Perricone MD No Foundation Foundation Archives

My go-to summer bases

August 11, 2015 Leave a Comment

After a whole month of sucky weather in July, this weekend we were finally blessed with a much deserved gorgeous summer weather. The sun came out and it was finally warm enough to put on those skirts and summer dresses I’d been accumulating since May. But wardrobe aside, when the weather is this warm I haven’t felt the need nor inclination to wear a foundation and that’s something about summer that I really love; being able to let my skin breath.

This summer, especially on warmer days, there are only 3 base products that I’ve been rotating everyday religiously without much need for anything else. On my gym days or days that I only need to go out to do mindless chores like grocery shopping or walking the dog, Perricone MD No Foundation Foundation has been my absolute best friend. It is an all in one skincare treatment, cosmetic and SPF 30, made of high quality pigments that acts as optical diffusers to neutralise discoloration and even out any skin tone. It has an amazing formula that provides sheer coverage that turns into gorgeous glowing skin, as well as giving anti-aging benefits and sun protection . I absolutely adore No Foundation Foundation because it goes on completely weightless and undetectable and it seems to enhance and allow the natural health and glow of my skin to shine through (see my full review here).

Then comes another base product that I’ve been nothing short of ‘obsessed’ with since March when it first launched. BareMinerals Complexion Rescue can just well be one of my all time favourite base products. It’s a tinted hygrating gel cream that feels so fresh and light and moisturising whilst giving sufficient coverage like a light foundation. Normally I just use my fingers to rub it all over my face like I would apply a moisturiser but you can definitely build up the coverage by using a brush. It leaves my skin looking dewy, perfected and nourished unlike any other tinted moisturisers or BB Creams I’ve tried. Like the No Foundation Foundation, it also has SPF 30, which comes in very handy for sunny summer days.

Finally, I love MAC Studio Fix Powder Plus Foundation for being the most convenient, quick and easy to use base product ever. It’s a foundation in a form of compact powder that gives the same coverage as a liquid foundation but with a much quicker application and much lighter feel on the skin. Despite being a powder it is not at all heavy or cakey on the skin. It has a lovely texture, blends beautifully, and gives amazing buildable coverage. I use my big Real Technique powder brush to sweep and buff it all over my face and my base is done in literally 5 seconds and lasts the whole day. For me this is perfect for summer because there are days when I don’t want the feel of liquid foundation on my skin and just need something quick and easy that will provide the same coverage without having to faff too much.

What have been your go-to base products this summer?

Tips for Fresh, Long Lasting Summer Makeup

July 2, 2015 Leave a Comment

For those (myself included) who always moan about the cold and rainy English weather, well this week the said weather has made a 360 degree U-turn to laugh in our faces. Yesterday was the hottest summer day in a decade (35c in London). Plenty of sweltering sun we always complained we don’t get enough of. Well you know what they say, be careful what you wish for.

Although it was great that a ‘full blown’ summer had suddenly and unexpectedly graced us with its ever so powerful presence, I found myself literally unable to cope with the overpowering heat and humidity. So I thought in today’s post I would talk about how I keep my makeup on and melt-proof during hot summer days.

Of course applying a good SPF is integral and should be the first thing you do before moving on to your makeup. I’m currently using Ultrasun Face High SPF 30 Anti-Aging formula, which is also catered for sensitive skin and is so lightweight and non sticky, always a plus in my book. Before applying makeup I always use a primer to prep my skin and to make foundation goes on nicer and lasting longer. I’ve been using Benefit Porefessional for years because it’s incredible at smoothing out your complexion, erasing any noticeable pores, adding longevity to your foundation, which is what you need most during the hot weather, and at a price that is still affordable.

When it comes to foundation, I personally think during the summer the lighter the better. I can’t imaging caking on heavy foundation to brave the glaring sun and have it melting off my face throughout the day. So keeping it barely there and light is key and at the moment I’m alternating between an all time favourite BareMinerals Complexion Rescue and Perricone MD No Foundation Foundation. Both have extra SPF 30, which is great to top up on your existing SPF, and both are super light weight and give you an amazing glow and dewy complexion. The BareMinerals one feels more comfortable and hydrating on the skin, whereas the texture of No Foundation Foundation takes a bit of getting used to but I still love it for injecting that boost of radiance. However if you want to opt for a proper foundation, the one I’m currently enjoying for the summer is Burberry Fresh Glow Luminious Foundation. It feels very lightweight, gives light to medium coverage, and as the name suggests, gives a beautiful luminious glow to your complexion.

