We tend to neglect our scalps until something is wrong because we have been "conditioned" (Sorry, I couldn't resist) to the routine of shampoo at the root, condition the end. I am a believer of this much of the time,but there are times when your scalp could use a little love. Cue the cleansing conditioner. This product is designed to condition and cleanse simultaneously - hence the name. It will not strip your natural oils and leaves your hair and scalp clean and hydrated in one step. I started using this last winter when I went through a particularly unpleasant itchy scalp phase. I thought I had lice about 10 times people. It's enough to drive a person insane. Anyway, I decided to try this and it neutralized my scalp issues and gave me peace of mind at the same time. Priceless.
How to use a cleansing conditioner: Wet hair thoroughly. My hair is super long, so I use about 10-12 pumps of product. Mix in a little water. Apply half to the crown of your head and half to the underside of your head - directly to the scalp. Massage in for a few minutes at the scalp - then work your way down to the ends. Let it absorb into your hair for a few more minutes, then rinse out! Sounds like a pain but honestly, think about the shampoo twice then condition for 3 (or more) minutes routine you're used to! Yep.
If you find that your ends need little more moisturizing, take half a pump and lightly massage into the ends as a leave in conditioner. It's a 3in 1! Use your standard shampoo and conditioning method approximately 1 to every 6 cleansing conditioners.
Side note: if you have been wanting to try Wen, but are not thrilled by the price point and negative attention they have been getting lately, try this. It has all the benefits, none of the bad chemicals (free of sulphates, parabens, dyes, gluten, phthalates, propylene glycol and they do not test on animals!), and the price is fantastic. This is also great for any and all hair types and ethnicities. That's tough to find!
Renpure Solutions Rosemary Mint Cleansing Conditioner -
You can buy it here or you can pick it up at your local Target.
Friday, March 11, 2016
Thursday, March 10, 2016
Makeup Primers. Do you need one?
Some people love primer - others find it to be a waste of time. As a foundation wearer, I personally love the results I get with a smooth primed face. I don't wear a foundation primer every day, but if I am going to be in pictures, if I have a long day and won't have time to look at myself in the mirror for 14 hours, or when my skin isn't looking particularly smooth and even, I will definitely be taking a moment to make this happen.
If you are an eye shadow wearer, eye primer is a necessity! Here is why I have a love affair with both face and eye primers and why I highly recommend a primer - especially if you don't have a.) perfect skin or b.) are a human - You can usually fall into AT LEAST one of these categories.
Primers that fill pores. These are good for all skin types. Foundation or no.
Color correction primers -
If you are an eye shadow wearer, eye primer is a necessity! Here is why I have a love affair with both face and eye primers and why I highly recommend a primer - especially if you don't have a.) perfect skin or b.) are a human - You can usually fall into AT LEAST one of these categories.
Pros of foundation primer:
- foundation looks smoother
- foundation is less likely to settle into fine lines
- foundation lasts longer - which in turn helps everything applied after foundation to also last
- specific formulas can fill in fine lines and pores and give the look of a perfect complexion - with or without foundation over it.
- excellent for color correction
- can add luminosity
- look for oil free formulas to help oily skin hang on to your makeup for hours longer
- many have additional health benefits such as Vitamins or an SPF
Cons of foundation primer:
- adds time to your makeup routine
- another layer of product on your face
Cons of foundation primer:
- adds time to your makeup routine
- another layer of product on your face
Put a pea sized amount on your finger tips, then gently smooth across your entire face, including lightly on the under eye area. I use a flat kabuki brush to put it on in seconds all over.
Primers that fill pores. These are good for all skin types. Foundation or no.
Benefit POREfessional
This is the holy grail of smoothing primers. Someone actually thought I was my daughter's big sister. I give all the credit to a broad spectrum SPF and this primer.
This is the holy grail of smoothing primers. Someone actually thought I was my daughter's big sister. I give all the credit to a broad spectrum SPF and this primer.
