Beauty411

True Cosmetics Protective Collection

True Cosmetics Protective Collection improves on traditional color cosmetics with the addition of super anti-oxidant Idebenone.  Now your makeup can be more than just coverage; it can offer a defense against the environmental factors that cause premature aging.  The True Cosmetics Protective Collection includes Protective Mineral Foundation (loose and in a compact), Protective Illuminating Concealer, Protective Shadow Primer and Being True Transforming Mineral Mist.

The Protective Mineral Foundation has SPF 17 (titanium dioxide and zinc oxide) is different from any other mineral makeup I've previously tried.  It feels different; the texture is silky and glides onto your skin.  I've been using the loose mineral foundation and haven't even been tempted to reach for a liquid.  The coverage is buildable and has been totally non-irritating.  In addition to the sun protection and Idebenone, the Mineral Foundation also contains Green Tea and Vitamin E.  

The Protective Illuminating Concealer comes in a compact with three pans; two colors to blend for a perfect match to your skintone and a neutralizer to mask discoloration and deflect light.  Like the Mineral Foundation, the Protective Illuminating Concealer is formulated with Idebenone, feels great and works equal to my other favorite concealers. In addition to concealing and correcting,  I love the fact that this product is good for my skin.  The Protective Shadow Primer is an excellent shadow base, minimizing creasing and extend shadow wear and durability.  In addition to Idebenone, the Primer also contains Vitamin K, a skin brightener and vitamins A and E. 

For more information on the innovative True Cosmetics Protective Collection or to find a spa/retailer, please check the website.

Wet n Wild: Beauty Benefits on a Budget

Wet n Wild cosmetics, that perennial discount and drugstore favorite, is the newest player in the mineral makeup market.  The Beauty Benefits line has been formulated with Lotus Marine Mineral complex, which offers powerful anti-aging properties.  I tried several products in the line, including the Beauty Brilliance Illuminating Powder (in Cool), the Triple Fusion eye shadow (in Sandy Beach), the Color CorRx eye brightening concealer (Medium) and the Mint Infusions lippie. 

Overall, I was impressed with this line and give it high marks for value and performance. The Beauty Brilliance Illuminating Powder is a pressed powder containing bronze, orchid and neutral powders with a slight shimmer.  I used it as an overall highlighter to add a bit of radiance to my makeup. It gave a nice, soft finish.  And the lotus-embossed design was a nice touch, usually reserved for much more expensive makeup. The Triple Fusion eye shadow is a pan of three coordinated colors that you can use individually or blend.  Not as highly pigmented as other eyeshadows I have, it still wore nicely, especially with a primer underneath. The Color CorRx eye brightening concealer is a corrector, concealer and brightening powder trio to cover dark circles.  The formula applied easily and didn't settle into lines.  The Mint Infusions lippie is infused with peppermint oil and contains UVB protection SPF 15. It gives a high shine without being tacky sticky. Sun protection for your lips doesn't have to be expensive!

You can find the Wet n Wild Beauty Benefits products in select mass market retailers like Wal-Mart and Meijer; for specific where to buy information check the Wet n Wild Beauty Benefits website.

Napoleon Perdis Cosmetics

Napoleon Perdis is an Austrailian makeup artist with a philosophy of empowering women and having a transgenerational approach to beauty.  His cosmetics line launched in the U.S. in 2005 and has been a smash, especially with celebrities like Paula Abdul, Teri Hatcher, Kate Beckinsdale and many others. 

The Napoleon Perdis Auto Pilot Re-Touch Skin Smoothing Cream is a brilliant gel-to-powder formulation that is like your own version of an airbrush finish.  Once applied to the skin, you can see skin imperfections fade away, giving your skin a flawless finish.  I used the Re-Touch Skin Smoothing Cream prior to applying my foundation.  It is amazing to watch the gel finish disappear and when you touch your skin, it feels powdery.  The product fills in the small lines and allows foundation to sit on top of the skin, as opposed to settling in. The Napoleon Perdis Auto Pilot Re-Touch Skin Smoothing Cream retails at $70.  Although I did like this product, I would have a hard time justifying spending $70 on what is essentially a primer. 

The Napoleon Perdis China Doll Concealer is really a multi-tasking product.  In addition to using it as a concealer, you can apply it to eyes and use as an eyeshadow base.  I didn't experience creasing with this product; in fact, it dries to a matte finish and did a good job of minimizing my dark circles.  This long lasting concealer is enriched with antioxidants A, C and E, to give the product an anti-aging treatment edge over other concealers.  The Napoleon Perdis China Doll Concealer retails at $40.

Napoleon Perdis Cosmetics are available on HSN, at Sephora, DermStore and on the Napoleon Perdis website.