If you're blemish-prone, wearing foundation or tinted moisturizer can raise a bevy of questions. Will it break you out? Will it make your skin look greasy? And will you look like you're wearing a mask? For the following three tinted moisturizers, the answer to those questions is no. Plus, each one gives skin a pretty, I-just-happen-to-have-gorgeous-skin glow. For the rundown, keep reading.
This Blush Promises to Make You Happier
You've probably seen mood-changing makeup before, but have you ever seen makeup that's formulated to change your mood? Next month, Physicians Formula is launching a heart-shaped mosaic powder and blush made using principles of color therapy, texture therapy, and aromatherapy. Scented with violet to bring on feelings of well-being and Arctic rose to mimic the effects of endorphins, these Happy Booster cosmetics might not replace your therapist, but the cute design will definitely make you smile.
Eight Bronzers to Brighten Your Day
Calling all sun goddesses. You know that I'll never advocate baking yourself in the sun, and that's why I'm such a proponent of SPF. 'Tis the season to get your glow on, so let's practice some safe sunning by means of bronzers. I've scoured the Product Reviews section to find the most popularly reviewed bronzing items. Whether your budget is tight or has a little more wiggle room, here are eight top-rated options.
Doing Drugstore: Physicians Formula Wrinkle Therapy Wrinkle Therapy Concealer in Soft Yellow
In my quest to find the ultimate concealer, I always look for something a little more than just under-eye circle coverage. My criteria: It has to be hydrating, non-caking, and able to neutralize unwanted bluish/purple tones. So, when I discovered Physicians Formula Wrinkle Therapy Wrinkle Therapy Concealer in Soft Yellow ($9) I thought I might have just hit the jackpot. Yellow tones are great for camouflaging pesky dark circles, but did this correcting concealer work?
Find out after the jump, and don't forget that you can review products, too. Even better? Enter our Product Reviews contest for the chance to win a $500 gift certificate from Benefit Cosmetics! And now, to see what I thought about this multitasking concealer, read more
BellaSugar's Top Five Loose Powder Picks
Loose powders are a fantastic way to provide light to medium coverage on your skin without having to apply a heavy or greasy fluid foundation. They help control shine, cover blemishes, red, spots, broken capillaries and under-eye circles — all without caking. Some of my favorite new loose powders also happen to be made from minerals, which also makes them good for your skin. Below are my top five favorites. Do you have a love for one loose powder in particular?

- La Bella Donna Loose Mineral Foundation ($50) is a soft mineral face powder that contains SPF 20 and doesn't clog your pores. I've been using the shade Nicoletta for the past year (plus) and love how it gives my face flawless-looking coverage.
- Prescriptives Custom Blend Powder ($45) is a customized, mixture of lightweight powder created to match your skin tone. You leave the store with a large jar and a mini travel jar which both include a puff. You can also pay an additional $15 for an extra container of pressed powder. Although it's costly, I think it's worth the splurge.
- Physician's Formula Mineral Wear Talc-Free Mineral Loose Powder ($10.95) is a relatively new product that has been designed for sensitive and pimple-prone skin. It's non-irritating, it blends easily and has a natural finish. It comes with a brush, and I love the security of the snap-top close.
- Bare Escentuals bareMinerals SPF 15 Foundation ($25) is one of the smoothest blending mineral loose powders that I've ever tried. You voted it your favorite foundation of 2007 because of its silky texture, non-irritating formula and fabulous coverage.
- Laura Mercier Mineral Powder SPF 15 ($35) is a super-fine, oil-free loose powder that contains 15 amino acids that help achieve clear skin while providing a smooth finish. Not only do I love the tinted powder, but the translucent powder is essential for setting foundation, lipstick ... you name it.
Doing Drugstore: Physicians Formula New Eco-Friendly Cosmetics
Physicians Formula has gone green! The brand has recently launched a line of eco-conscious, animal-friendly cosmetics called Organic wear. The packaging is made from (mostly) recycled paper as opposed to plastic, the brushes are goat hair, and every product is free of parabens, chemicals, preservatives, and fragrance. This is great news for those of you with sensitive skin.

