This wand looked deceivingly simple and convenient. Alas, it was not. It took for-EVER to get the powder out to the applicator. The brush was cheap and actually irritated my skin. I used the translucent shade and it was certainly colorless (and without effect). Probably because so little powder was on the brush, it wasn’t able to banish shine or set my other makeup. In a word, “SKIP”.
If you have the right skin, this Tinted Moisturizing Balm can be a home run for you like it is for me. I make the caveat of needing the right skin because the coverage is very light and the balm is super moisturizing. I have dry skin in the winter and this winter seems especially bad – welcome to your 30s, I guess. I prefer a light coverage because, frankly, I give up on covering up all my freckles (read: age spots). The finish takes all the red out of my skin and leaves it moisturized without being overly dewy. I love that it has a relatively high SPF built in. There is a strong fragrance – something like Thyme and Citrus. I really like it but if you have a sensitive nose, make sure you smell before buying. Also, the artist said “a little goes a long way”, probably to alleviate the pain of the $50 price tag. I don’t think this is true, but the jar will last me well into the early spring. Also you can build the coverage but using a little bit more. I am using the light tint but it also comes in the following colors:
I have fair skin so Alabaster and Extra Light are very, very light.
I am reticent to add another step – you all know I prefer laziness simplicity. But I found a lot of value in applying this before foundation or under eye concealer. This silky formula has vitamins and antioxidants and isn’t greasy. The most impact, I found, was in filling pores for a smooth finish. My foundation went on evenly and had a more consistent finish. I can’t speak for inhibiting the destruction of collagen, but the overall effect was a more youthful and smooth appearance to the skin. It was especially helpful under my eyes – I was able to eliminate the cakey look to my La Mer concealer. I used the original formula, but it also comes in:
1 oz Original in a Tube (colorless)
1 oz Original (colorless)
2 oz Original (colorless)
1 oz Light (colorless)
2 oz Light (colorless)
1 oz SPF 15 with Dermaxyl Complex
1 oz SPF 15 with Dermaxyl Complex (sheer apricot – dries clear)
1 oz Color Adjust (green – minimizes redness)
1 oz Color Balance (lavender – for natural yellow skintones)
1 oz Color Blend (apricot – conceals under eye circles, veins, sunspots)
1 oz Bronzing Primer (sheer tan)
1 oz Luminizing (sheer luminous gold)
Not surprisingly, I was excited to get my December shipment from BirchBox (www.birchbox.com), my new favorite beauty resource. But I couldn’t imagine that I would find the solution to a long search for a lighter or tinted moisturizer. I don’t like the way Laura Mercier smells so there went the usual favorite everyone was recommending to me. I am smitten with Jouer’s Moisture Tint. It evens skin, comes out looking matte with just a bit of glimmer. And don’t worry folks, it looks great for day despite the bit of sparkle. On their website, Christina recommends layering for more intense coverage for those of you looking for that. I love it just the way it is with a light application all over the face. Hip Hip Hooray for BirchBox and Jouer!
Hopes were high – NARS Orgasm is supposed to be the best color ever, right? This just made me look, well…. like I was perspiring … a lot. I couldn’t get the illuminator to incorporate with my overall look. It just didn’t want to blend. And it went above and beyond “dewy”. Plus, this famous color just looked wrong on me. I have fair skin with freckles and some age spots – unfortunately. The product made me look like I had told an inappropriate joke or had too much wine too quick. And I was sweating…
I thought I would fall in love with this stuff. And, to some extent, I did. I love that it is sheer and relatively easy to put on. It doesn’t cover up dark spots but gives a slightly more finished look. But mom didn’t give it the two thumbs up. Frankly, I understand why. The overall effect is a little matte and feathery – if that makes any sense. The blending doesn’t give that overall natural look. Next time I am going to try the Laura Mercier tinted moisturizer.
