Here at Dedicated we've been testing various skin coverage for your summer make-up bags and have come up with the following gems that are not only great products but all readily available and under $15. I've learned a valuable lesson…sometimes make-up doesn't have to be expensive. Now I haven't chosen an outright winner this time as foundations are very personal and completely subjective - I wouldn't ever wear a powder for example – and some people couldn't stand a light coverage. So these are just mine (and Carly's) opinions!
Jane – Nearly Foundation – Tinted Moisturizer – Medium – $4.99 – Available at Rite Aid
The best thing about this tinted moisturizer is it's great SPF coverage (SPF 30) for such a small price, amazing! It's oil free but still very moisturizing and has a light to medium coverage. Colour is natural, albeit a bit pink for my skin and I did find it harder to blend than some of the others I tried, especially around the jawline.
But altogether I've not seen something with such a great SPF coverage for the price. (Apparently this is actually hard to find – I couldn't find it online but I purchased mine in Rite Aid)
By Kelsi Smith.
***
E.L.F Tinted Moisturiser – Rosy Beige – $1
As is becoming my experience, E.L.F really delivers with a $1 tinted moisturiser. I was brought up to believe if you're putting it directly on your skin, especially your face, you should never skimp on quality, and in my experience, quality meant expensive. E.L.F has yet again proved this theory wrong.
This tinted moisturiser provides a relatively heavy coverage and evens tone whilst remaining natural. It can be worn with moisturizers without the risk of loosing your make up through the day as it lasts very well with no 'rub off' factor to worry about.
It's available in 7 colours which seems like a lot for such a bargain brand, and it's definitely cheap enough to buy a couple to make your own custom colour anyhow!
It is a very tiny bottle but a lot goes a long way and it's perfect for keeping within airport regulations. It does have an SPF of 15, not great but at least it's something.
(this was provided for purposes of review by E.L.F)
By Kelsi Smith.
***
Neutrogena – Healthy Skin Glow Sheers – Light to Medium – $11.79
This tinted moisturizer is my favourite of the bunch as I'm not not used to wearing base – so when looking for base I lean towards something very minimal. Glow Sheers is definitely not for someone looking for a lot of coverage, it has a light tint, contains a light shimmer and is extremely moisturizing making the skin really glow (it lives up to it's name!)
An added bonus is it has an SPF 30, amazing for a tinted moisturizer at this price. I would not recommend using this over moisturizer or you run the risk of the make-up just slipping off during the day, as it is so light and moisture rich.
Perfect for that dewy, radiant glow and at $14, you have a moisturizer, light coverage and sunscreen all in one. Fan-blimmin-tastic.
By Kelsi Smith.
***
E.L.F Mineral Foundation ($5) & Concealer ($5)
I love mineral makeup, and I am particularly fond of mineral foundations and concealers. The ELF mineral makeup, though not my favorite, works just as well as some of its expensive competitors. I like a full coverage with foundation, because my skin tone can be fairly uneven at times. If you like a sheer coverage, then the ELF products are perfect for you. They're 100% natural minerals, not animal tested and use no chemical dyes. And they also boast and SPF of fifteen. Amazing.
There are several ways to apply mineral foundations and concealers, and they all have different outcomes. You can apply it wet, or dry, with a brush or with a sponge. It's important to moisturize your skin before apply makeup of any kind. Here are my top tips for different types of coverage;
Sheer coverage: for a sheer, but noticeable coverage, tap a small amount of the foundation/concealer through the sifter and in to the lid of the product. Get yourself a large, round headed brush (preferably a kabuki), but any kind of large powder brush works just fine. Dust the brush around the pot to fill the brush with the product, ever so lightly, and carefully tap off any excess. I prefer to start from the forehead down. Simply and gently dust the brush over you skin, in circular motions, until you feel you need to refill the brush with product, and repeat. Cover your skin once or twice.
For a fuller coverage, follow the same steps as above. However, simply keep applying the mineral until your skin has more of a full coverage. It's best to use a flat head kabuki or powder brush, as it helps with applying the mineral at a higher density.
For a wet application, which will inevitably give a fuller coverage also, simply spray the face with water, and also your brush, before applying the mineral. Remember, circular motions!
I prefer applying mineral concealer, after I've applied mineral foundation, as I feel it helps to highlight your features. I apply the concealer around my eyes, chin and forehead. But everybody is different, just apply the concealer anywhere you feel there is a blemish. Do this with a smaller brush, and fairly dense eyeshadow brush is perfect. Or you could even use a makeup sponge. The key to mineral makeup, is to experiment to see what feels right for you, and your skin. But the perfect thing with this type of product, is that, no matter how much you apply, it still feels weightless and it will never feel like you're wearing too much.
(this was provided for purposes of review by E.L.F)
By Carly Doogan
***
Wet 'n' Wild Ultimate Sheer Tinted Moisturizer – $3.99
This was my least favourite of the few, but it was still worthy of a review as it did have some redeeming qualities.
The main reason it was my least favourite was something happened to it in the heat that made it very liquidy – I guess you could say it melted…! There was some separation in liquids when this happened which made it harder to blend.
I was able to try it before this happened however, it was moisturizing, gave a good coverage with good colour. To be honest it was the kind of tinted moisturizer that you expect for the price, it did the job, but wasn't outstanding.
By Kelsi Smith
Just a heads up- that ELF mineral makeup contains Bismuth Oxychloride, which can be irritating and trigger acne in many people. There are so many mineral makeups out these days that it’s pretty easy to find brands which don’t include this ingredient.
I have problem skin (very sensitive, dry, prone to eczema) and I’ve had really good results from http://www.etsy.com/shop/pinkquartzminerals foundation. It also has a pale shade that is actually pale enough to match my skin, which is hard to find.
Bismuth Oxychloride also gives a shimmery finish that I don’t like, this is just a personal preference but if you like a matte finish, look for mineral makeups without this ingredient. For my over-40 skin, matte just looks better.
Thanks sweetie – this kind of thing is exactly why I didn’t pick a winner! It’s really personal taste. I haven’t got on with any mineral make-ups (eye make-up aside) which is why I had Carly try it!
I have pretty sensitive skin too, and was really impressed that none of the liquid foundations I tried reacted badly with my skin – I’ve tried some more expensive ones that have ruined my skin!
Thanks for trying these out! I’ve been curious about the E.L.F. brand.