Summer Dream = BB Cream

When summer really hits the last thing anyone feels like doing is putting on gobs of makeup! The current weather in your area may be unbearably hot and sticky, but you still want to look and feel amazing as you walk out the door to your job, a date or for a quick shopping trip.

The Pros had heard of the current trend called the BB Cream and at first we thought it was such a gimmick that we overlooked several samples sent to us to try. We thought the product would be just another tinted moisturizer with a few extra ingredients inside, so we tossed the samples in a bin and made a note that we would get to test out the product eventually.

Well…on a recent and very long layover at London’s Heathrow Airport, Pro MUA Melissa Street wandered into the Boots No7 store to pass a little time. While perusing the aisles she came across the No7 Beautiful Skin BB Cream and remembered about the samples sitting in the “bin” back home. She noticed that several women waiting in line to check out had this cream in their baskets and since she had 5 hours to “kill” she figured it was time to get educated and started to play around with the testers.

Mel immediately discovered the difference between a BB Cream and a Tinted Moisturizer…it was not only the ingredients, it was the amount of coverage the cream provided. One thing that Mel personally disliked about using a tinted moisturizer was that the coverage was too light and she always felt the need to use a concealer on her over 40 skin.

Now, the main thing about a BB Cream is that it is a unique 3-1 formula – moisturizer, primer, SPF – all rolled into one while at the same time enhancing the skin with a tint of foundation. It is a multitasking product that eliminates the need to pile on massive skin prep as well as foundation.

Not all BB Creams are alike though…some provide a light or heavier SPF ranging from 15 to 45. Others have 5-1 ingredients by adding pearl pigments for a natural glow or minerals, antioxidants, vitamins, etc., to boost skin elasticity. Some have a matte effect on the skin and some massively hydrate. The bottom line is…the market is becoming saturated with BB Creams so how do you find the one that is right for you?

The Pros have now tested about 15 different BB Creams and have narrowed it down to 4 of our favorite. All provide different results and all of the following recommendations can be used on all skin types.

Boots No7 Beautiful Skin BB Cream – this was the very first cream the Pros tried and we fell head over heals for the coverage! This product has a heavier coverage than a typical BB Cream. Contains an SPF of 15, it comes it two colors – Fair or Medium. Not a ton of range when it comes to skin tone, but the Medium color will work up to light Olive toned skin. Comes in 3 formulas: Normal/Dry, Normal/Oily or Dry/Very Dry. This product disguises imperfections and in some cases eliminates the need for a concealer. Blends beautifully on the skin by applying with a brush, sponge or fingers. Some formulas set more matte so wait about 5 minutes to let it settle into the skin before lightly powdering – you may find you do not need to powder at all!

Smashbox Camera Ready BB Cream SPF 35 – this product provides amazing medium coverage and can be applied under typical foundation or worn alone. It does eliminate large pores and controls oil. Contains an “optical pearl pigment” that helps give skin a glow eliminating looking too flat or too matte. The color range has 5 colors to choose from in Fair to Dark. We prefer to apply and blend this product with a stipple brush or Beauty Blender Sponge. This formulation is best for normal to dry skin or slightly oily textures (in the T-Zone) and great for more mature skin.

Embryolisse Complexion Illuminating Veil – BB Cream – SPF 20 – this cream is great for oily skin because it contains mineral powders that will help to mattify the skin and control oil throughout the day. Contains a potent moisturizer, hyaluronic acid and color-changing pigments, which mean one color for all! This product is universal and will change to match your skintone. The Pros have found that this product settles into the skin very matte so there is little need to powder. Provides a lighter coverage but still blurs pores and fine lines while concealing minor imperfections. We prefer to apply this product with our fingers or a stipple brush.

Senna Cosmetics Barley Base – this product by far has the best range when it comes to skin tone colors with 7 to choose from – light to a deep dark. Contains an SPF of 20, this product has very light coverage, is oil-free, fragrance-free and longwearing. This product is mineral infused which provides a youthful, healthy glow. It does boost elasticity and will prevent your skin from looking dull in texture. It has a sheer coverage so you may feel the need to use a concealer to cover more pronounced skin imperfections or a break out. Good for all skin types and we prefer to apply this product a sponge or brush for an even application.

All the BB Creams listed above contain a minimal amount of SPF so it is recommended that if you prefer more sun protection that you apply a thin, even layer of facial sunscreen first, but let the sunscreen sink into the skin for about 10 minutes before applying the BB Cream. We recommend Jan Marini's Antioxidant Daily Face Protectant SPF 30.

Also, it is important to note that the BB Creams listed above are not waterproof nor is the sunscreen within the product so make sure to reapply after swimming or long term exposure to the sun!

The Pros love a fresh makeup look, especially in the summer and we prefer to use products that are more long lasting, so now is the time to try those cream blushes and eye shadows too in brighter, fun colors!

Stay cool!

Cathi's Beach Bag Must Haves for Summer 2011!

Warm weather has arrived, and while you’re online planning your vacation getaway, steal a few moments to take inventory of your beauty essentials to get you through the hot days!

Whether it’s Hawaii, San Tropez, or your own backyard oasis, here are some items this Pros has in her beach bag this summer! 

First off, sun protection! You should never leave the house without sunscreen. If you plan to be in the water for an extended period of time, make sure your sunscreen is waterproof and reapply at least every 2 hours.

