Skin Perfect: NEW Moisture Blur Primer by L'Oreal Paris

New from the RevitaLift Collection - Moisture Blur is blurring the lines!

Paris-France Spring is here and most of us are ready for lighter clothes, shoes and makeup. The only thing is the challenge of sporting a fresh, natural look can mean showing your skin for what it is: uneven, full of large pores & acne scars. I've pretty much found my Holy Grail of primers, namely L'Oreal's Miracle Blur which I use in practically every photo shoot. Still that didn't stop me from trying something new from the same line. Oh, so glad I did!

Moisture Blur - Moisturizer + Primer
It's no secret now that red carpet stars like Jennifer Lopez (J. Lo) are in love with Miracle Blur. I liked it when it first came out over a year ago and was one of the first to use and review it. The original formula tends to get a bit dry and stiff in the tube.  It also separated so I've learned not to stock up as age does not improve this product's application. The newer Moisture Blur however seems a bit softer/creamier perhaps because of the addition of moisturizers.

Moisture Blur is creamier than the original Miracle Blur

What's the Difference?
Moisture Blur, as the name implies, has 24hour moisturizers built into the product in addition to the line filling primer action. It is also easier to apply than the original Miracle Blur. On the downside, Moisture Blur DOES NOT have sun protection factors like the original Miracle Blur which has a SPF of 20. This is not really a deal breaker for me because I use a dedicated sunblock no matter what. My sunblock goes on BEFORE my primer and the new one I'm using from G.M. Collin does not interfere with my makeup at all. See: The Top New Sunscreens for Spring-Summer

Less is more. Try a lighter makeup touch for spring.

The Results - Photo Ready Skin
Oftentimes I have to be on location at very short notice for a promotional appearance or photo shoot. The bigger magazines and TV Stations have hair and makeup artists on the set to get you ready. However, to save time and make sure my foundation matches, I'll often take care of that at home via an airbrush (Kett Cosmetics specifically). Using Moisture Blur is a major step up from the Miracle Blur primer because I don't have to remember to apply tons of moisturizer. In fact in the photos above and below, I'm only wearing MitoQ Advanced AntiOxidant Moisturizer under the Moisture Blur. MitoQ is super intense and light, leaving no residue as it sinks completely into the skin. It also helps even out and correct sun spots and freckles due to UV damage.

Moisture Blur offers 24hour hydration.

The Wrap
Suffice it to say, I'm really pleased with the application and all day hydration of Moisture Blur. My pores and acne scars are nicely hidden and after using it on my lids, my eye shadow went on easier as well. My skin is generally oily so winter time makes it just about right. As the weather warms up, I'll see if the Moisture Blur is too heavy or not, however I think it will be fine. You really can't feel it on your skin! I all of these photos I am wearing:

MitoQ Advanced AntiOxidant Moisturizer
Moisture Blur
Lancome Teint Miracle in Bisque (W) 
HourGlass Nectar Lip Gloss
Yves Saint Laurent Golden Gloss
Victoria's Secret Brightening Highlighter
Bare Minerals Top Shelf Eye Duo
Sephora's Color Proof Eyeliner in Navy Blue
Physician's Formula Bronzer

Natural Beauty: Purely Cosmetics & Seventh Generation Boosts

Natural together: Purely Cosmetics of CA and Seventh Generation Boost Serum are part of this look. Check out more of these all natural style secrets!  Breez'r Hat and Shirt by ExOfficio.

I can remember a time when if you wanted to purchase "natural" makeup and skincare products, you went down to the local village health-food store. There you would see only a handful of companies who used natural pigments and wholesome ingredients in their products. Now, that has all changed. You can go into Whole Foods, Wegmans, Duane Reade and find an amazing array of natural products to buy. This includes skincare, makeup and household items.

Natural Beauty ideas for fall 2013: Purely Cosmetics Skin Smoothing Foundation & Finishing Powder infused with diamonds and 7th Generation Boosts - Firming Serum.

