A quick note from a super cool hometown friend on facebook…

Jen,

I have been looking at your website and am fascinated. I have a question. I don’t wear much makeup but have horrible under-eye circles that are worse on some days than others but never seem to completely go away. I don’t wear foundation and have tried a few concealers but then I look like a reverse-raccoon. Any suggestions? I hate that I can’t ever really cover these up.

Kirsten

Hiya my sweet girlfriend from Bloomington, Indiana! (more…)

I recently had a spur of the moment trip to join my Daddy-O for a few days. With 5 days of travel and 3 different hotels, I wanted my makeup kit to be portable but diverse. I needed something for transit, for the moment when I jumped into his arms, for a touristy walk through the art district, and for fabulous evenings out to dinner. How could I possibly fit everything all those looks required into one little train case? If only there was something compact that contained a plethora of flattering shades…. (more…)

Summer days are here, and the kids are home 24/7 from school.  Who has time for a complicated morning makeup routine?   Most days, I generally have 5 minutes to get my makeup on before a disaster strikes.  Like my two year old discovering a permanent marker, or deciding to change her own messy diaper (those are actual examples of events that have happened at my home in the last week).   

This is my bare minimum lickity-split makeup plan: 

My favorite tinted moisturizer, Tarte’s Smooth Operator SPF 20

Concealer, theBalm’s

Urban Decay’s 24/7 eyeliner in bourbon, rockstar, or gunmetal

One quick coat of mascara

My favorite lip gloss du jour…

Clinique’s Superbalm Moisturizing Gloss has become my new favorite go to lipbalm.   A slightly thick gel gloss, melts on and leaves my lips super moisturized and shiny, without the annoying stickiness of some lip glosses.  The Raspberry tint is perfect for me,  just a touch of sheer color with lots of shine.  You could easily layer this on top of your favorite lipstick. 

I carry my Superbalm around with me in my purse, and use it throughout the day.  Clinique’s Superbalm comes in several beautiful shades like Raspberry, Lilac,  Mango, Grapefruit, and Rootbeer, and retails for $13.50.

I recently read an article at msn.com called “Overnight Beauty.”  I wanted to point out and discuss a few of the tips they suggested.  Overall it is a great read with very good information.  Note the concealer product that is recommended.  YES, our very favorite theBalm Anti-Aging Concealer!

Zap Zits  (Spot Treatments):

“Pimples may disappear like magic if, before retiring, you treat them with a product containing an antibacterial ingredient (bacteria can cause acne) and a sebum controller like zinc, says Kansas City, Missouri, dermatologist Audrey Kunin, M.D., associate clinical instructor of dermatology at the University of Kansas School of Medicine. (Try Bio Jouvance Clarifying Iris Extract or Repêchage Hydra Refine Pore Perfecting Serum.)”

I have become a big fan of a prescription benzoyl peroxide/ antibiotic cream called Benzaclin.  I use it as a spot treatment, or on areas where my skin is prone to break outs (around my nose and chin).  I store it in my refrigerator and it will last for at least a year.  You can also read about other suggestions for spot treatments at this post.  My beauty blogging friend Christine at Temptalia recently wrote a great review about the Zeno Acne Clearning Device.

Moisturize Your Undereye Area:

“Hate the taut feeling of too-dry skin but find soothing eye gels too greasy? Dab on TheBalm Time Balm.  A concealer created to be worn day or night, it manages to feel superlight while delivering a slew of hydrators, including beeswax, soybean oil, and panthenol.”

I am not sure if I would personally wear this product at night time, but for a daytime concealer theBalm’s Anti-Aging concealer really rocks!   Another very luxurious and my personal favorite eye serum is Caudalie’s Anti-ageing Serum Eyes and Lips, full of antioxidants and soothing for the eye and lip areas.  This eye and lip serum penetrates my skin without feeling greasy or heavy, a great skincare investment.  J’adore les Caudalie!   Kate wouldn’t you agree?

Hello again, its me Jen.  Mo needed a week off from beauty duty due to an incredibly harsh week at home.  She promises to join us next Wednesday with some new great beauty finds from her trip to Seattle! 

I recently received a letter from Lisa V in Minnesota.  She has been searching for a new concealer, read on…

“So . . . after the last few days I realized I’m getting more overwhelmed and frustrated with this whole trying to find a new concealer.  I know you already suggested a few options, but I think I’ve narrowed down my main criteria, so wanted to ask again.  And please let me know if there is another source on the Internet you know of that could be helpful with my search (I’m going to be completely out of concealer in a day or two!).

