Happy March! With the first signs of spring beginning to bloom, I’ve felt inspired to refresh my beauty routine—especially when it comes to bases and foundations. As the weather warms up, my skin naturally gravitates toward lighter textures, breathable formulas, and products that bring a healthy radiance without ever feeling heavy.
After all, good skin prep is the ultimate makeup. Once the foundation (literally) is set, everything else falls into place. Below, I’m sharing my current lineup of skincare-first essentials, radiant bases, and foundations that carry me gracefully into the new season. With a mix of textures, finishes, and coverage levels, there’s truly something here for every preference.
Skincare + Bases
Before a drop of foundation touches my skin, I like to begin with products that nurture and prime. These create the kind of luminous canvas that makes makeup look effortless.
- ZIIP OX – A transformative at-home device that delivers noticeable lifting and brightening. Think of it as a workout for your skin. (Code BP20 saves 20% on their site.)
- Augustinus Bader The Rich Cream – A cult favorite for a reason; deeply hydrating yet refined in texture, it’s the perfect prep step.
- U Beauty Super Smart Hydrator – Quenches thirsty skin and locks in moisture for hours.
- Agent Nateur (holi) Ageless Face Serum – A glow-inducing serum infused with anti-aging benefits. (Code Agentrachel takes 15% off site-wide.)
- Ranavat Eternal Reign Bakuchi Cream – A botanical alternative to retinol that calms and smooths.
- Supergoop! Mineral Sheer Screen SPF30 – A sheer sunscreen that disappears seamlessly into the skin. Non-negotiable for sunny days ahead.
Primers + Concealers
Spring light can be unforgiving, but these complexion perfectors ensure an even, bright base without masking skin’s natural life.
- Le Métier de Beauté Peau Vierge #3 – A tinted treatment that blurs, hydrates, and leaves skin glowing.
- BY TERRY Hyaluronic Hydra-Concealer (300 Medium Fair) – Skincare-meets-makeup with weightless coverage and hydration.
- Charlotte Tilbury Hollywood Flawless Filter (4.5) – The ultimate glow booster, equal parts primer and illuminator.
- Trish McEvoy Instant Eye Lift – A brightening wand for banishing shadows under the eyes.
- Clé de Peau Beauté Concealer (Buff) – The gold standard of concealers, blending seamlessly for a polished finish.
The Foundations
This is where things get exciting. From featherlight tints to luxurious full coverage, these formulas meet every mood and skin need.
- Orcé Come Closer Foundation (040) – A silky, buildable option made with undertones in mind. (Code BP20 for 20% off.)
- Chanel Sublimage Le Teint (Beige 40) – Pure luxury with a radiant, skin-like finish.
- Chanel Sublimage L’Essence de Teint (Beige 40) – A serum-foundation hybrid for a natural, luminous glow.
- La Prairie Skin Caviar Foundation (Golden Beige) – Skincare and foundation rolled into one opulent compact.
- Saint Cosmetics Flawless Radiance Foundation (Warm Natural) – Clean beauty with a radiant finish.
- Au Naturale C to P Foundation (Mallorca) – Fresh and breathable with skin-loving ingredients.
- Iris & Romeo Best Skin Days – Tinted moisturizer-meets-serum for those who prefer easy mornings.
- Monika Blunder Blunder Cover (Vier) – Flexible coverage in a creamy pot formula.
- SUQQU Nude Wear EX (035) – A Japanese favorite that perfects without a trace.
- Arrive Skin Boost Perfecting Tint – Think your skin, but better, in its most lightweight form.
- MAC Studio Fix Tech – A modern classic with buildable matte coverage.
- Sisley-Paris Phyto-Hydra Teint Tinted Moisturizer – Hydrating, radiant, and versatile.
- YSL 3D All Over Glow Powder – Not a foundation per se, but the perfect finishing touch for all-over radiance.
A Complete Face for Spring
When everything comes together, here’s a glimpse of how I’m currently finishing my look:
- Base: Augustinus Bader Rich Cream + Supergoop! Mineral Sheer Screen SPF30
- Foundation: Chanel Sublimage L’Essence de Teint Beige 40
- Contour & Warmth: Westman Atelier Face Trace Stick in Truffle + Saint Sun Kissed Bronzer
- Brows: REFY Brow Collection (Medium)
- Cheeks: Sisley-Paris Blush in Pink Peony
- Eyes: Natasha Denona Glam Palette + SUQQU Nuance Liquid Eyeliner (Black)
- Mascara: Sisley-Paris So Stretch Mascara
- Lips: Natasha Denona I Need a Nude Lip Crayon (Natasha) + Chanel Rouge Coco Flash in Flushed or Douceur
Bottom Line
Spring is an invitation to lighten up—whether it’s trading full coverage for something sheer, adding a bit more radiance, or simply refining the skincare underneath. This curated list brings together formulas that highlight skin rather than hide it, offering options for every finish and occasion.
I’d love to hear which product (or combination) speaks to you most. Do you lean toward the barely-there glow of a tinted moisturizer, or do you find confidence in the polished finish of a classic foundation?
Either way, this season is all about celebrating skin that feels alive, fresh, and ready for brighter days ahead.
—The Beauty Professor