There are so many similar products on the market that sometimes it takes a little something extra to make a product grab your attention. After they’ve got you hooked it takes quality and innovation to keep your attention. Model Co accomplishes both handily.

The Model Co Self Tanning Glove is a great product to work with. It is so much faster than any other self tanner I’ve used and there is no mess to worry about at all. The glove is soft but tough, and can be rubbed from head to toe. It has cocoa butter, and to me it smells like cake batter, yum.  With no chemical fumes, the scent wasn’t just tolerable,  it was a relaxing and enjoyable. The packaging is also great for travel, no worries about bottles or tubes opening accidentally. Tuck the slim packet in your suitcase and call it good! It takes only a few minutes to dry and set, so you can quickly get dressed and finish your day. The color can be deepened with an additional application within 48 hours. If you are exceedingly fair skinned, like myself, this is not the product for you, since the deep color ended up a bit orange on me. Perhaps if they make a lighter version… Also, it needs to be said that you shouldn’t rush this. Take the time to make sure you thoroughly wipe every inch of skin you want tanned. Any spot you miss will be glaringly obvious, trust me, I couldn’t wear short sleeve shirts for a week! I prefer a tinted product for this reason, but if you are a veteran self tanner with medium to dark skin who needs a quick touch up, give these handy gloves a whirl.

The Lip Lights gloss is another product that makes you wonder why nobody thought of this sooner. With an ultra bright light in the cap and a mirror on the tube, you can get perfect application of the smooth shiny gloss no matter where you are. I have yet to pull this out and begin to apply it without getting comments from men and women alike. Most men love the all purpose nature of the mirror and light, while most women just want to know where they can buy it! The color selection is fairly neutral, which is perfect for summer, but you know me, I like a little more color to choose from. Even with the neutral color, I find myself choosing this gloss from my purse far more that I would’ve initially imagined. It has a smooth lightweight texture and isn’t sticky.  Sienna Sunset is a very flattering color, and no added fragrance or flavor make it a nice choice for anyone.

Currently Sephora is the only major nationwide retailer to carry this Australian based brand, though boutiques in 11 states also carry the Model Co line, including Henri Bendel in New York. Like many of our favorite brands, these are products created to fill a need, with a lot of though and planning in each one.  Model Co strives to be revolutionary and innovative, and I have a feeling we will start seeing a lot more of them in the future.

Cecily from “My Chaos My Bliss” just asked me a great question. I started answering it, but it got really long. Jen from “Lords of the Manor” also asked me a question about Tinted Moisturizers recently and I have been meaning to answer her as well.

Cecily R said…

So, what’s your opinion about foundation anyway? A Mary Kay rep once told me that not wearing it is like not painting a barn to protect it from weather (isn’t that a horrible comparison?). I rarely wear it and when I wear it often I usually end up breaking out. I know this doesn’t really have anything to do with your post, but I was curious.

Ms. Mythbuster Beauty says…

That is a horrible comparison! Sounds like something a bad salesperson would say to sell their product.  I have nothing against Mary Kay, just be aware that their #1 main objective is to sell you something.

If your skin tone is even you don’t feel like you need to wear foundation, don’t! I was just talking to Mo Mommy about this, she has fabulous skin and wanted to know what foundation I would recommend to her.

Until recently, I never wore foundation either. You lucky women! You might consider wearing a good oil-free moisturizer or tinted moisturizer with an SPF. A primer is also a great natural alternative to foundation. I also would suggest to use a bit of concealer under your eyes and to spot cover any blemishes or red spots. I usually set my foundation/ makeup with a bit of translucent powder, but that might not be necessary if you aren’t oily. Blotting papers are a great way to touch up without adding more powder throughout the day.  (I have read that toilet seat covers are made of the same material used to create blotting papers!)

Jen’s question is of a similar nature:

Hey Jen, what is the best kind of tinted moisturizer? For those of us who have never taken the plunge, what do we need to know about it before we try it?

Ms. Mythbuster Beauty’s advice:

First ask yourself, what are my objectives in wearing a foundation?

If your answer is coverage, a tinted moisturizer is probably not for you. Tinted Moisturizers can offer some coverage, but are very sheer and moisturizing. They are particularly nice if you already have great skin and want to even your tone a bit. And they feel and look so natural!

I absolutely love Tarte’s Smooth Operator with SPF 20, and every time I use it cannot help but sing to myself “Smooth Operator” from Sade!

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I also would highly recommend Suki’s Tinted Active Moisturizer, and Model Co’s 3-in-1 Foundation. The concealer that comes with the Model Co foundation is simply divine, the creamiest and dreamiest concealer I have ever used.

