Ingredients: Aqua, Hydrogenated Polyisobutene, Sorbitan Sesquioleate, Cycolentasiloxane, Methylpropanediol, Glycerin, Butylene Glycol, Mangifera Indica Seed Oil (Mango Seed Butter), Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Tetrasodium EDTA, Fragrance, PEG-8, Phenoxyethanol, Tromethamine, Potassium Myristate, Chlorphenesin, Methylparaben, Propylparaben, Caprylyl Glycol, Sodium Polyacrylate, Panthenol, Hexyl Cinnamal, Limonene, Citronnellol, Geraniol, Butylphenyl Methylpropional, Linalool, Alpha-Isomethyl Ionene. May Contain: CI 77891 (Titanium Dioxide), CI 777493 (Iron Oxides), CI 77492 (Iron Oxides), CI 77499 (Iron Oxides).
2) Giorgio Armani Maestro Foundation (Color: 5. Review forthcoming): I am still hopelessly conflicted about this foundation. I love the finish, light coverage and thin texture. I don't like that it is filled with so many silicones. I had hoped that the natural oils would have been at the top of the list of ingredients rather than at the bottom in negligible quantities. While I really like the coverage a great deal, one must be aware that it tends to accentuate rather than conceal flaws. Any dry patches are enhanced, rather than diminished, and redness seems to be spotlighted. However, if your skin is in good shape- then this will make it look even more flawless. I tend to think that this formula is better for people with normal to oilier skin types, and that those with dry skin types might prefer a formula that is a bit more moisturizing. I would suggest requesting a sample to see if you like it before buying it because it is pricey.
Ingredients: Dimethicone, Cyclohexasiloxane, Isododecane, Alcohol Denat, Vinyl Dimethicone/Methicone Silsesquioxane Crosspolymer, Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate, Phenyl Trimethicone, Acrylates/Polytrimethylsiloxymethacrylate Copolymer, PEG-10 Dimethicone, Disteardimonium Hectorite, Nelumbium Speciosum Extract/Nelumbium Speciosum Flower Extract, Limonene, Synthetic Fluorphelogopite, Benzylsalicylate, Benzyl Alcohol, Linalool, Propylene Carbonate, Caprilyic/Capric Triglyceride, Parfum / Fragrance, Disodium Stearoyl Glutamate, Butylphenyl Methylpropional, Citrus Aurantium Amara Flower Oil / Bitter Orange Flower Oil, Aqua / Water, Aluminum Hydroxide, Hexyl Cinnmai. [+/- May contain CI 77891 / Titanium Dioxide, CI 77491, CI 77492, CI 77499 / Iron Oxides]. (FIL B48256/5)
3) Neutrogena Healthy Skin Glow Sheers SPF 30 (Color: Ivory to Fair 10): I like the light coverage and gel like consistency because I tend to prefer sheer foundations and tinted moisturizers to more full coverage formulas. This is a nice drugstore foundation, but I would prefer to replace it with one that is from a cruelty-free company next time I am in the market to try a drugstore foundation.
Active Ingredients: Homosalate (5.0%), Octinoxate (7.5%), Octisalate (5.0%), Oxybenzone (2.0%), Titanium Dioxide (2.9%). Inactive Ingredients: Water, Phenyl Trimethicone, Cetyl Dimethicone, Butylene Glycol, Silica, Cetearyl Alcohol, Glyceryl Stearate, PEG-100 Stearate, Barium Sulfate, Pantothenic Acid, Ascorbic Acid, Tocopherol Acetate, Retinyl Palmitate, Squalane, Bisabolol, Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate, Polysorbate 60, PEG-12 Dimethicone, Polymethyl Methacrylate, Polysorbate 20, Magnesium Aluminum Silicate, Cetyl Hydroxyethylcellulose, Tetrasodium EDTA, Xanthan Gum, Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate, Caprylyl Glycol, Sorbic Acid, Phenoxyethanol. May Contain: Iron Oxides, Mica, Titanium Dioxide.
