My Current Summer Base

Between torrential rains and sticky humidity, I have largely been going foundation-free most days this summer. If I want to wear a base, it has to be as "-proof" (sweat, water, cakey, etc) as possible. For 2-3 months out of the year, I bring out this fail safe duo.

Enter a concealer + powder foundation routine. Before you cringe and click off, hear me out. This combination not only adequately covers my hyper pigmentation and redness, it also looks and feels very light on the skin.

As much as I love dewy, glowy skin, I don't find it practical for everyday summer wear. It has the tendency to make you look oily/sweaty and wears off in a few hours. If I want my base makeup to last, using a creamy but dense concealer like the Laura Mercier Secret Camouflage and a powder foundation (here I have the discontinued Physician's Formula Healthy Wear powder) works beautifully. I just apply concealer where needed and then lightly buff in some powder with my Real Techniques Buffing Brush. Easy.

Do you have a favorite summer base? I am still interested in a tinted moisturizer (looking at you , Nars).

Side note: I was shocked at how quickly I reached pan on the left side of the Laura Mercier concealer. Anyone else experience this?

Laura Mercier Mineral Powder Review

Wearing the foundation in question

If someone would have told me a year ago my first foundation review would be on a mineral one, I would have never believed them. I used Bare Minerals all throughout high school, until I discovered liquid foundation and haven't looked back since. That is, until I tried the famous Laura Mercier Mineral powder this past spring.

My hands are pretty tan..weird. Ignore that liner swatch :)

As per Laura Mercier, this mineral powder is described as a "finely milled powder composed of natural elements with 15 active amino acids." I don't know much about the science behind the amino acids (they are supposed to clear the skin of toxins apparently), however I can say that this powder is certainly finely milled and incredibly soft to the touch. It has a silky texture that I think surpasses its mineral competitors like Bare Minerals. It has not broken me out either, and I have acne-prone/sensitive skin. It also boasts SPF 15, which isn't bad but I always wear a sunscreen beneath my base makeup no matter which one I'm wearing.

The thing I love the most about this powder is its neutral undertone. I have it in the shade Real Sand, and I am approximately a NW/NC 25 in the summer. While I could probably do with the next darker shade (I purchased this in March), I find that it is very forgiving and blends beautifully. The neutral undertone means it could work for a myriad of skintones in my opinion; I often struggle to find foundations that aren't too yellow or pink for me. This conceals my redness/blemishes and I can build it up to medium coverage easily. For reference, I use the Real Techniques Buffing Brush to apply this.

Overall, I really love this powder. The biggest drawback is its lasting power on my skin. By itself, I find it only lasts about 6-7 hours before it begins to wear off and look cakey in areas like around my nose. That said, a lighter application is best and while you may be able to build it up to medium-full coverage, I've found it looks way too cakey that way. It looks nice dusted over a liquid foundation too.

Final Verdict

Pros: neutral undertone, buildable to medium coverage, looks natural

Cons: only lasts 6-7 hours, can look cakey if trying to achieve higher coverage

I hope this review was helpful to anyone interested in trying out this mineral powder! It contains 0.34 oz of product and retails for $35 at Sephora and department stores. It isn't cheap so I suggest trying to get a sample if you want to try it out. 

Hope you're all enjoying your summer!

xx