Phyl Clarke offers tips on tinting
Summer, or what we are going to get of it, is here, and the unforgiving glare of the sun can be so cruel to our complexions. All imperfections are highlighted, and woe betide you if your foundation is not an exact match for your skin tone. And as for powder, well, if you like giving the impression that your face has been dipped in a bag of flour, with every little downy hair perked up on your face, you're on your own, dear.
Tinted moisturiser comes to the rescue. The tracksuit of the cosmetics world, it's just right for weekends, holidays and easy living. It's just one step away from wearing absolutely nothing, but if that's the option you favour, then you wouldn't be reading this, now would you? Here comes the natural you. The real you. Just with healthier-looking skin.
Before you go rushing up to the mirror to apply, a few words of warning. Unless you are under 25, you will not get away with tinted moisturiser alone, and if you ignore this advice you might decide (unfairly) that the finished result doesn't suit you. You will need to even out certain areas of the face, and I find that a foundation stick/concealer works well for this purpose. Use it under the eyes, around the nose and chin, and pat it on the cheeks if, like me, you suffer from high colouring.
Now you are ready for colour. Dot it on the forehead and cheeks, and blend in. I still favour the Clarins version in Blonde, which looks too dark for my pale face in the tube, but when applied, (sparingly) I'm often told how well I look. If you want the nude look, just finish with a clear lip balm (not gloss). A slick of Vaseline does the job beautifully. If you take an extra minute to attend to cheeks and lips (Nars Multiple is a favourite here), a final coat of mascara and you could be cast in the next series of Lost.
THE GOODS
Clarins Tinted Moisturiser Lovely, light "just back from the spa" look. If it had an SPF, it would be perfect. €30 from Clarins outlets.
Laura Mercier tinted foundation The natural "I've just got great skin" finish with SPF 20. €45 from Brown Thomas in Dublin, Cork and Limerick
Marks & Spencer Just Perfect Tinted Moisturiser A price tag of just €10.50 might make you suspicious, but this delivers a great smooth look, and has an SPF of 15. Wow.