- these primer formulas are great for anyone without perfectly smooth skin (isn't that everyone?). Slight scarring, large pores, fine lines, any imperfections that leave skin with an uneven texture. Put a pea sized amount on your finger tips, then gently smooth across your entire face, including lightly on the under eye area.
NYX Studio Perfect Primer in Clear
- an affordable basic option that smooths skin and sets the tone for the rest of your makeup.
- an affordable basic option that smooths skin and sets the tone for the rest of your makeup.
Smash box Photo Finish Primer Light (oil free)
- This is your basic oil free primer. This can also be worn without foundation to smooth and help control shine. I love all Smashbox primers (in general) for under foundation as well.
Color correction primers -
- these are great if you're a little red or a little yellow and need a little nudge into the neutral zone.
- I love this one for under eye darkness. This is a primer, not a concealer, but this helps with all color correction. When concealing undereye circles, always lean towards a concealer that has a touch of a peachy shade to it. Because undereye circles tend to be purple or blue, the opposite color on the color wheel will help neutralize them! That would be ORANGE! It's crazy, but it works. That's also why you see a trend right now of women using orange red lipsticks under their eyes then covering it with a skin tone concealer. Works wonders. Just make sure you practice that at home before you step out into the world if you try this interesting technique.
MAC Prep + Prime Fix +
- Kind of a confusing product if you chat with the MAC people, but my experience is that I spritz my face a couple times in lieu of a typical creamy primer on days that I'm in a hurry or am feeling dry. This is hydrating and refreshing and helps get your skin ready for what comes next. I also like to apply this when my makeup is finished. It especially helps if you've found yourself getting a little powder happy! I especially love this in the summer. Feels goooood.
MAC Prep + Prime Fix +
- Kind of a confusing product if you chat with the MAC people, but my experience is that I spritz my face a couple times in lieu of a typical creamy primer on days that I'm in a hurry or am feeling dry. This is hydrating and refreshing and helps get your skin ready for what comes next. I also like to apply this when my makeup is finished. It especially helps if you've found yourself getting a little powder happy! I especially love this in the summer. Feels goooood.
If you are an eye shadow lover, you are doing yourself an injustice if you don't use a shadow primer!
Pros of Shadow primer:
- remember when you spent 5-10 minutes putting on eyeshadow this morning? a good primer will allow you to gaze upon your work hours and hours later.
- many have concealing qualities and can help cover any darkness or veins
- it will help your shadows to go on true to color. See that color of shadow you picked out? Well forget about it! It doesn't look like that when you put it straight on your eyelid if you have any darkness or oiliness.
- many have anti aging benefits and vitamins - heck yes.
Cons of Shadow Primer:
- nothing. It's amazing and you should go buy some right now. :)
Put a tiny bit (teeny tiny bit) on the pad of your ring finger or on a small fluffy brush and apply all over your lid up to your brow. If you choose a colorless primer, go ahead and drag it across your brows too as any brow product you apply after that will now have serious staying power.
Cons of Shadow Primer:
- nothing. It's amazing and you should go buy some right now. :)
Put a tiny bit (teeny tiny bit) on the pad of your ring finger or on a small fluffy brush and apply all over your lid up to your brow. If you choose a colorless primer, go ahead and drag it across your brows too as any brow product you apply after that will now have serious staying power.
- the price is RIGHT on this guy and it works! it is colorless, so it will not conceal, but it works beautifully to help keep your shadow stay right where you put it! I highly recommend this one!
MAC Paint Pot in Painterly
- the go to product to conceal and prime your lid. Drag this up to the lid and around your tear duct and you're already looking like you got 10 hours of sleep. Yes, please.
Urban Decay Primer Potion
This is a classic shadow primer. Good stuff and if you use it with Urban Decay's super pigmented shadows - holy moly. So good.
I would recommend a face primer for those special occasions and anytime you wear makeup or eye shadow - definitely take an extra 10 seconds to put on a thin layer of shadow primer!
