The Benefits of a Foundation Moisturizer
Despite what you may think, traditional foundation is significantly different than foundation moisturizer. Quite honestly, it is like comparing lipstick to lip gloss. One is opaque, has more pigment and offers more of a done look while the other evens out skin tone while offering just a hint of color. Of course, they come in a full range of shades and prices starting as low as Cover Girl Smoothers at $6 up to $55 for Hourglass Illusion.
What Exactly is a Foundation Moisturizer?
These types of moisturizers combine a very light foundation coverage with moisturizing benefits for a luminous, natural, healthy complexion. They give an unmade look by adding just a slight tint that matches your skin tone so you look as though you aren’t wearing any makeup with the illusion of flawless skin.
Many of these products also come with SPF so your skin is protected from sun damage, such as Smashbox Focus SPF 15 Tinted Moisturizer. A great thing about this product is that Smashbox has a reputation for being remarkably sheer while making your skin look positively radiant. Smashbox Focus SPF 15 Tinted Moisturizer contains citrus honey ingredients to absorb oil as well as vitamin C and E to provide protection and improve skin elasticity.
Advantages
- Foundation moisturizer never looks heavy. It is the lightest coverage that you can have next to nothing.
- Most will provide SPF protection which is important to guard against wrinkles.
- Cuts down on time since you aren’t having to apply two products.
- These products are easy to apply and blend. Even if you are in a hurry, it is highly unlikely that you will end up with any streaks or lines.
- They are very long lasting. Most last all day without getting that old, caked look that foundation can often leave you with after a few hours. Laura Mercier SPF 20 Illuminating Moisturizer is a great product if you are someone who is on the go from dawn to dusk. It is a little pricy at $42 but well worth the money.
- Tinted varieties are available in virtually every shade so there is a product to match every skin tone.
Disadvantages
- This type of moisturizer is not going to cover up blemishes as well as using a traditional foundation. If you have some problem areas, Estée Lauder Day Wear Tinted Moisturizer is a top-recommended pick. It allows you to not look like you are wearing any makeup but it does provide just enough color to cover red or blotchy skin. Estée Lauder Day Wear Tinted Moisturizer runs $36.50 and is also available with a SPF option.
- Inexpensive products may make your face appear shiny or oily. Pay the extra money and stick with brand such as Smashbox or Urban Decay that will provide you with a matte finish all day without clogging your pores.
Who Can Benefit?
Nearly any female of any age can benefit from these lightweight products. The only people who may not necessarily appreciate them right away are those who are use to wearing heavy makeup. However, even these women will soon discover that a sheer, light, tinted product is a better alternative for running errands, going to the gym or a day at the beach. Not to mention, heavy foundations can cause skin to look much older than it is, especially after it has been worn for a few hours and starts building up in fine lines and pores.
Regardless of your age of lifestyle, a foundation moisturizer is sure to improve your skin, simplify your routine, protect you and make you look younger.