All About
The Base

Let’s face it, no matter how much moisturiser we lather ourselves in or how rigorous our exfoliation exercises are, many of us might struggle with dusty or crusty visage. Others might face problems when it comes to uneven texture or enlarged pores, in any case, leading to makeup application that gets clogged and caked in all the wrong places.

From toners that balance and prep the skin to primers that create a smooth, blurred canvas, and serums that rejuvenate and hydrate the base, here are our top product picks that will make your prep as indulgent and essential as the makeup itself. Get ready to radiate from within!

Just click the images to shop!

Science-backed and mushroom-led, Herbar’s brand-new Barrier Cream merges the silken texture of a balm with the velvety, cushion-like consistency of a cream, absorbing almost instantly to form the perfect base layer.

Clinical trials have shown that the product improves the skin barrier's function by 59%, in just 2 hours – enabling skin repair and rejuvenation by harnessing the power of shrooms!

A MUA fave, this product will guarantee that Galliano glow and forms the perfect luminous (but non greasy) base under any make-up. Perfect for a pre-summer skin boost.

A product from the cult “clean” beauty brand we love. Merit’s Instant Glow Serum’s illuminating capabilities are great with or without make-up. Enriching the skin with science-backed ingredients that plump, hydrate and illuminate.

For those with more oily skin, Milk's brilliant mattifying primer, which literally makes visible pores disappear, allowing your foundation to glide one with not an imperfection in sight.

This gel-based formula from The Ordinary glides on like butter, blurs imperfections and leaves just the right amount of dewy goodness in its path to blend over.

For those who prefer an easy everyday routine, this product lies somewhere between a toner and a moisturiser. Delivering two skincare steps in the swipe of a cotton pad, Laneige’s toner locks in hydration while remaining super lightweight and fast absorbing. Perfect for a low-effort makeup look, that keeps you cool, unlike some thicker alternatives.