Need something to take the edge off your post-facial complexion but don’t want to ruin the skin-boosting effects of your treatment? Read our edit of the most facial friendly foundations, tinted moisturisers and illuminators to discover how to hide redness, reduce shine and cover extraction-induced bumps. Even your facialist will approve of this little lot…
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1 Bareminerals Original Foundation, £20.80
You’ve emerged from your extraction facial only to find your post-treatment complexion looks a tad angry. Even with the best will (and spot squeezing skill) in the world it can take a good 24 hours for the skin to settle down. In an ideal world you’d leave your skin free from makeup and head straight home to enjoy an early night. In reality you’re probably heading back to the office or off out for a boozy night with friends. What to do? Right now, your pores will be at their most exposed and whatever you apply next will either help or hinder the healing process. The anti-inflammatory minerals in Bareminerals Original Foundation will help to calm and soothe skin irritated by the extraction process. Coverage is full but natural and there’s no pore-blocking nasties to concern yourself with. A must.
Best after: an extraction or anti-acne facial
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2 Lancome HydraZen Tinted Moisturiser, £30
Booked in for a mild peel as part of your next facial? While the days of hiding under a hat after a face peel have long gone, it’s normal to look a little flushed for a few hours post treatment. Take the edge off any redness and soothe your complexion with this brilliant tinted moisturiser. A personal favourite and a daily essential; it’s formulated to de-stress the skin and gives a light, but all important shot of coverage. I’ve applied it straight after several light peels and it works a treat.
Best after: a mild peel
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3 Chanel Les Beiges Healthy Glow Foundation, £36
Post-microdermabrasion skin requires a little extra care. You’ll need a good SPF to apply straight after your treatment to make sure your freshly exfoliated (and now very vulnerable) complexion is protected from UV rays. Your skin could also feel dry and a little tight so you need a base that ticks a couple of beauty boxes. Chanel Les Beiges Healthy Glow Foundation has an SPF of 25, active botanical ingredients and a hyaluronic acid derivative, all of which gives you a triple whammy of protection, not to mention the mother of all healthy glows. It might look like a foundation but it certainly doesn’t feel like one when you’re wearing it.
Best after: microdermabrasion
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4 Clarins Instant Light Radiance Boosting Complexion Base, £26.50
So you’ve finally committed to that course of vitamin facials to target your dull, but flawless skin. In a matter of weeks you’ll be confident enough to skip base altogether but in these early stages your glow won’t quite have kicked in. If bases were filters then Clarins Instant Light Radiance Boosting Complexion Base would be ‘amaro.’ Apply it before leaving the salon and expect a subtle, illuminating lift to your skintone. There’s several shades to choose from but we’ve fallen for the pretty pick-me-up that is peach.
Best after: a vitamin facial
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5 Charlotte Tilbury Light Wonder Youth Boosting Perfect Skin Foundation, £32
If you’re a fan of collagen-boosting facials then you’ll want to hang onto the oh so satisfying plumping effects for as long as possible. You need a foundation that works just as hard as your facialist’s hands to enhance your now youthful, peachy complexion. Make-up artist Charlotte Tilbury has popped a handy, botanical alternative to retinol, into her signature foundation to help kick-start collagen production. Combine this with your favourite facial and your skin will thank you for it.
Best after: a collagen boosting facial