Primer

Primer and sun protection with Equitance Sunscreen SPF 36

August 4, 2016 by beautyin ·

I think I might be a little nutty regarding this multi-tasking thing, but any beauty hack that might save me time is always way up on my list of items to test. Equitance Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 36 ($30.00 (.98 fl. oz); available at equitance-us.com) does the job of two essential skin care products – broad spectrum sun protection and makeup primer – all in one super cute squeeze bottle.

Before I talk about the actual product, I definitely want to address the packaging. I love this bottle! I don’t even really understand why I am so enamored with it. It is adorable, so easy to use, and just so…so…cute!

Ok, I love the packaging but what about the performance as a sunscreen? It has a liquidy consistency so be sure to shake it well before squeezing any out. It was so thin that I was surprised…broad spectrum sunscreen tends to be thick. But this doesn’t leave white streaks. In fact, it’s very lightweight and doesn’t instantly change my complexion color three shades whiter.

What it does do is filter out the UV rays that cause hyperpigmentation and photoaging, as well as safeguard against free radicals. Here are the ingredients:

Linoleic Acid is extracted from safflower seed oil and purified. We found that linoleic acid’s primary effect helps to significantly minimize the appearance of dark spots. It also promotes the exfoliation of the stored melanin that form dark spots.
Ascorbyl Glucoside is a vitamin C derivative with skin-brightening powers. In liquid topical skin care formulas, vitamin C derivative is more stable, maximizing its beneficial function better than vitamin C itself.
Stearyl Glycyrrhetinate, made from licorice, possesses soothing properties.
Cherry Blossom Leaf Extract is culled from the Japanese sakura tree and possesses properties that sooth and soften rough skin.
Shell Ginger Extract is derived from the Japanese alpinia speciosa leaf. Its intense moisturizing properties help brighten the skin.

I like that this sunscreen doesn’t smell bad. It has a very light, pleasant floral fragrance. I like that it provides broad spectrum coverage and a zinc oxide formula. As a sunscreen, I think this is a home run.

As a primer, I have mixed results. It does brighten the complexion and dries very quickly. I think this would work for most people except those with extremely absorbent skin (my issue for sure) or those with very oily skin. It doesn’t prevent the dreaded shiny nose syndrome and it’s not as tenacious as other primers in terms of giving makeup a lot more longevity. It does, however, smooth skin into a better canvas for makeup.

Equitance Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 36

Overall, I love the packaging and the sunscreen. It doesn’t really work as a primer for me so it’s not my perfect multi-tasker, but I have such absorbent skin that I always need super strength primers.

Interested in Equitance Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 36? Click THIS LINK for 20% off, a special link for Beauty Info Zone readers! – Lisa

*sample

Filed Under: Equitance, Primer, Sunscreen · Tagged With: Equitance, primer, sunscreen

Hard Candy Sheer Envy Hydrating Primer Mist and Illuminate Strobing Mix-in Drops

June 16, 2016 by beautyin ·

Next time you are at Walmart, take a look at the Hard Candy Spring/Summer 2016 collection. Hard Candy has some terrific products that are definitely affordable. I recently tested two things from the latest collection: Sheer Envy Hydrating Primer Mist ($8) and Look Pro! Illuminate & Strobing Mix-in Drops ($8).
pr samples

The Sheer Envy Hydrating Primer Mist is billed as a moisturizing spray, primer, and setting spray. The ingredient list includes coconut water, which is very good for skin.

I think this is too wet to be a setting spray. It works as a primer, although you will want to give yourself some dry-down time. I typically spray it on after moisturizing but before drying my hair. By the time I’ve dried my hair, the primer has settled down to a slightly sticky state that is fine for makeup application. It’s definitely hydrating, and I love the coconut water infusion. If you have dry skin, this is a primer to consider. However, I think it’s best as a general moisturizing spray, which would be handy at the beach or whenever your skin is feeling extra parched.

The Hard Candy Look Pro! Illuminate & Strobing Mix-in Drops is a sheer white opalescent liquid that gives a luminescence…not strong enough to be anything near ‘strobing’.

Hard Candy Look Pro! Illuminate & Strobing Mix-in Drops

I find that the Illuminate & Strobing Mix-in Drops get lost in foundation, but used alone it gives a very pretty glow that looks natural. It’s a great option for those no-makeup days in summer when you just want a little boost for your skin.

