Hybrid heroes

Is it make-up or is it skincare? Meet the latest formulas offering the best of both in one.

- EVA-MARIA BOBBERT

Honestly, make-up has never been just a cover-up. From the Elizabethans, who were prepared to paint their face with lethal lead to mark their affluent status, to 20th-century America, when a slick of red lippie first became a symbol of women's independence, cosmetics are a peek into our cultural Zeitgeist. The current mood? We're taking a high-tech leap from do no harm (to complexion or planet) to a new era of do good - make-up that improves your skin.

"Demand is high for products that are easy to use, effective and transportable, which is a true reflection of our current 'no rules' attitude to make-up," says Anne Salem, Clarins Head of Make-up Artistry.

"Hybrid make-up isn't just about make-up itself - it's also about women's attitudes to making themselves feel better in a quick and effective way without having to do a lengthy 10-step routine. Hybrid formulas perform a 'double duty' without you really having to do anything!"

While nobody is claiming that you can skip your daily skincare basics in favour of clever cosmetics alone, that desire for efficiency and "natural" no-make-up make-up has forced considerable change.