Tag: tinted moisterizer

Brand Spotlight: Koh Gen Do

It all started with a cleansing water. That is, my love for Koh Gen Do. While I sung the praises of this “best of breed” makeup remover, I had yet to try other makeup from the line. Well, that’s all changed. I’ve been trying out two foundation formulas and a powder for the last month or so. In true Asian fashion, the makeup has deep roots in skincare while still having coverages and finishes suited for Hollywood.

The line was created by actress Ai Saotome 25 years ago and evolved into a eco-friendly makeup line. The products are created for hi-def cameras. But that doesn’t mean they are heavy or only for film. I am hooked on it for everyday and special occasion wear.

First up is the Maifanshi Moisture Foundation, a mineral makeup in liquid form with light coverage (however, it is buildable). This foundation is the jewel of the line and no wonder it is a bit of a cult-classic. The formula uses a technology from Japan, integrating two types of light-reflecting particles. The liquid feels substantial but in a moisturizing way. It almost is gel-like in consistency. This made it particularly helpful on a recent airplane trip – my skin looked even and stayed well hydrated. While coverage starts off sheer, it has properties similar to a BB Cream, evening fine lines and color correcting. Maifanshi Moisture Foundation is now part of my permanent “favorites” collection as an everyday, light coverage foundation, particularly in the dry winter months.

On Monday, I appeared on a morning talk show and my foundation of choice was Aqua Foundation SPF 15 PA++. A step up in coverage, the formula is a high-definition, smooth finish foundation with lasting coverage. I am particularly impressed with its ability to cover up my hyper-pigmentation. The finish is satin and nearly flawless (without feeling heavy). Seawater minerals and birch sap extracts add hydration and radiance to keep skin looking healthy and natural.

And, my newest favorite product, across the board, is powder. I used to turn my nose up at powder, but today’s formulas don’t have that heavy, matte, dusky finish. Maifanishi Face Powder is a finely milled, silky translucent powder. The extra step on top of foundation adds a luminescence and staying power. And dry skin suffers will love the addition of moisture-retaining hyaluronic acid. Rather than making my skin look flakey and powdery, it hydrates my skin and makes the foundation finish even more radiant.

Shop my Koh Gen Do favorites here:

AN EDITORIAL SAMPLE WAS PROVIDED BY THE COMPANY AND EVALUATED TO DETERMINE OUR OPINION OF THE PRODUCT IN THIS POST. PLEASE SEE THE DISCLOSURES PAGE FOR FURTHER INFORMATION REGARDING OUR POLICIES FOR USING EDITORIAL SAMPLES.

Le Métier de Beauté Peau Vierge Anti-Aging Complexe Tinted Treatment

We are about the enter the world of luxury cosmetics – hang on tight! Peau Vierge has made its ride from relative unknown to cult status to luxury standout. No wonder this isn’t just a little tinted moisturizer but also a foundation, sun protection, anti-aging and illuminizer.

As far as coverage, I think this falls squarely between a lightweight foundation and tinted moisturizer. I tend to get fairly comprehensive coverage but don’t feel weighed down. Unlike other tinted moisturizers, there is definitely a radiance with Peau Virage – something I enjoy so much, I generally skip powder.

Sounds pretty good, right? Let’s not stop there. Even with light coverage, this formula has SPF 20. The way it blends allows me to cover my face all the way down my decolletage so I know I am protected beyond my face when I use this product.

Because this product contains powerful anti-aging ingredients, I encourage everyone to ask LOTS of questions about Retinol it contains and potential effects on your skin. For this reason, I have used this product for over two months before I felt okay offering a review. My skin looks healthier, although I do not sense a highly active Retinol treatment. For instance, when I use the Retinol my dermatologist prescribes, I have sensitivity, redness and, sometimes, peeling. But my dark spots are dramatically reduced and my pores are clear and small. With Peau Vierge, my skin looks smoother, more radiant and clearer (a more subtle Retinol effect). Le Métier de Beauté uses a distinctive delivery technology that claims to provide Retinol more efficiently and effectively.

While I first tried this product over a year ago, I didn’t purchase it until they released Shade 1 recently. Even though there are only three shades, I think they are comprehensive enough to satisfy most skin shades:

Color:

Shade 1: a light, creamy tone with peach undertones
Shade 2: neutral beige
Shade 3: a deeper tone with golden undertones

Available at Nordstrom and Neiman Marcus

Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer SPF 20

After a long hiatus and some resistance, I have returned to Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer SPF 20 – the clear favorite in the light coverage and tinted moisterizer realm. I think part of me wanted to “discover” another alternative that was better. While I love Jouer Luminizing Moisture Tint, I had to give the “fan favorite” a try. I already know I wasn’t crazy about Armani Face Fabric Second Skin Nude Makeup. Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer SPF 20 is not as dewy as Jouer’s version, and doesn’t have the skin treatment ingredients La Metier Peau Vierge Anti-Aging Complexe Tinted Treatment Fluid offers, but the price point and formulation makes it an appealing alternative. It is easy to blend and apply and the Bisque shade adequately takes the red out of my fair skin. The balance in coverage is perfect for me – a polished and even look but my face still looks like my skin and not cakey foundation.

Bobbi Brown Extra SPF 25 Tinted Moisturizing Balm

If you have the right skin, this Tinted Moisturizing Balm can be a home run for you like it is for me. I make the caveat of needing the right skin because the coverage is very light and the balm is super moisturizing. I have dry skin in the winter and this winter seems especially bad – welcome to your 30s, I guess. I prefer a light coverage because, frankly, I give up on covering up all my freckles (read: age spots). The finish takes all the red out of my skin and leaves it moisturized without being overly dewy. I love that it has a relatively high SPF built in. There is a strong fragrance – something like Thyme and Citrus. I really like it but if you have a sensitive nose, make sure you smell before buying. Also, the artist said “a little goes a long way”, probably to alleviate the pain of the $50 price tag. I don’t think this is true, but the jar will last me well into the early spring. Also you can build the coverage but using a little bit more. I am using the light tint but it also comes in the following colors:

Alabaster
Extra Light Tint
Light Tint
Light To Medium Tint
Medium Tint
Medium To Dark Tint
Dark Tint
Deep Tint

I have fair skin so Alabaster and Extra Light are very, very light.

Jouer Luminizing Moisture Tint

Not surprisingly, I was excited to get my December shipment from BirchBox (www.birchbox.com), my new favorite beauty resource. But I couldn’t imagine that I would find the solution to a long search for a lighter or tinted moisturizer. I don’t like the way Laura Mercier smells so there went the usual favorite everyone was recommending to me. I am smitten with Jouer’s Moisture Tint. It evens skin, comes out looking matte with just a bit of glimmer. And don’t worry folks, it looks great for day despite the bit of sparkle. On their website, Christina recommends layering for more intense coverage for those of you looking for that. I love it just the way it is with a light application all over the face. Hip Hip Hooray for BirchBox and Jouer!