Both products are affordable and are good for your low maintenance days. There are some really cute makeup bags available too – I recommend the Soft Touch Cosmetics Bag ($6) in ‘Little Hottie’, a hot pink number with a zippered expandable base where you can store your brushes. You can find Hard Candy at Walmart, both in store and online. – Lisa

*sent for editorial consideration

Filed Under: beauty, Hard Candy, Highlighter, Moisturizer, Primer · Tagged With: Hard Candy, Highlighter, moisturizer, primer

Get ‘blurred lines’ with Vita Liberata Body Blur Instant Skin Finish #BodyBlur

April 6, 2016 by beautyin ·

Vita Liberata Body Blur

At my age, my body needs all the blurring it can get. The best way to get there is with a little ‘optical illusion’ courtesy of a great body tint and the Vita Liberata Body Blur Instant HD Skin Finish ($45) is just what I need.

Sofia Vergara wearing Body Blur

Sarah Hyland wearing Body Blur

If you watched the Oscars, you were watching Body Blur in action. Just a few examples of the celebrity fans include Sophia Vergara and Sarah Hyland. Body Blur is an instant glowy tint that washes off. It gives immediate gratification with a beautiful tint that reflects light, so it’s especially terrific looking in photos.

Vita Liberata Body Blur

What makes this different from other body tints is it can also be used as a makeup primer! It totally covers blemishes, red spots, and hyperpigmentation, and because it’s water-resistant it holds up great even under hot lights, hot sun, or hot dancing. The ingredients are great:

Phenyl Trimethicone – Gives a velvet soft skin finish
Panthenol – The provitamin of B5 that moisturises
Shea Butter – Repairs, hydrates and soothes skin
Tocopheryl Acetate – Protects against free radical damage, fighting signs of aging Glyceryl Stearate – Smooths skin, locking water at the skin surface improving hydration

You don’t need much for beautiful color. Just dot small amounts on your body then smooth in – be sure to use gloves or a body mitt so your palms don’t get tanned as well. For my face, neck, and décolleté I use my fingers then just wash my hands. The result is beautiful, glowing, happy skin that is blurred just enough to really look fantastic.

Vita Liberata is one of my favorite lines for self tanning and body products and Body Blur is truly excellent. You can pick this up online or at Sephora, Ulta, and QVC. – Lisa

*sent for editorial consideration, affiliate links

#BodyBlur

Filed Under: Body Products, Primer, Self Tanner, Vita Liberata · Tagged With: body bronzer, Body Products, primer, Self Tanner, Vita Liberata

Hard Candy is so 2016 – strobing, fierce lips, and glowy primer

April 1, 2016 by beautyin ·

Hard Candy Pure Defense Primer Serum, Fierce Effects Lipsticks, Strobing Kit and Pencil

If you are looking for some up to the minute products with a price that’s unbelievable, Hard Candy is your best friend. Hard Candy is exclusive to Walmart and Walmart.com. so I think you should sneak over to the beauty section when you are buying your veggies. Hard Candy will only make a little bump in your budget, not even a dent. I have 3 types of products that were sent that you need to know about.

Hard Candy Sheer Envy Pore-Defense Primer Serum

Hard Candy Sheer Envy Pore-Defense Primer Serum has been on my face daily since receiving it. What do you hear about all the time online now? Color Correcting!! That’s what every company is is bringing out and what we are all fascinated with. When I first started using this I had a surprise:

Hard Candy Sheer Envy Pore-Defense Primer Serum

It’s a teal blue just like the bottle. Why teal? To brighten your face. The Pore Defense Primer Serum does a little bit of everything. First it contains pore-tightening actives and astringents that absorb excess oil. There’s micro-fine powder in the serum that you won’t notice but your skin will because it blurs fine lines while color correcting. I find this gives a nice glow to my skin that doesn’t look greasy. Plus it helps my foundation last! I can promise you that this $8 primer will be among my favorites for the year.

ULTIMATE STROBING KIT AND STROBING HIGHLIGHTING PENCIL

Hard Candy LOOK PRO! ULTIMATE Strobing Kit and Strobing Highlighting Duo Stick

It wouldn’t be 2016 without strobing. In 2014 we called it highlighting but starting late in 2015 everyone started saying strobing. Whatever you call it, the LOOK PRO! ULTIMATE Strobing Kit is perfectly attuned to the times.

