SPF Foundations For Summer

It’s essential to remember that sun protection should be a year-round priority, and since you may need to adjust your foundation from season to season, consider choosing a foundation with SPF this summer. With plenty of sunshine on the cards, upgrading your foundation for the warmer weather is a good way to avoid any makeup mishaps and achieve vibrant, glowy skin. Opting for an SPF foundation not only provides optimal coverage but also offers the added benefit of sun protection, helping to safeguard your skin from harmful UV rays.

With so many high-end options to choose from, with varying benefits and different levels of SPF, we're here to help you find the ultimate SPF foundation.

SPF stands for Sun Protection Factor and measures how well a sunscreen shields your skin from harmful UV rays.

Safeguarding your skin from both UVA and UVB rays is essential, as, unfortunately, they can lead to issues like brown spots, wrinkles, ageing, and even skin cancer.

It's important to remember that UV rays are around all year-long, even on grey, cloudy days, which means it's essential to include some form of SPF into your daily skincare routine.

Versatility and Convenience

SPF foundations combine the best of both worlds. They conveniently combine skincare and makeup in one product. Not only does this save you time and simplify your beauty routine, but these multi-tasking foundations are also perfect for everyday wear. The Charlotte Tilbury Light Wonder Foundation SPF15 is the ultimate choice consisting of an air-light formula that illuminates, smoothes, and hydrates the skin.

Shield against UV Damage

Another vital benefit of wearing an SPF foundation is that it creates a physical barrier between your skin and the sun. Foundations with SPF act as a shield and protect your skin from the damaging effects of the sun's UV radiation.

All in all, this significantly reduces the risk of sunburn, premature ageing, and other potential skin implications. A broad-spectrum SPF effectively combats both UVA and UVB rays, keeping your skin healthy, happy and youthful. For maximum protection, why not try a foundation with SPF50 such as the must-have Chanel SPF50 CC cream.

Evens Your Skin Tone

Whether you have blemishes, redness, or hyperpigmentation, SPF foundations provide a flawless and natural-looking finish. Offering you excellent coverage and evening out your skin tone, we've got quite the collection of foundations with SPF that will suit your needs.

With a wide range of shades and formulas to suit various skin types, you can find the perfect match that not only provides you with sun protection but also gives your skin an all-round glow, here at Harvey Nichols. The Armani Beauty foundation range features the iconic Armani Designer Lift Foundation SPF20, which is available in numerous shades as well as a cream foundation option, too.

Lightweight and Breathable

One concern when choosing an SPF foundation is its texture and that it may leave an oily finish. Thankfully, our offering is specifically designed to be lightweight and breathable. Enriched with hydrating and nourishing ingredients that moisturise your skin without clogging pores, La Mer’s Soft Fluid Longwear Foundation SPF20 deserves a spot in your makeup bag.

For those seeking an ultra-light option, the Chantecaille Just Skin Tinted Moisturiser SPF15 and the Pure Radiant NARS Tinted Moisturiser SPF30a are made for you.

There are a few things to think about when choosing your go-to SPF foundation. To start with, consider the level of sun protection the foundation offers.

Our top tip: look for products with a high SPF rating, ideally 30 or above, as they provide better defence against harmful UV rays.

Next, look out for the coverage provided by the foundation and its formula. During warm weather, it's a good idea to opt for lightweight and breathable formulas that won't feel heavy on the skin. Additionally, choosing a long-lasting option that won't fade or transfer easily will ensure your sun protection remains intact throughout the day, and your makeup won't slip away.

Take your time to pick a foundation which matches your skin tone. You can do this by determining your undertones, testing shades on different parts of your face, seeing how it looks in different lighting and matching to your neck.

Finally, consider any additional skin benefits the foundation may offer, such as moisturising or anti-ageing properties like the specially formulated YVES Saint Laurent Youth Liberator Serum Foundation SPF20.

Getting the most out of your foundation is all in how you apply it. Following a few simple steps will allow you to achieve your desired finish.

Prep and Prime

Before applying any foundation, preparing your skin is key. Start by thoroughly cleansing and moisturising your face to create a clean and hydrated canvas and rid your skin of any excess oils, dirt, or residue.

Additionally, applying a primer specific to your skin type can help enhance the longevity and performance of your SPF foundation.

Choose the Right Shade

For a natural-looking result and seamless finish, be sure to choose a shade that's right for you. We offer a wide range of shades to suit all skin tones and types. When selecting your SPF foundation, consider your undertones and match the shade to your neck and jawline. If you need a little more help, our handy Match My Makeup tool will be your saviour when buying foundations online. Alternatively, if you visit us in-store, why not consult a beauty expert at Harvey Nichols who can assist you in finding the perfect match. We're always more than happy to help.

Apply in Thin Layers

Sometimes, less is more, and with SPF foundations, that's totally the case. We recommend applying your foundation in thin layers. Start with a small amount and blend it evenly across your face using a foundation brush, sponge, or clean fingers. Pay special attention to areas that require more coverage, such as blemishes or redness. Build up the coverage gradually until you reach your desired level, ensuring that the foundation blends flawlessly with your skin.

Don't Forget the Neck and Ears

When applying SPF foundation, it can be easy to neglect your neck and ears. These areas are often exposed to the sun and can be prone to sunburn. It's important to blend the foundation down to your neck and lightly dab it onto your ears, ensuring a consistent and natural look. This step helps create a harmonious and even complexion from face to neck.

Set with Powder or Setting Spray

In the summer, our makeup has the tendency to slip away. Enhance the longevity of your SPF foundation and reduce any excess shine with a translucent powder or a setting spray.

Lightly dust the powder across your face using a fluffy brush or mist the setting spray evenly. This step helps lock the foundation in place and ensures a matte or dewy finish, depending on your preference.

Now that you've mastered SPF foundations and how to apply them, explore our top picks to find a foundation that’s made for you.

For more essential information, tricks and tips, explore our guide to SPF skincare.