MAC Paint Pot in Painterly
- the go to product to conceal and prime your lid. Drag this up to the lid and around your tear duct and you're already looking like you got 10 hours of sleep. Yes, please.
Urban Decay Primer Potion
This is a classic shadow primer. Good stuff and if you use it with Urban Decay's super pigmented shadows - holy moly. So good.
I would recommend a face primer for those special occasions and anytime you wear makeup or eye shadow - definitely take an extra 10 seconds to put on a thin layer of shadow primer!
Tuesday, November 3, 2015
Peanut Butter Balls!
My kids are ALWAYS starving when they come home from school. It's hard to find the right snack that will stick to their ribs without making them too full for dinner or, filling their bellies with junk food. These simple high protein treats have been just the perfect kid/mom pleaser. Even the kiddos can help!
Peanut Butter Balls
1/2 cup (7 Tbsp.) peanut butter (lightly spray your measuring cup with Pam for easy release)
1/2 cup honey (we do local raw honey to help with allergies!)
2 Tbsp powdered milk
1 cup toasted wheat germ - high in folic acid and vitamin a
I have heard some people say they like to roll their balls in different things like raisins, chocolate chips, coconut, crushed peanuts, cocoa powder, etc. We like ours plain, but feel free to spice yours up!
Mix well. I suggest using your hands at the end. This is a good time to get your kiddos to help because everyone knows kids love messes.
Then, take tablespoon sized scoops and roll into balls. I like to use a cookie dough scoop so they will be even in size - just spray with Pam before scooping. My kids like to roll out a couple snakes. I don't care what you do...just have fun! Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. They will firm up and be tasty little energy bites that you can take to go or just eat while you run around outside and play! Enjoy!
Thursday, July 30, 2015
Game Changer
I've been a licensed skin care therapist/makeup artist since 2003 and I can't even begin to tell you how many products I have tried. I wear a full face of makeup fairly regularly and am always looking for the least amount of steps that lead to the best results. This leads me to the cleanser that I received in my Ipsy bag this month that has completely replaced my former cleanser. This is huge. Trust me.
Pur~lisse pur~delicate Gentle Soy Milk Cleanser and Makeup Remover They tried to think of a long name for the cleanser, but they just decided to go with this. I'm kidding. It's 9 words!
But seriously - This. Stuff. So good! Despite the fact that it's a creamy consistency, it works for all skin types, including true sensitive skin. In fact, it's even great for oily skin because cleansers with sulfates can strip your skin making your skin produce more oil as a defense mechanism. Cruel irony. I know and I'm sorry.
This is a soap free gentle cleanser that will completely remove your makeup. I have put it to the test with long wearing liquid eye liners and waterproof mascara. Wash hands, then apply a nickel sized amount onto your face with your wet hands, gently massage across your face and even onto your eyes! Rinse with a soft cloth (I like to use baby wash cloths), repeat. Skin rinses clean with no residue and no trace of makeup. Soft, clean and healthy skin.
Pur~lisse pur~delicate Gentle Soy Milk Cleanser and Makeup Remover They tried to think of a long name for the cleanser, but they just decided to go with this. I'm kidding. It's 9 words!
But seriously - This. Stuff. So good! Despite the fact that it's a creamy consistency, it works for all skin types, including true sensitive skin. In fact, it's even great for oily skin because cleansers with sulfates can strip your skin making your skin produce more oil as a defense mechanism. Cruel irony. I know and I'm sorry.
This is a soap free gentle cleanser that will completely remove your makeup. I have put it to the test with long wearing liquid eye liners and waterproof mascara. Wash hands, then apply a nickel sized amount onto your face with your wet hands, gently massage across your face and even onto your eyes! Rinse with a soft cloth (I like to use baby wash cloths), repeat. Skin rinses clean with no residue and no trace of makeup. Soft, clean and healthy skin.
