Neutrogena SkinClearing Liquid Makeup, $12

I've never been much of a foundation kind of girl, but lately I noticed that it really can create a nice, clean palette--as a start--and can also help my blush go on more evenly and stay longer. And it's all about that sweet glow, amirite? Of course, being new to the game, I wanted one that wasn't too expensive and also wouldn't clog my pores. What's the point of foundation if it makes your skin worse? I decided to try Neutrogena's SkinClearing Liquid Makeup, which contains salicylic acid to help treat breakouts. At $12, I knew I wouldn't be too upset if it didn't work out; plus, if I did love it, it would be affordable enough to buy regularly.


I chose Natural Ivory for my pale-ish skin. The first thing I noticed was how easy it was to blend. It's smooth and creamy--not sticky or pasty--and matches my tone perfectly. Once it's on, it doesn't feel like I'm wearing heavy makeup, which is super important for me. I need my skin to breathe!

So, does it really clear your skin? Well, I'm not sure if it will actively get rid of a pimple, but it definitely will not make things worse. It does a nice job of covering blemishes while still looking natural (as long as you don't pile on too much) and keeps my oily skin in check (which is a task in itself!). That being said, if you have skin that's on the drier side, this may not be the best product for you. I've found that any dryness is highlighted with this makeup--a light moisturizer underneath certainly helps it go on more evenly. So, it's really made for normal to oily skin.

Final verdict
Cost: $12, and readily available in many stores. Not bad!
Coverage: Medium. Still looks natural, but just more even-toned. I wouldn't suggest putting on too much, though--it can start to look fake.
Texture/feel: It's creamy and easy to blend. Once on, it feels light and smooth. I like to use a light moisturizer underneath just to get a nice, even base.
Skin-clearing?: Well, it controls my oily skin and lets it breathe, but I'm not counting on it to get rid of my blemishes. It certainly is better than heavy, cakey makeup that suffocates your skin. I think it's best for people with normal to oily skin.
Repeat offender: So far, this has been my favorite foundation. It's affordable, super easy to put on when I'm half-asleep in the morning, and helps me feel more confident about my on-the-problematic-side skin. I'm on my second bottle now, so I'd say yes!

Bare Escentuals RareMinerals Blemish Therapy, $28

I originally bought the Blemish Therapy powder as a cheaper alternative to the $60 Skin Revival Treatment. The Skin Revival definitely worked for me somewhat, but not enough to spend $60. Plus, this is powder you can see, instead of guessing how much is left in the container!

It is basically a mix of mineral powders that is supposed to treat blemishes, shrink pores, reduce blackheads, and even-out skin tone. It comes with the little brush seen here. The main ingredient is sulfur (used to treat acne), which is backed up with other natural ingredients like their "soil mineral concentrate" (to exfoliate and reduce pores), white willow bark (pores), tea tree oil (cleanse), clay, farnesol, algae, and aloe vera. It's absolutely chocked-full of pure and natural ingredients, which is great because I feel better putting less chemicals on my skin.

That being said, it doesn't, um, smell that good. Like, at all. It smells pretty bad, actually, kind of like moldy, muddy tea tree oil. But since it's a powder the smell doesn't last too long (if it were a lotion it'd be awful), and I've actually gotten used to it in a pretty short time.

I've used the powder for about a month now. When I apply it after I wash my face at night, it doesn't feel like anything--it's very gentle. I think the powder form helps with its gentleness. It's easy to put on with the brush they provide (even over larger areas), and you don't need to use too much. The color slightly hides the blemish and definitely conceals redness, but my skin happens to match the powder so I'm not sure if it would blend in the same for every skin tone (though they claim it will).

I have seen a big improvement in the areas of redness and inflammation--it calms my skin down significantly. After I pluck my eyebrows, for example, I've swept the powder across them to reduce inflammation and prevent the little zits that pop up afterward. When I do get zits, they're much smaller and heal faster (especially if I don't touch them, such a bad habit!). These two things, to me, make this product totally worth it. My pores can get huge and irritated, my skin can be an oily mess, and this totally takes care of it. I do feel like I'm getting less blemishes as well. It didn't do too much for my blackheads--I don't see an improvement in that area at all. But, the other benefits outweigh this slight downfall.

