Sephora

Well, I agree. But I think foundation doesn’t end there in importance. I think the right foundation on your face is equally paramount.

Right now, on my face is NARS Sheer Matte Foundation.

It has a sheer glow finish (hence the name), and has buildable coverage without being weighty. This helps it to do the job it’s meant to do: it enhances, not masks, your complexion.

The result? I’m feeling pretty luminous!

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Sephora

Sephora Brand Double-Ended Perfect Complexion Brush is fabulous – it’s a super high-quality two-in-one brush that can do foundation on one side, and powders on the other!

This simple-as-pie duality is a reason it was a must-have in my vacation-packing.  I like to use one side for cream and fluid foundation and the other side for powders.

Plus, um, it’s pink!

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“Less is more!” “The natural look!”

Generally, everyone wears makeup. Everyone looks better in makeup. But, ultimately, we all look better when we look like we are not wearing any, but actually are.

Maybe created with this in mind, Perricone MD No Foundation Foundation promises to offer translucent coverage “allowing the natural health and glow of skin to shine through while protecting the complexion against damaging UV rays.”

OK, what does all this mean?

Basically, it works as a dose of specially treated pigments blended with light diffusing mica. This all helps to soften lines, wrinkles, pores, whatever, for a dewy (but flawless!) look.

Personally, I like this because it may make me feel younger. It includes DMAE and Alpha Lipoic Acid, which can help reduce wrinkles over time!

That’s the best reason ever to wear a foundation!

Image: Sephora

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I was super excited from the start – I may have crates of cosmetic swag – but Dior? That’s a special occasion even for me!
Well, as you might imagine – I ripped open the package the second I walked through my front door at tried it out.

It’s 100% natural mineral pigments mixed with active mineralized water – no funky stuff – and it truly does create flawless complexion and glowing skin!

At $45, it may seem like a splurge – but I think it’s one of those times when you realize the major difference a high-quality product can make. I’m sold. (Except, of course, I didn’t actually pay for it.)

Image: Sephora.com

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Quite honestly, my history with MAC foundations has not been that great.  Seems like every time I go into a store (all of them, not just MAC), they give me a foundation that is just a shade light for my skin, so I end up not really wearing it.  I have a drawer full of MAC foundations that probably are just fine and dandy, I just don’t wear them.  So, this time I chose my own color from the color selections at the MAC web site (I chose Medium), and it was perfect. 

One different thing about this foundation is the packaging and applicator – the powder is in a small jar with a sifter on top and the applicator is a sponge that is attached to the lid of the jar.  The screw top lid also has a nifty “appendage” to hold on to, making it really easy to use.  I am a little iffy about the sponge applicator – but it has its place – traveling in my purse.  When I am at home applying the foundation, I use a kabuki brush, pick up the powder right in the jar, and it works great.  I love the sifter in the jar a ton more than the ones with most other mineral foundations.  Then I screw the top back on, throw it in my purse and the sponge is PERFECT for on the road touch ups.  So, while the sponge applicator wouldn’t be my choice for every day application, it very definitely is handier than having to carry the kabuki around with me all the time.  This foundation easily cracks the top spot in the MAC foundation offerings for me – it is a reasonable $29 for an 8.5 gram jar.  Lovely!

Also it should be noted that from today through June 16 (Monday), MAC is having the friends and family sale – save 15% off of everything in the store, and online at MACcosmetics.com.  This offer is not valid on MAC counters, just in the stand alone stores and online. 

They have a ton of new collections in the stores right now – I am crazy over the Like Venus Dazzleglass lip gloss I bought in the West Hollywood store last month.  Its already more than half gone.  *sob*

Image: Nordstrom

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They gave us some very interesting introductory products for the line, my favorite of which is the NOC-Out Cover-Up Compact.  This is a great concealer product!  The compact contains 3 colors – a yellow based color to cover up redness (just apply a thin layer over red areas, rosacea, ect…), a peachy color that reduces the blue tones of bruising, age spots and veins, and a more natural color to conceal dark circles under the eye.  This is a creamy formula that you can easily apply with your fingers or with a concealer brush (yes, they sell very nice brushes too!).  It retails for $38, and is a great size that should last a mighty long time.  Another outstanding product that we received (but unfortunately it is the wrong color for me) is their Airbrush Effects BlushWhip.  This is a super light cream/gel blush that comes in two colors – peachy and pinky.  I have the peachy one – will get pinky in the future (when my shopping list is smaller!) for sure.