Monday, May 18, 2015
Beauty Trends for 2015
2015 has brought gorgeous wearable beauty trends for every woman. This season is showing classic red and nude lips, glowing skin, plum shadows, and lashes lashes lashes. Stiff, perfectly coiffed hair is no longer representing the on trend girl of this year. Messy, coming-undone styles are the way to go! And let's not forget those finger tips! Negative space manicure's are always gorgeous and classy with a touch of edge that is still "office appropriate".
Pairing a plum eye with a nude lip is a gorgeous way to show off those peepers. If you feel your best asset is your pout, slick on a highly pigmented red. Matte and semi-matte reds are not only beautiful on, but when you pick one with little to no shine, you don't have to worry about it moving around and going where it isn't supposed to. And talk about a POWER color! As someone wise once said "Put on some red lipstick and live a little!".
I hate even calling this a "trend" because glowing healthy skin isn't a phase. It's imperative to looking your best and feeling your best all the time, at any age. This starts with a customized at-home skincare routine and regular visits with your facialist. When your skin is healthy, makeup accentuates that. However, if you're feeling a little less than fabulous, but want to be radiant right now, try swiping on a powder luminizer on the top of your cheek bones and in the inner corners of your eyes. Or, mix an illuminator from Nars into your foundation for more coverage or into your moisturizer for a more natural glow all over.
Letting your hair do it's natural thing is the way to go this spring. The less you do to your hair, i.e. straightening, curling, blow drying, the better. You can still tease your hair...a little. Don't get crazy but, we're going for texture, and a touch of volume so go on then. Tease. Ok, that's enough. If you're not a teaser - and some of us are not, thank you VERY much, I recommend a dry shampoo/volumizer/texturizer/surfspray or a combo of these to achieve the volume and texture you need to get the look you're going for. Braids are very much still in, but this season we're keeping them really loose and sexy. For us, "high maintenance" gals, this can sound a little daunting letting it go. Just try it for a day. You'll have that much more time for perfecting your manicure!
Let's discuss that manicure... I'm sorry but - it's time to leave those dated french mani/pedi's behind. If you wore it on your wedding day/prom...it's time to ditch it. Gone, but never forgotten. :) Here are some perfectly respectable replacements until the french mani makes it's comeback. Classic nude tones are making a comeback in a big way. Cult faves, Essie Mademoiselle and OPI Bubble Bath even made cameos on the runways this spring. Negative space manicures are so fresh and shouldn't be only reserved for the 25 and under crowd. Try a swipe of a metallic silver or gold for this summer. Gorgeous!
Here are some products The Makeup Bar recommends to be the beauty expert in your crowd!
For that perfect pout:
Reds:
Nudes:
Glowing skin:
B. Kamins BB cream
Nars Illuminators in Laguna, Orgasm, and Copacabana
Kevyn Aucoin Celestial Powder in Candlelight
The Balm Mary, Betty, and Cindy Loumanizer
For perfectly tousled hair:
Bumble and Bumble City Swept, Surfspray, Infusion
Moroccan oil Dry Shampoo
Pairing a plum eye with a nude lip is a gorgeous way to show off those peepers. If you feel your best asset is your pout, slick on a highly pigmented red. Matte and semi-matte reds are not only beautiful on, but when you pick one with little to no shine, you don't have to worry about it moving around and going where it isn't supposed to. And talk about a POWER color! As someone wise once said "Put on some red lipstick and live a little!".
I hate even calling this a "trend" because glowing healthy skin isn't a phase. It's imperative to looking your best and feeling your best all the time, at any age. This starts with a customized at-home skincare routine and regular visits with your facialist. When your skin is healthy, makeup accentuates that. However, if you're feeling a little less than fabulous, but want to be radiant right now, try swiping on a powder luminizer on the top of your cheek bones and in the inner corners of your eyes. Or, mix an illuminator from Nars into your foundation for more coverage or into your moisturizer for a more natural glow all over.
