Beauty editor Laura Mulley has seen lots of new skin tints and tinted moisturisers launch recently, but this one beats them all; it’s even made her ditch her favourite foundation
As the days get lighter, so do make-up face bases, and we’ve seen a shift from full-coverage foundations to more sheer tinted moisturisers and skin tints (Milk Makeup’s new Hydro Grip Gel Tint is one that’s currently proving popular in beauty circles). With occasionally troublesome skin, I’ve never found a tinted moisturiser that I love as much as my go-to foundation – until now, that it.
Clarins has just released its new Skin Illusion Tinted Moisturizer, a hydrating tinted face base containing hyaluronic acid, kiwi extract and SPF 25. Available in 11 shades, this 94%-skincare formula claims to deliver 24 hours of hydration to the skin, boost skin’s radiance by 95%, and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles by 24%.
Retailing for £40, you’ll currently find Skin Illusion at its cheapest price on Debenhams at the moment, at £32. And, after reaching for it every day for a week, I’d totally sold on it.
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Pros
- Feels very hydrating on the skin
- Doesn’t go patchy throughout the day
- Gives skin a natural looking glow
- Can be applied with fingers
- Slim and lightweight tube is great for travel
Cons
- Some might find the shade range a bit limited
- Sheer coverage so won’t cover noticeable blemishes or other imperfections
- Fades off a bit as the day goes on
I love a sheer, natural face base but my main problem with tinted moisturisers and skin tints is that, on my skin, they usually look great when first applied, but turn patchy or drier-looking as the day goes on and the ‘water’ or ‘moisturiser’ part of the formula sinks into the skin. This new Clarins one, however, stays looking fresh almost all day long (I wear shade 2).
It goes on equally as well with fingers as it does with a brush or sponge, and makes skin look immediately better: fresh, healthy and glowing – a real ‘your skin but better’ effect. It doesn’t have enough coverage to mask deep spots or pigmentation, but I always use a concealer over the top of my base anyway. It also feels really comfortable on the skin – not too greasy and slippy, nor too dry.
I do think what skincare you use underneath helps in creating this lovely finish too; I’ve been obsessed with the new Ultra Violette Future Fluid SPF50+ Superlight Mineral Sunscreen, £38, recently.
It won’t replace my favourite foundation for when I want more of a flawless finish, but for everyday effortless wear and skin that just looks better, this is the best tinted moisturiser I’ve tried in ages.
If you’re after a lightweight base that lasts a bit longer, you should definitely try Milk Makeup Hydro Grip Gel Tint, £34. And for a refreshing feel on the skin, our shopping writer Grace loves Kosas BB Burst Tinted Gel Cream, £34.