Summer is around the corner and with the hot weather comes the reality of a sweatier, oilier face.
So our makeup tends to get lighter in consistency, with foundations swapped out for skin tints and heavy powders ditched.
Makeup in sheer or balmy textures becomes a blessing.
While it’s not the most mask transfer-proof finish, a sheer texture is quick and easy to top up. Usually only a quick blend with the pad of a finger (over a brush and sponge) is all you need.
Dominic Skinner, global senior artist at MAC Cosmetics tells Metro.co.uk these textures also allow you to experiment with playful colours in a failsafe way.
Using blusher as an example, he says: ‘Bold looks always find a way to filter to the high street.
‘So a bold, yet sheer, pop of blush has its origins in fashion week but made more wearable.’
So as well as being quicker to apply and less heavy on the skin, you can afford to go brighter or more statement than you normally would, in the knowledge that, being sheer, your natural skin tone will peek through the product and wash the makeup down.
What longevity is lost in these textures is made up for by the radiant and skin-like effect they give.
There’s recently been several noteworthy new launches with balmy and sheer textures, offering subtle, summer-friendly and glowy makeup. These are our top picks.
Byredo Tinted Lip Balm
The niche perfume brand branched out into makeup last autumn and now have extended the colourful collection with a series of more muted options for the spring.
We love these new tinted balms that deposit colour while hydrating lips – and given that they’re sheer, you don’t need a mirror to apply them.
And did we mention the luxe weighty packaging?
Vieve Skin Dew
Get it for £19 from Cult Beauty.
Having launched just this week, Skin Dew is a gold glossy balm that reflects light and gives a wet-skin finish.
It remains ever so slightly tacky on the skin – not so much that your hair gets stuck in it, but enough that skin feels cocooned and makeup a touch malleable.
For quick touch ups, it’s got the balance just right.
Better yet, it blends without disturbing any foundation laid underneath.
Ciaté London Dewy Skin Glass Glow Tint
Get it for £26 from Feel Unique.
It’s in the name. This newly launched tint is extremely sheer, imparting a glow while gently smoothing out your complexion.
There are no hidden freckles here.
And all you need are your fingers – no tools are required.
MAC Glow Play Blush
Get it for £24 from Lookfantastic.
These popular blushes’ bouncy texture – like a powder, putty and cream hybrid – make it easy to diffuse out tones.
The line recently expanded with Glow Play Lip Balm, which give a similar soft glass-like effect.
For the best application, Dominic tells us: ‘Due to the dry cream texture the colour goes on really easily with fingers. Just run your finger tips over the blush and then in small circular motions, apply direct to the cheek.
‘Or you can use a more conventional synthetic makeup brush, but draw the brush down the cheekbone from the hair line down to the apple of the cheek. This might seem odd but you’ll end with a more flattering finish that holds frames the face with colour.
‘The current blush trend is all about the complexion. As people haven’t be able to get out and tan, reaching for the blusher has become more popular.’
Trinny London Sheer Shimmer
Get it for £22 from Trinny London.
These little pots had a shade expansion at the end of 2020, owing to their popularity.
A true multi-use product, pat and swirl pigment across lips and cheeks.
The emollient texture makes these perfect for five-minute makeup.
Nars Pure Radiant Tinted Moisturiser
The cult favourite tinted tinted moisturiser just got a shade expansion this month, which is a move we welcome.
It’s another fuss-free formulation, with no brushes needed to get an even spread of product.
Jillian Dempsey Lid Tint
Get it for £26.50 from Naturisimo.
Be warned: this won’t stay in place all day, so perfected makeup lovers should stay away.
However, if you like a lived-in look, the sheer muted balm will give eye lids a reflective sheen without feeling overly sticky.
Warm the product up with your fingers to get the best colour pay-off.
Victoria Beckham Beauty Posh Lipstick
Get it for £34 from Victoria Beckham Beauty.
Lipstick has never felt so hydrating and comfortable.
Given the balmy rather than slippery feel, it grips surprisingly well and doesn’t move around in the way hydrating lipsticks can do.
RMS Beauty “Un” Cover-Up Concealer
If you liked the texture of Glossier’s Stretch Concealer but wanted a touch more coverage, look no further.
Balmy, sheer and giving high shine, this will allow your skin to show through while catching the natural light.
Tip: try blending this all over your skin for a glowy tint.
Milk Makeup Electric Glossy Lip Plumper
Get it for £21 from Cult Beauty.
As far as glosses go, this isn’t ridiculously sticky and teeters on a balm texture.
The mix of colours available all give a gentle wash of colour to the lips, and an equally gentle tingly sensation is your sign they’re plumping up.
Chanel Les Beiges Bronzing Cream
Finally, Chanel have listened – after years of lazily stocking this bestseller in only one shade, from June 4 a second shade will be introduced that is much deeper.
Still there is some way to go with making this product ‘universal’, as was previously in the product name, but it’s a welcome step in the right direction.
Now more people can experience the creamy texture that can be sheered out across the face for a sunkissed look without the sun damage.
e.l.f. Jen Atkin Hair & Brow Pomade Clear Coat
To gently tame brows and give them a subtle ‘wet’ look (if that editorial vibe appeals), try this clear brow gel.
It won’t leave hair crunchy, just sleek and better defined.
You can also use it to tame baby hairs that go awry in the heat.
Flower Beauty Seal the Deal Hydrating Setting Spray
Get it for £9.99 from Superdrug.
To set it all in place without losing your glow, this setting spray injects luminosity while prolonging the wear of what you’ve applied underneath.
Go in with a light hand, as this gets glowy quickly.
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