Letting your hair do it's natural thing is the way to go this spring. The less you do to your hair, i.e. straightening, curling, blow drying, the better. You can still tease your hair...a little. Don't get crazy but, we're going for texture, and a touch of volume so go on then. Tease. Ok, that's enough. If you're not a teaser - and some of us are not, thank you VERY much, I recommend a dry shampoo/volumizer/texturizer/surfspray or a combo of these to achieve the volume and texture you need to get the look you're going for. Braids are very much still in, but this season we're keeping them really loose and sexy. For us, "high maintenance" gals, this can sound a little daunting letting it go. Just try it for a day. You'll have that much more time for perfecting your manicure!
Let's discuss that manicure... I'm sorry but - it's time to leave those dated french mani/pedi's behind. If you wore it on your wedding day/prom...it's time to ditch it. Gone, but never forgotten. :) Here are some perfectly respectable replacements until the french mani makes it's comeback. Classic nude tones are making a comeback in a big way. Cult faves, Essie Mademoiselle and OPI Bubble Bath even made cameos on the runways this spring. Negative space manicures are so fresh and shouldn't be only reserved for the 25 and under crowd. Try a swipe of a metallic silver or gold for this summer. Gorgeous!
Here are some products The Makeup Bar recommends to be the beauty expert in your crowd!
For that perfect pout:
Reds:
Nudes:
Glowing skin:
B. Kamins BB cream
Nars Illuminators in Laguna, Orgasm, and Copacabana
Kevyn Aucoin Celestial Powder in Candlelight
The Balm Mary, Betty, and Cindy Loumanizer
For perfectly tousled hair:
Bumble and Bumble City Swept, Surfspray, Infusion
Moroccan oil Dry Shampoo
Wednesday, April 22, 2015
Exfoliation!
Sometimes your skin just doesn't look its best. Lack of sleep, too much caffeine - not enough water, sleeping in your makeup (nooooo!), busy with life, stress stress stress. There are lots of reasons why we tend to neglect our complexions until we look in the mirror and say "whoa. what's happening here?!".
Why should you exfoliate?
The basic idea of exfoliation is to help your body with sloughing off the dead skin cells on the skin's surface - which in turn encourage cell turnover. The buildup of dead skin on the skin's surface is what causes lackluster "tired" skin. These dead skin cells make wrinkles look more pronounced, pores look larger, and they are certainly no help for those of us who are prone to breakouts. Know that expensive cream you slather on your face every night before bed? Imagine how much more effective it would be if you didn't have several layers of dead nasty skin for it to try to penetrate!
Exfoliation also has an instant awesome factor - smooth soft skin. It's extremely effective for those who have keratosis pilaris (those rough patches and little red bumps on the back of your upper arms and can show up on your thighs as well). Grab a little sugar scrub, go to town on your arms and legs- feel the circulation and, depending how crazy you are when you scrub, maybe even get your heart rate up. Multitasking, y'all.
What should I exfoliate with and how often?
There are 2 forms of exfoliation: Physical and Chemical
Physical exfoliation is achieved by the use of a brush or a scrub with an abrasive in it. Abrasives can be anything from a super finely milled rice powder to various types of sugars and salts. FYI, I know we all used apricot scrub in the 90's to "help" with breakouts. I'm here to tell you that it belongs in the incinerator. Any type of crushed seed will have rough edges that cause microtears in your skin. This leads to inflamed, irritated, sensitized, angry skin. Please. For the LOVE. Stop using this!
Physical exfoliant recommendations:
Kiehls Epidermal Re-Texturizing Microdermabrasian
Acure Organics Brightening Facial Scrub
The other form of exfoliation is chemical. It sounds scary. I wish we could change the name of it to something sweet like "fresh skin revealer", but scientists worldwide would balk at this. However, do not be afraid! There are ways to incorporate low doses of chemical exfoliation even into your DAILY routine. Chemical exfoliants are categorized as acids or enzymes. They gently dissolve dead skin and are able to penetrate deeper into the skin than your typical physical scrub, thus encouraging cell turnover = fresh new skin at the surface. Many moisturizers and creams have Retinol or Acids - AHAs, BHAs in them which makes it easy to get your exfoliation in since you will probably moisturize anyway!
