[unpaid/sample]  The background of the mixed heritage founder, Aimara Coupet, comprises both L’Oreal and French brand, Black Up Make Up (controversially named and there certainly have been raised concerns) which is a solid grounding for a cosmetics range that is both inclusive on shades and targets sensitive and acne-prone skin. I didn’t have a lot of time for microbiome skin care but I can see how it makes sense for particular conditions to be exposed to helpful bacteria.

I realise that the Cucumber Water Matifying Foundation is not for my skin age or type and I’m not a matte fan, but that said, it really does give a very matte finish in a saturated pigment formula that gives medium/full coverage. I found that it did settle in the pores on my nose and if I used it again, I’d do a bit more prep and use a primer to reduce that. There are 33 shades which is a good selection and it will double as a concealer if you need it to. It’s fast drying too. Acne is a difficult area to take on with a cosmetic range but I know that effective coverage is very much sought after – the formula is non occlusive, alcohol and fragrance free and probiotic infused which all ought to be of benefit, or at least not exacerbating. I’d really like to see a shade sampling service from Be + Radiance – the shade that was sent to me looked far to orange in the tube but once on my skin, it was a good match. However, you can send them your picture and they will help you choose a shade which is a very useful service.

I have no complaints about the Set + Glow powder and highlighter although it’s interesting that it’s indicated as talc free when the foundation itself contains talc, and also none about the Color + Glow. Both have lovely lustre on the glow halves and are pleasantly textured in a way that doesn’t feel heavy or dry on the skin. They’re formulated with good oils (no minerals) such as moringa and shea which is why they feel so soft on the skin. Probiotics are tricky things – they don’t all work in the same way and while there are studies that indicate probiotics as helpful for acne so the claims are not without foundation (no pun intended!), I couldn’t find anything on how they work on the skin in powder form. I’m just going with the idea that encouraging good bacteria to flourish on skin that is overwhelmed with the opposite can only be of benefit.  The foundation gets rave reviews on their website and they feel quite genuine.

In the swatch, it’s foundation first in shade No.20, followed by Set + Glow in No.23 and Color + Glow in No.5. You can find Be + Radiance HERE. The foundation is £26, and the duos are £29.