I struggle with rosacea and tested cream that promises to hide redness

I have always had rosy cheeks, and some days it can look like a natural glow, but other days it makes me look tired, flustered and run down. So I am always in the market for a product that promises to reduce the appearance of redness and texture on my face.

I have already reviewed a couple of products, so when Altruist reached out, I was happy to give their anti-redness SPF a go. While I have never been officially diagnosed or treated for rosacea, given the texture, pigmentation and flare-ups, it is very likely this is the condition I have. And I know it can be worse if I have slept poorly, used a new cream, or eaten certain foods, so having something on hand for when a flare-up hits is essential.

What it promises

Following the success of Altruist’s Anti-Redness & Pigmentation SPF50, a tinted daily facial cream specially formulated for redness-prone, hypersensitive and uneven skin, Altruist has responded to popular demand for a lighter formulation.

Recognising that visible signs of rosacea, such as persistent redness and flushing, are most frequently diagnosed in individuals with fair skin tones, the new formulation has been created to help offer a solution to even more people and has both a lighter colour and feel.

Anti-redness and Pigmentation Light combines redness concealing, visible light protection and calming ingredients, with SPF50 and five-star ultra-UVA sunscreen with a 52 UVA/PPD rating for £11.75.

Altruist Anti-Redness & Pigmentation states it can be used as an everyday tinted sunscreen for both men and women, to even skin tone and deliver ultra-high UV protection, helping to prevent signs of premature ageing.

The cream promises to be like a gorgeous foundation that blends beautifully with a non-sticky cosmetic feel. They also say the tinted face cream is combined with high-quality UV and light protection, provided by iron oxide, to prevent pigmentation and provide an instant concealing effect, neutralising redness and blending out uneven pigmentation.

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What is it like

It comes in a box, and the tube is basic, giving a utility vibe, rather than anything luxurious. But its small compact size makes it great for travelling with, something I did on a trip to London.

If you have tried an anti-redness cream before, you will be accustomed to the formula coming out green when you first use it. This is the same with Altruist’s Anti-Redness & Pigmentation SPF50.

I have tried Dr Jart+ and the Erborian Korean Skin Therapy CC Red Correct in the past, and I would say the consistency of the Altruist formula is the thickest in comparison. There is a light, cosmetic smell, but nothing overpowering if you are sensitive to that.

Because of its consistency, you only need a small amount, which helps it last. But it is this consistency that makes it feel a little thick on your face. It is not like wearing heavy foundation, but considering I only use the Charlotte Tillbury Beautiful Skin foundation, it felt thicker than that on the face, but you get used to it.

As you rub it in, the green changes to a fair skin tone that blends into the face and covers redness, so you could add more to problem areas, but I would do so sparingly, as it can pill if you use too much.

Unlike a morning face cream that I would then rub any excess into my hands, you should immediately wash this off, as it’s like having foundation on your hands. But it is literally that simple to use.

The verdict

I found the coverage good; it lasted most of the day, and it would be easy to top up if needed, given its travel-friendly size.

The price point is really good for an anti-redness cream, as they can run very expensive. And I love the added SPF; this sun protection seems like a no-brainer for a cream like this, as no one wants to sunburn an already red face for so many reasons.

But the shade is still perhaps a touch too dark for my skin and looked a little orange on me in certain lights, so make sure you blend it down your neck and in your hairline for an even look.

This is hard to get right, and if you are someone on the hunt for a colour-correcting cream like this, you will know it can be trial-and-error for your skin tone. But it is definitely wearable, and I was impressed with the durability throughout the day.

I think for £11.75, this is a great handbag product for when you are popping to the shops and feel self-conscious about your skin, or you just want an easy, make-up-free day, but also want a more even skin tone.

Get the Altruist’s Anti-Redness & Pigmentation SPF50 from Amazon for £11.75 here.