The Digital Beauty Editor reveals her favourite catch-all makeup products for Spring-Summer 19
Words Tania Grier
For years, women’s skincare needs dominated the makeup counters, with brands spilling forth a plethora of female-focused formulas to hide spots, blemishes and dark circles, while men had to brave the world bare-faced. Today, men are much better catered for and gender neutral makeup is booming – but which products work best for which skin type? Read on for our Digital Beauty Editor’s tops picks to keep you fresh-faced throughout Spring-Summer 19.
1. Boy De Chanel Foundation
Chanel are ahead of the game with this new foundation for men. It’s all about that base, after all, and this formula is lightweight and absorbs like a dream, with the addition of SPF25. It’s scent-free and suitable for all skin types, with sleek packaging to boot. The finish is matte with a supermodel sheen – think David Gandy in those TV ads – and akin to airbrushing, blurring fine lines and concealing pores. I love it so much that I’m now using it on myself. Available online and in selected stores.
2. VITALUMIÈRE AQUA Spf 15 by Chanel
Adored by makeup artists, this ultra sheer tinted moisturiser is my go-to base for most shoots and never lets me down. Highly hydrating and long-lasting, it’s best for combination to dry skin and achieves a luminous dewy finish. Ideal for those seeking minimal coverage and an au natural look.
3. Clinique BB Cream Anti Blemish Solution
Oily or spot-prone skin? Think you can’t wear a sheer base? Don’t worry, Clinique has got your back. This long-lasting, oil-free BB cream with SPF 40 will keep you shine-free, spot-free and UVA-protected. It even helps prevent future breakouts. Shake well before use and blend your way to a smooth, mattefied finish.
4. Gatineau Perfection Ultime Miracle Eye Contour Cream
Miraculous indeed! This clever cream starts off with a blue hue then adapts to your natural shade once blended. Sitting somewhere between eye cream and dark circle corrector it’s the ideal solution if you’re not ready to commit to concealer but want to look less tired. Brightens and instantly wakens with such good results won’t need to add concealer on top unless you have very dark circles or need to warm up to match your skin tone.
5. Sisley Paris Sun Glow Gel Mat
For men who like looking tanned but hate fake tan, and women who prefer a dewy bronzer to matte, this one’s for you. A natural gel bronzer (they do one with a slight shimmer) gives an instant sheer tint for a hint of summer skin. Easy application, buildable, suits all skin tones (I used this backstage at LFW from the palest to the darkest skin) and lasting. Washes off with cleanser. The final look? A day catching rays without leaving the house.
6. Laura Mercier Secret Camouflage
Google the word ‘flawless’ you’ll come across a succession of links to this awesome full-coverage concealer. Laura’s original creation and an essential tool in every makeup artist’s kit, I can’t imagine doing a shoot without it, and countless brands have tried to copy the formula without success. Available in eight shades, it’s richly pigmented with a powdery oil-free texture, long-wearing, and covers spots and scars, redness and sun damage. Top tip: apply with a retractable brush for total precision.
7. Antipodes Mineral Foundation SPF 17
Men, if you can’t bring yourself to use a liquid foundation just yet, this one’s for you. Simply pop a small amount on a soft short brush and swirl over the face until it disappears into the pores. The all natural mineral complex makes it hard to detect. Result? Less redness, zero shine and even-toned skin. Great for rosacea, blotchy patches, and a winner for the time-poor – the application takes all of five seconds! Four shades, good for all skin types.
8. MAC Studio Finish SPF 35 Concealer
I have so many favourites for under-eye concealer that this was a tough category to narrow down, but the consistency of this product makes it one of the easiest to apply without a brush – just dab on with fingers and blend. Plus, it’s water-resistant and gets bonus points for the wide shade range. Contains SPF 35 too.
9. Rodial Instaglam Compact Deluxe Translucent HD Powder
A staple in my red carpet kit, this silky, sheer invisible powder suits all skin tones. One application achieves matte skin all day, perfect for those who want to de-shine or want their make up to stay put. I also love the blurring effect, like a Hollywood soft focus lens.
10. Charlotte Tilbury Unisex Healthy Glow
I love this marvellous multi-taster, which delivers on its promise of a healthy glow, giving a dewy, post-beach look. A tinted moisturiser, bronzer and highlighter with a sheer texture, it adapts beautifully to your skin tone.
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