Final verdict
Cost: $28 is a little pricey, but not as bad as their $60 treatment. The powder seems to last a long time. It's worth it, in my experience.
Natural, gentle: I love this because it's all natural. It does smell all natural, though! It's very gentle--great for sensitive skin like mine.
Effectiveness: I've seen a great improvement in skin tone, pore size, blemishes, and overall oil control. I didn't see much change in my blackheads.
Repeat offender: I will definitely buy this again. I'm happy with the results, even if my blackheads are still here! I would recommend this to anyone with problematic skin, especially if other chemical-rich products irritate you.

-T

Classic SGB: Urban Decay De-Slick Mattifying Powder, $30

So, this is one instance where my experience with the product has changed. I've used it everyday since I bought it and I see a significant difference in my oily skin. Believe me, it's been tested in this summer heat! I've noticed it making a huge difference in my bangs--now that my skin is less oily, my bangs look much better. No matter what I'm doing, this stuff keeps my face in check. So, now I think I may be willing to pay $30, since it totally works! -T

I bought Urban Decay's De-Slick Mattifying Powder on a whim. I had a Macy's gift card and decided to spend it on something I probably wouldn't normally buy--$30 face powder fell into that category. I have combination skin and get self-conscious about it getting oily in my T-zone, but I hate wearing any kind of face makeup (usually feels too heavy and fake). I also have the suspicion that my bangs are looking gross by the end of the day because of my oily forehead. With the warmer weather coming along, I felt like this was a good time to try it out.

The compact is really pretty--clear purple with silver designs of skulls and filigree (much like the Ammo Eyeshadow Palette). The compact is bigger than I thought it would be, basically about the size of my palm. The mirror is a really good size. I feel like for $30, it better be big!

It comes with a flat sponge that's rubbery on one side and cushiony white on the other.

I like the sponge. It fits nicely in the compact and makes it easy to dab at or sweep across your skin. But as you can see, it's already getting dirty, even though I just use it on my bare skin. I feel like if you used it over foundation, it would definitely change the color of that cushion pretty quickly.

The powder is pure matte white, translucent when it gets on your skin--unless you get a little powder-happy, then you're definitely gonna see some of the white build up. But hey, if you're going for the super pale look, might not be a bad thing! It has a kind of tea tree oil scent, probably to aid with the mattifying.

This stuff definitely mattes out the shine. This morning I put it on in the sunlight so I had a nice glare on my forehead (ugh lol) and I could see a distinct difference between where I put it and where I didn't. To my surprise, it made a noticeable difference under my eyes as well. I think something about the lavender-white tone helped chill out my undereye darkness. I also tried it out one day when I skipped my shower (gross, I know, but anything for the blog!) and was kind of surprised with how I didn't look like a complete greaseball. And it might actually help the oil buildup on my bangs--no real definitive evidence, though.

To be honest, it does its job adequately but in actuality it's no miracle worker. You do have to reapply throughout the day. I feel like it takes the shine away but not necessarily the actual oil. I mean, my skin feels velvety, but it's almost like I can still feel the oil underneath. I'm glad I have it because it's gonna come in handy in a lot of situations, but I wouldn't have spent $30 on it if I didn't have the gift card. There are probably cheaper products that would do a comparable job (other blue-tinted powders, blotting sheets, etc.).

Final verdict
Cost: $30 is a bit much for a product that didn't really "wow" me. You do get a lot, though, and it will probably last a pretty long time. At least the compact is pretty and the mirror's big.
Skin type: Oily to super oily. I have some dry skin on my nose (stupid allergies) and it made the powder show up a lot.
Mattifying?: It works--it takes the shine down. But it doesn't really absorb the oil. You will probably have to reapply a couple times through the day.
Repeat offender?: While I'm happy to have it and will probably use it until it's gone, I'm not sure if I would spend $30 on it again. I feel like I could get a cheaper product to do basically the same job.

On a side note, they have released De-Slick in a Tube. Check it out at their site. Nylon likes it, but it has some mixed reviews on Sephora.com. I'm glad I got the powder instead of the "gel" though--it seems like you get more and can use it when needed.

