BellaSugar

Dear Bella: Can I Use a Primer With Tinted Moisturizer?

BellaSugar — Fri, 06 Feb 2009 09:00:22 -0800

Earlier today, I received the following email from a reader:

"I've recently discovered the wonders of makeup primer. I love the soft, silky way it makes my skin feel, and my powder foundation glides on effortlessly. But before shelling out the bucks for a full size bottle of primer, I wanted to know if it would also work with my alternate form of foundation - those tinted ones that are part moisturizer? Would the primer block the moisturizer from sinking into my skin? I'm having visions of ending up with a layer of globby muck on my face."

I love makeup primer. It's typically formulated with silicones (aka dimethicones) that work to fill in and smooth out lines and scars. It also has the benefit of helping your makeup last longer. As far as wearing primer with tinted moisturizer, I don't see a problem with that at all. Just keep in mind that applying each product in light layers will give you the best, most natural results. Find out more tips, along with some ways to break the rules, when you read more.

If you are going full out with your routine: For best results, apply a light layer of facial moisturizer and allow to dry. Then apply a thin coating of primer and let that dry. Next, apply foundation or tinted moisturizer where needed. Even better? If your foundation or tinted moisturizer has silicones, too, they will work favorably with your primer.
If you feel like it's all too heavy: I tend to get oily, but I like the benefit of a facial moisturizer, primer, and foundation. Thus, I go oil-free all the way.
If you feel like skipping a few steps: Just use a tinted moisturizer with silicones (which most have), like Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer ($42).
If you don't like foundation: Consider using a tinted primer such as Laura Geller Spackle Tinted Under Makeup Primer ($23) or Philosophy The Supernatural Flawless Tinted SPF 15 ($30).

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.

BellaSugar's Guide to SPF Beauty Products

BellaSugar — Sun, 15 Jun 2008 09:00:00 -0700

Sunshine is a natural source of vitamin D, which is great for your bones, your organs, and your mental health. (It's true, the sun makes people happy.) But as you well know, it's also dangerous, and it's a top cause of skin aging. Below is my seven-post roundup on noteworthy SPF-enhanced beauty products (there's even a DIY recipe in there too) so that you can safeguard your skin, your hair, and your lips at all times.

SPF Beauty Bonanza, Part II: Tinted Moisturizers

BellaSugar — Wed, 11 Jun 2008 10:00:11 -0700

Last Summer, we featured scores of SPF-enhanced tinted moisturizers, and a year later there's a new gaggle of goodies to explore! What I love about tinted moisturizers is that they serve three purposes. They simplify your prep time, since they act as a foundation and a moisturizer; they offer SPF so now you don't have to apply (or worry about) sun protection; and they help even out your skin tone. Below are three SPF tinted moisturizers that I'll think you'll fall madly in love with this Summer.

Just a few weeks ago Chanel launched Hydramax + Active Tinted Lotion SPF 15 ($55), a great alternative to wearing foundation in the heat of the Summer sun. It contains UVA and UVB protection while providing even coverage, a non-greasy feel and a healthy, radiant, almost dewy finish on my skin. I use #15 Sunlit (the medium shade out of the three) and not only do I find it moisturizing and extremely blendable, but I also really like the sweet scent.

La Mer has created The SPF 18 Fluid Tint ($65) in three shades of light, medium, and dark. It's moisturizing, it absorbs quickly, the formula is water-based so it's not oily whatsoever, it contains UVA and UVB protection, plus it's made with crushed gemstones (tourmaline and Brazilian malachite), so it helps give skin a radiant glow.

For one more tinted moisturizer with SPF, read more.

Stila Sheer Color Tinted Moisturizer SPF 15 ($32) is an SPF-enriched moisturizer that feels light yet nourishing on your face. All 10 of the colors are sheer, they blend flawlessly without streaking, and they leave you with an illuminated finish.

Coming Soon: Lola Cosmetics Prime Effects Pure Pigment Infusion

BellaSugar — Fri, 16 May 2008 11:00:09 -0700

Last month I told you all about the new Firming Sensation Tinted Eye Balms from the Lola Cosmetics Summer 2008 Explore the Lola in You collection, and now I've become privy to the final launch in the line, called Prime Effect Pure Pigment Infusion ($26). What makes this product unique is that it embodies characteristics of a foundation, a primer, and a moisturizer.

It's very sheer, smooth, it blends easily and provides decent coverage. Also, because it leaves your skin with a little bit of sheen, it's a great product for attaining a dewy effect.

It's formulated with antioxidants, vitamins A, B, and C, buriti and maracuja fruit extracts to help stop moisture loss, and calendula to cool the skin and even out any blotchiness.

