Beauty brains Lisa Armstrong

Howiwaswonoverbycccreams

All summer and early autumn, I’ve been foundation free – and the thought of wearing it ever again is as appealing as putting on a pair of tights. I’ve never liked the look or feel of it: that airbrushed, airtight finish (usually involving a lot of silicones). But come this time of year, most of us could do with a little help from our friends. I’m talking about concealers, highlighters and tinted moisturisers – or CCS (colour correctors) as they became known.

CCS are not everyone’s cup of tea (I find the idea of rubbing pigment into my skin a bit grubby). But if you want ultra-light coverage, mainly to even out tones, plus some radiance, a CC is often the best bet. I’m using, and loving, Green People’s Age Defy+ Tinted DD Moisturiser. The DD stands for daily defence; not sure what that really means other than that it comes with SPF 15, which isn’t that useful as you won’t apply enough of it for the SPF to do much. That said, it’s an excellent product that you’ll forget you’re wearing – except your skin will look dewier and blotch-free.

For those of us who mind about these things, it’s free from parabens, alcohol, petrochemicals, mineral oils, silicones, lanolin, phthalates, triclosan, propylene glycol, irritating emulsifiers, synthetic fragrance, ethoxylated ingredients, formaldehyde… yes, that stuff really is in some other tinted moisturisers. If you can find one without that acts as a skin treat (this contains sea fennel plant stem cells to hydrate and stimulate cell renewal, and spanish needle to promote collagen production), why wouldn’t you? Below are more ingredient-conscious choices.