Foundations to Know Now.
The complexion category has always been competitive, yet the recent influx of launches raises the bar in a way that feels rather refreshing. Instead of chalky mattes or overly shiny glow finishes, what we are seeing now are foundations that balance radiance with control, comfort with longevity and colour with care. And here are the formulas that have held my attention the most.
Discover the foundations leading the 2026 complexion shift, with skin-first formulas and refined finishes.
Hermès Plein Air Luminous Matte Skincare Foundation
Hermès’ first skincare foundation lands in that tricky zone between matt and luminous, and does it rather elegantly. It feels very light on the skin and feels like a second layer rather than a layer of product. The finish is soft and blurred in a way that tempers shine without flattening the complexion. The coverage is medium and buildable, making it easy to keep sheer in the centre of the face and add a touch more around areas that need evening out. It holds well through humidity and heat, with colour that stays true throughout the day.
Hourglass Illusion Luminous Glow Foundation SPF 30
Hourglass has leaned heavily into its skincare language recently and the latest Illusion Luminous Glow Foundation feels like the clearest expression of that. On the first swatch, it gives a hydrated sheen that makes the skin look lifted and more energised. The medium coverage sits on the natural side and stays crease free. The SPF 30 is also a welcome addition for daytime use, especially as the formula does not pill over sunscreen. It is one of the few glow foundations that manages to stay fresh for a good part of the day without melting or slipping.
Guerlain Parure Gold Mesh Skin Cushion
Guerlain’s cushion is positioned as a skincare forward complexion product and it behaves very much like that. The texture feels instantly cooling upon contact and coverage sits at a soft medium that evens tone while still allowing the skin to show through. The shade range is focused specifically on Asian undertones, which makes it easier for those with olive, golden or neutral tones to find a flattering match.
Armani Beauty Luminous Silk Natural Glow Blurring Liquid Foundation
Updating a cult classic is always risky but Armani has managed to preserve what made Luminous Silk iconic while nudging it into modern skincare territory. It still blends with almost no effort and gives that unmistakable soft glow, though now there is an added blurring quality that smooths pores and texture. The coverage is a true medium that can be sheered out for daytime or layered for a more polished finish. The expanded shade range also fills important gaps in the olive spectrum, which makes the match feel more believable. Fans of the original will likely approve and anyone new to the line will find it very easy to wear.
Tom Ford Beauty Architecture Radiance Hydrating Foundation SPF 50+
Tom Ford’s latest Architecture Radiance sits firmly in the luxurious, high performance bracket. It has the glide of a serum and spreads smoothly with either fingers or a brush. The finish is radiant but not oily and the SPF 50+ is more than welcomed. Coverage can hit full if layered and it photographs beautifully, which explains why it has already become a favourite for events.
