Laura Mercier is known for creating the “flawless face” with her four-step routine. I am definitely not one to sign up for so many steps in a makeup routine, but her refined process and products really do lend to a blemish-free and well, “flawless”, appearance. Recently, she threw us lazy-types a bone with the introduction of the undercover pot. This pot consolidates steps three and four into one product – use the top to conceal and then the translucent powder is conveniently stored below to set your look. The oil-free secret camouflage, a long-time cult favorite, is creamy enough to cover blemishes but dry enough to achieve staying power. Secret concealer has an emollient formula to cover the eye area – the creaminess keeps the product from settling into fine lines. Then the translucent powder sets makeup – while I don’t think the powder changes the finish, I do think it keeps the makeup looking great for a longer period of time. Trust me, it is worth all those steps.
Category: face
Bare Escentuals® Mineral Veil SPF 25
Sparkle dust? I don’t get it. This finishing powder is designed to give a flawless finish with added UVA/UVB protection, oil absorption and a softer complexion. Honestly, this makes me look like I just got out an 18-and-over club. The shimmer is dramatic for day and it isn’t really a look I would choose for evening. The formula promises to be weightless, but it actually settles sticky on my face. While I like the bareMinerals Foundation, this added step tarnishes the natural finish mineral makeup provides.
Maybelline Fit Me Foundation
Why, why, why! did it take me so long to pick this foundation up? I was definitely intimidated that I would select the wrong shade, but when I visited CVS, I found handy testers. After visiting the mirror aisle, I was sold on #115 (Ivory). Good thing for the testers because I would have purchased #110 (Porcelain) had I not had the opportunity to try shades. Because I was sans makeup (in my defense, it was 8AM), I put the makeup on in my car. My skin is super sensitive right now due to starting a retinol treatment, but this did not irritate my skin at all. The coverage is really good – but do not confuse this with heaviness. The makeup is actually really light. How did they do that? Six hours later, coverage is still looking great. I see what all the hype was about. Don’t hesitate picking this up next time you are at the drugstore.
L’Oreal Paris Studio Secrets Professional Magic Smooth Souffle Makeup
I am so lazy when matching colors. So I shy away from drugstore brands. I still haven’t figured out the right shade for the hot, new Maybelline FIT. But I did happen to find the right shade in this Souffle and I was smitten with the texture. I thought it would be perfect to use with the L’Oreal Magic Perfecting Base, previously and positively reviewed. While the color worked well with my Fair-Medium skin, there was a greyish cast to my face. There wasn’t the luminosity I have enjoyed with so many other products. For a matte look, this could work, but cheek color would have to be employed.
Bobbi Brown Illuminating Bronzing Powder
Okay, I am shy about blush. With my fair skin, it just seems like it was so obvious and artificial on me. So I had been opting for a one-tone finish on my face. That was until Celia at the Bobbi Brown counter got a hold of me. When I saw the compact, I thought “wow, that looks pink, but I really like the name ‘Antigua’”. So I let her have her way with my cheeks. This came out as illuminating, duh, but authentic. It was sheer but gave emphasis on my cheekbones. It was easy to use and after I learned that I didn’t need loads of the product on my brush, I have become proficient. I love it so much, it goes with me everywhere now.
Available colors: Antigua (light pink – below), Maui (pink coral), Bali Brown (gold), Aruba (light gold), Bahama (deep gold), Barbados (warm deep gold).
Clinique Redness Solutions Instant Relief Mineral Powder
One could say I have “reactive redness”. That seems like a not so nice way of saying I have a lovely reddish tone to my skin, especially in the winter. I don’t really like the idea of using a green pigmented cream or concealer (just seems too artificial). So when Clinique launched the advertising campaign for their Redness Solutions lines, I though they could be on to something. I picked up the loose mineral powder. It has a nice consistency, no smell and is oil-free and talc-free. And it did a fabulous job of eliminating the redness in my skin. It did slightly dry out my winter skin and the loose powder is hard to travel with. But I plan on picking up the pressed powder for the summer when my skin isn’t so parched.
