Glow foundations are for people who want to look rested, not finished. NARS Natural Radiant Longwear in Punjab is medium to full coverage with 16 hours of wear, and the brand calls the finish radiant. Natasha Denona Hy-Glam in N2 is a radiant serum foundation with medium coverage. YSL Skin Affair Cushion in MW4 is a lightweight cushion with a soft glow. Laura Mercier Real Flawless in 0N1 Silk is a natural finish, waterproof foundation with medium coverage, and the brand says it is suitable even for sensitive skin. Patrick Ta Major Skin in 8 Golden is a light coverage foundation with hyaluronic acid. MAKE UP FOR EVER HD Skin Hydra Glow in 2Y20 is described as 86 percent skincare based, Pat McGrath Labs Skin Fetish in Medium Deep 25 has a serum-like texture, and Lancôme Teint Idole Care and Glow in 305N has SPF 27.

Pairing tip: apply glow foundations with a damp sponge, then dab a small amount of concealer only where you need it.

What I would skip: a dewy foundation on very oily skin in summer heat. Pick a matte one for those days, or set only the center of the face.

Good base makeup depends on the prep and tools. REFY Glow and Sculpt Face Serum Primer has a facial roller and niacinamide. MILK MAKEUP Hydro Grip plus Glow is an illuminating primer that grips makeup for up to 12 hours, and Armani Luminous Silk Primer is a water-based gel that leaves a radiant finish. For blending, the Makeup by Mario F4 Dual-Ended Foundation Brush has two applicators, the Hourglass Vanish Foundation Brush is shaped for smooth blending, and the PRO foundation brush, number 64, has a flexible head for short strokes.

To lock everything in, ONE/SIZE On 'Til Dawn is a waterproof matte setting spray with 16 hours of wear, per the brand. Urban Decay All Nighter gives a natural waterproof finish and cools skin, and the brand says it is good for up to 24 hours.

Pairing tip: mist setting spray in an X and a T, then let it dry before touching your face.

What I would skip: a mattifying setting spray over a glow foundation, since it fights the finish you chose. Match the spray to the base, and use a dewy primer under a matte foundation only if your skin runs dry.

Pick the finish before you pick the brand. Matte for long days and shine, glow for dry skin, and a tint or stick when you want skin to show through. Choose coverage by what you want to hide, not what you think you should. From there, prep with one primer, blend with a damp sponge or a brush, and set only where you need it. Keep one Charlotte Tilbury shade for your base and let the rest of your routine, like the glow products above, change with the season. When you are unsure, buy the smaller product first, such as a stick or tinted moisturizer. Then check your face in daylight before you commit.