We test the revolutionary new make-up… that’s also skincare

When you have little time in the morning, what do you skimp on? Applying the skincare that keeps your complexion radiant for the long haul, or the makeup that will give you a boost here and now?

Well, a new type of hybrid makeup promises to end this dilemma. Because these high-tech products not only contain the quality cosmetics you need for a flawless finish, but also high doses of hero skincare ingredients like hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, and even exfoliating acids.

Sounds like a time-saving dream, but can an eyeshadow really reduce your wrinkles or a foundation lighten your blemishes? The answer, in many cases, is yes. You may not be able to ditch your entire skincare routine, that’s right.

“It takes a good regimen to repair and prepare the skin,” says dermatology and cosmetic nurse Emma Coleman (emmacolemanskin.com). “But an extra layer of makeup, particularly with active ingredients, can be an extra backing and barrier, providing extra protection.”

We put the best of supercharged makeup to the test…

STAIN REMOVAL FOUNDATION

SKincare superhero: salicylic acid

Oxygenetix Blemish Control Oxygenating Foundation, £55, skincity.com

Salicylic acid is a hero ingredient when it comes to removing blemishes, helping to unblock clogged pores and reducing sebum production.

Available in 13 shades, this matte foundation contains 2% salicylic acid, the same strength you’ll find in many blemish treatment products. It gives good coverage, although if you don’t have oily skin, it might be a bit drying.

Verdict: Good for the target market who are concerned that foundation might clog pores and cause more breakouts. 4/5

SKIN TONE BOOSTING BRONZER

Skincare Superhero: Vitamin C

Perricone MD No Makeup Bronzer, £30, perriconemd.co.uk

This liquid bronzer contains SPF15 and vitamin C ester, which the company says “visibly improves discoloration and dullness over time.”

And it’s true that vitamin C is brilliant at evening out skin tone and boosting radiance. However, they do not reveal the percentage of vitamin C and admit that they do not have any proof on the final formulation.

It’s not a bad liquid bronzer, but as beauty therapist Janine Caplan (thefacealchemist.com) points out, to be effective, vitamin C should be applied as the first step in your skincare routine, not on top of your cream. moisturizing. SPF and a foundation that may contain SPF.

Verdict: At this price, there are better bronzers out there and you are unlikely to get the added benefit of skin care. 1/5

FILLED LIPSTICK

Skincare Superhero: Hyaluronic Acid

Avon Hydramatic Matte Lipstick, £8, avon.uk.com

Putting a moisturizing core in a lipstick isn’t new, but Avon claims this is the first matte lipstick to have this kind of technology.

In 15 shades, from pale pinks to deep reds, the core contains hyaluronic acid, a premium humectant, meaning it draws moisture into the skin, as well as glycerin, another humectant, and seed oils. It goes on smoothly leaving a matte finish that doesn’t feel dry, even after several hours of wear.

Verdict: I love the matte look, but I have never found a lipstick that looks good, but doesn’t dry out the lips. This is a real winner and at a bargain price. 5/5

SKIN BARRIER REPAIR BLUSH

Skincare Superhero: Omega Oils

Drunk Elephant O-Bloos Rosi Drops, £31, Drunkelephant.co.uk

Made with a skin barrier that replenishes omega oils and essential fatty acids, this liquid blush gives skin a beautiful rosy glow that, unlike some powder blushes, doesn’t feel dry. They say that in addition to being used as a targeted blush, it can also be added to a serum, cream, or oil for an overall rosy glow, and it sounds like you’ll get more benefit that way.

Because, as Janine Caplan points out, “If you don’t cover every part of your face, your skincare benefits won’t be uniform.” So, assuming the oils and essential fatty acids help repair the skin barrier, if you use it as a blush, it will only repair patches, rather than all of the skin on your face.

Verdict: Although it is a good product with good potential skincare benefits, if you don’t apply it all over, they are limited. 3/5

ANTI-WRINKLE EYE SHADOW

Skincare Superhero: Glycerin

Studio 10 Liquid Foil I-Radiance, £24, studio10beauty.com

Created by a brand that is designed for more mature skin types, this shadow, available in two shades, claims to be a multitasker that is an eye primer, liner, and color wash, as well as a shadow.

Metallic without being shiny, it’s easy to apply and long-lasting, and contains glycerin, known for its ability to draw water into the skin, making it the best choice for the eye area, where dehydration can exacerbate blemishes. fine lines.

Verdict: It gives a wrinkle free finish and the ingredients really help to improve the skin and increase the performance of the product. 5/5

FIRST SCRUB

Skincare Superhero: AHA

L’Oreal Paris Prime Lab 24H Pore Minimizer, £9.99, Boots

It’s unusual to see potentially irritating ingredients like retinols and acids in makeup, that’s because, as Dr. Tiina Meder, founder of skincare brand Meder Beauty, explains, “We want makeup to look flawless.” and stay intact, so they generally need moisturizing ingredients that form a coating, rather than potential irritants.’

However, the tri-acid complex in this foundation makes up only 1 percent of the formula (lactic acid in skin care products is typically 5 percent or more), so it’s unlikely that from irritating and the brand claims that it has been clinically shown to reveal smoother skin over time.

It’s smooth to apply, blends easily and gives an instant blending effect.

Verdict: Lovely to use and I don’t doubt his clinics. I wonder if you would get the same result if you applied it over an SPF, which you should. 4/5

BASE THAT SOFTENS FINE LINES

Skincare Superhero: Niacinamide

IT Cosmetics CC+ Nude Glow, £33, cultbeauty.co.uk

The brand boasts that this is its first foundation made with skincare ingredients, featuring 2% niacinamide, an all-rounder that research shows, in concentrations of 2% or higher, strengthens the skin barrier. skin, improves skin tone, can smooth fine lines and increase radiance, as well as hyaluronic acid and SPF 40.

Available in 22 shades, it provides great concealing coverage and imparts an instant even glow.

Verdict: As a foundation, it’s brilliant, but you won’t get all the benefits of niacinamide when you apply it on top of a separate SPF. 4/5