Review: Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer SPF20 - Nude

I hit pan on all 2 or 3 of my foundations, so I went to Sephora to find my next love. I tried all the popular ones - MUFE, Diorskin, Hourglass, Nars Sheer Glow, Perricone MD, Josie Maran... etc. I must have tried every foundation there was in the store - to all of them, I have only one thing to say - HELLO DRY FLAKES! Now, the Diorskin foundation was quite good, but the finish was too matte and somewhat powdery, and I'm a dewy kind of girl. I did like their hydrating concealer, however.

Now, you should only apply foundation on a properly moisturized face (and I do), but if a foundation can manage NOT to emphasize dry spots when you have them... all the better, no? That's what I found in Laura Mercier. Really, it was the only thing in my Sephora that did not accentuate my dry spots, and actually made my skin feel nicer, like a moisturizer would.

Review: Skincare Overview, Jojoba Oil, Kevin Beautymaker Aquamarine Stuff

Winter 2009-2010 is the first winter that has ever dried out my skin. Either the winters are getting worse, or my skin is aging... I think it's the latter, though! :( I was getting crazy flakes on my cheeks, and general tightness all over. This is why I have been using more hydrating and moisturizing products lately - and they have made a HUGE difference.

For all you gals out there that swear by a simple regimen - good for you! I used to only need cleanser and moisturizer too. But one day, you'll get to that age... and suddenly the basic cha cha won't cut it anymore, if ya know what I mean. ;)

So, I won't go into details about my basics - cleanser, toner or moisturizer. I think most of you have found what works for your skin type. If you have sensitive skin like mine, watch out for those pesky ingredients and you should be set. Also, you don't need to spend $$$$$$$$$$ on a good moisturizer - you can find less expensive, effective alternatives. (But there aren't as many choices for cheap, effective anti-aging skincare IMO.)

I will be focusing on the steps after toner, and before moisturizer. I'll call these the "serum steps". I'm currently using three things: 1) Kevin Beautymaker Aquamarine Hydrating Eye Serum, 2) Kevin Beautymaker Aquamarine Hydrating Serum, 3) Jojoba oil by Desert Essence.

For skincare, I don't really care about packaging, but here it is in a nutshell:
Beautymaker - 5/5 for the convenient pump
Dessert Essence Jojoba Oil - 2/5 since you can pour out too much. (Not shown below.)

Beautymaker's boxes are very thick and sturdy.

Very simple, plastic casing.

Pump dispensers. Excellent.