Nailing your base makeup is the best way to prep your complexion for a long day ahead. Whether it’s a pore-minimising primer, a full-coverage concealer or a sheer foundation that gives you a dewy glow, we all have a go-to formula for a fresh canvas.
For Zula’s first-ever Beauty Awards, we looked for long-lasting primers, concealers and liquid foundations that smooth out imperfections on our skin to build the rest of our makeup look on.
Presenting our judges’ picks of the 9 best primers, concealers and liquid foundations launched over the past year.
A sweat-resistant primer, Bioré’s light formula conceals pores and absorbs excess sebum to keep makeup looking fresh. The gel texture spreads easily on the skin, leaving a soft matte finish without a tacky afterfeel.
Social media influencer Chevonne Cheng “loved that it contains SPF, is fragrance-free and is suitable for oily skin,” while hair and makeup artist Christian Maranion “felt the gel consistency didn’t clog my pores or feel heavy.”
M.A.C’s primer is a tinted formula that promises a radiant, glowing complexion that lasts all day. It hydrates, blurs imperfections and softens fine lines. Coral grass brightens the skin while it shields against environmental damage.
Makeup artist Dollei Seah said the product gave her “glass skin”, and Zula’s Video Producer Cheryl Chiew noticed the fluid primer was “quite brightening and provided a nice base for my makeup. It works better for those with oily skin.”
Infused with vitamins C, A and B5, Bourjois’ primer features pigment-correcting technology to hide redness, dark circles and uneven skin tone. Its blurring effect minimises the appearance of pores while it smooths out wrinkles and skin texture.
Makeup artist Cheryl Ow liked how “well it worked on its own because of its pore-concealing properties. However, you have to give it some time to dry properly if you’re applying foundation after. Otherwise, you’ll get little balls of primer rolling around.”
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A waterproof formula, Urban Decay’s pigmented concealer controls shine and leaves the skin matte for up to 24 hours. It also easily hides trouble spots such as dark circles, blemishes and discolouration.
Chevonne enjoyed using the pigmented concealer and said, “A little product goes a long way.” Christian said the high-coverage formula “held up very well and didn’t shift through the whole day. It covered up acne scars amazingly well.”
Too Faced’s full-coverage concealer has a light, buildable texture that’s comfortable to wear. The fragrance-free formula contains coconut water and alpine rose to infuse moisture and nourishment to the skin. You can use lighter or darker shades to highlight and contour as well.
Cheryl Ow felt that “as a concealer, it is perfect. It’s thick enough, highly pigmented, does not settle into creases and blends easily.”
This hydrating concealer by Laura Mercier moves with your skin to conceal dark under-eye circles and blemishes without creasing. It provides medium to full coverage and diffuses light with a blurring powder blend for a soft-focus effect.
Dollei liked the concealer’s “fine pigment” as well as its “long-lasting” formula, while Christian said, “A little is all you need. A couple of dabs with my finger gets the job done.”
Another judges’ favourite from Laura Mercier, this foundation provides an illuminating full-coverage finish. With up to 15 hours of wear that promises zero caking, creasing and fading, this lightweight foundation controls excess shine too.
Cheryl Chiew praised its “natural finish” and said, ”The formula blended into my skin and didn’t cake or streak. I use it every day and I’m going to buy a new bottle with my own money when I’m done with this one.”
A reformulated product, Shu Uemura’s liquid foundation has a breathable, light texture that blends seamlessly into the skin for a natural glow. The shades have been tailor-made for Asian skin tones, so you can find one that fits you best.
Chevonne liked its “natural, non-cakey, buildable formula. It is suitable for yellow undertones, even after it oxidises.” Cheryl Ow noticed that it “gave me a very polished yet natural look.”
Marc Jacobs Beauty’s foundation boasts light-to-medium coverage and a weightless, oil-free formula that lasts for up to 24 hours. It features an innovative SPF technology that won’t create any flashback, so your complexion won’t look ashy in photos.
Dollei loved how it created a “beautiful healthy skin finish on-screen,” while Christian said it “lived up to its claim of having no flashback.”
For our first-ever Beauty Awards, our panel of judges tested notable primers, concealers and liquid foundations launched or reformulated within the past 12 months. Go ahead and update your collection with the best-performing products for a flawless makeup base.
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