Spring has sprung and if we can't have tans yet we at least want to come out of hibernation with a smooth looking complexion. Tinted moisturisers are a great way of perking up the appearance of your skin without totally smothering it, and luckily there is plenty of choice out there - from ultra-nourishing to anti-blemish and brands that have teamed up with popular make up providers through to products that boast added sun protection. We put five brands under the spotlight.

THE PANEL

• The expert: Cora Lydon, age 29, beauty writer, believes if you get the base right and the rest will follow
   
• The Kalimocho reader: Hannah, age 28, Business Analyst and tinted moisturiser aficionado
  

No7 DUAL PROTECTION TINTED MOISTURISER

The dual protection refers to the SPF15 sun protection and the antioxidants which fight damage caused by the sun and pollution.

Expert says: It gave a lovely sheer, even colour that made it a perfect lightweight base. Smoothed into skin well and didn’t leave it feeling tight. Contains ingredients that not only enhance the complexion temporarily but also care for skin long-term. Make sure you apply a light layer as too much can leave the skin looking shiny, and can stick to dry patches if your skin is dehydrated.

Hannah says: SPF protection: check, light and creamy: check, easy to blend: check, good coverage: check. This was good and it was a tough choice for first place between this and the winner.

Verdict: 4 out of 5

No7 Dual Protection Tinted Moisturiser, £10.30 from Boots. www.boots.com, 0845 609 0055

PRESCRIPTIVES TRACELESS SKIN RESPONSIVE TINT

Contains ‘Light Right Prisms’ which magically adjust the balance of light to achieve your skin’s most natural looking shade.

Expert says: At SPF 8 its protection is lower than most, but this gave some of the best results. It blended effortlessly into skin and left the complexion
looking natural but with a healthy glow. It felt moisturising on the skin and was lightweight enough you could forget you were wearing it. This is one of
the more expensive tinted moisturisers so if you’re on a budget you might want to skip it.

Hannah says: OK, so its SPF protection is low, but it's the perferct combnination of light, bright, airy and absorbant. It felt as though I was rubbing silk into my skin, loved the packaging too so I'm giving this one the top spot.

Verdict: 5 out of 5

Prescriptives Traceless Skin Responsive Tint, £ 21.50. www.prescriptives.co.uk 0870 034 2566

GRACE YOUR FACE TINTED ANTI-BLEMISH MOISTURISER

This product contains salicylic acid to help clear spots and prevent bacteria spreading.

Expert says: This is thicker than most so takes a little longer to work into the skin. Once on, its consistency is quite chalky and is unlikely to be moisturising enough for dry skin. That said, if you suffer from the odd spot this gives more coverage and is best for an even skin tone.

Hannah said: Didn't blend very well and wasn't moisturising enough for me. Bargain price tag though.

Verdict: 2 out of 5

Grace Your Face Tinted Anti-Blemish Moisturiser, £4.99, available from Superdrug 0800 096 1055

CLINIQUE MOISTURE SHEER TINT SPF15

If you love Clinique’s popular Moisture Surge Extra this is for you – as the oil-free formula was inspired by that very product.

Expert says: This is a really moisturising product and is easy to apply. Felt comfortable on my skin and comes with a host of high tech ingredients to help calm, balance and hydrate skin. The colour I went for, Beige, was a little darker than I expected.

Hannah says: I like Clinique products and this was another solid effort. Creamier than some of the others, it gave good coverage however wasn’t the easiest to blend. Good SPF protection, though as I usually go for really light moisturisers I'd choose their 'Almost make up' range, this was a bit closer to a foundation.

Verdict: 4 out of 5

Clinique Moisture Sheer Tints SPF15, £16.64. www.clinique.co.uk, 0870 0342566

STAR BUY! OLAY COMPLETE TOUCH OF FOUNDATION

Combines Olay’s expertise in skincare with the make-up experts from Max Factor. Contains an SPF of 15.

Expert says: Olay’s skincare knowledge shone through – this was the most moisturising of the bunch. The product blended in quickly and left skin evenly
toned with a subtle touch of colour. Great price for great results.

Hannah says: Lovely smell, nice and smooth and the effect is subtle. Left my skin nice and soft too.

Verdict: 5 out of 5

Olay Complete Touch of Foundation, £9.99. www.olay.co.uk.