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?

My Winter Base: Skin79 Super + VIP Gold BB Cream

Ah the wintertime foundation debacle. Every year I try to find a base that a) is moisturizing b) has just enough (light to medium) coverage and c) actually matches my skin at its lightest. Fortunately last year, I found something that ticked all 3 needs.

I would categorize 2012 as the year of the BB cream in the US; they exploded over American markets. The only "American" BB cream I have tried is the Garnier one...and I hated it. It was greasy and made my skin look orange. I realized that if I wanted to try this BB cream craze, I'd have to get the real deal.

After some extensive research, I decided to try out the Skin 79 line. They are hugely popular in Asia, as well as in the States with some bloggers/vloggers. This VIP Gold variety is supposed to for drier, 

mature (hate that term) skin types. I have dry, combination acne-prone sensitive skin for reference.

 

As you can tell, this BB cream does a good job at covering redness and evening skin tone. I still need concealer to cover blemishes. Currently I am about a NW/NC 20 in MAC terms, and this matches me quite well. Like most Asian BB creams, it comes out grey tinted, but don't be afraid - it oxidizes on your skin after about 5 minutes to match. Unfortunately I don't think anyone NW/NC 30 or darker could make this BB cream work. It leaves a satin/dewy finish, which I love however it could not work for oily skin types (in this case, I know Skin 79 does another version in a pink container better suited for that). I love this base for low key days, which are most of mine as I am a student. It contains SPF 25 and has flashback, so I would not recommend it for photography. I usually wear a higher coverage foundation for those occasions anyway so this doesn't bother me. SPF in makeup is great, but not a vital component to me as SPF wears off after a few hours and must be reapplied (which I never do with makeup). In regards to longevity, I find it pretty long lasting at ~8 hours. After that point, it begins to look patchy. As my skin is drier in winter, I do not set it with powder however I have tried and it looks fine but has little effect on its longevity.

Pros

+ build able coverage (light to medium)

+ satin/dewy finish

+ is moisturizing

+ good match for paler skin tones

+ blends in easily

+ SPF 25

+ lasts ~8 hours

Cons

+ only one shade/won't work for medium to dark skin tones

+ may not work for oiler skin types

Final Verdict

Overall, I really love this BB cream. It works really well for my skin in the winter, and is perfect for lower coverage days. I bought mine for $15 USD from a reputable Amazon seller, Pink Gelee. Fast & free shipping plus free samples...I read a lot of reviews before buying and am happy to say I echo the great service. However you can find Asian BB creams like Skin79's offerings at Pretty & Cute as well.

Do you own any BB creams? I want to try the Dr. Jart ones next I think.I feel myself transforming from  a foundation junkie turned BB cream addict...

Update + Nars Sheer Glow first impressions

Hello there blog, long time no talk!

I am a full-time student, so I tend to get wrapped up in studying and work to blog regularly...I've been neglecting my little corner of the internet! I do feel bad about that, but I am a self proclaimed "lurker"...I've still been reading my favorite blogs to stay in the loop. I hope those on Thanksgiving break like myself are enjoying it! I finally have a chunk of time to devote to blogging :)

With my extra time, aside from reading, eating, and sleeping, I finally got the opportunity to go to Sephora. Then this happened...

 

In my defense, I have a gift card (burning a hole in my pocket). I've long been interested in trying out Nars Sheer Glow (left) and the makeup artist decided I should try the Makeup Forever Mat Velvet + (right) too, despite my explanation that I have dry skin and prefer dewy foundations in winter. I was told that Circe de Soleil performers use it as it is water/sweat proof. My fun fact of the day...she was persistent, I will give her that.

Wearing the Nars. Excuse my wet hair

Face:

Nars Sheer Glow in Mont Blanc

NYC Sunny bronzer

Nars blush in Sin

I purposely didn't use any concealer to really test it out. It has a nice finish, and feels weightless on my skin. I would say it is medium coverage at best, but slightly buildable. I wouldn't build it up to full coverage however; I think it would creep into cakey territory there. All in all, I really love it but will continue to test so long as my sample lasts. A bonus is you don't need much foundation for a full face's worth. It has a very liquidy texture (aka gets messy though!).

So there is my first impression of my first truly high end foundation! I've only ever tried Clinique foundations before and of course drugstore. I am a little wary as the Nars retails for $42USD so it's an investment, but having a great base makes everything else look better in my humble opinion!

If you noticed Sin in the lineup, I will be doing a post soon on it as well as a shadow. Those were birthday treats from October. This post looks like such a Nars binge...which doesn't sound that bad?

xx Lindsay