MAKEUP WITH BENEFITS : PERRICONE MD
As a long-term advocate of putting skincare before makeup, I've always had a soft spot for virtuous makeup products. We spend so long focussing on ensuring that our skincare regime is perfectly suited to our complexions and is packed with all of the right ingredients, before throwing it all to pot and slathering our faces with makeup that is more often than not packed with nasties. I'm especially fussy when it comes to base makeup; in my experience, a good foundation [much like a good cleanser] is worth investing in. It's the one product we wear longest, on such a regular basis, and in such close proximity to our skin that we really ought to pay more attention to its formulation.
Enter Perricone MD's No Makeup Makeup range - a bolt-on to the brand's famously luxurious and efficient skincare line, which offers a complete makeup range packed with all the benefits of your favourite skincare products. From foundation to blusher, lipstick, and mascara, the beauty of the range is that every single product is a two-in-one; yet neither aspect compromises the other, and instead each works in synergy with the other to provide long-lasting, weightless coverage alongside an abundance of skincare goodness.
NO BLUSH BLUSH*
I'm henceforth declaring this to be 'the blush for those who don't like wearing blush'; if you live in fear of overly rosy cheeks or have never managed to find a shade to match and enhance your complexion without it looking painted on, then this is the blush for you. The colour is designed to mimic a healthy blush, and does so in the most natural way possible - thanks to the fresh and sheer finish of the silky and serum-like formula, which means that it can be applied as lightly [or as heavily] as you desire. I use the doe-foot applicator to press three dots onto my fingers before blending these onto my cheeks in a circular motion which serves to subtly shape and define cheekbones. Despite its sheer finish, I find that it lasts exceptionally well [unlike most liquid blushers] and the colour is complementary to any number of skin tones. Hero product of the range, right here.
NO FOUNDATION FOUNDATION*
Minimal coverage is to be expected, given the name, but I was pleasantly surprised with this formula; just a little was needed to blur imperfections and deliver a natural looking, translucent coverage. Essentially, if you have good skin then this will be a dream to use [you can expect your skin's natural tone and lustre to be enhanced in the most natural of ways] but if you're after a high coverage foundation, look elsewhere [it's worth adding here that this didn't cope well with consequent concealer application]. Blending smoothly to a sheer and neutral satin finish that gives skin a fresh and healthy glow, the formula is a little sticky, so is not one I would commend to wearing in heat or for a prolonged period of time - but despite this, it doesn't appear shiny, even after an entire day's wear. Skincare benefits are provided in abundance - notably, broad spectrum mineral SPF formulation alongside a high concentration of Vitamin C.
NO FOUNDATION FOUNDATION SERUM*
Less a foundation and more a serum with tint, this one only comes in two shades, so unlike the above, is a little less customisable. Saying that, I'm nearly always the very lightest shade in foundations and this wasn't too dark for me; in fact the subtle warmth added a pleasingly healthy glow without appearing orange. The dry oil formula dispenses through a pipette, offering a truly modern foundation experience, and has a lightweight texture that will suit all manner of skin types - it absorbs quickly and easily, without settling into fine lines or clinging to dry patches. The thin fluid is best applied with the fingertips in order to achieve a seamless 'second skin' effect that results in a sheer, natural-looking coverage - enough to cancel out redness and blur imperfections [much like the Glossier Skin Perfecting Tint]. This is two products in one, and whilst part one is a luxury foundation, part two is a notably high-performing serum; rich in neuropeptides [to improve firmness], alpha lipoic acid [a potent antioxidant], and vitamin C. Like the above, it contains broad spectrum sun protection via a blend of zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, and has the added bonus of a fragrance-free formula.
NO LIPSTICK LIPSTICK*
More than just a tinted lip balm, with a unique solid-to-serum texture the revolutionary formula of this dual-purpose lip treatment is designed to deeply hydrate and nourish lips whilst imparting a natural and healthy tint of colour. A blend of moisturising jojoba oil, SPF15 protection, and neuropeptides provides moisture and protection, whilst boosting the appearance of suppleness and firmness, without leaving a thick, heavy layer upon the lips. The colour itself is formulated to adapt to lips' natural colour whilst enhancing their definition with a subtle rosy flush, allowing for a sheer but buildable finish, which can be combined with other lip products. This is effortless to wear and apply, no mirror required.
Have you tried Perricone MD's 'no makeup skincare' range?
