This article was written for Annabel & Grace, which is now part of Rest Less.
I don’t know about you but I have definitely pared down my make-up during lockdown. I don’t do too much Zoom so I am not needing that heavy made up look. The only people I see are OH, the postman and other delivery people so no parties or indeed dressing up. Nope it is dressing down and minimal make-up for me, without scaring the neighbours. Tinted moisturiser is no. 1 product on my lockdown list. I am a foundation girl when out and about. However lockdown has meant good eating, clean air and some sunshine so my skin is glowing. But at 61 years it still needs a bit of help.
The thing about tinted moisturisers is, if you choose well, they are part skincare, part make-up, and they work to even out your skin tone and discolouration, illuminate your complexion and softly blur imperfections, while simultaneously offering sheer coverage and a touch of colour to lend a natural radiance to skin.
They’re often packed with complexion boosting ingredients, such as SPF, as well as anti-ageing and free-radical fighting properties that work in unison to protect and perfect your skin. Apply like you would with your typical moisturiser, by dabbing with your fingers or a flat foundation brush if you prefer.
Now we need to choose the right one…….so I am going to tell you about a few that either I or one of my friends has used and loved. We do not get sent lots of free beauty samples so our reviews are honest because one of us has actually bought and tried the product.
NARS pure radiant tinted moisturiser, 50ml ~ £31
This tinted moisturiser has a cult following and this is not surprising as it is a very popular make-up brand with make-up artists and customers. It comes in 12 shades so there should be one that suits your skin tone. With an SPF30 (essential nowadays) this advanced, oil-free formula provides a translucent veil of colour and gives a radiant, luminous finish.
Offering advanced sun protection, it shields your skin from the sun’s harmful rays, while also reducing the appearance of hyperpigmentation and dark spots in as little as four weeks. Infused with lush, naturally derived botanicals, it helps skin to feel hydrated and encourages a bright, natural-looking glow; kopara from French Polynesia and mineral-rich sea water revive and ‘remineralise’ skin for a softer, smoother finish. It’s dermatologically tested, non-comodogenic and synthetic fragrance-free.
Annabel: I found it practically perfect and loved the way it glides on and, unlike foundation, it does not sink into lines and wrinkles.
Guinot Crème Hydra Finish 30 ml ~ £28.75
Grace, Marvellous Mother-in-Law and I are all great fans of Guinot – Brightening High UV Protection Cream SPF 50 and often wear it on its own as it gives a glow and is perfect for everyday. However the Guinot Crème Hydra Finish is a good alternative when you want some tint.
It has an SPF15 and maintains perfect, long-lasting hydration. This tinted moisturiser also soothes redness, calms pimples and reduces uneven skin tone. The purple pigment melts into skin to reveal your unique, radiant glow. The secret to this product is an exceptional ingredient called mallow which increases your skin’s hydration levels by over 50%.
Trinny London BFF skin perfector SPF30 – £35
If you haven’t realised by now Grace and I are obsessed with this creme. It gives one a dewy glow and to be honest is all you need if you don’t want to put on a full face. Natural and healthy is the look it gives you. However if you put more on it will miraculously cover up imperfections.
BFF’s coloured microspheres adapt to your own skin tone, creating a flawless, natural glow. Light-reflecting extract of porcelain flower boosts radiance, tones down redness, and makes light work of dark circles. SPF 30 protects skin from UV.
Lancome skin feels good foundation, 32ml ~ £26
Don’t be fooled by the brand referring to it as a foundation, as it fits much better in the tinted moisturiser category, thanks to its barely-there look. It’s a great choice if you suffer from dry skin as it doesn’t cake, look heavy or sit in wrinkles or lines that you want to avoid drawing attention to.
Enriched with glycerine, hyaluronic acid and moringa seed extract, this sheer-to-buildable lightweight base will blur out imperfections and leave a dewy (but not greasy) finish. Packed with nearly 30 antioxidants, it feels like a silky, rich cream on the skin, rather than make-up.
Glossier perfecting skin tint, 30ml ~ £20
This one was used on me by a make-up artist as she said I was looking washed-out. It gives an almost invisible veil of colour that quite simply makes you look like a better version of yourself.
It contains diamond powder to give a soft-focus effect that rivals Instagram filters, and glycerine to moisturise parched skin. Its light liquid formula blends in flawlessly while the controlled nozzle ensures you don’t use more than necessary. If you are looking for a fuller coverage then this one is not for you.
Annabel: I love it because it just makes you look healthy without seeming as if you have made a huge effort – a sort of ‘better you’ look.
No7 city light tinted moisturiser, 50ml ~ £13
My daughters love this one as it is purse-friendly and is packed with protective properties. It will shield your skin from harmful smog, environmental stressors and other pollutants that can cause stress to your skin, often leaving you with breakouts or even deep-set wrinkles. This does leave quite dewy shine on your skin, so oily types should steer clear. And only three shades which is disappointing.
Not only does it enhance radiance, and leave a confidence boosting flawless complexion, No7’s patented antioxidant complex helps boost natural defences against environmental stresses such as pollution.
City Light is combined with No7’s unbeatable 5* UVA technology and SPF 15 which helps defend against the ageing effects of the sun and protect skin from future visible skin damage, it’s the perfect shield against environmental aggressors that can cause the skin to age.
Drunk Elephant Anti-Pollution Sundshine Drops ~ £30
However if you don’t want to ditch your moisturiser then a couple of these drops added to your daily moisturiser could be the answer.
These Sunshine drops from Drunk Elephant are an easy way to get a sun-kissed glow without the long-term consequences.
This hard-working product is formulated with a chronopeptide that mimics the antioxidant benefits of vitamin D, omega-rich virgin marula and black currant seed oils, along with vitamin F (fatty acids), which immediately replenish the delicate balance that supports a healthy barrier function of skin, while a concentrated mix of protective antioxidants boosts skin’s defences against pollution and environmental stressors…all delivered with a bronzy finish.
Play around with them as less is more and you can always add a bit more in tomorrow’s moisturiser. I have found that two drops is perfect but everyone has a different skin tone.
Tan-Luxe Super Glow Hyaluronic Self-tan serum
This is a brilliant self-tan serum. Easy to apply, no smell, no streak and just the amount of colour that you want. I use the least amount of drops suggested i.e. 2. The more you drop the more you glow. I reapply three times a week at this time of year.
It is a nourishing self-tan serum that contributes a burst of hydration, intense conditioning and superfood ingredients to even, correct and boost skin tone and texture.
This soothing, multi-purpose self-tan serum is enriched with an exclusive hyaluronic complex, which helps to create a warm, radiant glow across the complexion. Working to minimise the look of pigmentation, shield the skin against environmental aggressors and combat the signs of dehydration and ageing, it features cocoa seed extract among its antioxidant ingredients.
It works under a moisturiser and the colour develops subtly. I would not be without these as I do not like to sunbathe my face and I am naturally pale so I use them when the rest of my body has a bit of a tan.