roses, spain
image jeroen verrecht
(via a-muted-palette)
Destroy the idea that you have to be constantly working or grinding in order to be successful. Embrace the concept that rest, recovery, and reflection are essential parts of the progress towards a successful and ultimately happy life.
(Source: yourbigsisnissi, via cuna-e)
How to choose a level of foundation coverage
There is a perfect foundation for everyone, but discerning which level of coverage is necessary can be a task.
Sheer coverage
Imagine this to be a pool of silicones—perhaps some sun protection and antioxidants—with a drop of pigment. This is not going to cover any imperfections, nor hide redness; this is a slight wash of colour that might neutralize grey, dull skin. Look to Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer as an iconic example, or a primer like Hourglass Ambient Light Correcting Primer, or a blurring-hydrating-anti-aging product like Estée Lauder Revitalizing Supreme+ Global Anti-Aging Wake Up Balm.
A gentle word of caution: Most people say they want sheer coverage, but they almost always want medium coverage once they see how little this level of coverage does.
Light coverage
For someone with nothing to hide, a light-coverage foundation is likely the best-suited option. A light layer will diffuse redness and imperfections, while a touch of concealer will tuck them away. These formulas often incorporate pigments which optically blur the skin; think of a camera slightly out-of-focus. The imperfection is still there if you look for it, but most people will just see a faint spot. Products to look at include Lancôme Skin Feels Good Skin Tint, Giorgio Armani Maestro Fusion, Estée Lauder DoubleWear Nude Water Fresh Makeup, and Chanel Les Beiges Healthy Glow Foundation.
Medium coverage
These are the most versatile foundation formulas as they can be sheered out with fingers or moisturizer for light coverage, or built upon for fuller coverage. They can cancel out all but the most contrasted imperfections, yet still maintain the general shape of the face. If you are not one for a wardrobe of foundations, look for one with medium coverage. Great options are Giorgio Armani Luminous Silk, YSL All Hours Full Coverage Foundation, and Lancôme Teint Idole Ultra Wear Foundation.
Full coverage
At full coverage we are recreating the face. A formula at this level will cover even the most obvious imperfections, but it will also minimize the natural shadows of the face. Adding back shape and colour to the face is necessary; look to bronzer to add back depth and blush to add back natural redness in the skin. Excellent full-coverage formulas include Estée Lauder DoubleWear, Clinique Beyond Perfecting Foundation + Concealer, Becca Ultimate Coverage Foundation, and Giorgio Armani Power Fabric Foundation.
Alternatives to The Ordinary
I no longer support Deciem, and so here is a list of alternatives to their famous brand, The Ordinary, should you too make the choice. I also think it is important to realize that The Ordinary is affordable because it is simply that; ordinary. A more expensive hyaluronic acid serum feels better on the skin, and an anti-aging serum from another brand often targets more concerns than just one. The Ordinary also promotes layering serums to achieve results, which can feel heavy, be expensive, and the pairings you choose can be ineffective. As an alternative, below are science-focused, results-driven skincare products worth considering. No, they are not all inexpensive, and no, they are not ‘dupes’; these are worthy alternatives in each category The Ordinary offers.
Retinoids
- La Roche-Posay Redermic [R]
- Indeed Labs Retinol Reface
- Shani Darden Retinol Reform
- Paula’s Choice CLINICAL 1% Retinol Treatment
- Dr. Brandt 2% Retinol Complex Serum
- Murad Retinol Youth Renewal Serum
Vitamin C
- Drunk Elephant C-Firma Day Serum
- Peter Thomas Roth Potent-C Power Serum
- Dr. Dennis Gross C+ Collagen Brighten & Firm Vitamin C Serum
- Vichy Liftactiv Vitamin C Serum
- Paula’s Choice RESIST C15 Super Booster
- Clinique Fresh Pressed Daily Booster with Pure Vitamin C 10%
Direct Acids
- Pixi Glow Tonic
- Paula’s Choice 2% BHA Liquid
- Drunk Elephant T.L.C. Sukari Babyfacial
- REN Ready Steady Glow Daily AHA Tonic
- Dr. Dennis Gross Alpha Beta Peel Pads
- Clinique Clarifying Lotion 1.0 Twice A Day Exfoliator
Antioxidants
- Paula’s Choice RESIST Super Antioxidant Serum
- Indeed Labs Q10 Booster
- Lancôme Advanced Genifique Sensitive Antioxidant Serum
- Perricone MD PRE:EMPT SERIES Skin Perfecting Serum
Hydrators and Oils
- Estée Lauder Advanced Night Repair
- Drunk Elephant B-Hydra Intensive Hydration Gel
- Drunk Elephant Virgin Marula Face Oil
- Pai Rosehip BioRegenerate Oil
- Pestle & Mortar Pure Hyaluronic Serum
- Indeed Labs Hydraluron Moisture Boosting Facial Serum
- Vichy Minéral 89 Hyaluronic Acid
- Paula’s Choice RESIST Hyaluronic Acid Booster
- Paula’s Choice RESIST Omega+ Complex Serum
- Kate Somerville Quench Hydrating Face Serum
- Clinique Moisture Surge Hydrating Supercharged Concentrate
Anti-Aging General Support
- Drunk Elephant Protini Polypeptide
- Paula’s Choice RESIST 10% Niacinamide Booster
- Zelens Z Luminous Brightening Serum
- Kate Somerville Deep Tissue Repair
Eye Care
- Pestle & Mortar Recover Eye Cream
- Clinique Pep-Start Eye Cream
- Clinique All About Eyes
- Estée Lauder Advanced Night Repair Eye Cream
- Dr. Dennis Gross Ferulic + Retinol Triple Correction Eye Serum
- Clinique All About Eyes Serum De-Puffing Eye Massage
- Filorga Time-Filler Eyes
Sun Care
- Zelens Daily Defence - Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 30
- Clinique Pep-Start Daily UV Protector Broad Spectrum SPF 50
- Avène Ultra-Light Mineral Lotion SPF 50+ Face
- La Roche-Posay Toleriane Double Repair Moisturizer SPF 30