ProductWhores

Another Love Affair With Artistry

I have become more addicted to Artistry with each product I've tried, which is especially wonderful because I feel as though I am taking a leap of faith by ordering something sight unseen.  The latest and greatest product to add to my regular rotation is the Mineral Foundation.  This foundation goes on smooth, covers slight imperfections and gives a lovely, natural glow.  I am amazed at how light and non-cakey it goes on.  Even the blackheads on my nose (thank you, genetics) are concealed with this stuff.  Another huge bonus, because it's preservative and fragrance free, every skin type can use it without irritation.  Gotta love that everyone can share in my new love affair.  Wait, that came out wrong.

Mineral Foundation retails for $19.50 and comes in Light, Medium and Dark. 

Photo courtesy of Artistry.

Minimal Makeup That Makes Skin Glow

I definitely went through a long phase in my youth where I thought that more foundation was better.  If I was to have the perfect flawless complexion, I needed to coat my face so thick that it was actually hard to smile because of the weight of the foundation.  As I've matured (physically not mentally), I have really started to believe in that whole "less is more" thing and find myself always reaching for more sheer foundations.  I decided to try Minimal Makeup by Napoleon Perdis and am so happy I did!  This wonderfully sheer foundation leaves a beautiful glow and helps protect skin with PABA-free sunscreen (SPF 10).  It contains antioxidants and actually manages to mask the redness around my nose despite its light coverage.  It's oil-free (no breakouts), hypoallergenic, and the company is against animal testing so I can really feel good about myself when I wear it (it's all about me, naturally).  I have to say, what impressed me most, aside from making my skin look like a supermodel's, is that it doesn't dry out my face and wears the better part of the day without having to re-apply.  For someone with more skin imperfections, I would reach for Napoleon Perdis' Foundation Stick (where you control the level of coverage) but for someone looking for a very natural look that will even skin tone, pick up the Minimal Makeup.  You won't be disappointed.  If you are, well, it's definitely not Kris writing this post.

Photo courtesy of Napoleon Perdis

Almost Powder

Did you know that nearly half of all powders sold are the Clinique brand?  Or that Clinique sells more powder than the next 10 powder brands combined?  Me neither!  But if their latest entry into the powder foundation arena is anything to go by, I can see why.  Almost Powder Makeup SPF 15 is at counters this month and it's a fantastic addition to my foundation drawer.  Normally I could care less how my makeup is made, but the process by which Almost Powder comes together is really interesting, so I think it's worth sharing.  It's made on 3 machines, using a "state-of-the-art liquid to powder technology."  While this is happening, small air pockets are created in the powder, giving it the silky feel that makes it to your local Clinique counter.  It takes twice as long as a normal powder to make because it goes through three different levels of pressing to preserve those air pockets - a definite plus in the way it feels on your skin.      

Fully Concealed

This little wonderpot of goodness makes me smile every single time I look at it because it's so amazing.  Coverblend Treatment Makeup covers all the fine lines around my eyes and conceals the redness from the base of my nose (hmmm, I sound like Santa, don't I?)  It's actually very moisturizing, which is surprising for a foundation, and blends effortlessly into the skin.  Can be used as an under-eye concealer, a blemish concealer or as a full coverage foundation.  Armed with an SPF of 20, you'll be happy you don't have to apply sunscreen (a step that takes up valuable extra sleeping time) and will be especially happy with the price tag.  You don't need to use a lot, so the little pot will last you a long time.  I have to say, what a lovely early Christmas present to myself.  Now, to purchase that Banana Republic bag I've been eyeing - Responsible Kris says "No, don't do it.  Save your money."  Irresponsible Kris says "You have no willpower anyway, go for it!  And eat a whole box of Sees Chocolates while you're at it."  Irresponsible Kris always wins.

Greatest. Foundation. Ever.

When I went into my favorite local beauty supply store (Naimies for any of you people who live in Los Angeles) the girl convinced me I had to try the CoverFX line.  Being a creature of habit, and a strong Laura Mercier fan, I was hesitant at first but, really, I figured why not.  I am so happy that chick dragged me to the counter because this line is so wonderful I can't stop raving about it.  Created by a woman who works with burn victims and other people with skin discoloration and acne problems, CoverFX is a line that really creates flawless skin.  I bought NaturalFX which is a wonderful water-based (think major hydration) foundation that won't clog pores, covers imperfections (even rostacea) and lasts all day long.  I tend to have redness around my nose, as well as a ton of blackheads, and this stuff covered everything!  My face looks perfect (why can this stuff not fix my huge ass).  The shade matches my skin perfectly (shades are based on skin color as well as undertones).  In fact I was stopped by numerous other women in the store to ask which foundation I had on because my skin was "glowing" (their actual words).   Also, with an SPF of 15 I don't have to worry about any further damage to my skin.  Oh, and the best part - this foundation is not expensive!  In fact, it's cheaper than my Laura Mercier one.  I'm a fan for life and my face is softer and not dry at all - even around my nose.  Woo hoo!

I heart Laura Mercier's Moisturizing Foundation

I have huge issues with wearing foundation.  I'm not sure if it's because it makes my face all sticky, or because I usually have that ridiculous old lady line at my neck.  However, all my trial and error have taught me one important thing: if you don’t get the perfect shade and the perfect consistency you look like an absolute freak.  It just became common occurence that my husband would look at me and say "hey, you have something right there on your chin."  I had almost given up on wearing foundation completely - that is, until I found Laura Mercier.  If I could give that woman a huge awkward french kiss, I would.  Her foundation is fantastic!  Incredible coverage without looking cakey, this foundation actually is moisturizing so your skin isn’t going to dry out.  Plus, the foundation lasts all day, even under the harsh fluorescent lights of the office.  Even more amazing, the foundation actually covers the craters on my nose that dermatologists lovingly call “blackheads.”  Not many foundations have been able to successfully do that – you really haven’t seen blackheads until you’ve been up close to my face.  The foundation sinks right into your skin so you don’t have that sticky goopy feeling on your face which is really what I fell in love with first about Laura.  Also, if you have uneven skin tone (can you say blotchy red, pale-ass skin?) the foundation will cover any imperfections beautifully, and make you look like you have that natural glow.  Just blend a little under your eyes with her Secret Concealer and no one will ever know you stayed up all night watching re-runs of Melrose Place.  Truly, truly amazing.  Now, tell me, what ever happened to Andrew Shue?