Organic wear products are made from internationally certified organic ingredients that have been EcoCert-approved. I've tried several of the items and what I love the most is that they are natural-looking, build-able, and mattifying. I say if you have the option to indulge in something that is good for your skin and good for the environment, then why not make a choice that can help preserve our planet?
I also love the goofy model, who reminds me of Cabbage Head. For the scoop on each of the products, read more
Get Glowing With a Liquid Highlighter
Not just for textbooks anymore, highlighters provide a very fun and flattering way to add a subtle glow to any makeup look. What's more, they can enhance or conceal flaws or features. Here are a few ways to wear them.
For an All-over Glow: A shimmer highlighter like Benefit's Moon Beam ($24) is a great multipurpose product. It has pink and gold undertones, so it works well with any skin type, and the formula is thin and light, so it can be blended easily. This kind of highlighting fluid can be used anywhere. Dab a bit of this on your brow bones, lips, and décolletage to create an overall luminescence.
Conceal: A great way to conceal a patch of redness, uneven skin tone, or dark circles is to reflect light off of the area with a highlighting concealer. Laura Mercier's Secret Brightener ($30) adds a faint tint and a light sheen where applied, replacing flaws with a fresh-faced glow.
To find out how to conceal and enhance certain features with a highlighter, read more
Pastel Products, Part II: Precious Face Powders
Part two of my springtime pastel products series is all about luminosity. These powders help absorb excess oil while giving your skin that healthy glow. Blend them all over your face for a more noticeable "light," or add a touch to the tip of your nose, forehead, and cheekbones for subtle radiance. Here are three products I recommend, along with a few more that are too pretty to leave out.
T. Le Clerc Loose Powder in Tilleul ($50) is one of the most finely-milled powders I've ever used. It goes on like sheer veil and comes in a vast array of colors. The blue helps to cover broken capillaries and counteract redness, and it's best suited for oily and fair skin. Simply dip, tap, and then blend your fluffiest brush all over your face for a soft wash of color.
For two more powders, read more
Lookalike Products: Shimmery Shadow Palettes
When I saw this new eye shadow palette called Physician's Formula Shimmer Strips, I recognized it right away; it was inspired by last summer's Bobbi Brown Surf and Sand Eye Palette.
Since the colors are sexy, shimmery and perfect for spring, I thought I'd highlight the similarities and differences of these seemingly similar items.
| Physician's Formula Shimmer Strips | Bobbi Brown Surf & Sand Palette | Advantage? | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Colors | Contains sandy tones, blues and grays. |
Contains sandy tones, blues and sea-greens. |
Physician's Formula is more versatile. You can wet the dark gray and also use it as a liner. |
| Texture | Pigments are subtle, so you need more product to see results. | High pigmented silky soft color that blends easily. | Bobbi Brown. A little goes a long way. |
| Packaging | Opens vertically and comes with a brush | Opens horizontally; no brush | Physician's Formula saves you money, plus you get a shadow brush. |
| Availability | Available online now for Spring 2008. | It was limited-edition for last summer, but you can still score plenty online. | Physician's Formula, if only because it's easier to track down. |
| PRICE | $9.95 | $42 | Buying the drugstore brand saves you oodles. |
Doing Drugstore: Physician's Formula Mineral Wear Talc-Free Mineral Lip Sheen
I'm so excited because I think I've discovered the perfect clear lip gloss—and it's inexpensive! Physician's Formula has recently released new products for Spring 2008, including Mineral Wear Talc-Free Mineral Lip Sheens ($7.95). I've tried the quartz color and not only is it completely clear when it's on, but it gives your lips a brilliant shine without being sticky whatsoever.
The gloss is thicker than Vaseline, but it's not nearly as gooey as, say, Lancome Juicy Tubes. In addition, it has that fun, clicky pen style packaging that forces product through tiny holes in the top as you twist it. It has a smooth, rubbery angled tip to help with even application, and it's fragrance-free. Who's interested?





