Decisions Decisions

Doesn't it sometimes feel like we are all always looking for that one perfect product? I have one friend who is always buying new blush- striving for the perfect glow. I have another friend who has a trash can filled to the brim with discarded mascara in search of the best lash. And of course- the ideal concealer is something that eludes many.

Well lately I have a new product I am constantly hunting. For the first time in my life - I need foundation. Now truth be told, I have dabbled with foundation in the past. But I have always been lucky enough to use it only on special occasions or for when I really wanted to look polished. However with my twenties further and further in the rear view mirror - the reality is that my skin needs a little help.

Now mind you, I know that I am lucky. For the most part, I am not dealing with super deep lines or sun spots or acne scars or any of the other myriad of skin issues that women face. My biggest issue is splotchy skin. I crossed 30 and all of a sudden I was a little more red around the nose and a little uneven overall. Suddenly, my usual powder and concealer combo was not working. It was time for something a bit more serious. I have used mineral foundation in the past and had great success but I am feeling liquid is my future.

So here I am - in search of something that will allow my skin to show through but will still even me out.

The first thing I purchased was this...

Stila One Step Correct - $36 (Sephora and online at multiple sites)

I have been using it for a couple of weeks. I like that it is a primer that addresses many skin issues. However, I am not totally impressed. I think that there are better primers out there for less money. I don't feel it evens me out all that much and while I do like the moisturizing feel - I am not loving its work on lines or pores. Regardless, I am willing to stick with this primer for a bit longer. At least until I can see what this primer mixed with the right foundation accomplishes.

Now for the real issue....

The reason I am in a deep quest at the moment is because I cannot get my hands on this....

My long time favorite. But Prescriptives, alas is no more and my shade of Traceless is sold out on line and everywhere else I have checked.

So in a quest to find a new fave for natural coverage - these are the two new foundations I am going to try:

1 - Bobbi Brown Skin Foundation SPF 15 - $45 (Sephora and online at multiple sites)

This little bottle promises exactly what I am looking for - "invisible, lightweight coverage that looks like skin, not makeup." If that statement is true - I have found my new best friend.

My second option if good ol' Bobbi Brown fails?

2 - Smashbox High Definition Healthy FX Foundation SPF 15 - $38 (Sephora and online at multiple sites)

I love Smashbox and am currently a huge fan of this...so I have high hopes for this foundation as well - even though I am going to give Bobbi Brown the first draft slot.

So wish my luck BGNDers....and tell me what products are you constantly hunting for?

And of course - check back in with me to see how these foundations held up....

Keep looking fabulous,

BGND

Trend alert!!!

Sometimes it is near impossible to keep up with all the new products on the market. I mean seriously! Things get so over saturated with the newest and greatest that it is hard to keep your head about you. How are you supposed to know what to buy? Is this a staying item or just the new soon to be disposable trend?

Well my answer to the overwhelming product craziness that I often feel is I look out for something that has a new twist on things. What new products offer something the others don't? And not only that- is that "new thing" something I think is worth my hard earned dough. Lately I have noticed a new trend that I think could be AMAZING if it actually works.

The last real big trend? Minerals of course! But as with everything in life, there is always something new on the horizon. The new trend du jour? Anti-oxidants mixed in with cosmetics. The concept isn't totally new but the level of sophistication the cosmetics companies have taken it to is. Lately two separate products have caught my eye in a great way - they have been saying "I am such a great product I am going to eliminate another one from your routine"...what?! A time and a money saver?! Sign me up!!

The first of these new potential standouts?

Smashbox Photo Finish Foundation Primer SPF 15 and Dermaxyl Complex - $42 (Sephora nationwide)

Now all you BGND readers know that I am a huge fan of the Smashbox primer. There really is nothing out there like it to smooth fine lines and prep your face for your make-up. It truly makes a world of difference. This new incarnation is even more exciting to me. Not only does it have all the same fab qualities as the original primer, it is now coming to bat with 2 huge additions.
1 - An SPF of 15! Hooray! Perfect for those folks who prefer a non-SPF sunscreen or are looking for a way to work that VERY needed SPF into their daily routine. 2 - It is chock full of antioxidants. So now not only is it working to smooth out those lines, it is working to prevent them and fix the ones you do have! Add the sunscreen element and this is a no-brainer! My current bottle of Smashbox primer is almost empty so you better believe this is what I will be buying as the replacement.


The second newbie to catch my eye?

Neutrogena Healthy Skin Liquid Make-up SPF 20 (Not available yet so I have no price point- but look for it at drugstores nationwide very soon)So even though I recently had to break up with my Neutrogena sunscreen - I still have faith in the folks over there. They generally do good work and this new foundation is pretty exciting. I don't wear foundation everyday (only for the special occasions) but this is a foundation I could see myself getting behind. Available in 12 great shades, an SPF of 20, lightweight and sheer - the list of attributes goes on and on. That alone might be enough to get me to try this but on top of all the other wonderful things- this foundation also has a fab blend of antioxidants. Yet another product to fix the minor skin flaws while smoothing them out. Love it!

So these are the two new products I am dying to try but you know that just like the minerals bandwagon soon everyone will be hopping on the antioxidant train! But honestly when you can eliminate a step from your routine -whether it be facial sunscreen or serum - that is a time saver (and money saver) worth investigating!

Keep looking fabulous,
BGND