Modernize the Way You Make Up

Let's just state the obvious shall we: The beautyblender Cosmetic Sponge looks more akin to Easter hunts than make up bags. Yet with its unique shape, texture and material trifecta, it works foundation into that coveted overall even, crease-free coverage.

This ovoid applicator was the brainchild of Rea Ann Silva, one of Hollywood's top make up artists, who "knows the key to the perfect face is the perfect blend."  (Side note: I wonder how many flawless Oscars faces last night were achieved with its help!). Beyond Tinsel Town, this tool is also a well known Fashion Week backstage essential.

As I generally apply my foundation with my fingers, I wasn't sure how the beautyblender would fit into my daily routine. The tip sheet that accompanied it assured that even with my preferred technique, the beautyblender would smooth and refine my make up to a clean finish. Incorporating it this way was fun and did seem to make a noticeable, albeit slight, difference.

Other suggested uses include to use the round base to apply blush and the pointed end to "stipple and twist" concealer to perfectly camouflage blemishes. My pedestrian maquillage talents will surely need a bit of practice to fully utilize the beautyblender's magic, but I'm happy to take the road that eventually leads to complexion perfection.

beautyblender retails for $19.95 at major retailers nationwide including Duane Reade Look Boutique, CO Bigelow, Henri Bendel and Beauty.com.

Temptu: Build-a-Bundle AIRbrush Makeup System

As someone who doesn't usually even wear foundation, the Temptu AIRbrush was very intimidating to me. The instructions and DVD made it seem so easy, though...

I tried it before going out with the girls one Friday night.

Hello, FLAWLESS SKIN!

I didn't use the highlighter--I'm pretty good about providing my own shine, but the foundation and blush were OUTSTANDING.

The application was super-easy. The hardest part was getting the little plugs to stay in place when I was done.

It took about 3 minutes. The last time I wore foundation & blush took me close to 10.

I think I could get it down to about 1 minute.

My friend commented on my great skin, and I got a truly horrible pick-up line*, so I am counting my first Temptu outing as a complete success!

More expensive than I am generally comfortable with, but they have some great sales, and sometimes Sephora will even discount.

Worth the investment!!!

*If I were a squirrel, would you let me out my nut in your hole. That is what he said. For reals.

Logona Naturkosmetic

I took Friday off work, and thought, why not be brave? So I was brave and gave Logona a try. While I love natural products, and have a fondness for Jojoba, Almond Oil and Calendula, my sensitive skin just can't handle it. *sigh*

I used the Light Beige (01) - just a tad pale for my odd mix of pink-with-yellow- undertones complexion. I loved the packaging - in my humble opinion all foundation should be in a squeezable tube! The scent is distinctive, lasting and a little bit too much. Kind of medicinal. The coverage was light - great for those looking for something in between a tinted moisturizer and a regular foundation. It promised to control oil, which it did - a miraculous feat on my super oily mug. But on the downside, it inflamed some already compromised areas on my face. If only I wasn't so sensitive...gee, where have I heard that before? LOL

Mineral Powder Foundations

Maybelline NY Mineral Power Powder Foundation

Mary Kay Mineral Powder Foundation

L'Oreal Bare Naturale Gentle Mineral Makeup

The foundation that appears to be advertised the most these days is some sort of mineral powder. I thought I would try a couple different ones to see if there is a difference between brands. Overall, my favorite out of the 3 is the L'Oreal brand.

Mary Kay's version of mineral powder foundation comes in a short, wide, round container. Doesn't fit well in my travel makeup bag, but I can get over that. It also does not come with an applicator. Apparently you have to have your own, or buy one of theirs separately. The good thing about the wide container is that you are able to get your applicator brush in the powder without it going all over. It also covers well. Unfortunately, the color I tried didn't match my skin color well, but I used it a couple of times on the weekend at home to get a feel for it. If you like Mary Kay products and have some of their product already, I am sure that you will have no problems using their mineral powder foundation.

Maybelline New York's Mineral Power Powder Foundation (that is a mouthful) comes with an applicator and is in a smaller container. I personally thought the brush was a little rough and awkward. The applicator brush is just the top of the brush, but it doesn't fit on/in the container. The makeup itself was light and covered well. It didn't look like I had a ton of foundation on, and still managed to even out my skin tone.

*As a side note, I also tried the Mineral Power Natural Perfecting Concealer. It comes in a lip gloss-like tube with a soft applicator brush. Creamy concealer that covers well and LASTS. Love the fact that it is compact enough to carry in my little wristlet purse.

L'Oreal Bare Naturale Gentle Mineral Makeup is the one have been using on a regular basis. It comes in a small container with the applicator brush on the cover to the makeup. I realized after trying 3 different mineral powder foundations that it is inevitably going to get all over. I like the idea of the brush as part of the container, but I think it might be a little too big. I have decided to just use a brush I already had. I found that the L'Oreal brand goes on smooth and light, covers well, and lasts all day. The color also matched my skintone well.

Overall, I like the idea of a mineral powder foundation. It blends well into your skin and doesn't look or feel like you have any foundation on at all. Very light, very subtle, and very necessary as part of your makeup collection.

LORAC - protecTINT

LORAC
protecTINT oil free tinted moisturizer
SPF 30
Tawny Temptress

My friend, Julie first introduced me to tinted face moisturizers about 4 years ago. I have since tried several different ones. This little sample from LORAC was perfect for a facial trial. The lotion was a little more creamy than the ones I have tried, but that may be because it was in a sample pouch and not a bottle/tube. It felt somewhat greasy, but did not make my face look greasy at all. The color was great. Not too much tint, but just enough to make my skin appear almost sun-kissed. You have to remember 2 things: 1) Make sure you distribute evenly over face and neck. 2) Wash your hands IMMEDIATELY after applying. It can make your hands look orange. The great thing about this is, if you have clear skin, you can use this instead of a foundation!

Laura Mercier - Tinted Moisturizer

Laura Mercier
Oil-Free Tinted Moisturizer
Nude

Don't be scared off by the color - this blends perfectly for fair skin that's been slightly sun-kissed - even though it looks dark before application. Goes on easily and smoothly - I squirted a dime-size amount into my hands and rubbed on. How's that for effortless?
A little concealer under the eyes and over any blemishes, and this is the perfect foundation alternative for summer. Lasted through a lazy Sunday afternoon nap, so the staying power is there for sure. If you're oily, might want to dust on some transluscent powder to polish off your look.

Smashbox Photo Finish

Gotta have it! Use daily as a base or on special occasions under foundation or powder for FLAWLESS coverage all day. Introduced to PF by a friend at a wedding, bride looked perfect all day, despite the heat and sun in Mexico! I've ordered it from Smashbox and Sephora.
Smashbox description:
Create a perfect canvas for foundation application with this silky blend of vitamins A & E, grape seed extract and green tea. The best-selling formula helps to reduce the appearance of fine lines and pores for visibly softer skin. Wear under foundation to increase its longevity, or alone for a velvety-smooth finish.