Because I’ve been keeping my base light but I still want my makeup to look flawless, the next integral step for me is to add a setting power ‘that has some coverage’. Don’t worry, your makeup will not look cakey, as long as you don’t apply too much and always use a light hand. What this does is to set everything down, whilst adding extra coverage to make your complexion looking more even and flawless. My current favourites for this purpose are MAC Studio Fix and BareMinerals Original Powder Foundation, and I apply either with Bobbi Brown Sheer Powder brush or Sephora Pro Airbrush no. 55, both of which are perfect for a light dusting job.

As for eye makeup, the only set rule I have to keep everything looking fresh and long lasting amidst the heat and humidity is to always opt for waterproof mascara. The one I currently enjoy using at the moment is Maybeline Lash Sensational WP Mascara. It’s great for separating and fanning out your lashes, making them look full and fluttery.

Finally the last, and most important step is to seal everything in with a few spritzes of Urban Decay All Nighter Makeup Setting Spray. This is a miracle in a bottle; it keeps your makeup last ‘all day’ if not longer and nothing will budge it, not even the sweltering heat. It also freshens up your makeup so if you feel like everything is looking a bit dull or out of control during the day, a few spritzes will bring all back to live again.

What are your tips for a long lasting summer makeup?

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Perricone MD No Foundation Foundation: Review

June 17, 2015 2 Comments

I am always going to be guilty of impulse purchase. With my habit of strolling into SpaceNK whenever opportunity arises and never coming out empty handed, a spontaneous and somewhat reckless acquisition of things I couldn’t well afford is basically a story of my life. Any other serial spendthrifts out there will understand that irresistible feeling, that tingling excitement, a gut feeling that tells you you ‘need’ to buy it right now when common sense screams no. Of course there are times when the word ‘regret’ comes into play but there are also times when I thank god I went along with those impulses.

Enter my recent acquisition; Perricone MD No Foundation Foundation, a product I’d heard about for so long but never had the chance to give it a try until now. Maybe it’s because I hadn’t been looking for a natural looking, almost invisible (as the name suggests) foundation, until this summer when I least need the heaviness of the usual foundation on my skin. No Foundation Foundation is a multi-tasking product. It is a translucent foundation, which has ‘non-chemical’ SPF 30 protection, as well as advanced anti-aging ingredients. It is a foundation that allows, and even enhances, the natural radiance of your skin and keeping your skin looking dewy and flawless. This Paraben freen product also corrects skin undertones, instantly smooths fine lines and increases skin’s natural moisture throughout the day.

No Foundation Foundation also provides advanced anti aging and anti oxidants benefits. It has a drug ingredient called Taprenone, which can be used to influence the cell components to maintain their lifespan and youth. Cells consist of heat shock proteins, which are most active during time of stress, such as exposure to pollution and exposure to sunlight. This can ultimately cause inflammation and the death of cells, resulting in premature aging, and so when heat shock proteins are reduced, cells appear to live longer. Taprenone is clinically proven to fight against all signs of aging by ensuring a longer lifespan of youth cells and improving tissue quality, restoring the skin to a more youthful state. It has been found in clinical studies to improve skin moisture, redness and pore size, skin roughness and fine lines in 75% to up to 100% of the test persons.

In terms of usage, it can look a bit odd and sheer and even slightly sticky when applied, BUT it sinks in and adapts to your skin quickly. It comes in two shades to cater for people with either normal skin tone or lighter skin tone and it’s brilliant at adapting to your natural skin colour. If you want a full on, heavy coverage then this isn’t the product for you but if, on the other hand, you want something that looks like your own skin with added glow and luminosity then I’d highly recommend this over any other BB creams. I would also add that this really is an either/or product, which means it doesn’t sit well with another foundation or tinted moisturiser on top. However I have been dusting a bit of MAC Studio Fix and sometimes Bareminerals original powder foundation, which has some coverage, and they seem to work fine together.

This is a perfect product if you already have good skin to start with and just looking for a natural yet polished look. It’s great for school run in the morning or going to the gym, because all you need is to slab it on and your skin just looks incredible and glowing. This is one impulse buy I will always be thankful for, it really does enhance my skin without any heaviness; it’s just like my own skin but only 100 times better. Highly recommend!