Michelle Phan - Quick Tips: Foundation Application

This is a great video showing the results of different ways of applying foundation. She uses a lemon as an example, since the pores of a lemon and our face’s pores are very similar. She comes to the conclusion that the best way to apply is with a brush.

I use BB cream or tinted moisturizer everyday, but I always use my fingers. I used a brush today instead (because of this video) and didn’t see much of a difference, although it’s probably because BB creams and the such tend to be more forgiving than liquid foundation.

An important thing to take away from this video is that, even though Michelle is showing a great reason to use a brush for foundation, it’s important that you put on and wear make up in a way that’s comfortable for you! Regardless of what kind of advice make up gurus give, remember that it’s just advice and there’s nothing wrong with doing it your own way. 

- Bun

Rabbit Reviews: Dr. Jart+ Water Fuse BB Cream

As I may have mentioned in a previous entry, I had gotten a sample of Dr. Jart+ Water Fuse BB Cream in my May Birchbox. BB creams have gotten a lot of hype recently, with the craze beginning in Asia and spreading to the US within the past year. Asia has many tried and trusted BB creams (Dr. Jart is one of them; it’s a Korean brand) but many American companies such as Clinique, Smashbox and Too Faced have released their own versions. 

I was a bit hesitant to go buy one since I have sensitive skin and BB creams tend to be pricier than some foundations. (Most brands are around $34+) I had been using tinted moisturizer for the past few years, but I was unhappy with its sheer coverage. Getting a sample of this BB cream convinced me to go buy a full size and switch away from tinted moisturizer. 

Dr. Jart+ Water Fuse BB cream ($34 per bottle) offers light to medium coverage. I have slightly acne prone skin and tend to get small breakouts on my chin and cheeks, so I used to rely on concealer a lot. Now, I still need to use concealer but I don’t have to use as much as I previously did. It acts as an excellent base for the rest of your make up, since it has a built in primer. (I know many people opt to put more foundation on top of their BB creams) 

The cream only comes in one color and out of the tube, it looks like a gray-beige color. For me, I have really pale skin and the color adjusts really nicely. (No grayness!) I’m not sure how this would adjust on darker skin, but many reviews suggest the grayness might not match certain skin tones (so try before you buy). It also adds a hint of dewiness that does not look too shiny or shimmery. A little goes a long way, so you don’t need to use a lot to cover your entire face. It has great staying power and doesn’t slide off my face during the day. It also never looks cakey, but beware when applying; the product tends to dry quickly, so make sure you blend right away!

As for its benefits, not only does it have SPF, but it contains moisturizers, including aloe vera for a cooling effect, and a treatment serum that’s supposed to control oil and sebum to prevent blemishes. It also has some extracts and vitamins to help protect the skin. None of this has aggravated my sensitive skin and I actually find the condition of my skin improving with continued use. (Some reviewers did mention they had skin reactions, so try before you buy!) For those who feel like their skin can’t breathe because of heavy foundation, this might be a nice alternative.

Overall, I’m very happy with the purchase and I’m more than willing to make it a part of my everyday routine. I am not a big fan of foundation (except for special occasions) and this is a great alternative that offers some coverage along with added skin benefits. It always feels light and barely-there, plus it looks great on my skin. I’d definitely recommend this brand as a good BB cream to try out!

(Pictures of the product actually on my face, coming soon!)

- Bun

Let’s Talk: Tinted Moisturizers

Let’s face it, some foundations can feel like a mask on your face! It can be great when you really need that coverage, but for everyday or weekend wear, sometimes you want something that feels lighter on your face. If this sounds like you, you should consider picking up a tinted moisturizer instead.

(Left, Smashbox Sheer Focus Tinted Moisturizer, $30; Right, Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer, $42)

Most tinted moisturizers offer light to medium coverage, with the added benefit of moisturizer and usually SPF. Many come in oil-free versions as well. They go on smooth, absorb quickly into your skin and usually provide a dewy, glowing finish. It won’t cover blemishes or dark circles, but it will even out your skintone and hide redness. I use tinted moisturizer daily and find I only need a bit of concealer afterward to achieve a lovely face. I personally use the Smashbox brand above (which I love!) but the Laura Mercier one is a cult classic and comes highly recommended. 

(Left, Physician’s Formula Organic Wear Tinted Moisturizer, $11; Right, Aveeno Positively Radiant Tinted Moisturizer, $15)

Many drugstore brands also have tinted moisturizers at half the price of the higher-end brands. Tinted moisturizers are great if you want to decrease the amount of time you spend on your make up because it eliminates the need to put primer or moisturizer on your face. Also, a little bit goes a long way, so one bottle can last for a long time. My only warning is that you may find yourself needing to touch up towards the end of the day; it lasts for a long time but usually won’t last into the evening. (That’s where normal foundation comes in!)

Tinted moisturizers are not to be confused with BB creams, which usually have heavier coverage, a dewier finish and more benefits for your skin. Even though many non-Asian make up brands might label their BB creams as tinted moisturizers, they’re usually not the same. 

So many brands offer tinted moisturizers, so next time you’re around make up, pick up a bottle! Even if you don’t use it daily, it’s a great product to have in your make up arsenal. 

- Bun