As summer approaches, I tend to abandon heavy foundations and now I'm a recent convert to the lighter sort of coverage you get from a tinted moisturiser. Which means that I'm more open to the idea of Jemma Kidd's Skin Rescue Bio-Complex Veil SPF15 (£32.00 - 30ml).

No, I know it doesn't sound much like a foundation, or even a light tint, but the clue is in the word 'veil'. The implication is that this will be something more subtle, semi-transparent and gossamer-like than the usual winter cover-alls.

But the real USP of Jemma's new addition to her make-up collection is that it is — in keeping with her beliefs as a make-up artist and tutor of her own make-up school — a multi-tasker. Skin Rescue is an "all in one" that will "prep, prime, protect, cover and illuminate skin". Developed with skincare technologists at the Japanese cosmetics company Shiseido, the Veil is highly unusual in that it is a combination of groups of ingredients that are generally to be found in separate products.

There are anti-ageing complexes and a peptide to help repair age-related skin damage; microspheres that lock in moisture and plump out fine lines; anti-oxidant vitamins A, C and E to combat the effects of harmful free radicals; botanical complexes (like horse chestnut, algae and calendula) to improve circulation and SPF15 for added UV protection. Oh, yes, and there are light reflecting pigments for radiance and a tint (two shades to choose from) for that touch of colour. Phew.

Having very dry skin I'm rather particular about the moisturiser I use and usually find that I have to use one under anything described as "tinted moisturiser" - despite the obvious claims suggested by their name. However, given all the goodies that Skin Rescue is stuffed with, and in the interests of a thorough test, I'm trusting in its multi-functional abilities and have limited my morning routine to cleanser, eye cream and serum. I'm even foregoing my make-up primer — a recent addition to my beauty arsenal — as Skin Rescue promises to do that job as well.

In its slim black, tactile tube, it doesn't look like your typical foundation (or moisturiser). Following Jemma's application guidelines (found inside the box) I pump some of the mid brown cream onto my finger tips (she's right, you don't need much, a little goes a long way) and use light long strokes to blend it evenly over my face. It glides on very evenly — just as a moisturiser would — and feels instantly hydrating rather than clogging or caking. if you want more coverage you simply layer a little more in the places you need it, like under the eyes, round the creases of the nose and on the chin.

The result isn't complete coverage of course (you'd probably want to add a foundation for an evening look), but even with my skin which tends to blotchiness here and there, particularly in the morning, this definitely evens things out enough to face the world. And it gives an even base for adding make-up, while leaving my face feeling soft and smooth. as someone who frequently forgets to add a facial sunscreen (I find many too scented or just wrong for my skin type) the fact that this absorbs an SPF is reassuring.

Available from Space NY stores and mail order (020 8740 2085) www.spacenk.co.uk