Beauty Product of the Week: Illuminating Tinted Moisturizer

What is it? Stila's Illuminating Tinted Moisturizer SPF 15 is "A lightweight, tinted moisturizer infused with a hint of shimmer and a protective SPF 15.  This multipurpose beautifier does triple duty: It acts as your moisturizer, sunscreen, and luminizer to provide sheer coverage that makes skin appear flawless, and its super hydrating ingredients and protective SPF 15 will keep your skin protected."  Available at Sephora and department stores (and occasionally on HauteLook, where I scored this and a bunch of other Stila products for less than $10) for $32.

What did you think?  I typically like products that try to multitask.  I just don't think this is the best muiltitasker on the market.  This product is very, very lightweight...which I like and hate.  I like that it goes on quickly and absorbs easily.  I just don't think it provides much in the way of color or coverage.  I was hoping that it would proved enough cover so that I could stick foundation during the day.  I was sadly mistaken.  I find that I still need to brush on my foundation in order to cover some of my splotches.  Then again, this is the winter, and my skin is less than lovely this time of year.

The final verdict? The moisturizer is not greasy, it's not unpleasant, and I think it does add the slightest bit of illumination to my skin.  That said, I would not re-purchase this item at the $32 price tag.  But what do I know?!

The Thrill Is Gone...

It happens to the best of us, but lately I've noticed that a few of my favorite beauty products--my old faithfuls--have let me down a bit. Here are my top three "I'm not feeling it anymore" products:

1. Great Lash by Maybelline. Say it ain't so! Once my favorite inexpensive mascara on the market, Great Lash seems sorta ho-hum to me now. I am not exactly sure what's happened, but the last time I cracked open a tube, it seemed too clumpy and a bit, well, cheap. I've been a big fan of Great Lash for years and I do plan to give them a chance at redemption, but for now, I'm going to find something else.
   
   
2. Lip Venom by DuWop. I was a Lip Venom addict, especially when it first came out. I liked the cinnamon-y bite of the lip plumper, and I also liked the way it made my lips shine. Now? It seems like Lip Venom has lost it's bite. It seems to fade away too quickly in my opinion. Plus I was really unimpressed with their Lip Venom V, the plumper with color that tied in with Twilight.
   
   
3. Bare Minerals by Bare Essentials. I am not sure why, but I have fallen out of love with this mineral foundation. Maybe they've saturated the market too much? Maybe I'm just ready for a change? Whatever the case may be, I'm going to search for something new once my current foundation is used up.

So sorry formerly loved beauty products. It's not you...it's me. Except, maybe it IS you. Ugh. I guess time moves on, things change, and what was awesome 4 years ago doesn't quite cut it today.

Have you been let down by a much loved beauty product? Leave me a comment and tell me about it!

And...don't forget to become a fan of Kiss and Makeup on Facebook!

(Air)Brush with Beauty

I was thumbing through my latest Sephora catalog and I noticed a new product that Sephora's proudly launching this fall: Temptu. It will set you back $225 (plus $55 every two months for foundation pods) and it will be available in stores on September 15th (it's already for sale online).

So, what exactly is this thing? Here's what Sephora has to say:

The leader in professional AIRbrushing, TEMPTU is the brains (and beauty!) behind most of the A-list work you see—the picture-perfect faces on the silver screen, the immaculate high-fashion shots. Now the brand is revolutionizing everyday makeup with its TEMPTU® AIRbrush Makeup System, a personal AIRbrushing tool designed to deliver impeccable coverage on demand. The sleek system's handheld applicator sprays with TEMPTU's natural-finish foundation, blush, and highlighter, leaving skin looking untouched—never retouched. It's easy and unparalleled perfection—right at your pretty little fingertips.

Hmmm....an at-home airbrush for applying foundation? Sounds a little frightening to me. I envision myself getting foundation all over the place, basically everywhere except my face. I'm not a makeup klutz, but I'd be worried that I wouldn't apply my makeup well with this since it's a new technology that I've never tried before.

Sephora says that Temptu is easy to use and that it's mess-free. Better yet, they claim that using will give professional results--flawless skin. People who've tried it love it, at least if the reviews on Sephora's website are to be believed.

I'd be willing to try this out, but I do have some concerns.

1. Is this really necessary for the mass market? Do the vast majority of us need something this high-tech to apply foundation?
2. Is this thing worth the hefty price tag?
3. How easy--really--is it to use?

I have no plans on purchasing this product any time soon, but I'd love to hear your thoughts on this. Would you want to try out an at-home airbrush? And is $225 plus $55 for the foundation pods a price you'd be willing to pay?

