Iconic beauty brand Lush has just dropped a new range of make-up, including primers, tinted moisturiser and mascara – and our beauty editor has been putting them to the test
Lush is probably best known for its fun and fragrant bath bombs, but when the iconic bath and body brand announced that it was launching a new line of make-up, I was certainly intrigued. Described as ‘make-up that multitasks so you don’t have to’, the new range of tinted moisturisers, primers, concealers and skin tints include skin benefits as well as natural-looking results – and I’ve given it a go.
Having already tested out lots of foundations, tinted moisturisers and skin tints this year – and as someone who wears some sort of face base almost every day – the new Lush product I was most intrigued to try was the Skinwear Tinted Moisturiser, £16, and available in some shades. Here’s how I got on…
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Admittedly, I initially had my doubts. I’m not really a ‘Lush girl’ and tend to favour foundations from mid-range brands and above – and, because Lush isn’t known for its make-up, I wasn’t sure what to expect here. First impressions of the product also made me a little wary; it comes in a metal paint tube-style packaging, and looks very thick and paste-like when first squeezed out of the tube.
However, I shouldn’t have been so sceptical because the product is actually very good. Despite its thick texture it rubs in really easily with either fingers or a brush, and leaves skin feeling instantly softer, smoother and nourished. Containing glycerin, cocoa butter and jojoba oil, it really feels like a moisturiser, with a very light, sheer veil of coverage that still does a great job of blurring and erasing minor imperfections.
Lush says it gives a matte finish, but I think that word gives the wrong impression; sure, it’s more blurring and soft-focus than luminous or light-reflective, but it’s absolutely not cakey or flat, as you might expect from a matte formula. It also has a really moisturising feel that you can still feel on your skin at the end of the day. I think it would suit all skin types, including dry, except perhaps very oily complexions.
As with most lightweight bases like skin tint and tinted moisturisers, don’t expect this to stay looking flawless for hours on end – although it layers well and is very easy to touch up if you need a little extra coverage throughout the day. If it’s longevity you want fro your lightweight base, I can’t recommend Milk Makeup Hydro Grip Gel Tint, £34, enough for this.
I’d also like to see a slightly wider shade range, especially for deeper skin tones (I’m wearing Light Neutral, the third lightest of them, and it’s perhaps still a little light for my fair skin tone).
Another even cheaper new skin tint has also impressed me recently: Collection Cosmetics Skin Tint, £6.99 from Superdrug. I tried it out the day after stepping off a 16-hour flight, when my skin was looking especially grey and tired, and it made me look so much perkier in a flash. I even caught my reflection a couple of times throughout the day and though how good my skin looked.
And for something creamier and more luxurious, Hourglass Veil Hydrating Skin Tint Foundation, £49, also gets my vote. Although pricey, if it’s sheer-to-light coverage you’re after, they don’t come much nicer feeling than this. More like a tinted moisturiser, IMO, but with a touch more coverage and longevity, this feels really hydrating on the skin without looking too shiny or dewy, a feeling that lasts all day long.
