Glossier Perfecting Skin Tint

I finally got around to using the Glossier products I picked up last month, and this one was first out of the trap. I love a light coverage base almost as much as I love my dishwasher, so this came with great promise. Glossier is the off-shoot of the website Into The Gloss, and has triumphed with a range that has become 'must-have', despite the limited distribution meaning you have to buy it to try it. How do you do that?
You make your packaging, message and marketing scream 'We're so trendy and covetable, you need us, or you won't be.' Glossier is the brand equivalent of Mean Girls. And I say that as an observation, not a criticism.

It's a marketing dream. Even yours truly, with a bullshit detector rating of 11/10, ordered the Phase 1 Set, along with an extra Balm DotCom, before I checked the ingredients, ending up with two very expensive lip balms that are essentially Vaseline in better packaging. More of which for another day.

So tint time:

I thought I'd write this in the way I spoke about it after I tested it (a few times), almost like a checklist. In my head. As you do.

• Coverage is not light, it's literally 'barely there', like almost non-existent. Like you're tanned and sweaty.
• You do not want this if you do not have perfect/really good skin, unless it's to give you 'something' if you're going to the gym first thing, for example, then maybe yes.
• If you're on your period and hate your skin, reach for the full coverage, don't waste this. This is only to be dragged out on those 'DAYUM I look goooood' days OR on those school run mornings when you think 'Jesus, Mary and Joseph woman do something you old hag'.
• If you don't shake it before you attempt to get some out, you'll have cappuccino coloured water running through your fingers. Don't do that. I tried it so you don't have to.
• It gives a good glow, but too much of a good thing and...
• If you're oily, it gives too much of a glow and I think you're going to need powder, which for me, misses the point.
• I like this packaging, it's cheap, but oddly much more solid than its heftier, higher price point comrades.
• It comes in five proper shades from light to rich, and the names are appropriate (light, medium, dark, deep, rich), not offensive i.e. the ever-popular foundation name of 'tan', which I've always thought should be renamed 'white people tan'. 
• Chantecaille people: This is less coverage than Just Skin and a smidge more than Real Skin. A smidge. 

• Bloody Hell this isn't much coverage for $26.00
• But it's nice enough if you can afford it
• I'll probably never be without it
• You're paying for the name
• You can't sit with us

Glossier Perfecting Skin Tint is $26.00 and available here: glossier.com/perfecting-skin-tint - you probably want it even though you don't need it.

*No affiliate links. See my full disclaimer here: http://bit.ly/1rpEmSq
The views expressed on this site are the author's own and are provided for informational purposes only. The author makes no warranties about the suitability of any product or treatment referenced or reviewed here for any person other than herself and any reliance placed on these reviews or references by you is done so solely at your own risk. Nothing on this site shall be construed as providing dermatological, medical or other such advice and you are always advised to seek the advice of a suitable professional should you have any such concerns.

Hall of Fame - Chantecaille Just Skin

Shiny new logo for a shiny New Year!

After discussing Chanel's new foundation earlier this week and mentioning this, it occurred to me that it has hardly been mentioned here, despite me using it for 10+ (or thereabouts) years. Chantecaille Just Skin 

How is it described?
'This exceptionally versatile three-in-one formula represents a new approach to foundation, powered by the latest Japanese technology. It provides excellent coverage, smooths fine lines and offers sun protection.'

For me, it's a cross between a tinted moisturiser and a foundation, but it's closer to the moisturiser end of the spectrum.

How many shades?
6

What's in it?
Water, Cyclopentasiloxane, Butylene Glycol, Noepentyl Glycol Diethylhexanoate, Peg-10 Dimethicone, Glycerin, Dimethicone, Phenyl Trimethicone, Peg-400, Magnesium Sulfate; May Contain: Silica Dimethyl Silylate, Dimethicone/ Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Mica, Silica, Trimethylsiloxysilicate, Phenoxyethanol, Dextrin Palmitate, Methylparaben, Tocopherol, Methicone, Alcohol, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Algae Extract, Lonicera Japonica (Honeysuckle) Flower Extract, Preregen, Nectapure, Edelweiss GC, Rose Water Concentrated E4445, Colorants, Talc, Titanium Dioxide, Iron Oxides, Stearic Acid, Aluminum Hydroxide

How best to apply?
I apply with fingers. It's almost like a moisturiser.

How's the coverage?
It covers but it's sheer. You can still see skin underneath.

Do you need a primer with it?
No, but I use one.

Can you feel it on the skin? Is it breathable?
Extremely breathable, this literally feels like a face cream as opposed to a foundation.

Does it give good glow?
This being Chantecaille, of course. Skin is luminous after application.

What's the staying power?
I can happily apply once in the morning and it will last most of the day. If I was going out in the evening however, I would have to reapply. Due to the high water content it will go patchy if you are dehydrated. I take this as my cue to add a ton of hydration after the evening cleanse.

Does it block pores?
No. It's light and doesn't sit 'in' the skin.

Best skin type/age?
You will need more coverage than this if you have particularly problematic skin. It's brilliant if you have fairly good skin, and across any age, but I think it would be most appreciated by a slightly older skin - and by that, I mean 30+.

Anti-ageing benefits? And would they/do they work?
Yes. And yes, in my experience.
Hyaluronic acid, 'botanical anti-pollution and antioxidants' including honeysuckle, green tea and edelweiss.

SPF content? Chemical/physical?
15 - physical - titanium dioxide

Who is it best for?
Anyone wanting light-medium coverage, it is buildable, but not for you if you want heavy-duty coverage.

Does it service WOC with the shades?
No. I love Chantecaille but they have a long way to go with darker colours, not just in this, but in Future Skin and the Compact Makeup also. And some of the names of the darker Future Skin colours are just 'no', but that's for another conversation.

And?
Like I said, I've used this for years, it's in my permanent stash and my backup stash. I switch between Tan and Wheat, depending on my sun exposure, the time of year etc.
I won't be without it.
A little goes a long way, I probably use two tubes a year.

Chantecaille Just Skin is £58.00 from SpaceNK.com or $69.00 on Nordstrom.com

NARS Spring/Summer 2012 - loveliness abounds

Last week I was invited to a NARS Masterclass showcasing the new colours for Spring/Summer -and what lovely colours they are. I don't cover a whole heap of makeup on this blog but its NARS. You have to wear NARS. It's the law. And frankly if you're woman over a certain age *coughs* and have yet to experience the joy of a NARS blusher making you look alive again - take my word for it. Get to a counter near you and ask for an Orgasm or some Deep Throat. At the very least a Mata Hari or just your regular Sin. What can I tell you - the man is filth.

Don't be fooled - while he may have 'questionable' names for his blushers - his quality is hard to match. This is high end at its best.

The stars of the show for me were the amazing new tinted moisturisers - with a base of waters from Francois Nars home of Polynesia, the seven shades promise to hydrate, brighten, provide antioxidant support and promote cell renewal while simultaneously offering build-able, glowing coverage. Skincare, coverage AND SPF. Marvellous.

NARS Tinted Moisturisers are £27.00 and available now from SpaceNK. The S/S Collection is on counter Monday and the website is taking pre-orders now.

God I love me some NARS.


* not affiliate links
* what I have spent on NARS in the last 15 years probably bought the sundeck on his island home. Where's my invite eh?