As a city, London isn’t really designed to take the heat – with a case in point the tubes that seemingly have missed the air con memo. While, as Londoners, the general consensus is that we’re pretty disorganised in the beauty department when the heat strikes.
Why? Well, for most of the year, long-wear and full-coverage foundation serves its purpose of bringing radiance to us sun-deprived Brits. A heatwave, on the other hand, is no place for heavy layers. It demands us to switch out our trusted heavyweight heroes for lighter counterparts that promise not to slip and slide, despite the coverage they lend.
And so, to save your sweat (excuse the pun!), we've rounded up the cream of the crop in their respective categories – from a coverup that keeps its foundation moniker while leaning towards the lighter side to a classic ‘CC’ cream and SPF-rich tinted moisturisers...
Chantecaille Just Skin Anti-Smog Tinted Moisturiser
Formulated for big city living with anti-pollution its ‘USP’, French family-brand Chantecaille’s Just Skin Anti-Smog SPF 15 Tinted Moisturiser is parfait for those transitioning into the tinted texture. A best-selling product, it holds the nourishing qualities and radiance of a tinted moisturiser, but with its creamy, pigmented formula it simultaneously recreates the polished glow of a light-weight foundation. The unique blend of thyme and butterfly bush extract unlocks the powerful antioxidants that produce its anti-smog abilities, making it the ultimate all-rounder that we’re touting as a failsafe holiday companion.
Tint & Protect Skin Perfecting SPF 30 Tinted Moisturiser from MZ Skin
Created by leading Oculoplastic Surgeon and Facial Aestheticist Dr. Maryam Zamani, MZ SKIN’s Tint & Protect is bolstered by a hi-tech approach and science-backed ingredients. Favourites like Hyaluronic Acid, Kahai Nut Oil and encapsulated Vitamin C join forces to replenish and fortify the dermis, while the tint performs beyond the proven UVA and UBV science to deliver 360-degree defense against the sun. Offering a healthy glow without the heaviness of foundation, consider the tint a luminous complexion in a bottle.
Nars Natural Radiant Longwear Cushion Foundation SPF 50 PA+++
A foundation by definition, NARS’ latest launch breaks away from the heavy foundation stereotype with its lightweight formula. Cleverly crafted, the liquid (which enlists the help of White Water Lily Extracts to brighten skin dulled by environmental stresses) allows you to build on as you like. Coverage control aside, the foundation boasts super strength SPF – at factor 50 – to keep the most powerful of rays at bay. We’ll meet you in the park...
Your Skin But Better CC+ Cream with SPF 50+
Continuing to ride the SPF wave (bolstered by 50 SPF), IT Cosmetics’ CC+ Cream, that calls itself ‘Your Skin But Better’, because, well, it’s your skin but better, offers an alternative to the classic tinted moisturiser. Developed by a team of leading plastic surgeons, the CC cream offers a light layer of coverage with its brightening colour correcting pigments, while hydrating and minimising the appearance of pores. Layer us up!
Also on Because Magazine:
+ Battling London's pollution has never been easier.
+ Plant-powered pit protectors that actually work... Yes, please!
+ Office-bound? Fake that summer glow with E-cooking's latest concoction.