A great question came my way recently:

Hi Jen, I’m searching for a natural/organic SPF face day lotion. Is the Alison Raffaele primer moisturizing enough for a daytime use?  I don’t have dry skin; I’m oily T zone, acne prone on cheeks, and can have sun spots pop up if I’m not extra-over-zealous with my SPF in summer.

Also, I’m trying a new natural/organic skin care regimen by Sophyto and they recommended a more natural SPF lotion to go with. So here I am.

Recommend something for me MBB!
Jami aka Bionic Beauty

Gotcha Jami.  You need an SPF day lotion that blocks the suns rays without causing your skin to shine and makeup to slide off.  You would also prefer an organic sunscreen lotion. (more…)

In 2002, Suki Kramer started her own skincare company, Suki, Inc., and has recently branched out in making a cosmetics line as well, Sukicolor. I first heard of Suki’s skincare line through my friends at Megsmakeup.com. If you haven’t had the chance, you can read my enthusiastic reviews of two of her products: Suki’s Lemongrass Cleanser, and her Sukicolor Tinted Active Moisturizer. Most recently I have fallen in love with a new sukispa product which I will be reviewing in detail soon, sukispa’s renewal bio-resurfacing facial peel!

The only thing that is better than finding an amazing skincare line, is getting to interview the phenomenal people that are behind these companies.

(more…)

Meli recently asked a question at the Bare Escentuals VS. Drug Store brand Mineral Makeup post:

I would be happy to get your thoughts on Bare’s Get Started kit. Quality vs price? Which one of the following would the best pick?  Bare, Maybelline or Everyday Minerals? What about L’Oreal?

Sincerely, thank you for your precious answers,  Meli

Hi Meli, so great to hear from you!  There are so many mineral makeup lines and so many factors to take into consideration.  Hope this information will help you make an informed decision!

Here are a few things to consider in choosing the best mineral foundation for you:

• Skin type.  Finding the right match of formula for your skin type, oily, dry, combination…
• Skin color. Is your skin tone difficult to match, or do you tend to find a compatible shade easily?  Some complain that certain mineral makeups can look ashy or orange on their skin.
• Convenience. Do you prefer to purchase this at your local drug store or do you mind ordering on-line, or going to a department store counter?
• Price. A large range of prices when it comes to mineral makeup.

Here are my feelings on the specific mineral makeup brands you listed:

1.  L’Oreal’s mineral makeup is formulated with talc, so if you have sensitive or breakout prone skin, watch out!  Not recommended.
2.  Maybelline’s mineral makeup is best for those with normal or dry skin.  This is based upon many comments from a review at the Makeup Moxie website.  Another comment was that while they love this mineral foundation, but do not like the brush that is included.  I would suggest purchasing your own kabuki brush for optimum application.  If you have oily skin it will not work well for you, but it is a great value and you can purchase it at your local drug store.
3.  Bare Minerals is the most popular of all the mineral makeup lines, and many people love it.  I think it is best suited for those with oily skin.  For individuals with drier skin, it can accentuate fine lines and look flaky.  This line is more expensive, but their starter kits offer a better value ($30), and can be purchased online, department stores, and at Target.
4.  Everyday Minerals is a wonderful line and offers different formulas for different skin types (Original Glo, Semi-Matte, Matte, and Intensive) and at very reasonable price ($12 for a large container).  Their samples are generous and allow deciding which formulas are best for your skin.  Highly recommended for both quality and value.

My personal experience with mineral makeup is mixed.  My best results have been with the Everyday Mineral line, and that could be due to my specific skin type (combination skin and sensitive to breakouts) and I have liked their Original Glo and Semi-Matte formulas.  Ideally, I still prefer a liquid foundation or a tinted moisturizer. 

My biggest complaints with SOME mineral makeup foundations are:

• The “itch” factor, my skin feels coated and slightly irritated by the mineral makeup
• Some mineral powders can accentuate fine lines on my skin, and deposit in my laugh lines
• My skin ends up looking too matte and chalky
• The powder can emphasize flaking and dry patches on my face

But I realize that with the right formula and the right skin type, your skin can look amazing while using a mineral makeup foundation.  Here are some other MBB posts on the subject of mineral makeup:

• Mineral Makeup + Prime Time = LOVE
• Drug Store Mineral Makeup: Maybe Not So Good
• Attack of the Orange Foundation
• Follow Up: Mineral Makeup Mania

Best wishes Meli, and hope to hear what you end up using and how you feel about it.  JEN

Starting today, tarte is offering a 40% off Friends and Family discount through Sunday, July 27th.  This is a great opportunity to try or stock up on some fantastic tarte cosmetics. 

My suggestions? 

Looking for a new foundation/ tinted moisturizer?   I highly recommend trying tarte’s smooth operator foundation with 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.  My skin looks natural – never cakey – always gorgeous.

Need some gorgeous sheer color on the apples of your cheeks?  Try any shade of tarte’s cheek stains and you cannot go wrong.

And finally, for you women that are mascara junkies, tarte’s Lights, Camera, Lashes!  is a rich, powerful formula, that will really rev up your lashes.

Another tip, don’t hesitate.  At this discount, supplies are limited, and the best sellers will be out of stock very quickly (as we discovered with the Cosmedicine deal).

 Code:  FF08     VALID:  July 24, 2008 – July 27, 2008

Tarte just released a new exclusive at Sephora including some of Mo and my very favorite tarte products. 

Tarte’s skinvigoratingâ„¢ Complexion Collection, (retails for $54 and is a $153 value)

What it is:
A Sephora.com exclusive collection of Tarte’s skinvigoratingâ„¢ complexion essentials.