After trying the samples they gave us, I am ordering a few more products today that have caught my eye.  First off is the Transformative Dual Foundation – this is a cream foundation that has two colors in the compact.  I LOVE it when makeup companies realize that we need more than one foundation color to achieve perfect results.  I am ordering medium, in hopes that it works for me, although it looks a hair dark on the website. 

Im also still on the hunt for the perfect mascara, so am ordering their MegaLash mascara ($22 – also available 2 for $38).  There is one more product that has really caught my eye too, and that is the Optic Effects Eye Pencil w/Sharpener.  Here is what the site says about it:

Transform ordinary eyes into alluring eyes with a combination of multi-hued pigments and light-reflecting particles that instantly brighten tired eyes. This versatile pencil features a creamy, moisturizing formula with powerful antioxidants to help protect the eye area and reduce the signs of aging. Includes a built-in blender and a custom sharpener to create the perfect point every time.

I am a sucker for “multi-hued pigments and light reflecting particles.”  This pencil is $25 and I can’t wait to try it!

Beyond the inherent usefulness of these products, you should also know that really every product I have looked at has “Age Management” ingredients.  Firming, moisturizing, line reducing – from the eye shadows all the way down to the foundations and concealers.  They have a try-me kit for $19 that you might think about trying as an introduction to the line as well.

One of the other really distinguishable things about these products are their packaging.  It is really lovely and *feels* top quality.  The compacts are easy to open (which is a huge pet peeve), and are gorgeously colored.  Do let me know if you are a Redpoint fan (or even if you’re not, Id love to hear that too) – and what your favorite products are.  I love love love discovering new lines and Im having a ball with this one so far.

Image: Redpoint Beauty

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While thankfully I don’t have some of the skin problems that her line is designed to cover (and does cover, very well), I have found great use/need for the Pudding – for my old lady spidery veins on my leg. I know, not so beautiful. The color I have, Light, matches my winter skin very well, but I am going to purchase a darker color (it comes in three shades, Light, Medium and Dark) and then have both to mix for any time of the year (this is what I do with most foundations, btw). Unlike Dermablend, which is what I used to use for this, is a very creamy light formula (really, think pudding) with incredible coverage and it lasts forever. It dries down to a powder/matte finish and is going on my next big pimple that comes along, for sure. Pudding is $38.50 for a 1 ounce jar – and really, this should last a good long time, as it only takes the tiniest bit to do the job.

Have you tried any of Nicole Paxson’s foundations? Let me know what you think…

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Inspired by makeup artists, Color Ideal Illuminateur imparts a unique combination of color true pigments and shimmering pearls that catches the light to highlight, illuminate, and contour the skin. These natural buildable formulas glide onto the face seamlessly for a limitless array of looks.
This ultra-blendable, non-greasy fluid has a satiny-smooth texture that melts seamlessly into your skin and enhances its natural luminosity. Your skin looks light-filled, soft, with a healthy radiance.
Tips: Blend with foundation for an all-over glow. Use on top of foundation for added highlighting on brow, cheekbones, nose, chin and temples Mix with moisturizer or wear alone for a boost of radiance and color.

My favorite thing to do with it is to highlight my cheekbones (just tap a drop right along the top of both cheekbones) and highlight just under my brows.  This goes right along with the ethereal glow of their L.U.C.I. collection that I know you have heard me rave about.  Gorgeousity at its finest!

Available at Lancome-usa.com and your local Lancome counter for $37.00. 

