Dan Read Cosmetics Silver Screen Series Shimmer Foundation

I had actually never heard of Dan Read Cosmetics until reading a post on a blog a few weeks ago. The blogger gave the foundation rave reviews, so I became intrigued. Dan Read Cosmetics was created in 1997, for hi-def television, but also to provide make-up that is paraben-free and made from natural ingredients. After reading a few reviews and researching the company, I was ready to give it a shot. The Shimmer foundation sounds great. It's natural looking (think your skin, but better), lightweight, has SPF 15, is sweat-proof, humidity-proof, smudge-proof, and long-wearing. After reading all this, I thought "sign me up."








Now, I must first warn you that this foundation is color matched by either taking an online questionnaire, or by talking to one of their reps by phone. Returns are not accepted, but they guarantee a match for 95% of customers. I took the online quiz and narrowed it down to about 3 shades, and then called to decide between them. I was matched to Far East 3. (My skin is described as Caucasian with Native American and Cajun French heritage). To put that in English, I am in-between shades #8 and #9 in Armani's Lasting Silk Foundation. When the foundation arrived, I was a little surprised. The compact is slightly larger than a single Stilla eyeshadow, and the make-up is hard as a brick. It is a solid, but goes on like a powder. It also looked a little darker than I expected. This foundation also has a learning curve as far as application goes. I have only found one sponge that works (it's a small white sponge, rectangular with rounded corners. Appx. 1.5 in. x 2 in. I think it's by Cover Girl--sold in pack of 3). Brushes and fingers do not work with this product.



One you figure out the technique, the finish is beautiful. I personally, use this as a finishing powder (in place of my Armani powder) to set my foundation or tinted moisturizer (depending on the day). The shimmer is so fine, it gives a satin-matte finish. It truly looks like you have flawless skin. I applied it over my Armani lasting silk foundation (applied very lightly), worked an 8 hour shift, drove 7 hours to meet my family for vacation, stayed up doing Zumba with my sister till 1am....and it still looked flawless. No touch-ups needed. Amazing!!!!

Benefit Cha Cha Tint

Sorry for the infrequent posts the last few months. Several family trips and extra hours at work have kept me very busy! I had a few minutes to myself the other day, and decided to pick up Benefit's newest tint: Cha Cha Tint. I love the new oranges for summer, and this "mango-tinted lip and cheek stain" is the perfect shade. It is just the right shade of peachy-coral to give you a lovely summer glow. I blend it on my cheeks for a nice flush, and also layer it under my favorite gloss for a pretty coral lip.

One bottle will set you back about $29, but it will last forever. A little really does go a long way!

**swatched on my hand**

**Item purchased by me.

Waterproof Wonders 4: SUN BUM Sunscreen

I just got back from vacation in south Florida, and one of the most important "waterproof wonders" to have there is sunscreen!!! I am always on the lookout for a good face sunscreen, and my standards are very high: won't burn my eyes, won't make my sensitive skin break out, won't make me look like a ghost, and if possible, it should smell good. I know that's asking alot, but I discovered a brand in Florida that totally delivers!!! SUN BUM has the most awesome sunscreen I have ever found!

SUN BUM is a small company based in Cocoa Beach, FL. Not only is SUN BUM recommended by the SCF, but there is no animal testing involved in the development of their products. Their products contain Parsol 1789, and protects against both UVA and UVB rays. Our entire family used the SUN BUM face products, and none of us had burnt cheeks or noses. I am a huge fan of both the SPF 30 Face Stick and the SPF 50 Clear Zinc Oxide (my personal fave). Both of these products smell like tropical drinks, come in funky, fun packaging, and protect your face without any irritation. I hope to try out their body sunscreens during the summer. You can find their products in surf shops in many states, and online.

**Items purchased by me.

Waterproof Wonders 3: Maybelline SuperStay 24 Color

Next up in the waterproof series, is a lipcolor that is "everything proof", but still looks beautiful on the lips! Maybelline SuperStay 24 Color is a 2-step lipstick that really does stay in place for up to 24 hours. There is a lipcolor on one end, and a moisturizing balm on the other. This lipcolor comes in 30 shades, ranging from sheer nudes to bold brights. I love that the formula is sheer and slightly shimmery. Just enough shimmer to look natural and soft, no matte finish colors, which can be drying when they are the stay-on formulas.

My two favorite colors are Continuous Coral (bright pink-coral) and Timeless Toffee (pinkish nude). Continuous Coral is a similar shade color as my favorite summer lipstick, Estee Lauder Pure Color Lipstick in Nectarine. I wear the 24 color on the bottom and top with the EL lipstick. That way as the lipstick fades, I still have the "stain" of color from the Maybelline 24 color.

Colors L to R: Continuous Coral and Timeless Toffee

The Maybelline 24 Color ($8) is very impressive, it has the same texture as most of its department store rivals, but has more staying power and more color choices, and cost a fraction of the price!!!!

**Item purchased by me.

Waterproof Wonders 2: Estee Lauder Double-Wear Light Foundation

Alright, so this isn't technically waterproof (I have yet to find a foundation that actually is, and comes in the right shade). Estee Lauder Double-Wear Light Foundation isn't new, but it has been a staple in my cosmetic bag for the last few summers. It is a light to medium coverage foundation, it comes in 6 shades, its oil-free and fragrance-free, and gives 15 hour wear (per EL website). I apply this in the morning, then add the Hourglass Waterproof Bronzer and set it with Urban Decay All Nighter, and I'm good to go! Lasts through ZUMBA class, pool, beach, etc.

2 seems to be a good universal shade for light skin tones. I wear a 3 in the winter (light olive skin), and a 4 or 5 in the summer (tan olive skin).

**Item purchased by me.