I’ve discovered a new bargain skin tint, available at Superdrug, that’s foolproof to apply and immediately makes my skin look better, even when I’m tired or jet-lagged
I love trying out new foundations, tinted moisturisers and skin tints, forever on the quest for the perfect face base that makes my skin look fresher, brighter and more even-toned, while still looking completely natural.
There have been some pretty strong contenders launch this year for me – including Dior Forever Hydra Nude and Milk Makeup Hydro Grip Gel Tint – but I’ve hit upon a surprising new contender – and it costs just £6.99.
High street make-up brand Collection Cosmetics has just launched its new Skin Tint, a lightweight and buildable face base containing niacinamide, squalane and vitamin C for, it claims, ‘instant glowing skin’. It’s available in eight flexible shades and costs £6.99 from Superdrug and Boots.
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Because I love my skin to look the best it can, foundation and other face bases are one of the make-up products that I don’t mind spending a little extra money on, so I admit that I did have a few reservations about how good this might be. However, I’ve been seriously impressed.
Although I always prefer to use a brush when applying any sort of face make-up, this does go on really well with fingers too, able to be dabbed on and blended easily exactly where you need it.
And the result is just as it says: instant glow, but in a very flattering, natural way. I tried it out the day after stepping off a 16-hour flight, when my skin was looking especially grey and tired, and it made me look so much perkier in a flash. I even caught my reflection a couple of times throughout the day and though how good my skin looked.
I also didn’t find that it went patchy or collected in creases over time, as I do with some skin tints, and it felt very comfortable to wear.
As with most skin tints and light coverage products that give glow rather than mattify, it’s not the longest lasting; despite Collection’s claim that it ‘lasts up to 24 hours’, I found that it had faded off slightly by mid-afternoon. However, for an excellent everyday face base at a excellent price, I’m totally sold on this.
I’d also like to see a few more shades in the range. Although they are very flexible – meaning that, because the formula is sheer, it stretches over more shades than a fuller coverage product would – there’s not much at the deeper end of the skin tone spectrum. (For reference, I wear shade 2 Fair.)
Our Mirror beauty team has put lots of other skin tints to the test this year too, and have found a few other favourites worth checking out. As previously mentioned, Milk Makeup Hydro Grip Gel Tint, £34, has been a huge hit with beauty editors this year, and lasts longer on the skin than most; it’s one of my best beauty launches of 2025.
For something creamier and more hydrating – perhaps if your skin is on the drier side – Hourglass Veil Hydrating Skin Tint Foundation, £49, also gets our vote. Although pricey, if it’s sheer-to-light coverage you’re after, they don’t come much nicer feeling than this. More like a tinted moisturiser, IMO, but with a touch more coverage and longevity, this feels really hydrating on the skin without looking too shiny or dewy, a feeling that lasts all day long.