MAKEUP WITH BENEFITS II

Having published February's roundup of makeup/skincare hybrids, the concept lingered in my mind in such a way that I found myself constantly noting down [and hunting down] possible candidates for round two.

Virtuous makeup is a no-brainer, for gone are the days when makeup had the monopoly of the beauty market. Skincare rules, and in this day and age you'll find women just as likely to splurge on a cleanser or moisturiser as a lipstick. Beauty brands have become savvy as to what women want - and what we want is makeup which goes above and beyond simply providing texture/coverage/glow/colour etc etc. We cherish those properties, but we also expect something magical to be going on under the surface. If we're deciding between a pair of concealers, one which promises simply to cover, and the second which also targets blemishes and provides SPF coverage, we're going to opt for the latter.

Over the past year I've noticed that brands are increasingly promoting their makeup launches by merit of their skincare benefits/ingredients; and you only have to glance over a list of the latest base releases to observe that [be it foundation, concealer, or powder] the common denominator is the phrase 'SPF'.

Virtuous makeup is in, and never has the phrase '2-in-1' been more applicable.

Find below seven more makeup/skincare hybrids to invest in.

KIKO Unlimited Foundation SPF15*

KIKO have taken the UK beauty market by storm this year, and aside from the [well-deserved] hype surrounding their eyeshadow range, the hidden gems of the brand are their foundation offerings. For me, the standout of the collection is this liquid foundation - the formula is hypo-allergenic, non-comedogenic, and is fragrance and paraben free; rendering it ideal if you have sensitive or blemish-prone skin. It also contains a rich blend of oils which not only lightens the texture, but hydrates and nourishes the skin throughout the day. And the star ingredient? Sea lavender extract, to lifts and brighten a dull complexion.

LIPSTICK QUEEN Honey Bee Lipstick*

Best served by the description bestowed upon it by Lipstick Queen;s founder Poppy King: 'like a spa day for the lips', this uber nourishing lip treatment allows even those with severely chapped lips to indulge in a little luxury. Enriched with Royal Jelly, sunflower, and chamomile extracts, it seeks to soothe and repair lips, and does so with a speed which will see you ditching your regular lip balms in a heartbeat. What's more, it delivers a subtle golden bronze finish and a hint of shimmer which leaves lips looking [and feeling] plumped and healthy. Summer lip care, sorted.

ESSIE All-In-One Base Coat

A good base coat provides more than just a smooth, even base - although this certainly helps in allowing for an at-home take on manicure finesse. Essie's offering is a long-term favourite of mine as it dries super fast and prevents even the most pigmented of polishes from staining. If you tend to go cheap with your base coat but suffered from easily chipped, flakey nails then it's worth investing in something a little more luxe. Since ditching the budget offerings and picking up this bottle [which has lasted remarkably well given I use it twice a week] my nails have been stronger and healthier than ever.

THE BODY SHOP Honey Bronze Bronzing Powder

The Body Shop's makeup range was always going to be virtuous, and I'll wager this is one of few bronzers which can boast of being bountiful in skincare goodness. Whilst I wouldn't recommend using it as a contour, it delivers a delicate warmth which serves to add life to a wan complexion, and is rich in antioxidants and moisturising extracts [including soybean oil, honey, marula oil, and shea butter]. As someone with super sensitive skin, I can vouch for happily dusting this all over [when warmth and glow are on the agenda] without enduring any nasty [breakout] consequences.

DIOR Addict Lip Glow

A 'my lips but better' shade which enhances your natural lip hue [providing custom colour!] and hydrates and protects. Sounds too good to be true right? Wrong. This Dior bestseller is a bestseller for a reason, a bona fide handbag essential which takes lip care to the next level [luxe]. It applies as a silky, sheer balm, which gradually adapts to your lip colour, whilst providing SPF protection and maximum hydration via the inclusion of mango butter and loofah extract.

EVE LOM Flawless Radiance Primer SPF30*

Eve Lom's makeup range is about as close as you can possibly get to skincare in makeup form. This primer renders day cream non-essential with its inclusion of the brand's famous BerryFlux Vita formula - a complex of antioxidants and hyaluronic acid which locks in moisture and hydrates the skin for a smooth, supple texture. It also contains Sand Lily and Niacinamide, ingredients which brighten pigmentation and tackle breakouts. As for its priming capabilities - it goes above and beyond; providing a smooth, matte base, along with light diffusing particles which blur imperfections and brighten a dull complexion. No matter what your skincare concern, this product will work for you.

EVE LOM Radiance Lift Foundation SPF15*

Perfectly suited to the above primer, this foundation delivers a weightless, medium-coverage finish which is all about the glow. My skin never looks quite so supple and dewy as it does when I'm wearing this; radiance is most definitely the word. Again, the formula is based around the BerryFlux Vita complex, and also contains Vitamins E and A, rose flower, and cress extracts - all of which aid hydration and provide around the clock repair and nourishment whilst smoothening the skin's surface and increasing elasticity. This is one of those rare and wonderful foundations which somehow looks better as the day progresses, so I'm always a little loathe to remove it.

For more virtuous foundation options be sure to check out my recent foray into the world of solid foundation.

What 'makeup with benefits' feature in your collection?