No need to worry, you know I can’t go that long without buying some more products! This post is loaded with product suggestions so get your pens ready. Let me begin by sharing with you, my quest for the perfect foundation. I’ve tried SO many foundations, liquid, powder, cream, mineral powder, etc. I’ve tried them all. But as you know, as the seasons change, not only does the shade of your skin, but the moisture level changes too because of the change in humidity (thank you, Florida). I have oily skin, mostly in the T-zone, but in the summer months, it’s pretty much oily all over. Now that the weather has cooled down, the oil has subsided and my skin seems to be very dehydrated (says the boy giving me a makeover at Nordstrom’s Laura Mercier counter). I will say, for MANY years, I didn’t use a moisturizer. I didn’t think I needed to moisturize my skin because it’s oily. In recent years, I’ve learned that even oily skin needs to be hydrated. So, before going on to foundation, you have to start with what lies under it. If you have oily or even combination skin, you HAVE to use a moisturizer that’s oil free and I prefer one with salicylic acid in it because not only does it help clear away breakouts, but it also helps to minimize the size of your pores. Some good ones that I’ve used that also mattify your skin are DDF’s Mattifying Oil Control UV Moisturizer SPF 15 ($42 at Sephora www.sephora.com), and Cosmedicine’s Medi-Matte Oil Control Lotion SPF 20 ($42 at Ulta www.ulta.com). If you don’t want a hefty price tag, Clean & Clear actually makes a good one, Clean & Clear Finishes Pore Perfecting Moisturizer SPF 15 for only $6.49 at Target (www.target.com). I have yet to try this product, but I’ve used many of their products over the years and have been pretty satisfied with them.
So, once I found the perfect moisturizer, I could finally move onto my search for the perfect foundation. I was most recently using MAC’s Studio Fix Powder Plus Foundation ($26.00 at Macy’s www.macys.com). I REALLY like this foundation, it’s pretty lightweight yet gives good coverage and it definitely helps control the shine throughout the day. However, now that my skin is Edward Scissorhands-like pale, and again, “dehydrated”, I have to put the compact up for my fall/winter foundation pick (insert sad face here). I headed to one of my favorite department stores, Nordstrom, because I ABSOLUTELY LOVE their make up department, definitely my #1 pick for department store make up departments! But the man at the Laura Mercier counter who put a NON OIL-FREE foundation on my skin, totally turned me off (and that was BEFORE I found out that he is actually from the Clarins counter – poser!) When you think about it, if you go to a department store, the girls (or boys) at each of the counters are obviously going to promote and try to sell their products. Trust me, I have a great appreciation for a good salesperson, but I also know their opinions are biased. So, it only made sense to me to venture to a land like no other. Probably one of my favorite stores, like, if someone said, “Which store would you like to have a shopping spree to”, this would probably be at the top of my list…SEPHORA!!!
I get so completely overwhelmed when I walk into this store (but, in a good way), that’s why I’m stoked to announce for those of you who aren’t aware yet, some of the JC Penny’s actually have a Sephora inside them (a smaller, but still fun version!) The ones around Orlando that I know of are in Kissimmee at the Loop and in Clermont. Anyway, I spoke to a make up specialist in the store and she recommended a couple of products and much to my surprise, her first choice was Lancôme’s Tient Idole Fresh Wear 18-hour Shine-Free SPF 15 Foundation (whew, that’s a mouthful!) For $32 at Sephora (www.sephora.com), she chose this particular foundation because of my skin type, which I described to her. I always feel a little weird going back to liquid foundation because I never know what to use to apply it. I’ve always been a fan of the old fashioned way, your good ole fingers! Sponges make it look cakey and I never took to those foundation brushes, which became a trend only recently. That is until I was introduced to the Sephora Collection’s Professional Platinum Air Brush ($34 www.sephora.com). This is absolutely the most AMAZING brush that’s ever touched my skin! I highly recommend this brush for ANYONE who uses a liquid foundation. It glides the foundation on your face ever so lightly, like a feather, but without the tickle. It really gives you the perfect amount of coverage and without the streaks that a lot of other foundation brushes do.
Last but not least, the final touches in the face make up process, finishing powder. Again, Sephora delivered and the product that was suggested was actually the winner in the 2010 Allure Best of Beauty picks! Exclusive to Sephora, Make Up For Ever was actually created by a Parisian painter/sculptor back in the 80’s. The HD Microfinish Powder has mattifying properties, but doesn’t give you that “powdery” look. And after using it for a few days now, I love how it controls the shine all day! It’s available at Sephora for $15/$30 www.sephora.com). Well, there you have it. The products that I am “thankful” for. More importantly, I’m thankful that the Jenny from the BLOG following is growing and I’m so happy that so many of you are finding this information useful and that you are taking the time to read my posts! Thank you SOOO much! And stay tuned for the RESULTS of the wrinkle/cellulite challenge – haha! I wish you all a VERY HAPPY THANKSGIVING and I hope you all enjoy your time with your friends and family (while looking fabulous)!!
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