-T

Clean & Clear Oil Absorbing Sheets, $5-$6

The first day of summer was just a few days ago, but already this heat and humidity is getting to my skin. I don't know if it's like this where you are, but around here it has been relentlessly hot. I've been using the Urban Decay oil blotting powder to control my everyday shine, which has been working really well. But sometimes, like if I'm going to be outside for a little bit, my face just sweats right through it (sexy, I know). This is when I break out my old friend--Clean & Clear Oil Absorbing Sheets. I've used other ones in the past but these work just as well as any expensive sheets I've tried.

These are great because there are 50 sheets in a small, flat container that fits in any purse, pocket, or makeup bag. It has a little piece of doublesided tape that automatically picks up a sheet every time it closes.

Tada! Don't worry, I'll spare you the dark blue spotted result of my greasy forehead. Just trust me that these thin little sheets soak the oil right out of your pores and leave your skin feeling smooth. You can use them on your bare skin or over makeup, so they're useful no matter your beauty routine. Using these not only takes the shine off immediately, but also leaves my face feeling cleaner at the end of the day.

Final verdict
Cost: At around $5, how can you go wrong?
Do they work?: They totally work! When I know I'm going to be hot and feeling gross, I always keep these near me. You can see the evidence of it working right on the sheet. Don't be afraid to use two if yours becomes kinda, uh, see-through.
Convenience: They're faster and easier than powder, and you don't need a mirror to use one. Just remember to throw it away when you're done!
For everyone: Male or female, heavy makeup or none at all--everyone who gets a little shiny can use these.
Repeat offender: I've been buying these off and on since middle school, so yes I will continue to! I don't think I'll need them too much when the air gets drier and cooler, but I can definitely use them for the rest of the summer.

-T

Laura Mercier Smooth Focus Pressed Setting Powder (Shine Control), $32

A little while ago I received this sample size compact from Sephora of Laura Mercier Smooth Focus Pressed Setting Powder but I didn’t really have the need for any shine control powder until it got warm outside! I tend to have dry skin during the winter and then normal-oily skin in the warmer months. I have been using the powder after I moisturize my skin but before I put on any blush or other powders. By moisturizing first and then putting on the shine control powder I am able to control the oiliness without feeling like I’m completely drying out my skin.


The powder is supposed to be colorless but it is a light green shade. I have often seen a lot of face powder in this tone, I think it is so that it looks less like powder white and is able to blend in better with natural skin colors. The compact comes with a sponge applicator that I have been using. Sometimes it is easy to put too much powder on a certain spot on your face if you use the sponge but honestly this powder is so fine that the sponge seems like the best tool possible. The compact pictured is 2-3 times smaller than the actual size product.


Final verdict:
Cost: A bit pricey at $32. This is very similar to the review that Tori did a bit ago on Urban Decay’s De-Slick Mattifying Powder. Similar cost, the Laura Mercier one is $2 more.
Does it work?: It definitely works but you have to be careful to not use it on dry skin because it will just look like a white powder spot (I’m having flashbacks to middle school when I thought I should use a Covergirl powder all over my face at all times without moisturizer—gross).
Is it worth it?: I think that it does the job it says it will but it is pretty pricey and you could probably find something similar for less. At the same time, this is such a fine powder that you might not get the same silky feeling with other similar products.
Repeat offender?: This is the kind of product that you won’t use everyday but when you do need it, you will be glad that you have it. I would like it more if it had some SPF protection in the powder because that is always a plus for the warmer months. If I ran out (probably won’t happen very fast!) then I would consider buying the full size powder.

-M

"Prepping Pretty Spring Skin," a guest post by Sarah Logan

When the sun finally begins to warm our faces again, and the world slowly looks a little greener, we always feel the need to freshen up our looks a bit. In an enthusiastic hurry to apply this season’s bright makeup colors, we may forget to stop and realize that the most important step is good skincare for a clean, smooth base. After the cold wind, dry heating systems, and dark days are done with our faces, most of us go into springtime looking a little dull.

