Enhancing Your Complexion

I’m one of those people who spend way too much time getting my complexion in tip top shape, rather than deciding which colorful eyeshadow or lipstick I’m going to be sporting that day. In fact, I probably own way more products for the face than anything else. It also doesn’t help that one of my favorite items to research, play with, and purchase are base products. For me, taking your bare complexion to the next level is important — and, that means, I want my skin to look healthy, glowy, and well-put -together for sure. Rather than covering each little spot, I like to focus on the overall result — such as, a smooth and poreless surface or some glow from an awesome highlighter.

I do this many ways, but these are the key items I’ve been reaching for. First, lasting powder is important. But more than that, evening our your canvas and prepping it nicely for the base makeup will save some time. That extra step is having a good primer, like the Hourglass Veil Mineral Primer SPF 15 or the Benefit Stay Flawless 15-hour Primer.

Second, having a product like the Clarins Beauty Flash Balm handy to really wake up your skin and having it feel and look great. This will truly take your skin from being average to looking like you’ve been on a spa vacation for a week. It’s an investment, but will come to the rescue when you least expect it. And, thirdly, your under eye and eye area can’t be neglected when your enhancing your complexion. I’ve been dedicated to the Diorsnow UV Shield BB Eye Creme SPF 20 PA++ because it’s an all in one: eye cream and some tint for coverage.

And, finally, you need a reliable base product that’s not going to let you down — whether it’s raining or humid outside, or you’ve burst into tears in the middle of your day. My base of choice right now is the Laura Mercier Smooth Finish Foundation Powder in Ivory. It’s a godsend and lifesaver, and currently, my most favorite powder foundation of all.

If you’re thinking — AIN’T NOBODY GOT TIME FO DAT — there’s a good way to skip steps and jump ahead with a longtime favorite liquid foundation: NARS Sheer Glow in “Mont Blanc” and the Chanel Les Beiges Healthy Glow Sheer Colour SPF 15 in N10 that will do everyone else’s jobs. Think about this product as a giant makeup eraser — it goes and blurs everything — imperfections, discolorations, pores, lines, wrinkles, and uneven surfaces. Seriously.

Whatever your preferences are, I hope you found my ways to enhance the complexion helpful!

REVIEW: Laura Mercier Smooth Finish Foundation Powder – 02 Ivory

Laura Mercier released a new powder foundation called the Smooth Finish Foundation Powder. Designed as “a second-skin, oil-free powder foundation that can be used wet or dry,” this product is considered to be a “silky smooth innovation [that] offers a natural veil that imparts a color-true finish that lasts up to eight hours. It glides on effortlessly, camouflages, hydrates, and blurs fine lines, never settling into them. Ultra fine micronized pigments flex with skin for coverage that is even and flawless. [You can] use it as a sheer to medium powder or build coverage [by] using it wet.”

I purchased the shade 02 Ivory and I feel that it’s a good match. At first it looked really light in the pan when I first got it, but after “breaking it in,” it looks less frightening, lol. The powder is extremely finely milled and thin — and it’s smooth like butter, so the application is very soft and virtually undetectable. This provides great coverage and is long-lasting with great oil-control, which makes it most optimal for the summer time. It keeps my skin comfortable — not too oily or too dry; and, functions as a “soft-focus” tool so even on bad skin days the powder sits nicely on my skin.

I apply this with a fluffy powder brush for a sheerer effect, but it’s designed to be a product that’s customizable coverage-wise. I’ve used the sponge to spot-conceal and it does a really great job at adding additional coverage to the designated area without looking cakey. The coverage in general is wonderful, which surprised me because this is a powder. Not only is this a great on-the-go product, but it’s easy to use which is a winner in my book (since I can get a bit lazy at times).

So far, despite its new release, this product has done well. The reviews are high and so that’s a good sign. I would recommend this over the Benefit ‘Hello Flawless!’ SPF 15 powder foundation. While my absolute favorite is still the Chantecaille Compact Makeup Foundation, this comes in a close, close second. I recommend, especially if you’ve got oily skin and you’re looking for a powder foundation that provides high coverage without looking or feeling heavy.

Made in USA.
Retails for $45.00 USD.
0.3 oz.