Beauty411

Tinted Moisturizers: Summer Beauty Essential

Tinted Moisturizers are an essential part of my summer beauty routine, especially once the heat and humidity start to increase.  Most beauty companies have incorporated tinted moisturizers into their lines.  It makes sense; as the technology improves, a standalone moisturizer becomes moisturizer plus color plus sunscreen. As our lives become busier and we have less time, a multi-tasking product like a tinted moisturizer becomes a beauty staple.  If you need a bit more spot coverage, use a foundation brush to apply a thin layer of foundation or concealer.

One of my favorites is the Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer; I've used it for years.  The Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer has an SPF 20 and is a sheer, easy to apply formula.  I set with powder and it lasts all day.  There is a good selection of shades and also an oil-free version available.   

 LaMer SPF 18 Fluid Tint is a little more pigmented and feels like velvet when you apply it.  As you'd expect from LaMer, the SPF 18 Fluid Tint contains anti-oxidants, light diffusers and seaweed natural humectants to prevent dehydration.  It comes in three shades--light, medium and dark.

Stila has improved on their already excellent tinted moisturizer by doubling the SPF to 30 and making it an oil-free formula. The Stila Sheer Tinted Moisturizer SPF 30 Oil Free provides a medium coverage and is a great tinted moisturizer if you need a little more covereage or have combination, acne-prone or oily skin.

Finally, one of the newest tinted moisturizers is from Giorgio Armani.  I haven't tried Face Fabric yet, but if it's anything like the Armani liquid foundation I use (Luminous Silk 5), I'll be impressed.  Giorgio Armani Face Fabric contains SPF 12 and ingredients to allow blending and layering of the product for a perfect finish. 

Is tinted moisturizer a product that you incorporate into your beauty routine in the summer?  What's your favorite? 

Oprah's 2008 Spring Makeup O-Wards

The winners of Oprah's First Annual Spring Makeup O-Wards have been announced.  There are 12 beauty product winners and a Best in Show.  The beauty product winners were all price points; from a $7.50 Cover Girl mascara to a gorgeous $90 Chantecaille compact.  Although there are some products on the list that I haven't tried, I must say that I completely agree with the Best in Show Winner, the Yves Saint Laurent Spring Collection. But be warned.  As news of the Oprah 2008 Makeup O-Wards get out, expect many of these products to sell out or become scarce in usual Oprah-manic fashion. 

What about you?  Do you agree with the selections?  The entire list can be found online here and in the April issue of O, the Oprah Magazine.

Neutrogena Mineral Sheers Powder Foundation

I picked up a Neutrogena Mineral Sheers Powder Foundation after returning from vacation with a tan and needing a deeper shade of foundation.  Have you noticed that there are so many brands of mineral makeup out now?  I selected the Neutrogena brand after taking a look at several other brands; when I saw SPF 20 on the package, I grabbed it.

The Mineral Sheers Powder Foundation comes in a divided container.  The bottom compartment is mirrored and contains a sponge applicator.  I tried the sponge applicator, but have found that using a kabuki brush gives a much better makeup application.  The powder contains soy and a new time-release blend of anti-oxidants, and doesn't contain bismuth oxychloride, so if you've got sensitive skin, you should be able to wear this makeup.  The foundation goes on smooth, the coverage is buildable and you can use it wet or dry.  I didn't find that it gave the appearance of making my pores seem larger and I used this with and without a primer to make sure. It would be nice, though, if there were more than 8 shades to choose from.

Neutrogena Mineral Sheers Powder Foundation is available at most drug and discount stores and retails in the $10 - $13 range.

Dermacia Breathable Camouflage Foundation

Dermacia Breathable Camouflage Foundation is a product that was developed to fill the need for a foundation that can be used by women with sensitive skin conditions, such as acne, rosacea, psoriasis and eczema.  The formulation includes an ingredient called Lycogel (TM), which is an ingredient that increases oxygen delivery to the skin and helps the skin to "breathe".  Regular foundation sits atop the skin and for those with sensitive skin, "blocks" the ability for the skin to breathe, creating even more irritation.  A professional line is sold in dermatologist and plastic surgeons offices and is popular for post-plastic surgery and post-procedure patients.