Chemical exfoliant recommendations:
Alpha Hydrox 12% AHA Souffle (my personal favorite)
Alpha Hydrox Retinol ResQ (another favorite!)
Paulas Choice Resist Daily Pore-Refining Treatment 2% BHA
After you pick out the exfoliator that is right for you, make sure you follow up with a broad spectrum SPF - these block UVA and UVB rays. UVA - rays that penetrate deeply and cause aging. UVB rays don't go as deep but will Burn the surface of your skin. Follow with a moisturizer and an eye cream. With consistent use, you will notice a difference within a couple weeks!
Why should you exfoliate?
The basic idea of exfoliation is to help your body with sloughing off the dead skin cells on the skin's surface - which in turn encourage cell turnover. The buildup of dead skin on the skin's surface is what causes lackluster "tired" skin. These dead skin cells make wrinkles look more pronounced, pores look larger, and they are certainly no help for those of us who are prone to breakouts. Know that expensive cream you slather on your face every night before bed? Imagine how much more effective it would be if you didn't have several layers of dead nasty skin for it to try to penetrate!
Exfoliation also has an instant awesome factor - smooth soft skin. It's extremely effective for those who have keratosis pilaris (those rough patches and little red bumps on the back of your upper arms and can show up on your thighs as well). Grab a little sugar scrub, go to town on your arms and legs- feel the circulation and, depending how crazy you are when you scrub, maybe even get your heart rate up. Multitasking, y'all.
What should I exfoliate with and how often?
There are 2 forms of exfoliation: Physical and Chemical
Physical exfoliation is achieved by the use of a brush or a scrub with an abrasive in it. Abrasives can be anything from a super finely milled rice powder to various types of sugars and salts. FYI, I know we all used apricot scrub in the 90's to "help" with breakouts. I'm here to tell you that it belongs in the incinerator. Any type of crushed seed will have rough edges that cause microtears in your skin. This leads to inflamed, irritated, sensitized, angry skin. Please. For the LOVE. Stop using this!
Physical exfoliant recommendations:
Kiehls Epidermal Re-Texturizing Microdermabrasian
Acure Organics Brightening Facial Scrub
The other form of exfoliation is chemical. It sounds scary. I wish we could change the name of it to something sweet like "fresh skin revealer", but scientists worldwide would balk at this. However, do not be afraid! There are ways to incorporate low doses of chemical exfoliation even into your DAILY routine. Chemical exfoliants are categorized as acids or enzymes. They gently dissolve dead skin and are able to penetrate deeper into the skin than your typical physical scrub, thus encouraging cell turnover = fresh new skin at the surface. Many moisturizers and creams have Retinol or Acids - AHAs, BHAs in them which makes it easy to get your exfoliation in since you will probably moisturize anyway!
Chemical exfoliant recommendations:
Alpha Hydrox 12% AHA Souffle (my personal favorite)
Alpha Hydrox Retinol ResQ (another favorite!)
Paulas Choice Resist Daily Pore-Refining Treatment 2% BHA
After you pick out the exfoliator that is right for you, make sure you follow up with a broad spectrum SPF - these block UVA and UVB rays. UVA - rays that penetrate deeply and cause aging. UVB rays don't go as deep but will Burn the surface of your skin. Follow with a moisturizer and an eye cream. With consistent use, you will notice a difference within a couple weeks!
Wednesday, March 4, 2015
Powder Foundations Vs Liquid Foundations
A lot of people love the convenience of a powder foundation. I get it. I do. However, don't forget about the beauty of a liquid, or even a cream foundation! Most of the powder foundation lovers in my world seem to do it out of convenience. When I have used it in the past, that was the main reason for me. 'I have small needy children! I have 2 minutes to get out the door! I don't care how I look but, I don't want to scare anyone either!'