Ask Lydia: Foundation Primer

Hi Lydia -

I've been reading reviews about different foundation primers and am thinking about purchasing some. Reviews seem to speak highly of it, but are primers really worth the money? Also, should you still use daily face lotion with a primer?

Thanks! --Brooke

Hi Brooke! Thanks for your question...this is a good one. Let's examine the wonderful world of primers:

WHAT IS FOUNDATION PRIMER?
Foundation primers add a layer between your skin and your makeup. They help even out your skin's surface and some reduce the size of your pores. Some primers may help extend the wear of your foundation by helping to absorb oil. If you're in a humid environment or have more oily skin, primer may help to keep your makeup from slipping.

You can get some similar benefits from applying moisturizer first, but primers take it one step further.

HOW DO I USE IT?
First off, it is not necessary to wear moisturizer and a primer. You can pick one or the other...or both. If you wear any eye creams or moisturizer, apply them first. Then apply the primer. With primer, it seems a little goes a long way, so go easy! Give yourself a minute or two to let the primer absorb into your skin before applying your foundation. Then just put on your makeup as you normally do.

I have noticed that primers do give my skin a completely different texture--more matte or velvety, which is nice.

WHAT PRIMER IS RIGHT FOR ME?
That depends entirely on your type of skin and your budget. Primers are relatively new to the market, and it seems like they're mostly made by the higher-end companies. The Cadillac of primers is, arguably, Smashbox's Photo Finish Foundation Primer. Some primers are tinted to counteract any discoloration your skin may have. My advice: head over to Sephora and talk to their people. They can help you find the perfect primer for you. And plan to spend at least $30 or so, depending on what you end up with.

Ask Lydia: Festival/Camping Makeup

Lydia,

I was wondering if you had any recommendations for how to stay pretty while camping. I just bought my tickets for the Sasquatch Music Festival, where I'll be forced to stay in a tent/not shower/feel gross for a few days. Any suggestions?

Thanks!
Simone

Hi Simone!

First, have fun at Sasquatch! I live near Seattle and have thought about going over to the Gorge to check out Sasquatch, but the prospect of being outside, camping...with all those people, sort of turns me off. I am not a camper. camping for me means staying in a B&B with a shared bathroom.

Anyway, if I were going to a multi-day music festival...or if I were actually camping...there are a few things I would take with me in order to keep looking cute. You don't want to be bogged down with products, but you do want to take care of your skin and use products that will do double duty. For me, my makeup essentials are good looking skin, a quick coat of black mascara, and a hint of color on my lips. When camping or at a festival, you don't want to do your full face, so leave your eyeliner, eye shadow, blush, concealer, etc. at home.

Here's my must have list of your situation--if anyone has anything to add, please leave a comment!

TO KEEP CLEAN:

• Boots Quick Thinking 4 in 1 Wipes...or something similar. These wipes are great. They don't require any water or rinsing, and they make your skin feel perfectly clean. These are available from Target, but there are many other brands out there. They're a great way to wash your face with minimal effort (and no running water!)
• Oscar Blandi Pronto Dry Shampoo: You can use this on days when you don't have time to wash, or when you don't have access to water or a blow dryer. It will make your hair feel and smell good, even if you're hanging out in the elements.

TO KEEP PROTECTED:

• MD Skincare Powerful Protection SPF 30 Sunscreen Pads: these are awesome! Sure, this is an expensive product ($42!), but they're easy to apply and even easier to pack. Plus they provide a high level of sun protection, and that's essential at outdoor festivals or when camping.
• Some sorty of bug spray. Many people swear by Avon's Skin So Soft, but I use the ultra-toxic stuff that contains DEET, like Deep Woods Off. Use what you like, but be sure to take something with you!
  

TO STAY CUTE:

• Alba Terra Tints Natural Tinted Lip Balm, SPF 18...or something similar. These tinted lip balms will refresh your lips with their minty scent/flavor, and they'll give your lips protection from the sun...all while adding moisture and color to your lips. I love double duty products, and this is one of my favorites!
• Any sort of tinted moisturizer containing SPF, like Olay Complete Plus Ultra-Rich Tinted Moisturizer. Again, this is a double duty product--your skin will get much needed moisture, and you'll quickly even out your skin tone.
• Your favorite waterproof mascara (I like Great Lash by Maybelline). Mascara will give your eyes just enough pop with minimal time. Go for a waterproof product so it won't smudge...and don't worry about getting it off--the Boots 4 in 1 wipe can handle it!

There you go, Simone! Don't forget to stay hydrated and be sure to wear your sunglasses. Have fun watching Animal Collective, NIN, and Jane's Addiction at the Gorge!