Ingredients: Octinoxate (Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate) 7.5%, Octisalate (Ethylhexyl Salicylate) 4.5%, Octocrylene 6%. Other Ingredients: Aqua/Water/Eau, Butylene Glycol, Ethoxydiglycol, Dimethylacrylamide/Acrylic Acid/Polystyrene/Ethyl Methacrylate Copolymer, Palmitoyl Hexapeptide-14, Lycium Barbarum Extract (Gojiberry), PEG-100 Stearate, Glyceryl Stearate, Glycerin, Beta-Glucan, Ethylhexyl Palmitate, Isopropyl Palmitate, Cyclopentasiloxane, PEG/PPG-20/15 Dimethicone, Triethoxycaprylylsilane, Sodium Polyacrylate, Hydrogenated Polydecene, Trideceth-6, Polymethylsilsesquioxane, Diamond Powder, Acer Saccharum (Maple Isolate/Isolat Dâ?TMérable), Hyaluronic Acid, Serum Albumin, Dextran Sulfate, Dipalmitoyl Hydroxyproline, Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Isononyl Isononanoate, Isopropyl Titanium Triisostearate, Sodium Benzoate, Phenoxyethanol, Caprylyl Glycol, Sorbic Acid, Titanium Dioxide (CI 77891), Mica (CI 77019), Iron Oxides (CI 77491, CI 77492).
5) Rouge Bunny Rouge Sketches on Water Tinted Moisturizer (Color: Adansonia. Reviewed here): The texture of this tinted moisturizer is so smooth and luscious, and it glides across the skin effortlessly! It is lightweight and moisturizing, and it has light buildable coverage. I love it- as I do everything that I have tried from Rouge Bunny Rouge!
Ingredients: Aqua, Cyclohexasiloxane, Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate, Propylene Glycol, Titanium Dioxide, Mica, Potassium Cetyl Phosphate, Squalane, Beheneth-30, Myristyl Alcohol, Silica, Phenoxyethanol, Glyceryl Isostearate, Glyceryl Stearate, Glycerin, Bis-Peg-18 Methyl Ether Dimethyl Silane, Polyacrylamide, Hydrogenated Palm Kernel Glycerides, Carbomer, Methylparaben, Propylparaben, Cyclopentasiloxane, C13-14 Isoparaffin, Sodium Hydroxide, Cetearyl Glucoside, Cetearyl Alcohol, Hydrogenated Palm Glycerides, Potassium Cocoyl Pca, Laureth-7, Trihydroxypalmitamidohydroxypropyl Myristyl Ether, Sodium Hyaluronate, Cellulose Gum, Xanthan Gum, Tocopherol, Retinyl Palmitate, Bht, Ascorbyl Palmitate, Malachite, Smithsonite, Rhodochrosite, Laminaria Digitata Extract. (+:-): Ci 77891, Ci 77491, Ci 77492, Ci 77499
6) NARS Pure Radiant Tinted Moisturizer SPF 30 (Color: Alaska. Reviewed here): Based upon my arm swatches, Alaska is the least well-suited shade as it pulls a bit too warm for my cool skin, however on my face it actually works- largely because it is a tinted moisturizer (and therefore a bit more forgiving). NARS describes Alaska as "light with a neutral balance of pink and yellow undertones." I love this tinted moisturizer a great deal because it has a lovely lightweight formula, it spreads easily, it is moisturizing, it contains an SPF 30, and it does not cause me to break out. People tend to be polarized about this formula- so I would suggest getting a sample first, or trying a tester to see whether or not this formula resonates with you. I will say that I do wish that it contained far fewer silicones, but for some reason my skin isn't irritated by them.
Ingredients: Water, Dimethicone, Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate, Titanium Dioxide, Butylene Glycol, Propanediol, Diethylhexyl Succinate, Glycerin, Nylon-12, Cyclomethicone, Peg-9 Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone, Peg-10 Dimethicone, Aluminum Hydroxide, Diphenylsiloxy Phenyl Trimethicone, Disteardimonium Hectorite, Sorbitan Sesquiisostearate, Stearic Acid Phenoxyethanol, Polymethylsilsesquioxane, Fragrance, Dimethicone/Vinyl, Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Trisodium, Edta, Aluminum Distearate, Talc, Ascorbyl Glucoside, Polysilicone-2, Vibrio Alginolyticus Ferment Filtrate, Tocopherol, Alteromonas Ferment Filtrate, Maris Sal (Sea Salt), Hydrogen Dimethicone, Bht, Algae (Algae Extract), Sodium Metabisulfite, Curcuma Longa [Curcuma Longa (Turmeric) Root Extract], Potassium Sorbate, Geraniol, Limonene, Citral, Linalool [+/- (May Contain): Ci 77891 (Titanium Dioxide), Ci 77491 (Iron Oxides), Ci 77492 (Iron Oxides), Ci 77499 (Iron Oxides)].