Cream/Liquid Concealer Criteria:

• USAGE:  for undereye (I use it over a yellow concealer to cover dark circles so people don’t tell me I look tired all the time)
• COST:  prefer to pay less than $15 (current product is .35oz for around $9), if it’s more product I’d be OK with more $$$; need to be able to purchase in a store (like Target, ULTA, SEPHORA, drugstore, etc.).
• INGREDIENTS: no talc, no fragrance
• Other:  It doesn’t need to be an acne treatment as I don’t usually need to use it elsewhere . . . and I would like to go more organic/natural as long as I don’t have to fork over my paycheck.” 

Jen’s Picks: 

My favorite concealers would be TheBalm’s Anti-Aging Concealer ($17 at Sephora), and although I haven’t tried the newest formulation of Alison Raffaele’s True Concealer ($23), the previous formula was one of the best liquid concealers I have ever used!   Since January, I have been using a wonderfully creamy 3 in 1 Camouflage Series concealer from Profaces ($21.50) from my friend Aly’s website Authentic Beauty.  Profaces is a great concealer, has a very soft, velvety feel and covers my under eye darkness well.  Only Alison Raffaele’s is considered organic, but all perform well with my sensitive skin.   Note:  none of these are under $15, and all need to be purchased at either their specific websites or at Sephora. 

I am also curious about Prescriptives Camouflage Cream Concealer ($17.50), and it gets very high ratings.  I have loved everything I have ever tried from the Prescriptives line.  Lisa also mentioned that this tube will probably last a while, and Prescriptives is available at most major department stores.
Lisa V also wanted to know if anyone has used or has experience with the Garden Botanika brand concealer, and if you have, please comment!  I have been lusting after the Chantecaille’s Bio-Lift concealer ever since I found out that Marcia Cross (Bree from Desperate Housewives) uses it, but cannot quite stomach the thought of spending $65 on a concealer, no matter how wonderful it might be!  Ahh, the agony!

SO!   What does everyone use as their concealer product?  Do you use one concealer for everything, or do you use one specific formula for your eye area, and another for covering imperfections and blemishes?  Why do you love it, or are you still searching for that holy grail of skin coverage?

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!

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/v/D1Aj2yODys0&rel=1]

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.

Cecilia was the winner of The Balm’s “Truly Thankful For” contest for the month of November.

I found her story to be really touching, and I hope she will not mind me sharing a little bit about her today.

On Thanksgiving Eve (the last day to enter), Cecilia submitted her comment:

“I am thankful for my wonderful family. A husband that has been my best friend for how many years? Hold on… Ah yes 23 years! And a daughter that has never been an ounce of trouble. Oh an I can’t forget my 4 pets that listen well, and don’t have accidents.”

On Thanksgiving evening, I notified Cecilia that she won by email, and her response:

“Just need to update what I am thankful for. I just got finished with my microwaved Thanksgiving feast shortly after 1AM. It was yummy, and I didn’t have to cook or wash dishes since I was at work during the festivities. LOL… There is a good side to everything bad… And it was yet another treat to see your post tonight. Yup even more to be thankful for. My thin lips could definitely use some plumping. Although I am not certain if I have enough to plump up. LOL…. BTW, do all middle aged woman become beauty product junkies? Or is it just me? Someday, just someday, I will find the fountain of youth in a jar.”

After contacting The Balm (many thanks again), they sent her the following products:

• TimeBalm Anti-aging Concealer
• The Balm’s Balm Shelter Tinted Moisturizer
• 2 “Plump Your Pucker” Lip Glosses in Melon and Grapefruit
• “Hot Mama!” shadow/blush all-in-one

Her reactions to what she received:

“The blush is a lovely shade. And I can switch off and on with my present shade. The lip glosses are marvelous shades.
I don’t like very dark lip color, so they are perfect.

As for the concealer and the tinted moisturizer?

Cecilia found them to be better for combination/oily skins, rather than if you have very dry skin.

“All is not wasted though, my financially strapped daughter just scarfed some free makeup. LOL… “

And she also shared some pearls of wisdom for beautiful skin:

“I do use middle of the road aged products, such as Clarins. Mostly during the summer. Yes I still break out, so I can’t go too heavy during the summer. And their pore reducer is fab!”

L’Oreal’s Wrinkle Reducer. (L’Oreal is actually the one and the same as the high end company, Lancome.) It is the best anti wrinkle product out there! It really works if you give it a few weeks! And inexpensive too! Slap the Lancome name on it, you have the same product but it costs more.”

Cecilia mentioned to me that she suffers from some really painful back issues, that might warrant surgery. Through this brief correspondence with her, I could tell very quickly that she is a woman of great strength and what I would consider beautiful in every sense of the word.

If you would like to send Cecilia some love and Season’s Greetings via my blog. Feel free to send her some!

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!