I tested a Dermacia Breathable Camouflage Foundation "try me" kit which included 4 samples of foundation colors, a breathable moisture spray and a sample of breathable moisturizer.  I applied the moisture spray first, then blended a bit of the Ivory and Creme colors before applying to my face.  I really liked the natural coverage; not heavy or thick looking like I was expecting.  And it felt light on my skin.  In terms of wear, the foundation stayed set throughout the day.  This line might be one to consider if you have sensitive skin and tried but didn't care for mineral makeup.  Dermacia Breathable Camouflage Foundation is available on the Dermacia website or at CVS.  If you can track it down at your CVS, you'll get quite a discount compared to the website. 

Youngblood Mineral Cosmetics

Youngblood Mineral Cosmetics was conceived and created by Pauline Youngblood, a licensed medical esthetician, while caring for patients with special post-procedure skin care needs.  Given that the mineral makeup category continues to grow, I was interested in trying Youngblood Mineral Cosmetics.  The focus is on four core lines: foundation, eyes, lips and cheeks.  I tried the Natural Loose Mineral Foundation and found it to provide excellent coverage; it blended well, didn't appear chalky and most importantly, provided all-day coverage without irritating.  I also tried the Sommelier color collection, which consisted of the Vintage eyeshadow quad, Zin pressed mineral blush and Cuvee lipstick.  Each of these products are standouts with great depth of color, blendability and wearability.  If you are having skin issues that are making it difficult to find a makeup line that works, such as acne, hyperpigmentation or rosacea, check out the Makeover Studio on the website and see some real world clients and their dramatic results.  There are also application tips and an ingredient list available to review.  In a mineral makeup market that is starting to get crowded, I believe the Youngblood Mineral Cosmetics line distinguishes in its' quality and by Pauline Youngbloods' understanding of the clientele she serves.  You can shop Youngblood Mineral Cosmetics online or check the website for locations near you.

FACE atelier....FACE ateli-yay!

Face atelier cosmetics has both inspiring products and a CEO with an inspiring story.  Debbie Bondar is the head of Face atelier, a line whose goal is to empower women to build and maintain positive self esteem through cosmetics.  The FACE line itself is so innovative--truly, you are the makeup artist.  Take the Ultra Foundation, a silicone-based product.  Want to lighten the shade to highlight?  Add a drop of Zero Minus to lighten the base shade.  Want to contour or be able to make your foundation a shade darker to enhance a summer tan?  Add Zero Plus, which darkens the base shade.  The benefit to this is that any woman, any skin tone, any time of year, can be using her perfect shade of foundation.  What a concept! The other benefit that this foundation has over many others that I've tried, is that is sits on your skin flawlessly.  I normally always use a primer under my foundation, yet with the Ultra Foundation, because it is silicone-based, I found it unnecessary.  A note about ingredients:  to preserve the integrity of its' products, FACE atlier does not add scents, flavors or SPF to it's make-up.  You will need to use a separate sunscreen with this line or mix one in with your foundation.  One additional feature that I liked is that you are able to order samples of the foundations, which allow you to feel the texture of the product, as well as determine the correct shade.  The Ultra Foundation retails at $42.  FACE atelier offers a complete line of makeup for eyes, lips and face and counts numerous professional makeup artists and celebrities as fans. 

FACE atelier will also be working their magic at Fashion Week!  The FACE atelier Pro Team will be assisting Sharon Gault at the Catherine Fulmer show on February 8th.  She's got quite a celebrity following, as does FACE atelier, so it should be a great show. 

FACE atelier is offering Beauty411 readers a special 25% off discount when you shop the website.  To take advantage, use code beauty411.  This special offer is available thru February 29th, so get your face on with FACE atelier!