We’re in an era of less-is-more when it comes to makeup.
The focus remains on keeping skin in great shape and letting it shine, but there’s no denying a touch of the right foundation or tinted moisturiser can even out skin tone and provide a more flawless look.
The answer used to be layering on full-coverage base products, but formulas are evolving. It means lightweight, sheer products like skin tints that give a real-skin finish are now the way to go.
Concerned about blemishes? The beauty of the new arrivals is that most of them can be built up in layers. Where you need more coverage, you simply brush or sponge on a bit more.
Of course, there’s still a time and place for full-coverage, but in the lead up to spring and summer, you might find yourself reaching for sheerer products like the below far more often.
One thing to be aware of is that unlike classic liquid foundation, the formulation of new arrivals can run the gamut from a runny pigment to gel-cream, to watery tinted serum or nourishing oil, so they are worth trying in person rather than ordering online.
Many products now boast included skincare ingredients like hyaluronic acid and niacinamide. The former helps your skin hold on to moisture (hyaluronic acid holds 1000 times its weight in water!) and the latter helps deal to inflammation and blemishes, regulate oil production and minimise the appearance of enlarged pores. It means in a pinch, you don’t need to carry out your full skincare routine to reap the skin-boosting benefits.
That being said ,most bases, skin tints and foundations look infinitely better and last longer when your skin is prepped well by cleansing and hydrating before applying. The good news is you’ll save the time spent on skincare with your foundation or tint application – these newbies are quick as a flash and easy to apply and don’t require meticulous blending to look great.
Use a small amount and spread over a skin with a dense-bristled foundation brush, a damp sponge or your fingers. Stand back from the mirror and reassess the coverage then consider adding a touch of concealer over the top in areas like around the base of the nose, chin or beneath the eyes, but only if you need it.
Fresh, effortless and natural is the goal, and these new products really deliver.
Skin Tints to try: Maybelline Superstay 25H Skin Tint; Sothys Organics Hydrating Tinted Care; Hourglass Veil Hydrating Skin Tint (out Aug 29 at MECCA); Bobbi Brown Vitamin Enriched Skin Tint; MAC Strobe Dewy Skin Tint
