BellaSugar

What We're Sweet On: Sun-Kissed Foundation That's Sheer and Light

Jaime Richards — Mon, 30 Apr 2012 03:05:00 PDT

With Spring well under way and Summer not too far off in the horizon, it's time to shelf the heavy moisturizers and foundations, all while being cognizant of the importance of SPF. Cover FX's Skintint Treatment and Tinted Moisturizer SPF 30 ($42) is the perfect warm-weather makeup trifecta. Not only does it block away both UVA and UVB rays, but special lipid-captors help give skin suppleness, and hyaluronic filling spheres provide hydration. And thanks to its ultralight, ultrasheer coverage tint, the complexion is left with a beautiful sun-kissed glow. Available in six oil-, fragrance-, and paraben-free shades.

Miracle Skin Transformer Isn't Supernatural, but It Is Pretty Great

Miriam Lacey — Sat, 19 Mar 2011 06:00:00 PDT

I'm a big fan of tinted moisturizers, and there are a lot of very nice products out there. Among the bunch, though, I have to say that Miracle Skin Transformer SPF 20 ($48) really stands out for me. Instead of being water-based like most makeup, MST is made with non-synthetic silicone. As a result, it has a lot more in common with popular dimethicone-based primers than with face tints. So how does a silicone tinted moisturizer treat your skin differently? Find out when you read more.

Three Glowy Tinted Moisturizers That Won't Aggravate Acne

Annie Tomlin — Tue, 25 Jan 2011 06:00:00 PST

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.

Your Summer Festival Makeup Tips Start Right Here

BellaSugar — Tue, 22 Jun 2010 07:00:12 PDT

When it comes to makeup, Jillian Dempsey, Avon's Global Creative Color Director, certainly knows her stuff. Not only was the makeup artist extraordinaire responsible for Kate Winslet's gorgeous makeup looks from both the 2009 Oscars and the Golden Globes earlier this year, but she also has her own line of makeup with Avon.

Since so many of us have concerts and festivals coming up over the next few months, Jillian is sharing tips on looking cool without looking overdone. For the scoop, read more.

This Month, Lush Gets Colorful

BellaSugar — Tue, 11 May 2010 04:01:18 PDT

Lush is best known for its bath bombs, fresh refrigerated masks, and handmade soaps and lotions. And now, the British brand is stepping into new territory with a small collection of cosmetics. True to its history, it's going for a quirky take on color for its first foray into the field.

Instead of heading for the lipstick-and-eye-shadow route, these items offer a hint of tint. Colour Supplements ($13.95/each) are intended to be mixed with your face lotion to create a tinted moisturizer. They're available in two lighter tones and two darker tones, and you can control coverage by using as much (or as little) as you please. If it's allover color you seek, Charlotte Island ($7.95-14.95) is a body bronzer with aloe vera, cocoa butter, lemon, and papaya. The items hit stores May 20, just in time to fake a little more color for Memorial Day.

Make Your Own Tinted Moisturizer - It's Easy!

BellaSugar — Mon, 25 Jan 2010 11:00:00 PST

There's nothing fancy about this idea, but it works. If you use loose powder mineral makeup, you can make your own custom-blended tinted moisturizer by blending it with whatever face lotion you use. Most mornings, I put a bit of La Roche-Posay Anthelios 60 ($24.41) in my hand, and then I add a bit of Alima Pure satin matte foundation ($20, less 20 percent off through the end of the month). A little mixing creates a smooth tinted moisturizer that I can adjust for more or less coverage as needed. See? Easy.

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

BellaSugar — Fri, 06 Feb 2009 09:00:22 PST

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

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 PDT

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,

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 PDT

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 PDT

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,

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.