It will take me quite a while to get through all of these products, and I'm not sure what I will try next. Any suggestions? What are you using?
Hi Lola,
ReplyDeleteThanks for these reviews! I'm in the market for a foundation right now, and will definitely check some of these now.
Just a note: a quick glance over the MUFE foundation showed at least one silicone, cyclopentasiloxane. It's the fourth ingredient.
Hi Toby!! You are so welcome-- I'm glad that you found this review helpful! Keep me posted-- I would love to hear about your next foundation.
DeleteYes, I noticed that the MUFE foundation had some silicone in it, but thankfully it's not filled with it like Armani Maestro. I am not fond of using high concentrations of silicone on my face- and quite often my skin becomes irritated when I do. I really wish that more companies would come up with suitable alternatives!!
It's really hard to find a suitable match for me, as I have a lot of green in my skin. Most things look either far too pink or far too yellow on me! A tinted moisturizer should fare better... I might look into the Nars. :)
DeleteSorry to hear your skin doesn't tolerate silicones very well. Must be quite a pain. :/
Do you have to buy several shades to mix them in order to find a suitable match? What about custom blended colors? The NARS TM shades seem to lean a bit yellow, but I think TM in general are a touch more forgiving.
DeleteSmaller quantities/concentrations of silicones are okay, but higher concentrations can definitely irritate my skin. Since it is pretty hard to avoid in so many of the mainstream finishing products I try to find products with lower concentrations, generally speaking. :-)
Weeeell, I've never really bothered because my skin's quite good & I can get away with just concealer. But I do have a few problems with unevenness & am considering my options. Mixing colours is probably the best idea, but I'm a pretty lazy person, to be honest! So we shall see.
DeleteThat's fair enough. My skin is EXTREMELY sensitive to mint -- anything with mint in it will cause an intense burning sensation. So I've some idea of how annoying sensitivities are, given how ubiquitous mint is in products (whyyyyyyyy!).
Me too! I never gave much thought to foundations and rarely ever wore it. My preference has been tinted moisturizers with additional SPF to give added moisture and protection. I prefer the lighter coverage because I want my skin to show, but light coverage gives that my skin but better that I like. I still leave the house without wearing any finishing products, but never without sunscreen.
DeleteAhhhhh mint on the face....I remember years ago I bought a mint based natural cleansing/clay mask (I can't remember the brand, but it was very potent and there was nothing subtle about the amount of mint that they used) and I had an awful allergic reaction to it-- it made my skin turn bright red and swollen-- it was a scary sight!!!!!!!!!!
This is a great post!! I'm really glad I got to try out a generous sample of the Armani Maestro. I realize it doesn't seem to get on so well with my skin and looks like I'm wearing absolutely nothing (zero coverage). I'm interested in the Nars TM as I've heard they lean very yellow and your little mini review sounds very intriguing.
ReplyDeleteHi Bellyhead! I'm so glad that you like it! Maestro DEFINITELY is not for everyone! I'm still hopelessly on the fence about it. When my skin looks great I really like it except I don't like so much silicone in the least bit! My experience is that the NARS TM does lean hello, but somehow I am able to wear Alaska in spite of that. Or it actually looks atrocious on me, and I'm delusional (and nobody has had the heart to tell me I look ridiculous when I wear it) LOL!! I would definitely try to get some samples to see what you think. :-)
DeleteLola, this is so so sweet of you. I really appreciate you taking the time and effort to put this list together but alas! my wallet is quivering in a corner while I burst with temptation: I need to try the Rouge Bunny Rouge and Nars tinted moisturizers!!!
ReplyDeleteIt seems we have a similar skin tone. I actually did try the lovely Maestro but my skin, you forgive my french, is a piece of crap. I have redness, rough texture, oily nose, sun spots, and so on and so forth so Maestro is too sheer for me. I love tho the GA lasting silk. It is among my favorite foundations ever and whenever everything else fails (due my crappy skin) I use my lasting silk and feel like a queen for a day. I also like Paul and Joe liquid foundation which is light and pretty, and comes in that girly bottle. I definitely recommend the new Dior skin nude glow. Oh so pretty! Right now, as I was telling you in a previous chat, I am wearing hello flawless and D&G luminous liquid foundation. I am not giving up on the latter no matter how ugly and rude my skin is!
Thanks again Lola. you are a shining star
xx
It was absolutely my pleasure, wefadetodray! It was fun to do! I love both of those those tinted moisturizers. You can certainly get samples of the NARS to try pretty easily. If you happen to place a BeautyHabit or Zuneta order you can request samples of the RBR TM as well.