To bring your face back to life, there are some basics that always help whether you’re at a spa or your bathroom sink. Firstly, be sure to exfoliate: it can be as simple as adding salt (for oily skin) or sugar (for dry skin) to your face wash or buying one with exfoliating beads in it. It always helps to add a product that exfoliates on the chemical level--with something like fruit enzymes or hydroxy acids--into your regimen for added results. Having microdermabrasion done at a medical or day spa is an option that will provide deep exfoliation beyond what you can do at home. Particles of usually either diamond or crystal are applied by a sand blasting technique or with a rotating wand textured with these particles. This treatment freshens and resurfaces with a more dramatic result than home treatments.(photo courtesy of internationalorange.com)
Second, you need to continuously moisturize to have skin perfect for makeup application. If you’re getting a facial at a spa, that’s great because they will both exfoliate and moisture your skin while you’re there. At home, be sure you’re using a formula appropriate for your skin type, like a gel for oily skin, a thicker cream for dry, or something in between. Some of the face lotions with radiance/skin brightening ingredients are perfect for dewy spring skin, and are a nice boost for any look.
(photo courtesy of fourseasonsdentalspa.com)
If we just take a little extra care in reviving skin at this time of year, the reward will be a complexion that’s more awake and well-textured. Your face will look flawless all season long!

Content provided by Sarah Logan on behalf of Aesthetic Science Institute (ASI). ASI is a beauty school for new students interested in a career in aesthetics and licensed aestheticians interested in advanced aesthetics training and certification.

Do you have some great beauty advice or an awesome product you'd like to share? Email us at sweetglowbeauty (at) gmail(dot)com and we'd love to feature you!

Urban Decay De-Slick Mattifying Powder, $30

I bought Urban Decay's De-Slick Mattifying Powder on a whim. I had a Macy's gift card and decided to spend it on something I probably wouldn't normally buy--$30 face powder fell into that category. I have combination skin and get self-conscious about it getting oily in my T-zone, but I hate wearing any kind of face makeup (usually feels too heavy and fake). I also have the suspicion that my bangs are looking gross by the end of the day because of my oily forehead. With the warmer weather coming along, I felt like this was a good time to try it out.

The compact is really pretty--clear purple with silver designs of skulls and filigree (much like the Ammo Eyeshadow Palette). The compact is bigger than I thought it would be, basically about the size of my palm. The mirror is a really good size. I feel like for $30, it better be big!

It comes with a flat sponge that's rubbery on one side and cushiony white on the other.

I like the sponge. It fits nicely in the compact and makes it easy to dab at or sweep across your skin. But as you can see, it's already getting dirty, even though I just use it on my bare skin. I feel like if you used it over foundation, it would definitely change the color of that cushion pretty quickly.

The powder is pure matte white, translucent when it gets on your skin--unless you get a little powder-happy, then you're definitely gonna see some of the white build up. But hey, if you're going for the super pale look, might not be a bad thing! It has a kind of tea tree oil scent, probably to aid with the mattifying.

This stuff definitely mattes out the shine. This morning I put it on in the sunlight so I had a nice glare on my forehead (ugh lol) and I could see a distinct difference between where I put it and where I didn't. To my surprise, it made a noticeable difference under my eyes as well. I think something about the lavender-white tone helped chill out my undereye darkness. I also tried it out one day when I skipped my shower (gross, I know, but anything for the blog!) and was kind of surprised with how I didn't look like a complete greaseball. And it might actually help the oil buildup on my bangs--no real definitive evidence, though.

To be honest, it does its job adequately but in actuality it's no miracle worker. You do have to reapply throughout the day. I feel like it takes the shine away but not necessarily the actual oil. I mean, my skin feels velvety, but it's almost like I can still feel the oil underneath. I'm glad I have it because it's gonna come in handy in a lot of situations, but I wouldn't have spent $30 on it if I didn't have the gift card. There are probably cheaper products that would do a comparable job (other blue-tinted powders, blotting sheets, etc.).

Final verdict
Cost: $30 is a bit much for a product that didn't really "wow" me. You do get a lot, though, and it will probably last a pretty long time. At least the compact is pretty and the mirror's big.
Skin type: Oily to super oily. I have some dry skin on my nose (stupid allergies) and it made the powder show up a lot.
Mattifying?: It works--it takes the shine down. But it doesn't really absorb the oil. You will probably have to reapply a couple times through the day.
Repeat offender?: While I'm happy to have it and will probably use it until it's gone, I'm not sure if I would spend $30 on it again. I feel like I could get a cheaper product to do basically the same job.

On a side note, they have released De-Slick in a Tube. Check it out at their site. Nylon likes it, but it has some mixed reviews on Sephora.com. I'm glad I got the powder instead of the "gel" though--it seems like you get more and can use it when needed.

-T