Cheryl Shops

I recently started working in an office for the first time in five years, and I realized that on those days, my skin could probably use a little extra help. I really haven't worn foundation in years, but the harsh fluorescents lights in my workplace definitely don't do any favors for my pores or broken capillaries. I don't like anything heavy—I have very dry skin and thick foundation does not sink in very well—so I tend to prefer lighter, more blendable formulas. It also happens to be summer right now, so when I'm warm and sweaty, I really want something that lets my skin breathe. I've been testing a bunch of products lately in search of the perfect no-makeup look for summer; here are my favorite lightweight options. 

L'Oreal True Match Lumi Glotion $16.99 (c/o)

When this first came out of the tube, I was a little worried because it has a decent amount of shimmer. But I'd say it's like a more liquid Charlotte Tilbury Flawless Filter—yes, there's some luminosity to it, but it has a brightening, blurring effect that gives you a fairly natural-looking allover glow. You can wear this on its own or layer a foundation on top; for true no-makeup-makeup days, I like to mix it with a tinted sunscreen. I have the Light Glow shade, which feels right for my skin tone. 

Danessa Myricks Beauty Yummy Skin $36

Every influencer under the sun was raving about this stuff, so I bought some during the Sephora Beauty Insider event earlier this year (yes, I actually spent my own money on it!). I love concealers and foundations in solid form; for whatever reason, the texture tends to melt into my skin better than a liquid. This one is quite sheer but buildable; I apply it with my fingers, then buff it out with a foundation brush (there is a scoop built into the top of the product but I don't really get why you'd use it). I use shade 3, and while I hate to play favorites, this one is a strong contender. 

No Makeup Makeup $55 (c/o) 

I'm amazed no one has come up with a product with this name sooner, but here it is.  A little goes a long way with this one—the formula is buildable but much thicker initially than Yummy Skin. Like Yummy Skin, I like to to apply it directly to my face with my fingers, then use the brush to blend—I find it easier to control the coverage that way. While I can get away with using Yummy Skin all over my face, I think this one works better just on areas where I need more coverage, like my nose and chin; it's kind of like a hybrid foundation-concealer. I use the Light shade in this one. 

Versed Multi-Serum Skin Tint SPF 40 $19.99 (c/o)

I'd call this a dupe for Ilia Super Serum Skin Tint, except it's much better—it has a similar your-skin-but-better satiny finish but thankfully without that weird oily texture or smell. The coverage is surprisingly good considering how light the formula is, although I've found I really have to work it into my skin with the brush so it doesn't emphasize my dry patches. It also stays put all day and, as a bonus, has decent SPF, which eliminates a skincare step. I use shade 4W in this one. 

Iris & Romeo Best Skin Days $48 (c/o)

While I think Weekend Skin is Iris & Romeo's superior product, Best Skin Days comes in more shades and is a little closer to a foundation in its coverage. This one has a whipped texture that can be polarizing; I find it blends the best with a damp sponge (you can never go wrong with a Beautyblender), which leaves your skin with a fresh, dewy finish. It does have SPF too, which is a bonus. I use shade 4 in this one.