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? 

Giorgio Armani Fluid Sheer...Simply radiant!

I've always been a little wary of the "luminizing" products.  Whether it be that it adds yet another step to my makeup routine, fear of the unknown or just plain apprehension that I will look like a clown--I've never bought into this category.  Until now.  With my recent Giorgio Armani Luminous Silk foundation order, I received a sample of the Giorgio Armani Fluid Sheer #2.  Where has this been all my life?!

At first I was hesitant and gingerly added this champagne-tinted highlighter (on top of my Luminous Silk #5 foundation) to my cheekbones.  I liked it; it was very subtle and pretty.  Then I got more daring and actually mixed it with my foundation.  Holy fountain of youth, Batman!  Your skin looks like it is lit from within. I do think using a blending brush would enhance the application.  I would also note that my skin tends to be on the normal to dry side; if you're skin is oily, I would try to sample this first.  The full size bottle should last an eternity, especially if you mix it with foundation or your moisturizer, which is the most versatile way to wear the Giogio Armani Fluid Sheer.  If you're looking for a way to give your complexion a boost or make your skin appear more radiant, give this product a try.  It's available in the full size here or in a Fluid Sheer Mini Travel Collector here. 

NOTE:  There is a new limited-edition Fluid Sheer Radiance from the Spring 2008 collection now on the Giorgio Armani Beauty website.  It's available in 2 colors, Sheer Apricot and Vibrant Pink; a warm and cool tone.  Check it out!