Tag: primer

Hourglass Primers

I am convinced that Hourglass Primers are a best of breed. While I love Smashbox and Laura Mercier, these Hourglass offerings have something a little extra. They are luxurious and nourishing performers, no matter your skin type.

Hourglass N° 28 Primer Serum is the work horse of the bunch. This primer is also serious skin care. You can use it at night or under makeup. It even works on the ends of your hair for conditioning and shine. This is geared for drier skin (jump to the next version if you are in the oily camp) with an oil-based hydrating formula. The silky consistency creates a natural moisture barrier with a refined surface for makeup. I love the luminous quality – it can modernize and transform a matte foundation. The “28” in the product’s name refers to the formula’s key ingredients, which include 14 essential oils, 10 lipid-rich plant oils, and four vitamins.

Hourglass Veil Mineral Primer SPF 15 is more of a dedicated primer. While it is designed for more combo/oily skin, I still keep it in my rotation. The milky white lotion finishes out to clean, satin canvas. The mineral-based formula absorbs excess oils while the light diffusing properties camouflage imperfections. Bonus that it contains an SPF.

Hourglass Solar Tan Self-Tanning Primer is the most unique primer I have come across. For those who want to maintain a bronzy glow in the winter, this is a great option. The primer develops into a natural glow with each application. You can use it up to five days until you get your desired intensity. I’ve noticed that I feel better if my complexion has a little warmth so I love having this close by.

Sunday Riley Effortless Breathable Tinted Primer

I admit that, at first, I was a little confused by the Effortless Breathable Tinted Primer. Does it provide coverage? Why is it so watery? Do I need it? After some experimentation, I was quickly hooked. First, it does not provide tremendous coverage, but it does even skin. I’ve come to embrace the water texture. It soothes my skin and blends effortlessly. And yes, I do need this. It is the perfect daytime makeup. And makes a great canvas when you are wearing foundation.

The oil-free and oxygen-rich formula actually ventilates my skin, quenching and hydrating. The smooth but sheer finish actually is refreshing and makes me look more radiant. Truly a unique product! Also available in Deep. And be sure to check out another Sunday Riley favorite: Sunday Riley Soft Focus Finishing Loose Powder.

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.

BY TERRY Hyaluronic Face Glow

I feel so remiss haven’t not reviewed this product earlier. It was my winter holy grail – lightweight, combats dryness and evens out my skin. The Hyaluronic Face Glow was my first By Terry product I had ever used. And I ordered it sight unseen. I ordered Warm Glow, the darkest shade available (not completely sure why). But it actually works. It requires some blending around the neck and I would be better with Nude Glow, but I love the bronzed look it gives me.

It is paired down version of a foundation. It primes (and I often use it as a primer when I really want to go flawless) and moisturizes. But I wouldn’t call it a tinted moisturizer. It is more light-weight and “airy” with its mousse-like feel. And I adore the signature By Terry floral scent. It is very subtle, and lovely.

So why is this such a good moisturizer? The primary ingredient is whipped hyaluronic acid molecules. Along with galanga leaf extract, this penetrates while softening and plumping. The mineral pigments give a radiant, but not dewy or shinny finish.

This product is unlike anything else I have tried. If you love light-weight foundations and tinted moisturizers and have even an iota of dry skin, give it a try.

Miracle Skin Giveaway

I went about this a bit backwards. I was already hooked on the Miracle Skin™ Transformer Body SPF 20 but hadn’t yet tried Miracle Skin’s original product: Miracle Skin™ Transformer. There is certainly no method to my madness. But moving on, I was met with just as wonderful of a product as I expected. Sarah McNamara (Miracle Skin founder) has developed a core set of products that are simple, effective staples for your vanity (and mine). Plus they are made in the USA and not tested on animals, snagging my seal of approval.

The Miracle Skin™ Transformer isn’t a tinted moisturizer, but a tinted skin enhancer. The coverage is very light (but buildable). The silicone formulation improves the look of skin by minimizing fine lines, dark spots and blemishes.  My complexion is evener but not covered up.  At the same time, using the M3 Complex, the skin is hydrated while active antioxidants and vitamins (A, K, and E ) go to work. The formula literally calms down my perpetually red skin.  And this winter, it has been my go to sun protection (SPF 20/UVA/UVB protection). I use Light. It is pretty sheer so it works, but I suggest you go a shade darker than you think you need. Next time, I’m going pick up Medium Tan.

Available in six shades:

Since I was clearly a convert, I HAD to try the Miracle Skin™ Transformer Treat & Conceal Eye & Face. This might be the all-star. It is actually a serum that conceals while it treats acne, redness, lines, bags, circles or whatever needs hiding. Salicylic acid helps treat blemishes – but it is gentle enough not to anger my sensitive skin. Vitamin K treats vascular conditions like nasty dark circles and redness around the nose. White rose and chamomile extracts calm the skin. Unlike any other concealer, it is silicone derived, creating a smooth and natural coverage. This is the least cake-y concealer I have used. I use light for the undereye, but I think next time I will pick up light/medium. Light is great for circles but a little too fair for my blemishes.

Available in three shades:

I can’t help but share this enthusiasm with you, my dear readers.  So Miracle Skin and I are giving away a Miracle Skin™ Transformer AND Treat & Conceal Eye & Face to one lucky reader. Just enter using the widget below. Good luck!

 

Read more “Miracle Skin Giveaway”

Smashbox Photo Finish Hydrating Foundation Primer

As someone who has dry skin, I never thought I’d like something that touts itself as oil-free. But this primer ticks all the boxes and will be my go to primer for big nights out on the town. The hydration preps the skin for foundation. For me, my skin looks healthier and plumper when I use this stuff. Hydraplex12, made from desert plants, immediately moisturizes and actually seals it in. It also fills in fine lines and pores for an even and uniform canvas for foundation. Along with bring dry, my skin is very sensitive. So I adore the cooling and hydrating effect as soon as I apply this stuff.