Hard Candy LOOK PRO! ULTIMATE Strobing Kit

This $8 kit has everything you need to do your face: 2 Luminizers, Matte Bronzer, Matte Blush, a tube of Strobing Glow, and a travel size brush. The metallic kit closes firmly so it’s great for home or on-the-go. The colors in it are very flattering. I don’t use bronzers often so to find a light one that is good for some contouring is a pleasure. The color of the blush is peach and very flattering. The two luminizers will complement your look with a subtle radiant glow, nothing flashy. BUT if you want flashy that’s where the tube of Strobing Glow fits in. This gives a nice shimmer without glimmer and livens everything up. Use it on your cheekbones, your cupid’s bow, or to highlight your beautiful eyes.

Hard Candy LOOK PRO! ULTIMATE Strobing Kit Luminizers, Bronzer and Blush

Hard Candy Strobing Kit

Hard Candy ULTIMATE Strobing Kit Strobing Glow and swatch and Strobing Duo Stick

For $6 you can purchase the Hard Candy Strobing Highlighting Duo Stick. These two work perfectly together but just as nicely on their own. Use this duo wherever you want to strobe. I like to draw a line down my nose and blend. It’s great to apply to your bottom lip in the middle to help create some depth and glow. The stick is soft and easy to use; it doesn’t wipe away your foundation or blush when you use it either. This Strobing pencil is great to throw in a clutch for a quick touch up too.

Hard Candy LOOK PRO! ULTIMATE Strobing Kit and Strobing Highlighting Duo Stick

Both of these are highly impressive. Take off the name and no one would know that Walmart is your source.

HARD CANDY FIERCE EFFECT LIPSTICK

HARD CANDY FIERCE EFFECT LIPSTICK

While 2016 is all about matte lipsticks not all of us love that look or the dryness. Matte isn’t the only trend for 2016 though for lips – fierce colors that can create many looks are just as new.

Hard Candy Fierce Effect in Chalkin Pink and Provocative

These 18 shades of lipstick give you a moist looking lip with lots of shine. You just need the lipstick, no gloss to top it off, to look like you have luscious lips. They come in 18 shades (not all are online): Chalkin Pink, Provocative, Show Off, Galactica, Newly Berried, Prowler, Glisten to Me, Thunder, Black Diamond, Slylac, Heart Breaker, Sky’s the Limit, Nudist, Seduced, Sunshine, Night Queen, Jealousy, and Virtual Reality. The pigmentation is off the wall.

Hard Candy Fierce Effect in Thunder and Slylac

There is a lot to like with the Fierce Effects lipsticks –

only $5 each
Highly pigmented shades that don’t need a second coat
Mix and match colors to create “fierce effects” with them
Easy to blend two shades together to create a new shade
Fierce Effects lipsticks are infused with argan oil
Moist and easy to apply, no need for a gloss

These are scented though but it’s not offensive to me since it’s a bubblegum fragrance and it doesn’t last too long. In spite of the fragrance I like that you can create an ombre lip or your own shade.

So 2016! Knowing Hard Candy it’s only the beginning. They’ve got 9 more months to come out with fresh, innovative products that are up to the minute and so wallet friendly. Which of these would you most want to use? — Marcia

*sent for consideration

Filed Under: facial serum, Hard Candy, Highlighter, Lipstick, Primer, strobing · Tagged With: face primer, facial serum, Hard Candy, highlighters, highlighting, highlighting pencil, Lipstick, strobing

First Kiss Flush with Pixi Beauty

February 20, 2016 by beautyin ·

First Kiss Flush with Pixi Beauty

I remember my first kiss…it was on the back porch on a hot summer’s evening. My boyfriend’s name was Darrin. I was 13 years old and I have no doubt my face was definitely flushed afterward! Pixi Beauty sent me some great items to test that bring me right back to that hot summer night and my ‘first kiss flush’.

Pixi Beauty Glowtion Day Dew

Glowtion Day Dew ($22) The first step to getting that wonderful flush is a great, glowy complexion and Glowtion Day Dew does the job. This is a lightweight moisturizing lotion that has illuminating shimmer. I love to put this on right before applying my foundation – it truly gives a ‘lit from within’ appearance and is not sparkly or too young-looking. Ingredients include lavender oil to calm skin and mica to brighten. I love this and know I will be using the entire tube!

