'Tis the season. For wan, pale flaky skin, that is. I do my best and employ all the big skincare guns, but some days are just not pretty, especially while having even the mildest cold. I know that for many, the first instinct (well, second, after hiding under the blankets until spring brings better skin days) is to cover it all up, but you know this never ever works.
My three part solution is simple: First, moisturize. It's a no-brainer, but don't experiment. Use something tried and true that you know will work for your skin. I've been using Embryolisse Lait Creme Concentre ($16 at BeautyHabit) and it makes me feel better instantly.
Then, use a hydrating primer. I'm a huge fan of primers and never ever put on my makeup without one, no matter what. Yes, they work. Yes, they make a difference. It's a matter of find the right one(s) for both your skin and your base makeup. A good primer will enhance the performance of whatever you apply on top, including a tinted moisturizer. I'm on my second tube of Smashbox Photo Finish Hydrating Primer, which works wonderfully with every tinted moisturizer I have: Laura Mercier SPF 20, Smashbox's ones and LMdB Peau Vierge. They all do their thing better with some support.
The last step is a good tinted moisturizer. Peau Vierge is my go-to product, but I've had several days lately that my skin was paler and greener than usual. None of my foundations and tinted moisturizers looked right. Now, I'm not Snow White. I'm olive with a clear Mediterranean look, but I'm also pale, so all those light-medium shades with lots of yellow pigment rarely match me even on a good day. Luckily, a quick rummaging in my foundation drawer brought forth this Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer SPF 20 in Nude, the second to lightest shade.
The texture of Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer SPF 20 is wonderfully light and truly moisturizing. It adheres to the skin with magical ease, and smooths things just enough to give a healthier and more even look. It makes me appear... dare I say it...? Human. And alive. The swatch you see is a) too heavy, and b) not blended. Still, you can see how close it is to my natural color and that the texture is very light. The primer makes this base color last for as long as I need it and helps create the smooth appearance. Laura Mercier's tinted moisturizer is among the finest I've come across. Having an SPF 20 doesn't hurt, either.
Bottom Line: I wish they offered more shades, for days I look a little more alive.
Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer SPF 20 ($42) is available from the counters, Sephora and lauramercier.com. The one you see here was a GWP.
I was looking recently for a good tinted moousturizer as I realized those work much better for me in winter, and many people recommended Laura Mercier.
ReplyDeleteI guess there is no way around it but to try some (luckily those same people are willing to help). :)
And the moisturizer you mentioned sounds like a great find.
I am a big fan of the LM Illuminating TM. I agree with you, there does need to be more shade offerings, as the formulation is more dense than your typical TM.
ReplyDeleteLike Jamilla Camel - I love LM illuminating TM. I've had comments about my skin when wearing it . I also use LM foundation primer with it - both are fantastic . iwill be replacing both my tubes when I run out. Yes, primer really works.
ReplyDeleteI love LM's Tinted Moisturizer, and found another winter trick is to use a drop or two of my Clarin's Treatment oil mixed with the foundation, it's another layer of moisture and adds a nice glow.
ReplyDeleteIf I get really red/irritated skin, Dermalogica Barrier Repair helps calm things down.