What it does:
Unlike products that simply hide the problem, Tarte’s skinvigoratingâ„¢ Complexion Collection includes products that help treat the problem while concealing it.  The result?  A healthy, glowing complexion–because natural beauty is always in style!

What else you need to know:
This exclusive kit includes Tarte’s Clean Slate Primer, Smooth Operator Foundation with SPF 20, The Eraser Smooth Concealer, Provocateur Pressed Mineral Powder with SPF 8, and a glam-on-the-go Kabuki Brush.

Between the Clean Slate Primer and Smooth Operator Foundation this is a fabulous deal.  I have also read fantastic reviews about their concealer, and haven’t had a chance to try their mineral powder.  But as Mo says, “Can tarte do no wrong?”  I really don’t think so!

I just noticed that this complexion kit in “light” is temporarily out of stock, but you can request to be contacted by email when they are available.

My first day in Vegas, and I have already stopped by the Sephora this morning. My two favorite Cosmedicine products are their Honest Face Foaming Cleanser, which is a cleanser/toner that also removes face and eye make-up for all skin types, and Medi-Matte Tint and Oil Control Lotion, which both Mo and I have raved about in our reviews.

The Cosmedicine Rep at Sephora introduced me to one of their newest products:

Cosmedicine’s Instant Wrinkle Write Off Line Filler ($25):

Crow’s feet? Frownies? Laugh and expression lines? Write them off instantly with this quick-fix pen. The amazing, lightweight formula temporarily erases fine lines and wrinkles without needles or painful procedures. Dries in seconds to create a smoother, younger-looking, wrinkle-free appearance.

I used a bit around my eyes and on that little crease between my eyebrows. The Instant Filler did a nice job softening and filling in my fine lines and for only $25!  Great product Cosmedicine!

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: 

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.

Oily or combination skin women will want to read this review. After applying my makeup in the AM, my skin stays fairly balanced, but in a few hours, my t-zone (the middle of my forehead and nose) starts to shine through. I don’t mind a bit of shine, but want to avoid an oil slick. I usually use a bit of pressed powder to mattify the area. One big problem that I find with applying powders is that they start out looking good, but if you continue to use them, they build up, emphasizing your pores and looking cakey. Blotting papers work well to eliminate shine through out the day. I heard that you can use disposable toilet seat covers for blotting because they are made of the same material as cosmetic blotting sheets are. Just a tip I heard from Damone on the show “10 Years Younger” on TLC.

I love that so many mattifying tints and primers are available, and they really work. Not only do they instantly mattify those oily spots, they look and feel incredibly natural. When I first applied Cosmedicine’s Medi-Matte Face Tint & Oil Control Lotion SPF 20, its thicker tinted appearance made me question how it would appear on my face. Soon, my fears where abated. Not only did it incorporate into my skin naturally and easily, Whoosh! My shine was gone, and not replaced with a chalky lifeless skin appearance, just perfectly balanced skin.

This shine-free natural looking skin kept up with me the entire day, with no touch ups needed! Cosmedicine even put an SPF 20 in it! I would only recommend using the Medi-Matte Tint on areas that are oily for you. This product really is amazing, 4 big stars, hearts, and whistles! Cosmedicine’s Medi-Matte Face Tint & Oil Control Lotion SPF 20 is a new best friend that I will look forward to using this is the upcoming summer and warmer months. Seriously, pressed powder application is not needed while using this product!

You can purchase this product at Sephora for $42 at www.sephora.com, and can learn more about the Cosmedicine line at their website.

Foundations… If you are like me, you have facial imperfections you are wanting to hide. I have tried so many products that promise a natural feel with some coverage, and after using them are disappointed with the results. “No orange chalky face please!

Suki was way ahead of me with her skincare and makeup philosophy, and while reading her mission statement, I kept pinching myself, as if dreaming:

“I created sukicolorâ„¢ to fulfill my desire for 100% pure, clean colors that blend effortlessly with my complexion and enhance my features, not make me look powdery or made up. I also wanted a sophisticated natural look that struck the perfect balance — not glittery, not flat.”

Wait, this is incredible news! Sophisticated and natural? Suki is spot on here!  Okay Suki, this all looks great in print. But can your products really stand up your intentions?

Sukicolor Tinted Active Moisturizer:

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.

I instantly fell in love with this tinted moisturizer! Why does Suki call it an “Active” Moisturizer? Because this product goes way beyond a conventional foundation; it heals and repairs your skin.

One very special active ingredient they use is the White Willow Extract:

White willow. provides powerful, natural salicylic acid which treats acne, pain, inflammation, and works as an antioxidant.

After using Sukicolor’s Tinted Active Moisturizer for several days, I decided to write them a letter of gratitude, here is an excerpt:

“I just wanted to get back to you about how much I am enjoying your Tinted Active Moisturizer! I was a bit skeptical at first when I noticed how dark it was in the container, but was pleasantly surprised by how it blended perfectly with my skin tone. This Tinted Moisturizer feels incredibly natural and with just the right amount of coverage. It really makes my skin glow. You can tell that it is made with all natural, soothing ingredients as well. Bravo to you for creating such a wonderful product!”

Along with some other Tinted Moisturizers, I strongly encourage you to give this one a try. Sukicolor’s Tinted Active Moisturizer really does it all: covers, nourishes, repairs, and gives you SPF!  During the winter months, or if your skintone is very fair, I recommend blending Suki’s moisturizer with your favorite moisturizer product to lighten its tint. 

“No orange chalky face please!”

Just give me a natural, glowing, sophisticated face, the way I want, and am supposed to be…

Thanks Sukicolor!

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.