Lip Contour Liner in Invisible Smudge Stopper

Lip Contour Liner in Invisible Smudge Stopper (Translucent $12) The next must-have for a first kiss flush are beautiful lips and the Lip Contour Liner in Invisible actually helps keep brighter lipsticks from straying. This lipliner is clear and it makes sure lipstick doesn’t feather into fine lines or smudge onto teeth. I use this way more than I thought I would and in fact carry it in my purse to use right before touching up. It twists up and doesn’t need a sharpener either which is a plus.

MatteLustre Lipstick in Raspberry Blush

MatteLustre Lipstick in Raspberry Blush ($12) is the perfect lippie for that just kissed look The lipstick is full-coverage and lasts a while, especially when also used with the Lip Contour Liner in Invisible. It has lots of great ingredients like peptides, hyaluronic acid, and vitamins C and E to ensure beautifully kissable lips. In the tube, the Raspberry Blush shade looks daunting, but it goes on a gorgeous pinky red that is totally fun and wearable. Yet another lippie that has found a home in my purse!

If you had a great first kiss and want to relive that memory – or if you just want to look like you had a great one – I recommend picking up this combo from Pixi Beauty. You are going to love the beautiful flushed look. – Lisa

*sent for editorial consideration, some affiliate links

Filed Under: beauty, lipliner, Lipstick, Pixi Beauty, Primer · Tagged With: lipliner, Lipstick, moisturizer, Pixi Beauty, primer

Let’s meet Geri G (and her Transceutical™ Canvas and Innocent Foundation)

November 13, 2015 by beautyin ·

Geri Giagnorio creator of Geri G Cosmetics

This beautiful woman is named Geri Giagnorio and she’s a licensed aesthetician, make-up artist, product developer and Certified Nutritional Consultant and Coach. She’s also the persona behind Geri G Skincare and Cosmetics. She has developed a line of all natural skincare and cosmetics after spending her life learning about how to put your body into a healthier state, including through nutrition.

I was introduced to Geri G Cosmetics via Wantable. The Geri G Innocent Foundation was in my December 2014 box and it amazed me then and continues to do so to this day. It is so rare for a foundation to be a perfect match in a subscription box but the lightest shade is ideal for me. This comes in 4 shades (Light, Medium, Tan and Dark) ($38).

Geri G Innocent Foundation in the lightest shade

Geri G Innocent Foundation in Light

Geri G Innocent Foundation ranks right up there with my favorite foundations. While it’s considered to be a foundation that can be sheer or built up for moderate coverage, I find it to be a medium coverage on me. I didn’t use it as much this past summer as I used it in cooler weather but I did use it. This is a water based formula that has a matte finish that looks great on my normal to dry skin. It has some wonderful ingredients that help with moisturizing. It uses Squalen Oil from olives, green tea, and white tea. Plus it contains radiant pigments that help to conceal imperfections (of which I have many) and work to illuminate my complexion.

Geri G Innocent Foundation is my most used and loved product from all the ones in my many Wantable subscription boxes. Therefore when the company offered their Transceutical™ Canvas primer for me to test I knew instantly that I wanted to explore their line more and what a great start.

Geri G Transceutical Canvas and Innocent Foundation

Geri G Transceutical Canvas and Innocent Foundation Light swatches

Transceutical™ Canvas contains a signature formula, Nanomarine-5®, that absorbs into the skin and offers a protective barrier between the skin’s surface and the cosmetics you apply. What makes this so interesting is that they recommend that you mix this primer in with your Innocent Foundation in a 1 to 2 ratio (1 pump Transceutical™ Canvas to 2 pumps Innocent Foundation). Not only that but it’s also recommended to be used alone as the final product in your skincare regime before you go to bed and the first product you apply in the morning. This is amazingly versatile.

Geri G Transceutical Canvas

I haven’t been using primers much lately as I’ve been much more concerned with serums to get added skincare but using Transceutical™ Canvas is the best of both worlds. This is an anti-aging product that helps with moisturizing and healing.

