While you may think a primer is an unnecessary step in your makeup routine, we bet you'll have second thoughts after you try this one. Not only does it fill in fine lines and rough spots to help your foundation, powder, and blush go on smooth (and stay put all day), but it also reduces melanin formation, which promotes overall skin lightening and minimizes freckles and age spots.
"The pearlized minerals in this primer offer instant skin brightening, and bearberry extract, mulberry extract, and vitamin C help minimize brown spots and inhibit new spots from forming," says Frankel. Bonus: It's SPF 50, which means you can skip the extra sunscreen step in the morning.
All too often, zits also (sadly) lead to scars, and this two-in-one concealer/spot treatment actually speeds the healing of scar tissue caused by blemishes. Just as great: It comes in a handy, no-mess stick that's a cinch to stash in your purse for easy reapplication throughout your day.
Says one Total Beauty reader: "This product covers up all of my imperfections and matches my skin tone quite well. It pretty much lasts all day, and it's super easy to apply. I'd recommend it to anyone!"
If you deal with acne, you know that salicylic acid is a go-to ingredient that works wonders on zits. This oil-absorbing powder is infused with the powerhouse anti-acne ingredient, which means it works to clear skin and prevent future breakouts -- all while masking any blemishes you currently have.
"It's light, it makes my skin feel fresh, and most importantly, no breakouts!" raves one Total Beauty reader. "It's so hard to match my skin color to a powder and have it look right," says another. "But this stuff works great. It evens out my skin color without making my face look orange or blotchy."
We're going to go out on a limb here and guess that you're a multi-tasking type of gal. C'mon, admit it -- you tweet, text, and upload photos to your Facebook page simultaneously. You listen to books on tape while you drive. You watch TV while you workout. And you want your makeup to multitask just as well as you do, working to cover up and treat any skin problems you have.
After all, with all of our newfound skin care technology and big beauty breakthroughs, why shouldn't our makeup bags contain hard working, double-duty products?
We couldn't think of a good reason either, so we rounded up the 10 best primers, concealers, foundations, and powders that not only work like regular old makeup should (making you look like you have flawless skin -- even if you don't), but also go one step farther and help treat the root of the problem.
"There are so many products that are extremely effective at soothing and conditioning the skin to lessen the appearance of redness, dark spots, wrinkles, and acne," says Jenny Frankel, co-founder of Cover FX Skin Care Inc.
You just need to know which products to look for. Here's your cheat sheet.
