As someone who deals with redness and rosacea, finding the right foundation is like finding a needle in a forest. (that's the saying, right?)
You want something that covers the redness without looking cakey, feels lightweight, and actually lasts throughout the day.
After trying countless formulas (and wasting way too much money), here are the ones that actually work:
Let me start with my holy grail (IYKYK). This foundation is a game-changer for covering redness without accentuating texture. It gives you this beautiful blurred finish that looks dewy but not oily. The best part? It stays that way all day. Every time I wear this, I get multiple compliments on my skin.
Watch: Foundation whisking Tried & Tested. Post continues below.
What makes it special for redness is its colour-correcting pigments that actually neutralise rather than just cover. I got this one from Priceline and I recommend it to everyone who has combination skin that gets both red and oily (me lol).
Pro tip: Let it settle for about five minutes after applying— it looks even better once it melds with your skin and blends so well with blush and countour.
Don't let the watery consistency fool you— this foundation provides excellent coverage while feeling like… skincare. It's incredibly hydrating and actually helps prevent redness from appearing. It's also very lightweight which is great news for those of us who hate the feeling of makeup.
There are 40 shades available, the shade I use is Golden Toffee.
I wore this to an outdoor wedding recently and it stayed put through tears, dancing, and humid weather.
Perfect for busy mornings, this stick foundation is my go-to when I need to look put together quickly while also wanting an extra glow. It does cost more than what I would usually spend on foundation but hey — it works.
It takes a while to get used to… I'm not much of a stick gal but once you've had a few tries, it so much easier than any other type of application. I will say that because of it's sheer, glowy promise, this isn't great for oily skin. When my skin is particularly oily, I stay away from this as it brings out that oil even more plus it melts away and my redness is on full display (not cool).
However, I do reach for this a lot during the cooler months when my skin moves back to a drier combination mix.
Despite being a 'sheer' tint, it provides enough coverage to neutralise redness while still looking natural.
While it's the priciest option on this list, a little goes a long way— I've had mine for six months and I'm only halfway through.
I never used to be a fan of tints until I met this little guy. It was also the first foundation I found that matched my skin perfectly. This lightweight formula manages to provide great coverage and it covers redness without looking like you're wearing foundation.
You can grab this at Sephora, and while it's marketed as a skin tint, it provides medium coverage that's buildable. The finish is natural-matte, making it perfect for oily girls or if you're prone to shininess.
A newer addition to my routine, I've been reaching for this foundation more often, especially now, while the weather is still warm. It gives you a glow while still providing enough coverage to tackle redness. It's serum-y and super lightweight as well.
You can get this at Priceline, and it's one I recommend if you're going for a "no-makeup makeup" look.
Finding my go-to foundations took a lot of trial and error and, because my skin is always changing, I wouldn't be surprised if I came up with a completely different list in the next few years.
What works for my redness might not work for yours, but these are definitely worth trying if you have similar skin concerns.
If you want more from Emily Vernem, you can follow her on Instagram @emilyvernem.
At Mamamia, we independently choose and write about products our writers genuinely recommend. We have affiliate partnerships so if you use these links to buy something, Mamamia may earn a small commission.
Feature image: Supplied.
Calling all Australians aged 18+, got 5 minutes to spare? We want to hear what you think! Complete our survey for a chance to win a $50 gift voucher.
