Meticulously examining what exactly goes into our skincare products to avoid bad reactions is a practice many follow, but let’s agree we are also quick to shop for a foundation or concealer without reading the ingredient list. This is primarily because we don’t expect our makeup products to provide skincare benefits. But what if they did? Today, makeup products are moving from thick pigment-filled formulas to those with ingredients that benefit your skin. While these ingredients won’t alone count as skincare, they certainly provide an added boost of nourishment. Here’s our edit of 10 such makeup and skincare hybrids we can vouch for.
Best makeup products with skincare benefits
It Cosmetics Your Skin But Better™ CC+™ Cream SPF 50, Rs 2,600 approx
You know a makeup product is the real deal when it’s formulated with the expertise of dermatologists and plastic surgeons together. This best-selling full-coverage CC cream by It Cosmetics comes with the benefits of a primer, anti-ageing serum, moisturiser, and colour corrector all rolled into one for a single-step base makeup routine. The collagen, peptides, niacinamide, hyaluronic acid, and other antioxidants and vitamins give it its skin-loving properties.
Huda Beauty Overachiever Concealer, Rs 2,520
Your under-eye concealer should most certainly come with skincare benefits—the skin around your eyes is the most delicate area part of your face. Apart from masking dark circles, redness, and discolouration around the eyes, this concealer is also infused with green tea and rose extract to soothe, protect, and calm the skin. Plus, the metal applicator tip helps tackle any under-eye puffiness.
Marc Jacobs Beauty Under (Cover) Perfecting Coconut Face Primer, Rs 3,100 approx
While a primer is meant to mattify your skin, wouldn’t it be nicer if it also hydrated your face? This coconut water-infused primer delivers moisturising nutrients to your skin while prepping it for makeup that will stay put without feeling clogged.
Nudestix Gel Color Lip + Cheek Balm, Rs 2,350
This gel-based balm works for your lips and your cheeks by providing them with a healthy coloured sheen, without the stickiness of a gloss. It comes infused with hydrating plant oils derived from rapeseed, sunflower, cottonseed, and soybean along with the antioxidant Vitamin E that provides added care. Plus, each balm comes with its own chic black matte tin case and a sharpener.
Tarte Babassu Foundcealer™ Skincare Foundation, Rs 2,600 approx
This base makeup product by Tarte personifies the essence of a makeup-skincare hybrid. The buildable foundation doesn’t cake or oxidise, hydrates the skin for a fresh, plump look, is free of all beauty nasties, contains essential fatty acids and antioxidants, comes in 30 shades, and is a dream to apply. It’s a win x 100.
Chanel Sublimage Le Teint Ultimate Radiance-Generating Cream Foundation, Rs 9,300 approx
While Chanel’s Sublimage line of products is known for its anti-ageing properties, this cream-based foundation allows it to venture into the makeup space. This potent blend of makeup and skincare provides light to medium coverage and is made of ingredients like diamond powder with mica to provide radiance; Intense Vanilla Planifolia water to strengthen skin; and glycerin, biosaccharide and phytosqualane for hydration and a comfortable feel that lasts for 12 hours.
Bobbi Brown Extra Illuminating Moisture Balm, Rs 7,100
A glow-boosting primer by nature, this super hydrating balm contains lychee extract and light-reflecting pearls that provide skin with the radiant hydration it craves. Use it under makeup or simply apply this and follow up with concealer for the days you don’t feel like applying too much on your skin
Dermalogica Skinperfect Primer SPF 30, Rs 3,685
This sun protection-providing primer is probably one of the best medicated in the market right now. It evens out your skin texture for a velvety finish with silicones and soy protein, and comes with minerals to lend a beautiful glow. The peptides and white tea in it firm skin and prevent collagen damage—perfect for mature skin.
Hourglass Illusion Hyaluronic Skin Tint, Rs 3,800 approx
Hyaluronic acid is the prime skincare ingredient that has the power to plump skin by filling in fine lines and wrinkles, and also tighten the appearance of sagging—all this, this foundation manages to do with ease. The glow-boosting formula also comes with SPF 15 for added sun protection and provides skin with a lightweight formula that can be built up to provide full coverage.
Shiseido Synchro Skin Glow Luminizing Fluid Foundation, Rs 3,800
Like wearing foundation but not a fan of the thick texture it usually has? We hear you. This Shiseido formula has a serum-like texture that ensures your skin remains hydrated all day—thanks to the argan oil, cranberry seed oil, and yuzu seed extract—without the sticky look and feel. Their Advanced Sensing Technology and Super Bio-Moisture Network looks after dryness that can occur through the day and the formula comes with broad spectrum SPF 20.
Anjan Sachar
While Anjan’s week is made up of writing and talking about everything from glycolic acid to the best new red lipstick, the weekends are spent testing them all, with Gossip Girl reruns on the side. When she isn’t reviewing a new face mask, you’ll find her sipping on mimosas with a side of truffle fries. Her daily essentials: Iced latte with a side of J Balvin and Prateek Kuhad.
