BILLY

In my Radiance post, I recommended Giorgio Armani Designer Lift foundation as a product to help trick people into believing you have nice skin. While I stand by that recommendation with enthusiasm and confidence, it seems irresponsible not to mention it's only part of the story. There are lots of ways to trick people into believing you have nice skin!

You are the beneficiaries of the fact that my Google deep-dives revolve around product research while yours may focus on things like "poverty in America" or "ending world hunger". I don't spend too much time feeling bad about this anymore, although one could make an easy, strong argument that I should.

Below, I have outlined my recommendations by circumstance. First, a word on SPF in foundation. It is an extra, a bonus, a thrill. NEVER to be relied upon as your sunscreen for the day. You don't want to use the amount of foundation it would take to get the full SPF benefit or you will look like you dipped your face in beige paint.

Circumstance #1: My skin is good. I don't really like to wear foundation. I want something easy. It's Sunday.

Tinted moisturizers are the way to go.

Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer SPF 20. (Pop Quiz: Do you care it has SPF? Answer: No! Put your other SPF on first.) The original tinted moisturizer. There are plenty of good ones on the market, but if you're new to the tinted moisturizer world, why not start with a classic? I like this product. Coverage is good but not too heavy. Lots of colors to get a good match. If foundation application stresses you out, this couldn't be easier: put a little bit on your fingers and slather on your face willy-nilly.

Jouer Tinted Moisturizer SPF 20. They have a range of colors. Ignore that and get "golden". If you have super dark skin you might have to consider another color, but it really works for almost all skin tones. It is luminous but not greasy. Great light reflection. Perfect if you had a big night and still want to look fresh the next day at brunch. I wear this in Lake Geneva (over my SPF) or when I have less than 2 minutes to get ready and don't want to look haggard. Great winter pick-me-up. Wore it yesterday.

Circumstance #2: My skin is good except for a little redness around my chin and nose. I don't really like to wear foundation. I want something easy. It's Sunday.

See above tinted moisturizers.
In addition, perform concealer magic trick.
Concealer Magic Trick: I forget which Google deep-dive taunt me this trick, but it works well. Put a light dusting of powder on red or discolored areas (around nose, chin, etc.) THEN add the concealer. The powder gives the concealer something to adhere to so that it lasts longer and gives better coverage. The entire application is quick and goes something like this:
Jouer Tinted Moisturizer slathered on face. Very light dusting of your favorite loose or pressed powder (I like Sonia Kashuk at Target) on t-zone or wherever you have redness (never put powder all over your face unless you want to look old). Blot your favorite concealer (mine is Cle de Peau-lots of pigment/not a lot of product needed) over the red areas. Done!

Circumstance #3: A tinted moisturizer is not for me, but I am still not ready to commit to a thick foundation. Also, I'm just going to work.

Giorgio Armani 'Maestro' Fusion Foundation Broad Spectrum SPF 15. When this came out it was heralded as a breakthrough product and a game changer in the world of foundation. So I tried it and I liked it. Maestro's special trick is that it is a mixture of oils that that evaporate on the skin, leaving coverage that is so light it actually looks like your skin. Don't be afraid of the oil-if anything it gives a more matte finish. I really like this one for days I want a more matte finish and lighter coverage.

Circumstance #4: I have been reading a lot about BB Creams and I'm dying to try one.

I am not a fan of BB creams. I was very excited when they first came out because 1) They were marketed as an all-in-one product with primer, SPF, moisturizer and foundation, and 2) I am susceptible to marketing. For my money, you may as well use regular foundation because you have to be just as careful with application. It's thick and we all know that the SPF in these products is fool's gold, right?
If you hear where I'm coming from but still want to try one, the Bobbi Brown BB Cream SPF 35 is pretty good. The Smashbox "Camera Ready" BB Cream SPF 35 was pretty good, too.

You could spend a lifetime going through formulations. Leave that to me and try one of these!

Keely