Let’s talk about concealer, foundation and SPF.
First off, the lip gloss recommendations were out of control. Out of control and totally kick ass. I love that we can all be so unbelievably shallow together. Shallow Lips Unite! I’ve received so many emails from you all about your new purchases and frankly, I have no idea how you made your decisions. Every attempt at sorting through the comments leaves me cross-eyed and drooling. I’ve decided I am momentarily way too caught up in lip gloss, so let’s get caught up in something new.
Shallow Faces Unite!
Ever since Wito came along, my skin has not been looking so hot. I’m a little red and blotchy, ladies. On most days, I don’t wear any makeup (except gloss or balm, of course!), but on the days I am out and about, I’d like a light and natural (SHEER) way to even out my skin tone. I currently use Bobbi Brown Foundation stick for my eye area and I just bought her compact foundation to use (VERY sparingly) to even out my skin.
I like it. I guess. I don’t know. This shit confuses me.
Here are my questions:
1) What SPF products do you use on a daily basis? Do you use a moisturizer with SPF included? Or do you use a moisturizer and a SPF product?
2) Are there any sheer foundation products/powders that you really love?
Criteria (get ready):
1. Right now, I am using Olay Complete SPF 15 moisturizer. It seems to work fairly well with my sensitive complexion, although I would like to find something with higher SPF in it. I am willing to spend more, but I always find myself happier with drugstore brands when it comes to moisturizers.
1. I do not like tinted moisturizers (drugstore OR fancy pants). Tried them all, hate them all.
2. Not a fan of Bare Escentuals. It makes my face way too shimmery/shiny/weird.
3. I do not want to use a brush to apply concealer. It needs to be in a tube or a stick or something.
4. Actually, I don’t want to use a brush for any liquid product. Fingers are good.
5. I am intrigued by powders. I’m happy to use a brush for powder, and I would really like to find a powder that gives coverage without looking all dry and seeping into creases.
6. Yes, a perfect powder would be great.
Basically, I want my skin to look fantastic with no effort. FINE, maybe a little effort.
What I DON’T want are steps. Swirl this, buff that, blah blah blah. I want easy breezy 1-minute application.
God, I’m fucking picky. How do you deal with me?
RELUCTANT HOUSEWIFE
February 23, 2007 at 8:27 amTechnically it’s a moisturizer, but I swear by Chanel Hydramax tinted (in sunlit). It’s light, has SPF 15, keeps my face moisturized through the evil Boston winters and more importantly, makes me look like a had a good night’s sleep. It gives a really nice, matt finish.
don't call me ma'am
February 23, 2007 at 8:37 amSorry… no suggestions from me then. I LOVE Bare Escentuals. It’s the only thing I can wear through any season, hot or cold, and know that it won’t melt off my face or dry me out. And I don’t think I look shimmery or weird, do I? ;-)
I do agree with Paisley, though. I’ve used Physicians Formula Mineral Wear, too… it does wonders for evening out blotchiness!
Andrea
February 23, 2007 at 8:45 amHi Whoorl,
I’m delurking to tout the benefits of Origins. I, like you have dark hair and fair sensitive skin. I have used tons of different products and this is the only line that works for me. I use their liquid foundation which has SPF 15 and their loose powder. Love them both and feel like I get the coverage I need without looking cakey or shiny. I actually use their skin care line as well, and I wouldn’t use anything else. Good luck!
della
February 23, 2007 at 9:00 amWhen I got pregnant, my skin also went haywire and got kind of blotchy and red–not to mention the fact that my skin was already pretty sensitive to begin with. So I started using Aveeno Ultra-calming lotion, which also has spf in it.
http://www.drugstore.com/products/prod.asp?pid=142224&catid=21503&trx=PLST-0-SEARCH&trxp1=21503&trxp2=142224&trxp3=1&trxp4=0&btrx=BUY-PLST-0-SEARCH
I think it works really well.
And for foundation, I use a powder-based one because liquid always felt a little heavy to me. The one I’m using now is Prescriptives:
http://shop.nordstrom.com/S/2910573?Category=&Search=True&SearchType=keywordsearch&keyword=prescriptives in Beauty&origin=searchresults
It’s similar to MAC studio fix, which I used to use, but not as heavy, in my opinion. I think it can also be used wet, if you want to go that route. Another bonus is that it has spf in it, too.
And lastly, even though you didn’t ask about this, at night time, I use this:
http://www.drugstore.com/products/prod.asp?pid=16502&catid=21503&trx=PLST-0-SEARCH&trxp1=21503&trxp2=16502&trxp3=1&trxp4=0&btrx=BUY-PLST-0-SEARCH
It’s a moisturizer with salicylic acid, so it helps prevent zits. I swear that I haven’t gotten a single pimple since I started using this. Just wanted to share because I love this product so much. And it’s so cheap, too!!
