Beauty Junkie

I admit it: I had doubts when I heard the claims from Miracle Skin Transformer--even the name sounded far-fetched and too good to be true. This product supposedly hydrates, evens out skin tone, provides flawless coverage and has SPF all in simple, fuss-free lightweight tinted moisturizer?


I was so skeptical I actually neglected it on my bathroom counter for weeks, thinking there's no way it would be able to replace my stable batch of highly-edited foundation formulas I rotate in and out on a daily basis. Boy, was I wrong. This product really does work! I applied a small amount on my face this morning and my skin looks airbrushed, flawless and perfectly even. Not a hint of afternoon shine, and better yet, it also feels light (like I'm not wearing anything at all) and provides a great amount of everyday coverage. I'm amazed already. This just might be the best discovery of the season.

P.S. Dying to get my hands on the concealer next...will report back!

$48 at Sephora.

Amazing Face

Recently there's been a shift on my cosmetics counter at home, worthy of discussion. I've scooted aside all of my pricey designer foundations (Giorgio Armani, Dior, LaMer) to make room for my latest obsession: TooFaced Amazing Face Foundation.



This foundation rings in at $36, which isn't cheap, per se, but it's also a heck of a lot more affordable than my other foundation favorites. The formula is incredible--radiant and very natural-looking (and might I add, even anti-aging!) yet full of coverage. It lasts all day (really!) and glides right on.
Truthfully, it really is amazing. Go on and try it for yourself.

Beauty Junkie

My latest beauty obsession comes in the form of a fabulous little bottle from Josie Maran. Her Argan Primer Mist is an unbelievable solution to just about everything: it's an all-natural healer and protects skin against aging, sun exposure, dullness and more.



Just spritz on skin (I spray in my palm first and then pat onto my face) in place of a moisturizer this summer, and your skin will look radiant and even; or mist your hair with it for a fresh pick-me-up to banish dried, damaged locks.

My favorite use? One spritz swirled with my Bare Escentuals Matte foundation creates a perfect base that gives phenomenal coverage and stays in place all day...even in summer's sweatiest moments.

$36 at Sephora.com.

Currently Obsessed with...

I'm so excited about this brush discovery, I can hardly stand it. Shu Uemura's natural goat 18 foundation brush is truly life-changing. It puts makeup sponges and other foundation brushes (ah-hem, MAC) to shame. Simply stroke on liquid foundation with one side and buff away in small circles with the other side, for a flawless finish with exceptionally terrific coverage. I'm obsessed.



$39 at department stores or online.

Beauty Junkie

Sephora just answered my prayers (again!) Their most recent addition (and which will surely become an instant addiction, natch) is the TEMPTU Airbrush Makeup System.




Now I've always secretly wanted a pro airbrush machine of my own because it delivers flawless foundation coverage (really!) and clearly caters to my inner makeup artist. Whenever I've had airbrush foundation applied on me (weddings, special events, etc.) by pros, I'm always a little bit overly infatuated with the process: five seconds of super easy application= gorgeous long-lasting coverage? Sold.

Of course I never actually thought it was a) very accessible or b) necessary for little 'ol me; but now that Sephora stocks this awesome system with separate air pod foundations and blushes, I'm super tempted to splurge on myself. Read the reviews...they're that good.

And yes, $225 is awfully steep, but I like to think of it as a beauty investment. After all, can you really put a price on perfection?

Beauty Junkie

On a whim, I decided to check out Dior's Nude Natural Glow Hydrating Makeup SPF 10, and I couldn't be happier with my decision.

I was in a bit of a foundation rut (over airbrush; but not completely excited about loose mineral makeup either), and wanted something effortless and easy for the approaching summer. This foundation offers completely weightless, natural-looking coverage (it's practically a tinted moisturizer), but skin looks radiant, fresh and even-toned. Super-important added bonus? The SPF, of course!



$45 at Sephora.com.

Dear Fabulous File...

I'm looking for a lightweight foundation for my sensitive skin. What do you recommend?

-Cara

Dear Cara,
You bet! Summer's in full swing, so it's only natural that a lighter foundation formula is of interest. Here's my summertime regimen for a flawless face that's easy on coverage, but maxxed out on sun protection:


BECCA Cosmetics Mineral Primer SPF 30, $42



Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer, SPF 20; $42
(A surefire favorite; terrific consistency and smooth application)


OR

Tarte Smooth Operator SPF 20, $35
(Fail-proof and fun; great coverage and blendable formula)


OR

SkinFusion Micro-Technology Bio-Active Mineral Intuitive Soft Focus Foundation + SPF 10
(Perfects and mattifies the skin; appears colorless but blends perfectly to match and even out your skin tone)




To set your look (or if you want to skip foundation all together and just want to pack in some SPF), swipe on a translucent mineral powder.

ColoreScience Sunforgettable Brush SPF 30; $50
(comes in translucent or lightly tinted shades; perfect for travel and on-the-go touch-ups)



I'm a huge proponent of all of these products and wouldn't be able to get through summer without this sun smart stash!

Beauty Junkie

SkinFusion Bio-active Mineral Intuitive Soft Focus Fluid Foundation + SPF 10


The geniuses behind LipFusion and Fusion Beauty have created a foundation miracle that I seriously can't get enough of. This sheer mineral blend with a bio active complex (it sounds tricky, but basically the minerals come out colorless and once applied, enhance your natural skin tone on contact) just launched this spring and is unlike anything else on the market (and trust me, I know what's out there!)

It's weightless and easy to apply, and it actually perfects your skin tone and minimizes shine all day, without looking or feeling like you're wearing any makeup at all! As if it couldn't get any better, this product also offers SPF. Score!
Available at Blissworld.com for $56.