More often than not, when someone asks me what foundation I’m wearing, it’s a tinted moisturiser or sheer-coverage base. I find this heartening at a time when full-coverage foundation sales are going gangbusters, as customers, especially those under 30, seek to cover and conceal everything.
It’s true that full-coverage bases are better and more natural-looking than ever, and I’m not one to judge the occasional desire for a full face of makeup (nor the need: those with melasma, scarring or birthmarks, say, often feel more comfortable in full coverage). But in hot weather, I prefer to lighten things considerably. I alternate between Nars Pure Radiant Tinted Moisturiser (£30, 30ml) for its high SPF (it doesn’t replace sun protection, but adds belt to braces), creamy but oil-free texture and glowy, lasting finish; and Givenchy’s exceptional Teint Couture Balm (£31, 30ml), which has a less satisfactory shade range (it goes neither light nor dark enough), but a bit more coverage and a line-blurring, plumping texture.
Broadening my repertoire for this column, I was reminded how brilliant and well priced Mac Face and Body Foundation (£24.50, 50ml) is. This sheer, very natural-looking base has a shade for everyone, and hydrates all types without grease or chalkiness. It blends easily, layering well in areas where you’d like a little more coverage (mix with moisturiser, if you’d like even less). I don’t know why Mac doesn’t shout louder about what is arguably its most iconic product.
Newer is the expensive Hourglass Illusion Hyaluronic Skin Tint (£50, 30ml). The name is misleading: I’d classify it as foundation more than tint. It does a similar job to the Givenchy, only via a more inclusive shade range, blending well and suitable for everyone but the dry-skinned. Brand new and impressive – particularly if you want the feel and comfort of a tint, but the increased coverage of foundation – is CC+ Illumination (£30, 30ml), a radiant and improved version of IT Cosmetics’ bestselling CC+ Cream. There’s no flatness, but also no glitter, leaving skin bright and even all day. It contains physical sunscreens, making it a great choice for those with chemical SPF sensitivity or rosacea, which is often aggravated by sun and left visible by other foundation lightweights.