I can’t even go to Starbucks around the corner without taking along Jan Marini Antioxidant Daily Face Protectant SPF 30. It is incredibly lightweight, can easily be worn under makeup, and has broad-spectrum UVA and UVB protection. It is also oil absorbing, which prevents clogged pores and don’t forget the Antioxidant Body Block!

Coming from a family history of skin cancer, I can tell you the areas most missed when applying sunscreen are: the tops of the feet, the top of the head (hairline part), ears, neck and hands.  Those are the most commonly exposed areas while driving, walking, and sitting outdoors that are extremely sensitive.

Dermalogica Solarshield SPF 15 Stick provides 80 minutes of sun protection in the water and is great for quick applications to the nose, lips and ears.

If you have a sunburn, rash, or insect bite, I have found Kiehl’s Centella Recovery Skin Salve to be an effective cure and provide quick relief. It’s also great to have around after a micro-dermabrasion facial or peel as it heals sensitive or irritated skin.

For those of you that like an SPF combined with your makeup, check out my new summer obsession! Intellishade SPF 45 Matte by Revision Skincare is the best skin science experiment! It comes in one shade, and once applied, changes color to match your individual skin tone! I wouldn’t have believed it unless I tried it on several different clients - all with varying skin tones. It matched them all, while providing light matte coverage. It also contains peptides that reduce the appearance of fine lines. Consider your five-minute makeup routine possible with this product!

Keeping with the theme of quick and efficient, other must haves in my beach bag are from NYX Cosmetics - cream blushes and lippies! Creams are fantastic for summer because they hold up well in high temperatures, are water and sweat proof, and have easy blendability.

These NYX blushes can be layered, and leave a fresh, sun kissed sheen on the cheekbones. I am currently obsessed with Bronze Goddess, which I apply to the high points of my cheeks, forehead and bridge of my nose, and voila! Beach Bunny!

For a flushed, romantic cheek, try the Red Cheeks color, and dab a bit on your lips for a light stain. For those of you in search of a more muted nude color, Tea Rose and Golden are excellent choices.

The Pros know lip gloss (whether it’s one or seven) is a must in every woman’s bag, and sunny days call for lots of gloss. But when you’re out having fun in the sun, who wants to constantly reapply? Introducing NYX Matte Lip Creams - moisturizing like a gloss, and color durability like a lipstick blended together to create a matte cream that lasts and lasts.

I have been using these creams on set for a few months and like to apply them as a stain and then layer gloss or lipstick as needed. They are perfect on the go, and at $6.00 each, you can have fun with all of the colors! Some of my favorites are Antwerp, Addis Ababa, Amsterdam, Stockholm, and Istanbul.

We all know bright colors are in this summer - with coral making a huge appearance. I fell head over heels for NYX Lipstick in Haute Melon. It’s bold, bright and will catch some attention! Throw it on with some tinted moisturizer and mascara and head out the door.

Speaking of mascara, I carry that in my bag too! I recently got to try the newest mascara from Smashbox Cosmetics, Full Exposure. Ever since I’ve started wearing it, I have been asked if I’m wearing false lashes, or if I had lash extensions put on. The answer is no, it’s just an awesome product! Part of it’s magic is that it contains aloe which hydrates and conditions the lashes, making them stronger, longer and more full. If you plan on jumping in the water, this mascara is not the best choice as it is not waterproof, but it is long wearing and smudge proof. For waterproof options, we like Makeup Forever Aqua Smokey Lash as a stay put formula.

Chlorine, sun exposure, and product build up all reek havoc on our hair. It’s important to give our lovely locks a little TLC too. I use several products from Enjoy hair care line, but find the Leave In Conditioner to be a wonderful sulfate-free product that fights frizz, tangles and gives hair the extra moisture it needs during dry weather.

I may be a slightly color enhanced blonde, but nothing beats the sun-kissed streaks in your hair after a day at the beach. John Freida Sheer Blonde Go Blonder Lightening Spray lightens hair in 3-5 uses. Just sprtiz and go. Great for a quick touch up in between color appointments!

We all love those effortless, texturized, wind-blown beachy waves in our hair, but if you don’t have an ocean nearby, this product is the next best thing. Bumble and Bumble Surf Spray is the cult favorite - key ingredient sea kelp extract gives fine hair volume and the perfect messy coif.

Energize your skin and keep it fresh on the go with one of my favorite hydrating mists from Youngblood Cosmetics. Minerals in the Mist spray comes in three blends, each packed full of vitamins, minerals and essential oils. Recharge energizes with ginger and mint; Refresh cools with tangerine and grapefruit extracts; and Restore calms with a blend of lime and rosemary.

A new addition to my bag this season is makeup artist Melanie Mills’ Gleam Body Radiance. Not only is the scent tropical and delicious, but also it hydrates and delivers a gorgeous sheen to any skin tone. The product garnered a lot of attention on the hit show, “Dancing With the Stars” as Melanie used it on all the performers to get them camera ready.

Gleam camouflages stretch marks, scars, and other unwanted spots and gets you ready for that yellow polka dot bikini. Get bronzed with any of the four shades: Rose Gold, Light Gold, Bronze Gold, and Deep Gold. Visit www.gleambymelaniemills.com to order.

Maintain that perfect pedicure after leaving the salon with Essie Polish No Chips Ahead Top Coat. Just one quick coat and your Pro paint job is extended by 10 days. My summer shade is OPI, Monsooner or Later and the Essie top coat has kept my polish shiny and chip free!

Hope some of my favorites make it into your beach bag this season! Whatever exciting adventures your summer brings, have fun, be safe, and don’t forget the sunscreen!