Skin Care Products with a Green Approach
I had the opportunity to try some household products by Seventh Generation a few years ago, and many people may think of them for their "green" cleaning supplies. Now they have branched out with their new Boosts which utilize pure botanical and essential oils such as rosemary, tea tree, jojoba oil and more.

Seventh Generation Boosts Skin Serums
These Boosts come in six formulas which you can pick according to your specific skincare needs but they all contain rosemary oil which gives it a slight mint fragrance. It's not strong and quickly disappears but it is somewhat a signature fragrance for many Seventh Generation products.

Boost-Firming Formula
I've been trying out the Firming version of the Boost serum and have only used about a half a pump because it is summertime and my skin is already very moist. This product really does absorb quickly and leaves more of a glowy-plumpness than a greasy feel. I use it at night and when I awake, my skin is not overly oily, just well moisturized. No breakouts even though I have acne prone skin and use Retin-A. I like the lightness of the oil and how it quickly sinks in. Right now the Boosts are sold exclusively at Walgreens and retail for under $16.00. Definitely a bargain as you get a full 1.5 fl oz of product. I would use the Boost either alone or over a lighter, water-based moisturizer.

Purely Cosmetics Makeup 
Now for the makeup! One thing I've seen with European models is that they will spend more on skincare than makeup. They believe cosmetics should enhance good skin, not conceal highly troubled complexions. I agree with that but I do enjoy my makeup counter favorites!  However, for the fall, I am definitely going lighter and relying more on BB creams for everyday wear when I'm not in front of the camera.

Purely Cosmetics contain no bismuth, talc, micronized minerals or other irritants.

Purely Cosmetics 
I tried their Skin Smoothing Foundation which contains pure silk. It gives you very light coverage but would be great over BB cream or tinted moisturizer. The product which impresses me the most is their Diamond Perfect Finish. As the name is a give-away, it contains diamond powder. A little goes a long way and the shimmer is very subtle.  Very pretty even in full sun.

To get my "look", try these cosmetics with the Purely Cosmetics Foundation and Finishing Powder!

The finish of the Skin Smoothing Foundation is so light and airy, like wearing nothing at all. What I especially like is that I can wear it in areas where liquid foundations tend to cake up, like under the eyes. To get my "look" in the lead photo and extra coverage from this foundation:

1.) First I applied Seventh Generation Boost (Firming) and Embryolisse Lait Concentrate 24 hour Miracle Cream and L' Oreal Miracle Blur.

2. Next, Nars Radiant Creamy Concealer and Glamoflage.  

3. Purely Cosmetics Foundation in Olive Beige over the concealer. I then used a large Kabuki brush to apply and blend more foundation over my entire face and neck. Buff it in!

4. Eyes: Sephora Color Proof Eyeliner in Navy Blue, Kett Fixx Creme in Morocco. Lips: Victoria Secret Glossy Tint Lip Sheen in Manic Pink. Cheeks: Nars Orgasm Illuminator and Victoria's Secret Fresh Face Brightening Cream.

5. I topped it all of with the Purely Cosmetics Diamond Perfect Finish powder on a large blush brush.

*TIP: Warm up this look with a sheer bronzer with a little shimmer added. I am wearing Physician's Formula Sexy Booster (below) in the photo.

I've used Bare Minerals for years and while I like it, the product does not give you the opacity of cream or even liquid foundations. Purely Cosmetics says this foundation offers full coverage without looking cakey or emphasizing the fine lines and pores common to those with more mature skin. I really don't have major issues like that (except when my concealer creases) but do like a more dewy finish.

The Diamond Perfect Finish kind of gets around that by giving you a luminous glow without the oily sheen. I'm going to continue testing out this line but if you like Bare Minerals, I think you will really appreciate the difference Purely Cosmetics has to offer.

Foundation, Finishing Powder c/o Purely Cosmetics. I received a free sample of this product from Lucky and Seventh Generation for use in connection with this blog.