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These skin tints are the perfect makeup base for summer
Foundation feel too heavy? These lightweight bases might be just the ticket
If you're someone who likes to wear foundation or have a touch of coverage at all times, summer can be tricky. Not only does foundation just feel heavier on the skin during the warmer months, but they don't happen to look as good, either: combine fuller coverage with perspiration and you're left with patchiness by lunchtime.
The new generation of bases that have landed on the GH beauty desk seem the perfect solution. Skin tints - deliciously lightweight bases that offer a whisper of coverage - are the perfect base option for summer and beyond. They're often hydrating and lend a subtle glow, which make them a lot more prettifying than their matte, fuller coverage counterparts.
Good news if you're strapped for time, too: due to their sheer nature, skin tints require less time and effort to apply. Lightweight textures work beautifully when applied with your fingers, simply for the way their warmth fuses the product into the skin. "Fingers help the skin accept the product more easily," says makeup artist Gina Kane. "Plus, it's a relaxing way to apply your makeup."
Even if a fuller coverage base is your safety blanket, do give skin tints a whirl; you can always touch up any imperfections with a concealer afterwards, for any additional cover.
Here, we've rounded up all the skin tints favoured by the Good Housekeeping beauty team to help you on your way to brighter, more radiant-looking skin. You never know - our favourite might become your next favourite, too.
bareMinerals Complexion Rescue Tinted Hydrating Gel Cream
'Gel textures are my skincare go-to for their soothing, cooling and softening effects; my bumpy rosacea-prone skin looks and feels far calmer when I keep serums and moisturisers lightweight and fresh. The same applies when it comes to base, hence my love of this creamy yet-cloud-like skin tint.
It smooths on quickly and easily (I find that it melts in best if I just use my fingers), offers enough coverage to bring down flare-up induced redness and contains hyaluronic acid and plant-based squalane to help skin conserve moisture. The mineral-based SPF 30 is also just the ticket for sensitive skin if you tend to experience irritation when using chemical-based sunscreens. It does tend to slip off the t-zone on a hot summer’s day, so apply a makeup primer underneath for longer wear.'
- Anna, Beauty Editor
'As someone with sensitive skin, this is my go-to as far as skin tints go. Part of my job is trying every new tinted moisturiser and sheer foundation that launches, but this is the one I’ve bought time and again with my own money (the barometer of a really good product in beauty ed terms).
I have very dry skin and find that this formula treads that perfect line between offering loads of hydration (thank you HA and activated aloe water) without feeling (or looking) greasy or tacky once it’s on. It also doesn’t pill over my SPF 50 (I’d never wear enough of this to be protected by its SPF25 alone) and nor does blush slide around on top of it.'
- Fleur, Beauty Editor
'Foundation and I don't always get along: I'm never a fan of how it makes my skin appear one dimensional, and almost always clings to drier patches. This tint is one that feels more like skincare than makeup, which is why I've been using it since I first encountered it.
The coverage is light enough for my freckles to peek through, yet still manages to minimise areas of redness around my nose. The finish on my skin is plush and balmy, so I like to apply this with my fingers; it's the easiest and most flattering base I've found all year.'
- Phoebe, Beauty Writer
Sculpted by Aimee HydraTint Moisturising Tinted Serum
'Packed with peptides, hyaluronic acid and Centella Asiatica water, this SPF20 formula is 90% skincare and feels just as hydrating as you’d expect. The remaining tenth is a super-sheer tint that looks less like makeup and more like a good night’s sleep.
It’s not one I’d retreat behind on a bad skin day but I love how the satiny finish softens rough edges, doesn’t settle into fine lines and generally gives “clean-living lifestyle guru” vibes. Team it with white linen, virtuous-looking juice and a Gwyneth girl crush.'
- Lynne, Beauty Editor
Glossier Perfecting Skin Tint
Think again if you believe Glossier only offers products suitable for Millennials.
This skin tint works beautifully on more mature skin, for its sheer texture and blendability. It has glycerin to hydrate, so will sit comfortably on the skin without catching in any fine lines or dry patches, too. Don't be deceived by its ultra-thin texture - it does a beautiful job at concealing redness or imperfections without heaviness.
NYX Professional Makeup Bare With Me Luminous Tinted Skin Serum
NYX offer some of the best bases on the high street, and this skin tint meets the mark.
There are only five shades in this range, but stay with us: they're designed to adapt to any skin tone. Skin appears brighter and ultimately healthier, while the sheer coverage lightly conceals signs of fatigue and discolouration in a near-imperceptible way.
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