There are a few major differences between powder foundations and liquid foundations. Let's discuss.
Powder Foundations
- PROS
1. Easy to blend and rarely leaves weird discolored lines on your jawline, i.e. the dreaded makeup mask.
2. Easier to color match. Your chances of walking out of the store with a color you can use is much higher than if you walk into Walmart/Sephora/Ulta/wherever and randomly pickup a liquid foundation.
3. Takes 2 seconds to put it on. (a MAJOR pro)
4. Depending on the formula, it can leave a really nice finish with a lovely allover glow.
5. Light coverage.
6. Powder foundations tend to have a shorter ingredient list and you can usually find a formulation with less preservatives and chemicals then your standard liquid foundation. - Although there are definitely more and more options being introduced every day for both liquid and powder.
7. Great for sensitive skin types.
- CONS
1. It will start to wear off after a few hours if you are at all oily, and/or touch your face a lot, frequently use a phone, have hair that sweeps across your face, etc. Basically, it's pretty finicky and I find that though the application is quick, it is more maintenance throughout the day.
2. I don't know about you, but when I use powder foundation, it gets EVERYWHERE. I will have powder on my clothes, my counter tops, and if I ever attempt to apply it in my car...well, let me just encourage you to turn off your A/C. (lesson learned the hard way)
3. Buildable coverage isn't it's strongsuit. In my experience, the more you put on, the cakier it looks. And it gets cakey quickly! Especially if you used a liquid primer, are oily, or didn't let your moisturizer soak all the way into your skin.
4. Powders tend to settle into fine lines and wrinkles. Sorry. It's true.
5. It can get a little funky as it wears if you are a combo skin type - wearing off in your oily areas earlier and potentially changing color as it absorbs the oil.
6. Light coverage. (on both pro and con list!)
Alright. Now let's talk about my favorite - liquid foundations.
-PROS
1. Lots of different formulas for skintype and coverage needs/wants.
2. Provides beautiful buildable coverage. Have rosacea? A pimple? Dab a little extra right on top of what you don't want to see anymore, blend it out, and bye Felicia.
3. Gives you a smooth finish on your skin that powders just can't give you.
4. Some liquid foundations are designed to be long wearing and I can tell you that I have found a couple that are AWESOME. They don't dry out your complexion, give beautiful coverage, and last until you decide that you are ready to take them off.
5. Some formulas sit beautifully on your skin and help minimize the look of pore size and any fine lines and wrinkles.
6. It's adjustable. Purchased a heavy coverage, long wearing foundation but you don't want to look too "made up" on a casual Saturday afternoon flea market shopping trip? Mix in a touch of your moisturizer to give you a lighter application AND an extra dose of hydration.
-CONS
1. Require a darn near perfect color match, and a little TLC and some good lighting to have it looking well blended and flawless.
2. Some don't like the way it feels on your face. "heavy" is the word I hear a lot.
3. Depending on how you apply it, it can take a little time to get that "perfect" finish.
4. Can stain clothing. I've seen perfectly good white button up shirts RUINED because of liquid foundation that simply wouldn't come out!
Clearly, I am a fan of liquid foundation, but I don't mind the extra application time. For me personally, I find there is nothing that gives you that flawless, smooth complexion than a full coverage liquid foundation. Powders are great for those who have limited time, don't need a lot of corrective coverage, and don't like the feel of a liquid foundation.
Whatever is best for you and your lifestyle is right choice for you!
Here is a list of some foundations I recommend.
High end liquids and powders:
Nars All Day Luminous Weightless Foundation
Estee Lauder Double Wear Foundation
Bobbi Brown Skin Foundation Mineral Makeup SPF 15
Drugstore liquids and powders:
L'oreal True Match
Neutrogena Healthy Skin Makeup
e.l.f. Studio Pressed Mineral Foundation
There are a few major differences between powder foundations and liquid foundations. Let's discuss.