When I first received it I hadn’t looked at the website to see their recommendations for use so I started using it alone on my skin and then later applying my Geri G Innocent Foundation (I now mix it though). I continued testing Transceutical™ Canvas with half a dozen other foundations and CC Creams in order to see if these two needed to be used in conjunction with each other. What I found was that they are both great on their own as well as together. Transceutical™ Canvas is also a great base for powder foundations which to me is wonderful because I have several and never hit upon the right combination before.

Geri G Transceutical Canvas ingredients

Geri G calls this a moisturizer, primer and cosmetic transformer all in one. Along with Nanomarine-5® complex it is Aloe-Vera based and contains vitamins A, C, and E. So we’ve got anti-aging and protection in this great product. What started out, in my mind, as a test of a primer has instead turned into a product that does so much more. It even helps foundations become water resistant.

I’m glad that the Transceutical™ Canvas has given me a chance to learn more about this great line as well as helping to make the foundation an even better product than I thought it was. Have you heard of the Geri G line before? — Marcia

*Transceutical™ Canvas sent for consideration

“NanoMarine-5®—The Nutrient-rich Ingredient-Exclusive to Geri G.®

Proprietary ingredient created by Geri G. Nanomarine-5® is nutrient dense formula exclusively created of sea and land based proteins vitamin, mineral, and omega that are cell permiable and easily absorbed into the skin, Nanomarine-5® ingredients are all-organic a from nature. Nanoamarine-5® is in every one of Geri G.® products. Nanomarine-5® strategically optimizes skin health via botanical hydrators, antioxidants, anti-inflammatories and nutrients. The cells absorb nutrients better from Nanomarine-5® and can be absorbed without upsetting the PH balance of the skin.”

Filed Under: beauty, Foundation, Geri G, Primer, Skincare · Tagged With: anti-aging, face primer, foundation, Geri G

Straight to the top of my favorites list: Skindinavia The Makeup Primer Spray

June 10, 2015 by beautyin ·

Hello, my name is Lisa and I am addicted to primers. I am not ashamed to admit this addiction. Without primer…well, actually, without a GOOD primer…my makeup lasts for maybe three hours tops. I just have that kind of skin. With a good facial primer my foundation and blush can survive for 8 hours of fade-free wear.

Skindinavia The Makeup Primer Spray

Marcia teases me all the time for having a bazillion primers. Even with the obscene amount of primers I have on hand, I am always on the lookout for something even better. But I have to give the credit for my recent discovery to my partner. She insisted that I be the one to test Skindinavia The Makeup Primer Spray (4 oz. bottle $35) because it was different from the other bazillion primers I have, and she heard this one was pretty fantastic.

Another confession…I wasn’t particularly interested in trying this primer. I put it off for a long time. I am not sure why…I guess I just didn’t think that a wet, spray on primer was going to work, especially since my favorite primers tend to be silicone-based. Luckily, sometimes my partner knows me even better than I know myself.

Skindinavia The Makeup Primer Spray

Skindinavia The Makeup Primer Spray is a light liquid that feels like a very fine mist. It needs to be shaken well before spraying, and once on it dries in seconds. Unlike silicone primers, this doesn’t make my skin ultra crazy smooth. However, it does make it smoother, which helps my makeup apply evenly. What is the most impressive, though, is how it keeps my makeup from fading all day long. I don’t mean 8 hours…I mean 12, even 15 hours. I have never experienced anything like it!!

The Makeup Primer Spray is absolutely one of the best primers I have ever used. I can’t even fully articulate how impressed I am with it. While I love my other bazillion primers, I do believe this is my most favorite of them all.

Whether you never use a makeup primer yet or are a primer addict like me, you need this primer. It just plain rocks. – Lisa

*received for editorial consideration

www.skindinavia.com

Filed Under: beauty, Primer, Skindinavia · Tagged With: primer, Skindinavia

Primer and sun protection with Equitance Sunscreen SPF 36

Hard Candy Sheer Envy Hydrating Primer Mist and Illuminate Strobing Mix-in Drops

Get ‘blurred lines’ with Vita Liberata Body Blur Instant Skin Finish #BodyBlur

Hard Candy is so 2016 – strobing, fierce lips, and glowy primer

First Kiss Flush with Pixi Beauty

Let’s meet Geri G (and her Transceutical™ Canvas and Innocent Foundation)

“NanoMarine-5®—The Nutrient-rich Ingredient-Exclusive to Geri G.®

Straight to the top of my favorites list: Skindinavia The Makeup Primer Spray

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