I find that it's definitely moisturizing, which makes it great for Summer when you don't want to apply a moisturizer and a base. The only drawback is that I wish it contained some SPF to really make it a one-stop product. Prime Effects Pure Pigment Infusion will be available online later this month in three shades: nude, bronze, and pearl.

Beauty Mark It Results: A Tinted Moisturizer

BellaSugar — Tue, 26 Feb 2008 16:00:17 -0800

The results of last week's Beauty Mark It challenge are in, and if you're looking for a great tinted moisturizer, you're in luck. Glam Sugar says that Stila's Illuminating SPF 15 Tinted Moisturizer is the best she's ever tried. I'm also a fan, reserving this for times when I need just a tiny bit of coverage.

For those of you with sensitive skin, missmargot recommends N.V. Perricone Active Tinted Moisturizer SPF 15. Although they're available in only three shades, she says, they seem to work on everyone. For more user-generated picks, browse the widget below.

Beauty Mark It! A Tinted Moisturizer

BellaSugar — Wed, 20 Feb 2008 13:00:33 -0800

It's no secret: clean, fresh-looking skin is in for Spring. That means it's almost time to toss out heavy Winter foundations in favor of something with a lighter coverage. Tinted moisturizers even out your skin tone while allowing its texture to show. I've been curious about this Laura Mercier Oil-Free Tinted Moisturizer ever since I found out that it's a pop star's favorite.

But what about yours? Share your choices by bookmarking items from around the web and tag them with the phrase tinted moisturizer. I'll feature your favorites here next Tuesday.

To learn about Beauty Mark It challenges and how to add your picks, check out this how-to. To see some of my favorite online beauty stores, read more.

Saks Beauty Place
Sephora
Drugstore.com
Fred Segal Beauty
Folica
Amazon.com Beauty
Strawberrynet.com
Nordstrom
Bergdorf Goodman
Beauty.com

New Product Alert: Ramy Beauty Therapy Sleep In Beauty

BellaSugar — Wed, 02 Jan 2008 08:00:20 -0800

Here's a new product with a clever name. Sleep In Beauty ($48) is a tinted moisturizer that acts kind of like a really light foundation. It contains all kinds of good ingredients like active peptides (to smooth away rough skin), matrixyl (to help relax skin and diminish fine lines), salicylic acid (to kill acne-causing bacteria) and other nutrients to keep your skin moisturized.

The gimmick of it all is that you can sleep in it and it won't run all over your pillow, since it penetrates deeply into your skin like a cream as opposed to a foundation. Also, it works to calm redness and create a healthy glow, so when you wake up, you look great!

This sounds more like a dream cream for sleeping beauties (I kill myself sometimes), but instead of nicknaming it the obvious, Ramy has appropriately dubbed his latest invention, "The Hook-Up Cream." Sleep In Beauty! is available in light, medium and dark. I'm not sure if I could get used to the idea of sleeping in my makeup. What about you?

Product Review: Lancôme Bienfait Multi-Vital Teinté

BellaSugar — Thu, 15 Nov 2007 09:00:14 -0800

I am totally in love with this Bienfait Multi-Vital Teinté from Lancôme. That's a fancy French name for tinted moisturizer. I heard about it from a girlfriend of mine and so I decided to sample it at a department store a few months ago. I didn't even buy it that day; I went home like a good, nonimpulsive shopper and checked myself out in a few different light sources before deciding that I had to have it.

Not only does it blend into your skin really well, but it's got this great moisturizing capacity that leaves your face feeling hydrated, soft, and smooth. I often find that even though a product calls itself a tinted moisturizer, you can't use very much of it or else it leaves a foundation line. This doesn't do that.

Also, it contains antioxidants as well as SPF 30 to help protect your skin. So let's recap: For $42, you get a moisturizer with slight coverage and SPF. This may even qualify as a bang-for-your-buck product!

The only drawback is that it's available in only four shades. So if it doesn't match your skin tone, you're outta luck. Have any of you tried this? If so, please share your thoughts below!

See reader reviews of this product and add your own here!

Get The Most From Your Makeup: Tinted Moisturizer

BellaSugar — Tue, 02 Oct 2007 09:55:30 -0700

I hate to be the bearer of this news, but did you know that tinted moisturizer is really just face primer mixed with a light foundation? It's easy enough to make it yourself if you own these two products already. Here's what to do:

In a small bowl, mix two parts foundation with one part primer. Apply with your fingertips and smooth out the areas around your jawline, hairline and nose with a makeup sponge. Store the rest in a cool, dry and clean container and make sure it's sealed tightly to lock out bacteria!

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