Powder Foundations
- PROS
1. Easy to blend and rarely leaves weird discolored lines on your jawline, i.e. the dreaded makeup mask.
2. Easier to color match. Your chances of walking out of the store with a color you can use is much higher than if you walk into Walmart/Sephora/Ulta/wherever and randomly pickup a liquid foundation.
3. Takes 2 seconds to put it on. (a MAJOR pro)
4. Depending on the formula, it can leave a really nice finish with a lovely allover glow.
5. Light coverage.
6. Powder foundations tend to have a shorter ingredient list and you can usually find a formulation with less preservatives and chemicals then your standard liquid foundation. - Although there are definitely more and more options being introduced every day for both liquid and powder.
7. Great for sensitive skin types.
- CONS
1. It will start to wear off after a few hours if you are at all oily, and/or touch your face a lot, frequently use a phone, have hair that sweeps across your face, etc. Basically, it's pretty finicky and I find that though the application is quick, it is more maintenance throughout the day.
2. I don't know about you, but when I use powder foundation, it gets EVERYWHERE. I will have powder on my clothes, my counter tops, and if I ever attempt to apply it in my car...well, let me just encourage you to turn off your A/C. (lesson learned the hard way)
3. Buildable coverage isn't it's strongsuit. In my experience, the more you put on, the cakier it looks. And it gets cakey quickly! Especially if you used a liquid primer, are oily, or didn't let your moisturizer soak all the way into your skin.
4. Powders tend to settle into fine lines and wrinkles. Sorry. It's true.
5. It can get a little funky as it wears if you are a combo skin type - wearing off in your oily areas earlier and potentially changing color as it absorbs the oil.
6. Light coverage. (on both pro and con list!)
Alright. Now let's talk about my favorite - liquid foundations.
-PROS
1. Lots of different formulas for skintype and coverage needs/wants.
2. Provides beautiful buildable coverage. Have rosacea? A pimple? Dab a little extra right on top of what you don't want to see anymore, blend it out, and bye Felicia.
3. Gives you a smooth finish on your skin that powders just can't give you.
4. Some liquid foundations are designed to be long wearing and I can tell you that I have found a couple that are AWESOME. They don't dry out your complexion, give beautiful coverage, and last until you decide that you are ready to take them off.
5. Some formulas sit beautifully on your skin and help minimize the look of pore size and any fine lines and wrinkles.
6. It's adjustable. Purchased a heavy coverage, long wearing foundation but you don't want to look too "made up" on a casual Saturday afternoon flea market shopping trip? Mix in a touch of your moisturizer to give you a lighter application AND an extra dose of hydration.
-CONS
1. Require a darn near perfect color match, and a little TLC and some good lighting to have it looking well blended and flawless.
2. Some don't like the way it feels on your face. "heavy" is the word I hear a lot.
3. Depending on how you apply it, it can take a little time to get that "perfect" finish.
4. Can stain clothing. I've seen perfectly good white button up shirts RUINED because of liquid foundation that simply wouldn't come out!
Clearly, I am a fan of liquid foundation, but I don't mind the extra application time. For me personally, I find there is nothing that gives you that flawless, smooth complexion than a full coverage liquid foundation. Powders are great for those who have limited time, don't need a lot of corrective coverage, and don't like the feel of a liquid foundation.
Whatever is best for you and your lifestyle is right choice for you!
Here is a list of some foundations I recommend.
High end liquids and powders:
Nars All Day Luminous Weightless Foundation
Estee Lauder Double Wear Foundation
Bobbi Brown Skin Foundation Mineral Makeup SPF 15
Drugstore liquids and powders:
L'oreal True Match
Neutrogena Healthy Skin Makeup
e.l.f. Studio Pressed Mineral Foundation
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