veil of colour to even out the skin tone for a healthy natural glow. It also leaves skin soft and smooth while boosting its moisture levels thanks to the infusion of hyaluronic acid, squalane and meadowfoam seed oil and a rambutan blend. Comes in 18 shades.

Tone-up sunscreen

Credit: Jung Beauty

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Try: Jung Beauty Probiotics Tinted Sun Serum SPF50+/PA+++, $45
This makeup-skincare hybrid not only protects against the sun’s damaging UV rays but also nourishes the skin with a blend of probiotics, niacinamide and panthenol.