Mysh
February 23, 2007 at 9:15 amUntil the day I die, or until they stop making it — whichever happens first — I will swear by Stila’s Illuminating Powder Foundation.
I have had Rosacea for a few years and tried many moisturizer/concealer/powder combos and my face HATED me for it. Whatever I tried, it rebelled.
Now I have a happy complexion and FAST morning routine with Neutrogena’s Oil-Free Moisture For Sensitive Skin, Maybelline’s True Illusion Concealer and Stila’s Illuminating Powder Foundation.
The powder is very light but gives enough non-shimmery and very matte coverage to blend away the red/ruddy spots and even everything out. The company says it can even be applied with a damp sponge for heavier coverage, but I’ve never felt the need to try it.
I’m also a huge fan of Stila’s eyeshadows because many brands give me another FUN skin condition called contact dermatitis…which in a nutshell means rashy, inflamed eyelids!
Stila’s eyeshadows don’t irritate my lids at all (knock on wood) and I just can’t say enough about the powder.
Thanks for letting me add my 2 cents! :O)
am'ti b
February 23, 2007 at 9:48 amwhoorl, i started using olay regenerist uv defense spf 15 when our derm buddy dr. ckf informed me to stay out of the sun all together to try and get rid of this patch of melasma. i do not love spf, but this smells good and is a bit more of a wrinkle fighter/all old skin issues than the one in the short stubby bottle.
i know you are not looking for a tinted moisturizer, but if i must even out my skin i like paula dorf face tint, it is very thin and i sometimes use it under my eyes. it has an spf 15. leelee also recommends paula’s perfect glow. she says it is her best seller, it is very light, sheer, and you can use your fingers. i don’t love paula’s products, but these two ain’t so bad.
i must try that traceless stuff and maybe the mac since everyone is so in love, but with my (leb.hair) condition i must only use light products. i do love origins youthtopia for night, good for confused skin. amo c uses burt’s day radiance and thinks it is good-which means he really likes it. it has a spf, smells lovely, and does something beneficial for your skin.
BeachMama
February 23, 2007 at 1:57 pmWow, the recommendations that come from your readers are awesome.
For years I have used Clinique foundation and loved it. But recently I have found it not working so well so I have been thinking of trying something new. I will take these recommendations with me and try a few at the counters.
Keep the lists coming, they are wonderful.
Audrey
February 23, 2007 at 3:44 pmI use Aveeno moisturizer with SPF 15, which I love. I, too, prefer the drugstore moisturizers. I use the Lancome Photogenic (or something like that) powder. I bought it when I got married for the shine-free pictures and really like it. The coordinating all-over concealer is good, too, but I mostly just do under my eyes and call it good…less fuss = better!
Angie
February 23, 2007 at 10:14 pmokay – delurking because i have a powder foundation that i absolutely love. it’s not cheap, but it lasts a long time and it’s just great – chanel double perfection compact. it’s spf 10 and it’s a matte reflecting powder makeup. LOVE IT! it use it sparingly to even out my skin and it’s smooth and light. you can put it on with a sponge or a brush. you should really try it.
i also love my moisturizer – kiehls utlra facial moisteruizer with spf 15. they also have a spf 25, but i haven’t tried that one. and while i was just at the kiehls site i happened to notice that they have some new lip glosses that look pretty fantastic – “simply mahvelous” in lots of yummy colors. you might want to check those out – http://www.kiehls.com
oh…and i would love to hear more about your decision to stay home – was it hard giving up your career and the money??? do you think you’ll go back?
nila
February 24, 2007 at 4:05 amWhat a great question. So many great recommendations.
I myself am a huge fan of Origins. I like their tinted moisturizer, it feels just like regular moisturizer. I’m very low maintenance too. I use a regular moisturizer with foundation or powder that has an SPF.
Good luck. So many products, so little time.
christy
February 24, 2007 at 9:32 amClinique “almost makeup” foundtion LOVE IT! light, SPF 15, creamy, pretty. LOVE IT!
Danielle
February 24, 2007 at 3:18 pmCan we do hair products next, please? I’m having a SAHM hair crisis.
whoorl
February 24, 2007 at 3:59 pmYou read my mind…now, that’s something I know about!
Tam
February 24, 2007 at 4:38 pmHi Whoorl,
I too am delurking to tell you that those who have posted about the MAC Studio Fix do not lie. It truly is WONDERFUL. Both my sister in laws recommended it to me and I will never use anything else again.
Hilly
February 25, 2007 at 1:36 pmWoah, crazy replies! I am not even going to read theres and just tell you what I use!
I also use the basic Olay with SPF 15. I like it because it is light and I have skin that is oily when I don’t take care of it.
I hate foundation but I use a wet/dry powder by Cargo that is light and lovely I also use their wet powder at night or when I can have more makeup on without feeling icky. Their OneBase is great for under eye darkness or splotches that need touch up. It is almost invisible!