I'm Melting! I'm Melting! (Part 2)

Now that we've talked powder bronzers, lets talk tinted moisturizers. As with powder bronzers, tinted moisturizers provide sheer coverage - which sometimes disappoints those with acne or a good number of scars/blemishes. We recommend going the tinted moisturizer route for those who: have normal to dry or combination skin; do not need/want a product that provides medium to full coverage; and/or prefer a product that typically provides a more dewey finish.

To manage expectations (especially given the price of some of these products), we do not recommend these products for those who have a lot of scars, blemishes, or imperfections they wish to cover up because tinted moisturizers are designed to only give sheer coverage. Even if a sales person tells you it is "buildable", understand that it probably will not give you the medium to full coverage that a foundation or cream bronzer gives. Regardless of your skin type, we recommend you still use moisturizer before applying a tinted moisturizer. Just because "moisturizer" is in its name does not necessarily mean it is sufficiently hydrating - especially for those with dry skin. Also keep in mind that "Oil Free" does not mean "Oil Control"; so if you have oily skin, you will definitely need to apply a mattifying moisturizer. Here are our picks:



We see why Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer with SPF 20 was called a "Best Beauty Buy" by Allure and InStyle magazines, as well as other online blogs and consumer reports. Not only does it have the "good stuff" (e.g., SPF 20 and "...an antioxidant vitamin complex that acts as a free radical scavenger" to protect skin) it comes in a good variety of shades (especially for those with fairer skin tones), is long-lasting, and blends easily. This formula gives a dewy finish, but an "Oil Free" formula is also available for those with oily skin, or want a matte finish.



Next up is Bobbi Brown's SPF 15 Tinted Moisturizer - hey, we told you we were huge Bobbi fans. Aside from loving it for the SPF factor, we also love its "staying power" and the natural "glow" it seems to give skin. Like the Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer, it blends in easily and gives clients a very natural, even tone. This product is ideal for those with normal to dry skin.



For our "Recessionista Pick", we have to go with Wet n Wild again. Their Ultimate Sheer Tinted Moisturizer has SPF 15, gives a good matte finish, and surprisingly delivered on its claim to "adjust to...natural skin tone[s]". Available in four shades, we liked "Sun Kissed" the best on fairer skin clients who wanted that "sun kissed" glow. Unlike our other picks, this product is thicker in texture, resulting in a more medium finish.

Credits: Laura Mercier (Gurwitch Products, L.L.C.), Bobbi Brown Cosmetics, Inc., Wet n Wild Beauty USA (Markwins Beauty Products, Inc.).

I'm Melting! I'm Melting!

Hi Gang! We sincerely apologize for the serious gap in posts. Unfortunately, we experienced some pesky technical issues but are back up and running. *whew*

Now that we covered skin care essentials for looking ultra fab, even in the heat and humidity, lets talk summer make-up. As you have probably read (and been told countless times before), "LESS IS MORE" when it comes to looking your summer best. For those of you who are addicted to your foundation be prepared to go into "Foundation Detox". Yes, this REALLY means it is officially time to "Step Awayyy from the Foundation!" Trust us, you will be glad you did (and your pores will too)!

While tanning is a good way to to cover your skin's imperfections, bronzers are a great way to "give good face" without looking cakey, or worse - as if your face is melting. Going the bronzer route also gives you the added perk of no sun damage or premature aging (another result of overexposure to the sun). So take our hand and "step into the LIGHT" - starting with bronzers:

NARS Bronzing Powder is perfect for creating a long lasting matte finish, infusing just the right amount of shimmer with a natural non-orangey bronze glow. This easy to apply powder also "[f]ills in lines and pores for smoother looking skin" and looks great on practically all skin tones. Not sure what blush shade to use for your summer look? Don't worry, they also make these in Blush/Bronzer Duos. As if this product wasn't perfect enough already, we also love that it seems to work well for those with sensitive skin. Some of our sensitive skin ladies raved about it not breaking them out.

For those who want a little more coverage from a powder bronzer, we recommend Sue Devitt's Triple-C Weed Loose Powder. Technically not a bronzer, it comes in a variety of shades that perfectly match just about all skin tones. To use it as a bronzer, we apply shades that are 1 to no more than 3 shades darker than a client's skin tone to create that perfect natural tan. Although silky in texture and matte in finish, this powder will not leave you looking as if you just saw a ghost, or give you a case of "Chalk Face". Like the NARS Bronzing Powder, Sue Devitt's Triple C-Weed Loose Powder will not settle into fine lines, is long-lasting, and was given a thumbs up by some of our sensitive skin ladies. In addition to minimizing shine, it also works well for those with normal to dry skin. This is largely due to the "[p]roven ingredient Nylon-12 [which] ensures long-lasting wearablity and prevents creasing and cracking, remaining completely layerable." We love that it also contains "[s]oothing ingredients" such as "a seaweed sequence that contains valuable minerals, nutrients and vitamins."

Last but not least, we recommend Wet n Wild's Bronzer Compacts (yes, you read correctly) for our fellow "Recessionistas" and anyone looking for a great multi-use budget beauty find. These compacts come in a range of colors for just about all skin tones. Still can't find the perfect shade, no worries, these also make for some great blush and shadow colors. At roughly $3, what's not to like?

Credits: NARS Cosmetics, Inc., Sue Devitt, Inc., Wet n Wild Beauty USA (Markwins Beauty Products, Inc.).