DeleteMaestro is really tricky, I think. When it's good, it's really great, but when skin is misbehaving it is rather unforgiving. I have tried samples of the GA Lasting silk and a few of their other formulas-- they are quite adept at making foundations, that is for certain! the Paul & Joe foundation sounds lovely, as does the D&G that that we have discussed before. I will have to look into the Dior Skin Nude Glow as well.
I would definitely try to get samples of the two tinted moisturizers to see if you like them.
BTW, did your two body oils arrive yet? If so, are you loving them? I hope that you love the Olio Lusso as much as I do. I hope that you have been able to find a sample of their face oil to see if you like it before making the splurge!
xoxox
I have not yet gotten a sample of the face oil, sadly. I do not know where to get it either :/ but I am adoring the body oil. The smell is just too delicious. My skin is still suffering from dryness. I guess it will take a bit for it to feel better. I am using cortizone ten on my legs right now. That's how bad the situation is. Ko denmark is also stunning. I have only wore it once so far so I cannot compare really. Both smell gloriously and both have perfumes available which is terrible for me being a perfume hoarder! Thanks for the body oil suggestion. I love it! I will let you know how my skin improves. So far, the smell, the feeling of luxury, the package, everything! so pretty :) Lola, your recommendations are spot on :)
DeleteOMG- I am ridiculously happy that you are loving both body oils!! Isn't the packaging simply gorgeous?!!!! I thought that you would love the smell of the Rodin Olio Lusso Body Oil-- I am so glad that you do! I'm going to have to put the Ko Denmark on my (long) list of things to try :-). I got a sample of the Rodin Olio Lusso Face Oil at Barneys- Rodin doesn't have prepackaged samples- so a sales associate made one for me. I was afraid to make the splurge until I knew that it worked for me-- especially when you are talking about a luxury price tag like that! Thankfully I loved it and promptly bought it. If getting to a Barneys is not convenient- then you can always ask for a sample if you order anything from BeautyHabit. The other option is to look to see which retailers sell Rodin products in your area and see if they can make you a sample. Another viable option would be to send Rodin an email directly telling them that you LOVE their body oil, and have tricky facial skin and wondered if they know how you might obtain a sample of the face oil to try it first. One of my friends sent an email asking them a question and Linda Rodin herself responded!!!! Now that's customer service! That made me fall even more madly in love with the line. I love the smell of the Rodin perfume, but it didn't mesh with my body chemistry at all-- I was surprised because the body oil and the body cream (I only have a sample of the cream, but it is quite rich and emollient) smell yummy on me, but not so with the perfume (bummer because I really wanted it!!!).
DeleteHere's the link to the Rodin website:
http://oliolusso.com
and here's their contact information:
Info@Oliolusso.com
Customer Service:
(212) 563-7634
CustomerService@Oliolusso.com
If you aren't getting enough moisture with the Body Oils- how about layering them under a body balm or a richer body cream? :-)
Hm... Based on this, I might have to try the MUFE soon. I've been toying around with several alternatives lately and am always eager to try more.
ReplyDeleteI really like it a lot, Kate. Next time you are in a Sephora feel the texture to see what you think. I didn't like their HD Foundation on my skin at all-- it looked and felt weird on me-- I realize I'm probably in the minority since so many people consider it to be their HG foundation. Their Face & Body, on the other hand, is lovely on my skin. Which alternatives have you been toying around with lately? What have you been using? :-)
DeleteI'll definitely give it a try! Lately I've been using mostly Clarins Everlasting, which is nicely matte, but a bit too thick for my liking, and Urban Decay's Naked Skin, which seems to suit me very well. I've also tried out Le Metier's Classic finish, RBR Milk Aquarelle and Becca's Luminous Skin Colour. Although I don't normally go for really light coverage, I have to say that I've really fallen for the Becca foundation. I had ordered it from Zuneta, but it looks like they're not carrying it anymore. Luckily, I think I can get it from Sephora now as well.
