Dec 20, 2022·edited Dec 20, 2022Liked by Valerie Monroe
Thank you for the links and recommendations for foundations and primers. I usually use a tinted moisturizer -- right now it's Laura Mercier's Tinted Moisturizer Oil Free Natural Skin Perfector Broad Spectrum SPF 20. I like it for my oily skin, and on drier days I layer it over some lightweight moisturizer.
Speaking of not getting a cut of sales, I wouldn't mind if you did if it's something you like and use. I'm out of the loop and I appreciate recommendations. I want the Hermes lotion you linked to a couple posts back. (I love a fragranced lotion instead of a traditional perfume). I told my husband it's 75 dollars and just a little luxury item and he said my entire life is a luxury item. I haven't bought the lotion yet but I loved his comment and I laughed because I do have a luxurious and charmed life. It may not be luxurious in the traditional sense ( I'm a registered nurse with a lower to middle class income) but I'm feeling like gold!
Val, such a good reminder! I used to love the Smashbox primer. To me the greatest benefit is you can use so much less color/foundation -- it makes a little go a long way, you can get really sheer coverage. I'm about to click "buy" on the Gellar one. One marketing note: wish it wasn't called "Spackle." IMO that implies the exact opposite of the light, sheer effect (I'm hoping) it delivers. YOU, Val, are g---old.
You are gold. We are all gold! Wishing everyone the shiniest, happiest holidays filled with so much laughter that we forget the aging and the products and the fixing!
Thanks for these great reads, Val. I learn something I can pass along in every single one.
I have never found a liquid foundation I liked but man, I am addicted to a few products in the Iredale line and can't seem to stop. Even when I retired and was living in rural Arkansas! I tried going 100% bare faced and couldn't get used to how I looked. (Washed out, drab) I tried just using mascara and eyebrow pencil. Nope. On occasion my hubs would say, Hey let's go xxxx! And I would say, I can't- I didn't put my face on today! I've just learned to accept I use light makeup every day. I think I could get off it if I had my eyebrows tattooed, my uneven skin tone lasered, and my eyelashes dyed! Maybe one day...
Primer makes a huge difference for me. My favorite is The POREfessional from benefit but it's pricey so I also use NYX hydra touch. This one is very thin so it comes out a bit too quickly but good for when I want to do my whole face. The POREfessional is great for just my eyes and nose area to minimize my pores. I've also found that using Reviva Labs Bamboo Charcoal pore-minimizing mask weekly helps reduce the size of my pores too- quite noticeably!
Val this is so helpful!! I have wondered about this twin frustration--wanting to smooth my splotchy skin tone, while not wanting to exacerbate lines with pooling makeup. Primer always seemed like a gimmick--just one more thing I was being told I needed. But YOU, I trust.
Fab post, as always! Most days I go makeup-free (except for a tinted lip balm or classic lipstick—a pop of color always brightens my mood).
And I haven’t worn foundation since the “Before Times.” But for special occasions I am a big fan of primer, love how it leaves a soft finish. Good enough that I don’t feel the need for foundation.
Right now my fave is a drugstore brand, No. 7 Airbrush Away Primer (no offense to LG, whom I adore, but isn’t that a nicer name than Spackle?).
The packaging copy says it all:
“Pores and fine lines appear to disappear and wrinkles are put into soft focus…” The No. 7 marketing team is hard at work too, but their R & D team has delivered a fine, budget-friendly product.
It's because of you that I stopped wearing so much gunk on my face, and becamse prettier as a result. But foundation, mascara, and tinted lip balm are still de rigueur for me. xx
I usually stick to Le Roch Posay Anthelios Primer, just around my nose & mouth & i buff out w/ a beauty blender type product and then add Anthelios tinted sunscreen on top,
but on very dry cold days, i like that Anthelios tinted sunscreen mixed with a drop or 2 of Palmers Skin Therapy Vitamin E rose oil.
I've never liked foundation. I think it looks like a mask, so I never wear it. I do wear a light dusting of transluscent powder. It just gives a nice finish, and since it's so light there isn't enough to settle in any wrinkles.
But for those who want something more, how about a tinted moisturizer instead?
Also, Val, I realize this is off-topic, but I just stumbled across this article and wonder what you think:
"How To Get Better Hair When You’re Dealing With Hard Water"
I looked up my city in the EWG database reference there, and I have to say I'm too lazy to do all the blah blah blah, but I wonder if these so-called "clarifying" shampoos really do anything or if they're all hype.
Thank you for the links and recommendations for foundations and primers. I usually use a tinted moisturizer -- right now it's Laura Mercier's Tinted Moisturizer Oil Free Natural Skin Perfector Broad Spectrum SPF 20. I like it for my oily skin, and on drier days I layer it over some lightweight moisturizer.
