Friday, August 7, 2009

Beauty Feature: Good For Your Skin Cosmetics

What you put on your skin counts. Every beauty brand is coming out with products that are either all natural, organic, or anti-aging. With so many cosmetics offering similar benefits how do you really know which ones work? Makeup Junkie has tested some of the most talked about good-for-your-skin products on the market. If you've been curious about these products, read first before making a pricey purchase!

1.Tarte ReCreate Anti-Aging Foundation With Wrinkle Rewind Technology SPF 15 ($37 USD)
What it is: A natural foundation with clinically proven anti-aging results.
What it does: Wrinkle Rewind Technology has clinically proven to decrease fine lines and wrinkles while increasing your skin's elasticity, firmness, tone and overall moisture. Micronized minerals brighten skin and offer sun protection.
Clinical results: Significant increase in skin elasticity, firmness and resiliency an average of 22% after 2 weeks of use and 43% after 4 weeks of use.
Significant reduction in the appearance of fine lines and facial wrinkles an average of 39% after 4 weeks of use and 67% after 6 weeks of use.
Increases skin's overall moisture by 52.82% within 15 minutes of application.
The Real Deal: While wrinkles and fine lines have not totally wreaked havoc on my skin yet, I did notice my skin looked much smoother and youthful right away. The foundation texture almost had a soft whipped feel to it and blended really nicely onto the skin. The medium to full coverage did not fade throughout the day and also did not feel heavy on the skin. I received many compliments on how good my skin looked which is always good in my books!
Boo Points: We're all for green packaging here at Makeup Junkie but I was not too impressed with the "Flo-Thru Pump". I don't know if I just received a dud, but the pump broke after only a few uses. It was annoying having to bang the bottle onto a dish to get the foundation out!

2. Smashbox HALO Hydrating Perfecting Powder and Brush Set ($59 USD)
What it is: Hydrating anti-aging powder with a science of skincare built in.
What it does: The advanced formulation of pure gold, 48 minerals, 11 amino acids and a powerful peptides deliver powerful anti-aging benefits, while the patented hydration system continuously hydrates your skin all day. Built-in shaver allows for the convenience of a pressed powder but with the radiant finish of a loose powder.
Clinical Results: After 10 minutes there is a 33% decrease in the appearance of wrinkles around the eyes.
After 6 weeks of use, there is a 67% decrease in the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles overall.
The Real Deal: Definitely hydrating for my sometimes dehydrated skin! During the winter to spring transition, my skin was a flaky mess but Halo did a good job of not accentuating my dry skin. It has a light coverage but definitely buildable and it left my skin looking luminous. In terms of wrinkles, I don't have a whole lot besides fine lines. I didn't notice the lines around my eyes decrease but the powder didn't enhance them. It's a great finishing powder for under the eyes because it has a brightening quality to it. The texture is also very light. Getting the right amount with the built-in shaver took some time to get used to but it's a cool idea. It really makes you conserve more especially since it comes with the high price.
Boo Points: The high price and the brush. The travel size Kabuki brush felt prickly on my skin and there is no way to transport it. It just ends up getting dirty. The built-in shaver can get a little messy but it stays in one place for the most part.

3. per-fekt Skin Perfection Gel To Go ($17.50 .25 oz)
What it is: A multitasking all-in-one vitamin enriched, sweat-resistant and water-resistant skin perfector.
What it does: Instantly improves skin tone, reduce redness, and help minimize the appearance of enlarged pores and fine lines. Enriched with powerful antioxidants including the universal antioxidant alpha lipoic acid, and vitamins A and E to help repair, protect, and fight future environmental skin damage, this lightweight gel helps maintain hydration leaving the skin with a healthy, even glow by locking in moisture and absorbing excess skin oils.
The Real Deal: I had heard of per-fekt before but wasn't sure if it was a primer or a foundation. The gel texture is very light-weight and blends effortlessly onto the skin. It did soften the appearance of my pores and reduced red areas on my face. I have Rich, a warm tan for a healthy sun-kissed glow. It definitely enhanced my summer tan and gave the skin a beautiful radiance without looking oily. If you have close to perfect skin, then you can get away with using it as light foundation. For me, I like a little more coverage. It evened out my skin tone but I felt some blemishes needed a bit more coverage. I like using this as a base/primer and then applying a tinted moisturizer on top. Foundation glides seamlessly overtop of the gel and lasts longer. You don't need to set with powder because the gel absorbs excess oils. Shh - I went through a couple weeks of laziness and slept with it on and never broke out once! I guess it really is good for your skin!
Boo Points: The price! The travel size is a small tube and is pretty pricey. A little goes a long way but for how long? I've had it now for almost a month and have a lot left so we'll see . The regular size is $57.50 ($USD)! I guess if I use it just as a primer at least I know my skin is benefiting from it! Pretty pricey primer though don't you think?

4. Cosmedicine Honest Face Skin Tint & Treatment SPF 20 ($35 USD)
What it is: A lightweight, all-in-one face finisher and skin treatment with antioxidants and UVA/UVB, SPF 20 sunscreens. It's great for even the most sensitive skin.
What it does: Creates a natural, healthy-looking finish with no telltale lines. Delivers the benefits of essential moisture, broad-spectrum sunscreen protection, and potent antioxidants with skin-refining color.
Clinical Results: 72% reduction in dryness
28% increase in skin hydration
41% increase in skin elasticity
27% reduction in fine lines and wrinkles
The Real Deal: This is a kick-ass tinted moisturizer! This has definitely become a staple in my makeup bag especially for summer. My skin always looks its best in the summer months so I was in search of a lighter foundation. The tint feels weightless and makes your skin look flawless minus the caked on look. I find with some tinted moisturizers, the coverage is minimal. With Cosmedicine's, my skin tone is evened out and my blemishes disappear! I also found with some tinted moisturizers my skin looked too shiny. This tint delivers a fresh, dewy finish. I've never been so happy with the appearance of my skin - I think its a combo of per-fekt gel as a base and Cosmedicine tint on top. For oilier skin, Cosmedicine has an oil-control version too!
Boo Points: Nothing! What's not to love??

Have you tried these products? What good-for-your-skin cosmetics do you recommend? Makeup Junkie wants to know!

4 comments:

Donna Marie said...

I'm so getting this item #4 now...thanks Joy!

Make-up Junkie said...

Anytime! You'll love this product! Let me know how it works for you.

Christy said...

Where do you get Cosmedicine in Canada? The Sephora in Vancouver doesn't carry it. =(

Make-up Junkie said...

Hey Carla!
Oh that sucks! I tried looking online but Cosmedicine's official site doesn't list where you can buy in Canada. Your best bet would be to buy online through Sephora or call them directly at 866-231-2260. Hope that helps!