Tag: foundation

Cover FX Total Coverage Cream Foundation SPF 30 GIVEAWAY

My search for a compact is finally at an end! I have been on the hunt for a cream foundation that can double as a concealer on the go. And Cover FX had the ticket and it can be yours too!

Their Total Coverage Cream Foundation comes in over 30 shades and has the perfect medium-coverage, natural-looking finish. I like applying it with a brush as either a foundation or concealer. I’ve found it also works great buffed into the skin with a Kabuki brush. My last little trick is warming a little bit on my fingers and tapping under the eye for a refreshed look.

Somehow, they made this silky cream oil-free. If you are on the drier side, like me, make sure you are hydrated as it will ease the blending process. The formula has high powered SPF 30 making it great for the summer. The foundation is also fragrance and gluten-free.

I have ten of these guys to give away. For your chance, answer the official Cover FX question “HOW DO YOU DEFINE YOUR INDIVIDUAL BEAUTY?” in the comment section below. The top ten responses will win a full-size Cover FX cream foundation in their perfect shade. (winners should visit coverfx.com or Sephora for color matching.)

Open to anyone in the US. Winner will be notified within 24 hours of the giveaway. Void where prohibited. I must receive all entries by 03/14/2012 12:01am and the odds of winning are determined by the number of entries received. No purchase necessary to enter.

BB Creams – My Favorites for Each Skin Type

A BB Cream (initials for “Beauty Balm” or “Blemish Balm”) is a moisturizer, sunscreen, and skin care treatment all in one. They were first popularized in Asia and have since taken the US by storm. They are literally EVERYWHERE. As a beauty editor, the questions I most often get are “How do I pick a BB Cream?” or “Which BB Cream is your favorite?”. So, this article is designed to narrow down my favorites based on your exact needs.

First, I must disclose, this is probably my most favorite beauty product at the moment. It is a multi-tasker that prevents aging, makes skin look even and still have a natural look about it. They work great as a primer with SPF under foundation. Or on their own if you don’t need as much coverage. One of these should definitely be in your makeup arsenal.

Best for combo/oily skin: Boscia B.B. Cream SPF 27 PA++

This oil-free formula comes in only one shade but works on a wide range of complexions. It has a watery consistency that blends easily and won’t clog pores. The addition of Abyssine, a naturally-derived survival molecule, can actually calm skin inflamed by breakouts or sensitivity.

Best for dry skin: NARS Pure Radiant Tinted Moisturizer SPF 30/PA+++

NARS has a high SPF with a dewy and hydrated finish. The coverage is fairly substantial for a tinted moisturizer and this keeps my dry skin plump and glowy all day. They have a great shade range and the slightly yellow undertones neutralize redness. NARS also promises to reduce the appearance of hyperpigmentation with four weeks of continued use. My dark spots did improve while I was using NARS but I also had steps in my skincare to fight darks spots.

Best for dry skin with lighter coverage Dr. Jart+ Water Fuse Beauty Balm SPF 25 PA++ 

This formula by Dr. Jart is made with 50 percent water, hydrating skin to give a healthy finish. This is great for a hot summer day because the water actually has a cooling effect as it is applied to the skin. The coverage is slightly lighter than his Premium formulation seen below.

Best for sensitive or red skin: Omorovicza Complexion Perfector BB Cream SPF 20, 1.7

This silicon-free formula is perfect for easily irritated skin. The luxury formula has loads of skin care benefits, including Hyaluronic acid, adding hydration. The coverage is light but it easily minimizes redness and gives a glowy finish without looking too dewy.

Best for varying coverage or as a primer: Miracle Skin™ Transformer

This vitamin rich formula evens skin while still being light-weight. Its formula and coverage makes it particularly well suited to build as you need more coverage and contains scilicon to give it a bit of “slip”. This also makes it a great primer under a fuller coverage foundation. This was a lifesaver in the winter when I needed more coverage for redness in the center of my face, but was stil able to use a lighter application on my cheeks and forehead.

Best SPF: Dr. Jart+ Premium Beauty Balm SPF 45 PA+++

While these other formulas have between 20-30 SPF, Dr. Jart amped it up with this formula. His “Premium” version is perfect for summer days spent outdoors. He didn’t skip on skin care properties – bio-peptides and adenosine protect skin from harsh environmental factors while restoring firmness and elasticity.

For a drugstore alternative: Garnier Skin Renew Miracle Skin Perfector B.B. Cream

Garnier did a great job bringing BB Cream to the drugstore, available for $12.99. They have two shades: Light/Medium and Medium/Deep.