I have heard wonderful things, but have not tried: The Balm’s BalmShelter, Boot’s No 7 Tinted Moisturizer (sold at Target), and Caudalie’s Tinted Moisturizer.

Another great thing about Tinted Moisturizers is that it is all in one step. Moisturizes, evens tone, gives your skin a glow, and usually provides an SPF. Most are oil-free and will not irritate sensitive skins or trigger breakouts. Believe me, I have the most sensitive skin on the planet!

This was fun! Keep your questions coming and let me know if any of this advice works for you.

I have written several posts about how women often wear the wrong type of foundation for their skin. The wrong shade, the wrong finish, and too much of it.

“No Orange Chalky Face Please” is my motto.

This rule is often broken. It is not easy to admit to ourselves that as we get older, we have more things we would like to cover. I look at myself in the mirror and see the attack of pigmentation, the fine lines, and the tired eyes. Then I see all the cosmetic ads around me, the youth, the flawless skin and my mind wants to desperately believe their claims. Although, I am convinced that as we get older, less is really much more beautiful when it comes to makeup.

I just came across an article called, “Is Your Makeup Aging You?” that really backs my story.

“Baby-beauty-pageant contestants and novice models are among those rare birds who intentionally age themselves with heavy foundation, smoky eyes, and clumpy mascara. “We had to look older,” recalls the iconic model/actress Lauren Hutton. “We were wearing very expensive clothing that only older women could afford.” But if you’ve reached the age — and mileage — when you’re already taken seriously? Go for the tinted moisturizer.”

Lauren is playing my song here, I love tinted moisturizers! They strike just the perfect balance of sheer coverage and give your skin a glowing, natural look. Tinted moisturizers compliment your skin and do not emphasize or accentuate fine lines. A concealer does a great job covering any small imperfections, under eye darkness, or blemishes. Now let’s address the finish of your foundation. All you “matte” women who love the powder foundations need to pay attention.

“looking younger means ditching the makeup you used when you were actually young. “Now it’s about choosing sheer textures and applying with a light touch.” “Too much powder can make a person look older, too,” observes party photographer and Glamour Girls author Patrick McMullan, who has watched the world’s most famous women grow up in front of his lens. “It’s particularly hideous at the end of the night. Heroin chic [heavy black liner and powdery white skin] might have looked very cool on a 19- or 16-year-old model, but on a 30-year-old woman, it just looked worn out.”

Are you getting the message? No wonder we are all confused! Young gals want to look older, and older women want to look young. The young women wear the powdery matte foundation look to look older, and the older women who are accustomed to the powdery foundation continue to use it because they still want to look young. Unfortunately, the result is that their old matte foundation and powder really makes them look old. I just want to scream at how crazy this all is!

So, if you are like me, 30+ and have been unhappy with how your foundations look, let me give you a few great options for a natural, great feeling coverage that won’t make you look older than you are! Here are 5 great tinted moisturizers that you can try. They are all tried and tested, and most of them include an SPF!

The Balm, BalmShelter:
Weightless and super silky smooth, The Balm’s BalmShelter leaves your complexion polished and protected with SPF 18.

Suki’s Tinted Active Moisturizer: My newly found favorite Tinted Moisturizer.
The foundation your skin has been craving. not just a tinted moisturizer, but the purest, most luxurious, light hydrating makeup you’ll ever use. made solely with completely natural pigments and a world of organic wonders, this gorgeously sheer, customizable tint enhances your complexion, evens tone and minimizes pores. you look perfectly radiant, never cakey or made-up. fabulous for the whole face, for a healthy flush, or for touch-ups.

Tarte’s Smooth Operator SPF 20:
This is my absolute favorite… lightweight, protective foundation smoothes and perfects the skin with potent a SPF 20 sunscreen, vitamins and natural extracts. Skin looks natural – never cakey – always gorgeous.

 Caudalie’s Fresh Complexion Tinted Moisturizer:
This silky fluid enhances, evens, and brightens the complexion for a natural healthy glow. Rich in active plant ingredients, it moisturizes and protects the youth of the skin.

 Model Co 3-in-1 Fluidsplash Foundation:
This 3-in-1, revolutionary, oil-free foundation comes with a built-in concealer and eye base conveniently hidden in the lid. It goes on feather-light, leaves your skin looking naturally radiant, and can be layered for extra coverage.

Take that you evil Matte Foundation! Wonder Woman is buying some Tinted Moisturizer pronto!