Stila Hydriating Primer SPF 15 and Hydrating Finishing Powder

Stila has always been a pioneering line. They understood very early the concept of having fun with makeup, not taking it too seriously, while still churning out products to be loved and imitated for years to come- like this gloss packaging which has turned up in virually every drugstore line since its birth at Stila. And like any pioneering line, you need to know what you’re missing and fill in the blanks accordingly.

Stila found their nitch early by perfecting a lightweight and universally flattering line of illuminating foundations, so creating a few friends to get the most out of those foundations was a good call. The Hydrating Primer stands apart from the pack with its SPF 15, and skin-plumping hyaluronic acid, which is time released to keep skin looking fresh all day.

The anti-oxidant packed Hydrating Finishing Powder may sound like an oxymoron, but it manages to both absorb oil while keeping the skin at an ideal hydration level so it doesn’t appear chalky.

Stila’s Complexion Perfection

Laura Mercier Secret Brightening Powder

Most of us aren’t getting enough sleep, hydration, or time away from whatever it is that’s bringing us undue stress. All of these factors (along with genetic ones) contribute to darkness around the eyes, a common complaint from many women I see. While there are many concealers available, all boasting the same magical erasing powers, I’m most amazed by Laura Mercier’s Secret Brightening Powder which is dusted over eye concealer.

Using the micronized transparent white powder sparingly in the inner corner of the eye where you experience dark circles adds instant brightness and luminosity, also setting your concealer for the day. Some extra steps are worth it, and this is something that I personally use daily and can see a difference not only with darkness but with keeping my color from smudging down throughout the day. Next time you’re near a Mercier counter, stop by and have them apply the brightener to just one eye, take note of the immediate transformation as well as the effectiveness throughout the day and be ready to take this one home.

Laura Mercier Secret Brightening Powder

La Mer The Powder

La Mer is known for a lineup of products that are both luxurious and highly effective, producing miracles one jar at a time. The Powder uses airspun seaborne particles which are incredibly lightweight on the skin helping foundation last all day without the slightest hint of chalkiness.

Unique to The Powder is its luminosity, which is almost undetectable offering the appearance of beautifully awakened and fresh skin. I’ve used it for a few weeks now on every face I’ve seen and it’s rested perfectly on skins of varying ages and conditions. The Powder would be ideal if you are dry and tend to shy away from powder, have any fine lines or wrinkles that powder tends to settle into, simply don’t like the heaviness of a powder but would still like the benefit of long wearing foundation or would just enjoy a hint of life in your skin.

La Mer The Powder

DiorSkin Pressed Powder

For us girls who need just a little more coverage or those who favor the matte look to a dewy one, DiorSkin’s Pressed Powder is perfect. It’s a really fine pressed powder that glides on the skin covering any imperfections your foundation might have missed, and photographs really well. I prefer using it with a big fluffy brush for lighter coverage and then using a concealer brush to swipe it right below the lower lash line to prevent mascara from running down. The shades only come in light, medium and dark and I use the medium so if you have darker olive skin or anything beyond that, you unfortunately won’t find a shade that suits you.

DiorSkin Pressed Powder

Laura Mercier Loose Setting Powder

There are exceptions to every rule, I’m generally not a fan of talc based powders. I find it creates that halo effect (aka mime face) in photos due to the way it reflects light. I do however love Laura Mercier’s Loose Setting Powder in translucent.

Mercier is known for her ‘flawless face’ system which includes an impressive line of foundations, concealers, and powders so it’s no wonder she created a translucent powder that is completely appropriate for every skin shade and type. Regardless of the foundation applied, this powder will set it without looking chalky or too matte and ensure a days worth of coverage even on the oiliest of skins

Laura Mercier Loose Setting Powder