Laura Mercier Foundation Primer Radiance

For a long time, I was on the fence about primers. I just didn’t see their value. Until I gave Laura Mercier’s Foundation Primer a shot. My foundation lasted hours longer. And I was a convert.

Laura Mercier, the queen of the flawless face, is known for her complexion items, especially her tinted moisturizer. But I think these primers are the real stars. She has five varieties:

My friends and family will all tell you I am a fan of the glowy and dewy look. I love a hydrated and healthy face (an uphill battle with my dry skin). So, I was quick to get my paws on the newest primer, Laura Mercier Foundation Primer Radiance.

The primer contains Jojoba Oil and Vitamins A, C & E that keep your skin from looking dull and tired. The the water content keeps it looking hydrated. The formula doesn’t irritate my sensitive skin at all and is silicone and paraben-free.

Out of the tube, this looks like a peachy, pearl lotion. But it goes on perfectly sheer when you blend it into the face. Don’t be fooled though – it is creating the perfect canvas for foundation. My undertone is slightly less red with a radiance about it. And it makes a bare face incredibly soft. I still need a moisturizer underneath, but those with more normal or oily skin will do just fine without.

Tom Ford Traceless Foundation Stick

So many recent “firsts” over here at Belle Belle Beauty. First Edward Bess, then La Prairie and now (finally) Tom Ford. I love it just as much as my other luxury foundation pick, Clé de Peau Beauté Silky Cream Foundation, but they couldn’t be more different. Clé de Peau gives a silky, glowy finish with medium coverage, whereas Tom Ford Traceless Foundation Stick is nimble, oil-free and buildable in coverage.

This stick has a unique quality: swiping the stick directly on my skin gives a creamy, blendable formula. The only other stick foundation I’ve used (Bobby Brown) is not near as blendable and almost cakey. As the Tom Ford Traceless Foundation Stick sets, the finish is more matte, bringing with it fantastic staying quality. I haven’t had a foundation EVER stay on as long as this does.

Shaped like a giant concealer stick, I wasn’t sure now precise I could be. But actually, the stick allows you to build coverage where needed and let a sheerness shine through where you don’t. If you are having a particularly good skin day, just use this as a concealer! And love this is airplane friendly and portable.

Tom Ford’s price point is definitely high ($78), but this stick is HUGE and excellent quality. You won’t be sorry.

Laura Mercier Oil-Free Supreme Foundation

I’ve definitely covered loads of foundation options for those of you with dry skin like me (look here, here and here). But this one is for all those with oiler skin. Laura Mercier has just come out with new oil-free foundation that gives skin the ultimate coverage, comfort and wear for a flawless complexion.

Here’s what she promised (and delivered):

  • Oil-free, non-drying, lightweight formula glides on evenly on to skin and does not settle into fine lines.
  • Visibly minimizes the appearance of pores for smoother skin.
  • Buildable coverage, from moderate to full, evens skin tone.
  • Provides a soft matte finish.
  • Longwearing formula (lasts up to 8 hours) feels lightweight and comfortable on skin.
  • Silicone-free, fragrance-free, non-greasy.

The formula is excellent – smooth, great staying power and even, matte finish. My only caveat is make sure you actually do have oily skin. This will only play nice with truly oily skin. My guinea pig, Corey, assured me she had oily skin but it was even drying for her. But when I tried it on my early-twenties buddy with the right complexion, the Oil-Free Supreme Foundation really shined. I love this for younger skin with acne problems. The addition of aloe, green tea, and silica sooths, heals and corrects.  Vitamin A will also help correct imperfections. And Vitamin E hydrates without a greasy finish.

The oil-free foundation hits counters this month and is available in 12 shades: Porcelain Ivory, Blush Ivory, Warm Ivory, Sunny Beige, Vanilla Beige, Golden Beige, Shell Beige, Tawny Beige, Honey Beige, Suntan Beige, Toffee Bronze, Rich Sienna).

Friday Finds

This week I was reunited with some old favorites and discovered new gems.  Here’s a taste of some of the highlights in honor of the weekend.

1.  Butter London – Limited Edition 3 Free Lacquer in Bluey (in lamplight looks like a holiday evergreen)

2.  W3LL People Cosmetics (more to come on them in the near future – local Austin company)

3.  Honeybee Gardens Truly Natural Mascara (a natural mascara that actually works for $10.99)

4.  Solar Rx Cosmetic Moisturizer Sunblock (uses simple natural ingredients to get maximum physical protection)