DeleteI have never even looked at Clarins Everlasting- but will have a look- especially since their sunscreen has become my most beloved HG sunscreen of all time. I have been so curious about UD Naked Skin-- I definitely have to check it out on me next Sephora trip-- that it suits you well makes me all the more curious about it. I haven't tried the LMdB-- but will at some point. I loved the RBR Milk Aquarelle, but couldn't get a good color match :-(. Zuneta sent me a sample of the Becca Luminous Skin Colour and I LOVED IT!!! Thanks for reminding me of that! I definitely will have to have another look when I go to Sephora. I will be very curious to see what you think about MUFE Face & Body!! Have a lovely weekend, Kate! :-)
DeleteGreat stuff! It's a shame GA Maestro accentuates flakes. It's the thing that kills a foundation for me. And I am going to have to try MUFE Face and Body at some point. :)
ReplyDeleteThanks, Rachel!! I know what you mean. I still think it's worth trying a sample to see how your skin responds, but I tend only to reach for it on really good skin days. Thankfully I have lots of good skin days, but on those days when my skin isn't looking as good as I would like- I don't tend to reach for Maestro. That said, there are so many people who swear that Maestro is hands down the Holy Grail foundation, period!
Deletei love nars tinted moisturizer! I do want a GA foundation, but I'm still not sure what to think of maestro! I guess i need a proper sample to test. That RBR one sounds amazing - do you like it better than the nars?
ReplyDeleteI love it too! Maestro is definitely something that you have to try before you buy. I still remain so conflicted about it. I actually prefer the texture of the RBR moisturizer to the one from Nars. If you make any purchases from BeautyHabit- then request samples of the RBR tinted moisturizer. It really is a lovely product. The color match is even closer for me than NARS Alaska as well.
DeleteI keep reading this post and finding new bits of information. Thanks for including the ingredient lists -- it's very helpful. Have you ever tried the Tarte Amazonian Clay Tinted Moisturizer? Not the BB and not the foundation, but the TM.
ReplyDeleteI'm so glad that this has been useful to you, Boo! You are welcome for the ingredient list- I always want to know, and figure that all of you do as well. Plus, too many of us have sensitivities to ingredients-- so I do my best to have it at your finger tips for reference! I haven't tried the Tarte TM, foundation, or the BB Cream!! How's that for a strike out?! I'm not sure why it is that I haven't been drawn to trying any of those. I do recall walking up to the display and squirting one of them on my hand, but some other shiny object caught this makeup magpie's attention. I have product induced ADD at Sephora, and if I don't go with a list of things to look at- then I'm doomed!! Do you like it? Is it worth it for me to put it on the list, and to get samples? :D
DeleteHi Lola -- sorry for the delay in responding. For some reason my comment subscription emails where going in my spam mailbox. Anyway, I've nixed the Tarte TM for being too low coverage. (I like seemingly low coverage, but no coverage is not worth my money.)
DeleteI'm still walking the fence between the NARS TM and the MUFE F&B. I like how the latter has no SPF in it, so I have the flexibility of using it both day and night. However, I think the MUFE finish is more matte than I prefer. What kind of finish do you get with it? Also, do you have any application tips? I find it dries very quickly, almost too quickly for my inexperienced-at-foundation/TM skills.
No worries, Boo! Well, before you decide between NARS & MUFE-- get yourself a sample of the Hourglass Illusion Tinted Moisturizer and see if you like it!!
Deletehttp://www.lolassecretbeautyblog.com/2013/04/hourglass-illusion-tinted-moisturizer.html
I'm over the moon about this TM!!
As for the MUFE F&B, I tend to pump it onto the back of my hand and use my fingers. I apply as I go and rub it in. There a really good description of on Prime Beauty:
http://www.primebeautyblog.net/patty’s-current-foundation-obsessions-part-i-of-a-three-part-series/
I don't find it overly matte on me- it has more of a second skin appearance on me. I still really love it. It's one of my very favorite products from MUFE! It definitely does dry fairly quickly though.
Interesting that the Tarte TM didn't provide enough coverage-- sort of defeats the point- LOL! I got your email and Tweet and will respond in the next day or two-- totally slammed at work and scrambling to stay on top of things! <3
Thanks, Lola! The Prime Beauty link was great for application. I did it this way this morning. I didn't get the same longevity as Patty, but I don't fault foundation for coming off on the inside of my bicycle helmet.
DeleteI'll try to check out the Hourglass TM. I'm avoiding Sephora a bit these days, but I think I can sneak in a visit. ;)
My pleasure, sweetie! Well, the bicycle helmet has a right to a little coverage as well :D
DeleteWell, I would suggest getting a sample of this before you decide between the MUFE F&B and the NARS TM to see if this one is a contender for you as well. It is a bit more pricey though :-( That said I am REALLY loving it these days!
xoxox