Presto Chango Cheeks!

BellaSugar — Mon, 05 Mar 2007 07:23:33 -0800

Remember those clear mood lip glosses from your pre-teen years that changed color when you put them on? These blushes have been developed based on a similar premise. They start off as clear gels and once applied to your cheeks they adjust according to your specific skin tone - how fab!

Smashbox O-Glow, $26, is formulated to change color on your face to the same natural tone as when you blush. Wow, talk about a natural look!

It takes just seconds for its chemistry to work. When applied, the moisture on your skin activates the Goji Berry-C Complex™ ingredient and your circulation gets going. This results in a fresh looking flush that lasts all day long. This gel blush is waterproof, fragrance free and won't irritate your skin.

For one more presto chango cheek product, read more

Almay Smart Shade Makeup, $14, is a foundation based on the same principle as the gel blush. It starts off as a whitish/grey color and it contains color beads that are activated when they are rubbed into your skin.

It is a lightweight, nourishing formula that contains SPF 15, aloe, Vitamin E, anti-oxidants, grape seed extract, ginseng and ginkgo biloba extract, It helps to even out your skin tone as well as complement your skin.

It looks best on skin that normally calls for a honey or tan foundation. It is hypoallergenic and won't clog pores. Just apply with fingertips and blend smoothly onto your cheeks. Available in three shades: light, light/medium and medium

Doing Drugstore: Revlon Beyond Natural

BellaSugar — Thu, 24 Jul 2008 07:00:32 -0700

I was surprised to discover that so many of you dislike Revlon. I'm a huge fan of the brand's nail polish, and now that Gucci Westman works there, things are looking up.

Last time I went to Walgreens, I picked up two items from the Beyond Natural collection: the Skin Matching Makeup ($13.99) and Protective Liptint ($8.49). All of the colors in this collection are on the natural side - lots of earth tones, partying like Al Gore in 2004 - and both of the products I tried have SPF 15. So far, so good.

For the full review, read more.

So, just like Almay's Smart Shade concealer, the Skin Matching Makeup has a color-changing formula. It comes out of the tube white, then changes color when blended. I wish companies would stop trying to trick consumers by implying that these chameleon products will magically match your skin, but that and a dollar will buy a cup of truck-stop coffee. Putting the presto change-o aspect of it aside, this is a great tinted moisturizer. It provides full-spectrum protection thanks to titanium dioxide and zinc oxide, but it doesn't have even a hint of the evil white streakiness that can show up with those ingredients. And although it doesn't provide much coverage, the color itself is free of the pink undertones that ruin so many drugstore formulations.

As for the Protective Liptint? It has a smooth, lightweight formula that left my lips feeling soft, but I chose the wrong color. I expected Rosy to be rather pink, but instead it's a too-bright coral that makes me feel like Blanche Devereaux. Next time, I'll try a more neutral shade. Overall, though, I'm pleased with these products; they're great for low-maintenance Summer style.