Tag: Sunday Riley

Three Perfecting Primers

It wasn’t but just a short couple of years ago that I dismissed primers as an extra unnecessary step. So often they felt like spackle or were full of hard-to-work-with silicon. But today’s primers are a totally different story. Not only do they perfect skin as a canvas for foundation. They can be worn along for ultra-light coverage. Many contain all important sunscreen. And can enhance or alter the look of a tinted moisturizer. My three recent favorites are:

MAKE Face Primer Broad Spectrum SPF 30

I’ve been super enthusiastic about this amazing brand. Now carried in Barneys, MAKE donates 10% of retail sales to We See Beauty Foundation, which benefits women-run, worker-owned cooperative businesses – a true “look good, feel good” brand. While I love a couple of their primers, this SPF powered version has been the one I reach for most. The formula contains light-diffusing micro-spheres that can perfect fine lines. Squalane adds nourishing moisture while the SPF disappears into the skin with no whitish cast. I’d recommend this for all skin types. Also note that it is cruelty-free, vegan, paraben-free, fragrance-free and hypoallergenic.

Sunday Riley Effortless Breathable Tinted Primer

A long time favorite, this primer is a star on its own. I use medium along for a “barely there” coverage. But it also is my pick under foundation for when I need fuller coverage for my TV appearances. The thin liquid has the perfect balance of radiance and texture. The oxygen-packed formula plumps skin. And other ingredients work over long term with anti-aging benefits. While all skin types would love this primer, I think it is particularly well-suited for those with oily to normal skin.

Dior Glow Maximizer Light Boosting Primer

There is a reason that women have preferred rose colored light for decades. Red-based light is the most flattering around. Glow Maximizer has a luminous, rose gold base to add a youthful radiance. This also can be worn alone or mixed with foundation for a more luminous look. Plus, it smells amazing – no wonder since it is made in France. This rich formula is perfect for those with drier skin.

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Three Favorite Serums

I know I covered my current skin care routine yesterday (see that post here), but I purposefully left out the serum step. Since last September, I have been using three serums regularly that I absolutely love. Granted, they all do very different things so I’ve been adjusting based on what my skin needs. So, take a look at your skin and I encourage you to try out these if you have:

Dry Skin: AHAVA Dead Sea Osmoter Concentrate works with your skin to improve its ability to retain moisture. This added moisture helps skin look more radiant. The secret ingredient is a concentrate of Osmoter, a blend of Dead Sea minerals, that heals skin from the inside out. If you are suffering from some serious winter dehydration, look no further. This serum is super gentle and safe to use morning and night.

Fine lines, hyperpigmentation or dullness: Sunday Riley Good Genes Treatment works as both a serum and a mask. Expect some generous brightening action here. While it can be a little strong for more sensitive skin, it might be worth the temporary redness. My skin looks smoother and more vibrant, particularly working against hyperpigmentation. With my easily irritated skin, I avoid using it as a mask. But if you have resilient or thicker skin, give it a whirl. I especially love the way this serum looks under makeup.

Sun damage, fine lines and a lazy skin care attitude: SkinCeuticalsPhloretin CF Gel is a trio of active ingredients that can provide a complete anti-aging cocktail. If you don’t like a lot of steps (or are a dude) check out this multi-tasker. The three active ingredients are 2% phloretin, 10% vitamin C, and 0.5% ferulic acid. The gel consistency is great for oilier skin. And antioxidants specifically help regeneration and repair leaving a more youthful appearance. Be prepared for a period of irritation or a break out here and there – this gel helps force out anything congesting skin and reveals a new and fresh layer of skin.

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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.

Favorite Serums

Serums are such an underrated skin care step. I can see why. With a cleanser, you get instant gratification of washing off the grim. Moisturizer’s hydration feels so good. And applying SPF is like giving yourself a pat on the back. But a recent experience reminded my how important these guys are.

I was testing a skin care system that didn’t incorporate a serum. I followed it to a “T”. After just 10 days, my skin looked dull and my hyperpigmentation was worse. My skin just didn’t feel as soft. So, I bagged the system I was testing and returned to my serum-inclusive routine.

In just three days, I was back to my old self. Definitely reminded me how important a serum can be. So today, I am sharing my three favorites. I rotate these and often use two together. They go on after cleansing a before moisturizer.

1. La Mer The Concentrate – I don’t know about this “Miracle Broth” and I have been concerned about some of the ingredients La Mer uses, but I just can’t deny that this stuff eliminates redness like a champ. It was initially designed to improve the appearance of scarring resulting from surgery and burns. I have used this after surgery and it works wonders on minimizing scars. But the premise also works on dry, irritated and sensitive skin. The main ingredient accelerates skin’s natural repair process. And it leaves skin insanely soft.

2. Kanebo Sensai Collection Prime Solution – This stuff is new and I’ve been lucky enough to test it out over the past couple of months. Kanebo is known for using Koishimaru Silk which reawakens skin cells. It boosts the efficacy of other treatments I use – so make sure to apply it first before any other treatments or serums. I love the beautiful glass bottle too!

3. Sunday Riley Juno Transformative Lipid Serum – Actually a dry oil, this has cult-level status. Sunday Riley’s skin care is inspired by Native American botanicals and she is best known for her NV-5 Ageless Complex, a proprietary blend of 5 Native American botanicals to detoxify, heal, and recharge the skin. Juno also includes oils extremely high in natural retinol, Vitamin C, Essential Amino Acids, Omega-3, 6, & 9, UV shields, and natural Anti-Inflammatory agents for luminous skin. This stuff leaves skin super glow-y.

Sunday Riley Soft Focus Finishing Loose Powder

I can honestly say the Sunday Riley cosmetics launch has been one of the most exciting for me. Sunday, who has had a long-seated interest (and success) in anti-aging skin care, has incorporated her proficiency into a new makeup line. I managed to get my paws on some of the goodies in advance of the February 2012 launch and couldn’t wait to report on my new favorite loose powder.

I normally could take or leave the extra step of finishing powder over my foundation but this Sunday Riley Soft Focus Finishing Loose Powder has me hooked. I think the difference is its light-weight formula. The powder doesn’t make me uber-matte, but just more polished. My hyper-pigmentation and redness was mysteriously blended away above and beyond what my regular foundation could do.

Enter Sunday Riley’s skin care expertise: the powder contains Calcium Sodium Borosilicate, a talc alternative. The calcium is what diffuses blemishes and fine lines. It also contains Nylon 12, making the powder silky and preventing that dusky, overly matte feel so many powders give. Lastly, she included mica to create a radiance.

Sunday Riley’s family has a LONG history in Texas (like when it was its own country). Her heritage included using Native American botanicals in day-to-day life, including skin care. She is best known for her NV-5 Ageless Complex, a proprietary blend of 5 Native American botanicals to detoxify, heal, and recharge the skin.

The powder will be available in three shades at Barneys New York and Bergdorf Goodman in February.