covering all bases

Leaves are falling, opaques are being worn and Strictly has started. This can only mean one thing: autumn has landed. For months skin has had a happy-go-lucky attitude in terms of coverage. A splash of sun smattered onto the complexion has the habit of sprinkling cute freckles, along with a skin tone that looks healthy and radiant. Come the switching of the seasons and a little more is need. But as a tan fades and blemishes and patchy skin tone begin to surface, it’s a no-no to consider foundation as a fake tan. A shade that’s significantly darker than your skin tone won’t make you look sun-kissed, just grubby!

Instead look for smart new cover ups that appear invisible, feel weightless and do amazing things for your complexion. With choices expanding, making a perfect pick isn't always easy, so here are currently three of my best finds:

Bobbi Brown Skin Foundation Mineral Makeup SPF15, £26

I love Bobbi Brown’s philosophy that skin should look like skin. Her make-up is super effortless whilst bringing out the best in covetable beauty – no mean feat. I was sent a little tester pot and it was perfect to use on a recent trip. And that’s what swung my beauty favour. Even though I had a light tan, the powder didn’t dampen it at all, giving me just a super fine dusting of shine free coverage. Simply buff and swirl on with a soft face brush. For a heavier coverage upgrade to a powder puff and press into the skin, then blend with a face brush. Honestly, if the powder was anymore weightless, it would float! Furthermore with an inclusion of sodium hyaluronate, it doubles up as a moisture magnet so skin doesn’t feel and look dry. Disaster for exaggerating any fine lines.

Available in eight skin tone correct shade.

Liz Earle Sheer Skin Tint, £21 (out September 15^th) http://www.lizearle.com/

Known for her high performing Naturally Active Skincare, it was only a matter of time – with much loyal based consumer nagging, that make-up would be introduced. And according to the brand, now partnered with Avon this is the natural bridge from skincare through to colour. The texture is dreamy and incredibly blendable. It literally does glide over the skin without pulling and squeaking (you know what I mean), giving a dewy coverage that enhances, not hides natural skin tone. With a mineral UV protection of SPF15 it really does cover all modern pressing skin concerns.

UNE Intuitive Touch BB-Cream Foundation, £14.99 (out October)

There’s been much fanfare about BB creams lately (standing for Blemish Balm) whose origins lie in Korea. They’re used as a post-laser treatment designed to allow an immediate return to work after a laser session. Taking multi-tasking to the max, they profess to camouflage small skin blemishes, unify, soothe and protect all in one single swoop. I have to confess that I tried Garnier’s BB Miracle Skin Perfector and wasn’t too keen. It was overly perfumed and the coverage wasn’t natural enough for me, leaving a non glow effect. But with UNE’s offering it only matifies where needed, thanks to fine spherical particles of rice powder. You can apply as a foundation, but I prefer to use it as a concealer using the little brush to cover up dark patches, redness and blemishes. I would comment the brush isn’t of superior quality, so would recommend the use of a  professional brush for better application. However, saying this I think BB for this skin creation could stand for Beauty Bonus.