Speaking of not getting a cut of sales, I wouldn't mind if you did if it's something you like and use. I'm out of the loop and I appreciate recommendations. I want the Hermes lotion you linked to a couple posts back. (I love a fragranced lotion instead of a traditional perfume). I told my husband it's 75 dollars and just a little luxury item and he said my entire life is a luxury item. I haven't bought the lotion yet but I loved his comment and I laughed because I do have a luxurious and charmed life. It may not be luxurious in the traditional sense ( I'm a registered nurse with a lower to middle class income) but I'm feeling like gold!
Val, such a good reminder! I used to love the Smashbox primer. To me the greatest benefit is you can use so much less color/foundation -- it makes a little go a long way, you can get really sheer coverage. I'm about to click "buy" on the Gellar one. One marketing note: wish it wasn't called "Spackle." IMO that implies the exact opposite of the light, sheer effect (I'm hoping) it delivers. YOU, Val, are g---old.
Thank you, Val, for all your wonderful essays this year! Merry Christmas!!
You are gold. We are all gold! Wishing everyone the shiniest, happiest holidays filled with so much laughter that we forget the aging and the products and the fixing!
Thanks for these great reads, Val. I learn something I can pass along in every single one.
I have never found a liquid foundation I liked but man, I am addicted to a few products in the Iredale line and can't seem to stop. Even when I retired and was living in rural Arkansas! I tried going 100% bare faced and couldn't get used to how I looked. (Washed out, drab) I tried just using mascara and eyebrow pencil. Nope. On occasion my hubs would say, Hey let's go xxxx! And I would say, I can't- I didn't put my face on today! I've just learned to accept I use light makeup every day. I think I could get off it if I had my eyebrows tattooed, my uneven skin tone lasered, and my eyelashes dyed! Maybe one day...
Primer makes a huge difference for me. My favorite is The POREfessional from benefit but it's pricey so I also use NYX hydra touch. This one is very thin so it comes out a bit too quickly but good for when I want to do my whole face. The POREfessional is great for just my eyes and nose area to minimize my pores. I've also found that using Reviva Labs Bamboo Charcoal pore-minimizing mask weekly helps reduce the size of my pores too- quite noticeably!
Val this is so helpful!! I have wondered about this twin frustration--wanting to smooth my splotchy skin tone, while not wanting to exacerbate lines with pooling makeup. Primer always seemed like a gimmick--just one more thing I was being told I needed. But YOU, I trust.
Fab post, as always! Most days I go makeup-free (except for a tinted lip balm or classic lipstick—a pop of color always brightens my mood).
And I haven’t worn foundation since the “Before Times.” But for special occasions I am a big fan of primer, love how it leaves a soft finish. Good enough that I don’t feel the need for foundation.
Right now my fave is a drugstore brand, No. 7 Airbrush Away Primer (no offense to LG, whom I adore, but isn’t that a nicer name than Spackle?).
The packaging copy says it all:
“Pores and fine lines appear to disappear and wrinkles are put into soft focus…” The No. 7 marketing team is hard at work too, but their R & D team has delivered a fine, budget-friendly product.
So interesting! I’ve been using moisturizer followed by foundation with good results, where does primer fit? After moisturizer?
It's because of you that I stopped wearing so much gunk on my face, and becamse prettier as a result. But foundation, mascara, and tinted lip balm are still de rigueur for me. xx
The Laura Geller primer in the link you provided is fabulous! Thank you for this recommendation. This product makes such a difference!!
hi, just wanted to add my favorites:
I usually stick to Le Roch Posay Anthelios Primer, just around my nose & mouth & i buff out w/ a beauty blender type product and then add Anthelios tinted sunscreen on top,
but on very dry cold days, i like that Anthelios tinted sunscreen mixed with a drop or 2 of Palmers Skin Therapy Vitamin E rose oil.
as always Valerie , you're the best.
I've never liked foundation. I think it looks like a mask, so I never wear it. I do wear a light dusting of transluscent powder. It just gives a nice finish, and since it's so light there isn't enough to settle in any wrinkles.
But for those who want something more, how about a tinted moisturizer instead?
Also, Val, I realize this is off-topic, but I just stumbled across this article and wonder what you think:
"How To Get Better Hair When You’re Dealing With Hard Water"
https://www.refinery29.com/en-us/2022/12/11234996/hard-water-hair-damage-tips?utm_source=pocket-newtab
I looked up my city in the EWG database reference there, and I have to say I'm too lazy to do all the blah blah blah, but I wonder if these so-called "clarifying" shampoos really do anything or if they're all hype.
Compliments are so tricky! ;) Thank you again. xx
What? LOL. This just made me laugh and then your PS made me laugh even harder. Thank you, Val. xx
Excellent article. Or should I say.. Great answer to a perplexing question!