My love affair with base make-up shows no sign of slowing. As a beauty journalist it's still one of my favourite categories to test. But I’m fussy. I don’t want full coverage, yet I do want to tone down my redness-prone skin. I want glow, but not shine - there’s a difference. And above all, I want something that benefits my skin over time, too. These days, it’s no longer enough for a foundation or skin tint to simply conceal- it needs to go further. Take Jones Road Just Enough Tinted Moisturiser, £44 and Clarins Skin Illusion Tinted Moisturiser, £40, both of which have become mainstays in my beauty bag. And now, with this latest launch, I think I’ve discovered the holy trinity.
Enter Clinique Even Better Clinical Vitamin Makeup SPF 50, £39, a hydrating, light-coverage foundation specifically designed to promote brighter, healthier-looking skin. And if anyone’s in need of that? It’s me.
What does Clinique Even Better Clinical Vitamin Makeup SPF 50 do?
A true skincare-makeup hybrid, this one sits somewhere between a light foundation and a skin tint. It’s formulated with vitamins B3, C and E - powerhouse ingredients known for defending the skin against environmental stressors while boosting brightness and clarity over time. It also works well in warmer weather. Said to be sweat and humidity resistant, it offers up to 12 hours of wear alongside SPF 50 protection- ideal for bolstering your own SPF protection during the summer months. And the stats are impressive too- in consumer testing, 96% of 165 participants reported more radiance skin after just one week.
Shop: Clinique Even Better Clinical Vitamin Makeup SPF 50
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What Clinique says: 'Achieve a vibrant-looking base with Clinique’s Even Better Vitamin Makeup. Suitable for all skin types, including sensitive, the foundation enhances your natural features with light, luminous coverage.'
What we know: A skincare-makeup hybrid that goes above and beyond thanks to a clever blend of ingredients. It's made with vitamins B3, C and E to help defend the skin and visibly enhance its brightness over time. Plus, it's sweat and humidity resistant and long wearing.'
Rachael Martin, beauty director says: 'Lately, I’ve noticed the early signs of fine, crepey lines - particularly around my eyes and forehead. This foundation doesn’t mask them entirely, but it softens them beautifully. Instead of settling into lines, the luminous pigments catch the light on the plumpest parts of my cheeks, accentuating what I love about my face. And I’m convinced my skin looks healthier even without make-up, thanks to the infusion of vitamins B3, C and E.'
Pros
- Suited for senstive skin
- Dermatologically tested
- Brimming with vitamins
- Perfume and oil free
Cons
- 26 shades - while generous, other brands have a broader range
How to apply Clinique Even Better Clinical Vitamin Makeup SPF 50
When it comes to perfecting your base, application is all about personal preference. With this you can apply and blend using the warmth of your finger tips - this is perfect if you want a more subtle, wash of pigment. For more coverage I prefer using a stippling brush - allowing me to build coverage more easily in hard to blend areas, like the sides of my nose.
Our verdict:
Rachael Martin, beauty director says:
'I'm already a devoted fan of Clinique - the new Nude Honey Lipstick, £25, for starters, is a firm favourite for adding a slick of dewy colour to my lips. And the latest Moisture Surge Glow Serum, £65 has been a true drink of water for my parched skin this season. Let’s not forget Clinique’s Dramatically Different Moisturizing Lotion, a long-time staple (now with the addition of SPF50) beloved by Grazia’s head of beauty, Annie Vischer. Clinique's base make-up offerings, too, have built a loyal following. As much as I love trialling new base products, I’ll admit I’m often a little apprehensive. My skin is oily with a dash of sensitivity (as joyous as it sounds) so finding something that plays well can be a challenge. But with this one? I needn’t have worried.
My skin before and after applying the Clinique Even Better Clinical Vitamin Makeup SPF 50 Foundation
After applying my SPF, I like to use a chubby stippling brush to buff in a small amount across my face. It instantly evens out my skin tone, leaving behind a radiant, lit-from-within glow. The coverage is light yet luminous, and, crucially, it stays matte exactly where I want it to. The underlying redness around my jawline is gently blurred, but I love how the freckles on my nose are still visible. For areas that need a bit more help, like my under-eye shadows or blemishes, I pair it with a full-coverage concealer. Nars Radiant Creamy Concealer, £28 is my go-to for adding a touch of extra pigment.
Lately, I’ve noticed the early signs of fine, crepey lines - particularly around my eyes and forehead. This foundation doesn’t mask them entirely, but it softens them beautifully. Instead of settling into lines, the luminous pigments catch the light on the plumpest parts of my cheeks, accentuating what I love about my face. And I’m convinced my skin looks healthier even without make-up, thanks to the infusion of vitamins B3, C and E.
While the formula promises to be sweat and humidity resistant, I still like to take a light dusting of setting powder along the sides of my nose and across my forehead to keep excess oil at bay. I then lock everything in with the Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless Setting Spray, £36. Trust me, this trio delivers serious staying power. There’s no creasing, no caking, and absolutely no slipping. The finish is gloriously natural yet polished. It’s truly my skin, but better- glowy in all the right places with my natural skin still visible. And with that hefty dose of SPF 50 in the mix? It's not a replacement for my daily sunscreen, granted, but it's certainly nice to know I've shielded by another layer of protection. Sold.'
Final thoughts
For a your-skin-but-better finish that feels bright, youthful and healthy, you'd be hard pressed to find a better buy. While it's not cheap, I'd say it's a worthy investment as such a little goes a long way. Would recommend - heartily.
Rachael Martin is Grazia’s Beauty Director. Originally from Northern Ireland, she studied English Literature at Queen’s University Belfast, before moving to London to pursue a career in magazine journalism