Image credit:  Lancome-usa.com

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It has been a long time since I have used liquid foundation on a regular basis, but I have started out with Elizabeth Arden’s new foundation, Intervene.  This is an extension of their successful Intervene Pause and Effect anti-aging skin care line.  Probably the very most important feature for a foundation for me is to have some sort of SPF, as I know first hand of the dangers of fair skin and glorious sunshine.  I have a big ol scar down the front of my nose to prove it.   Intervene Makeup has an SPF 15, which when used in conjunction with your moisturizer, which hopefully also has some sun protection (Intervene moisturizers also have SPF 15), should do you pretty well.  The photos below are me, naked on the left (ha and ouch), with foundation only in the middle, and with all the accoutrements (and hair!) on the right.  I think you can see a mighty big difference in my skin, no?  You can click the image to view it full size.  If you’re brave.  Or just want to make fun of me (ouch again).

This is what EA says about the foundation:

This new liquid makeup with Biodormin™ skincare benefits helps put a pause on aging signs. Micro-mineral pigment technology smooths away imperfections for brighter, even-toned skin, as it delivers all day coverage, color-true shades, and a soft natural finish.
New INTERVENE Makeup SPF 15 with Biodormin™ technology:

• Smooths imperfections, evens out skin tone and creates a soft natural finish that lasts all day with micro-mineral pigment technology.
• Visibly delays the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles as it gives skin a firmer look
• 100% oil free
• Medium/full coverage. Ideal for normal skin.
• Protects skin from environmental challenges with antioxidant vitamins C and E
• Offers a wearable, skin-enhancing shade range created with Elizabeth Arden’s exclusive Custom Color system
• Provides SPF 15 sun protection
• Non-acnegenic and non-comedogenic

I have personally found most of these claims to be absolutely true.  The first day I wore Intervene, I actually caught myself in the mirror, and did a double take – my skin definitely was looking more youthful.  Another extremely nice characteristic of this makeup is that it really does last all. day. long.  I have worn it constantly for about 4 weeks now, and have eyeballed it each and every day in the evenings, and really, it stays looking very good.  This was an advantage that I had seen with mineral makeup, but liquid foundation has come a long way, baby.

My skin is scary broken out right now after one (or five) too many makeovers and product tests while in NYC (with that pimply time of the month added in – ugh).   After I returned from Fashion Week, I was really hesitant to wear any makeup for a while, as I was concentrating on putting some moisture back in and just letting my skin rest.  It really had a workout while I was gone.  But, after a couple of days of that, and it not really getting much better, I had to put makeup on for some reason, and I swear my skin looked better by that night, so I have worn makeup since.  This is a treatment foundation, and really, it has proven to be a treatment for me. 

One more thing that really pleased me about this foundation is that I picked the color off of the internet, and was able to easily choose the right color.  That is not always easy to do, and I don’t know why it worked so well for me this time, but it did.  You can buy Elizabeth Arden’s Intervene Makeup directly from the EA web site ($36), or if you aren’t so confident about buying your foundation online, do stop by an Elizabeth Arden counter and give it a try.  If you order online, with any Intervene Makeup purchase they will include a deluxe mini travel size of your chosen color.   For the time being, anyway.  w00t!

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They also told me about their new Mediterranean offspring that is coming out soon (what was that new word I learned, Lindsey?? I already forgot…LOL), and had the most wonderful demo to go along with it – something that really was helpful to my non-professional perfuming self.  Along with a sample of the perfume itself (I think its called Breeze, but don’t quote me on that – all of my literature from Fashion Week is coming home via FedEx on Friday..lol), Suki brought along samples of the top, middle and bottom notes separately.  She dipped each of them and let me smell them individually – that was a tremendously educational process for me.  I really feel like I have a much better grip on fragrance in general after that. 

Also, Elizabeth Arden has launched a brand new foundation to go with their Intervene line of anti-aging products.  I decided a few weeks ago that it was time for me to branch out of my bareMinerals and try some of the many new liquid foundations on the market, and that is one I have been using for a couple of weeks now – and I really love it.  The first day I wore it, I kept catching my reflection in the mirror and noticing that my skin really glowed – and looked a little younger, fresher and less wrinkly.  My imagination?  I don’t think so.  Stay tuned for pics and some more in depth evaluation on Intervene foundation (SPF 15 – yeah!)- and if you have the opportunity, go give it a try, it is really a great foundation!

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