Some months I round up my favorite new beauty products, write my reviews and publish this story. This month, however, is different. I've got really big news to share.
The best new beauty products for May include makeup brushes that look so different from what you currently use that they're practically futuristic. Then, there's a serum foundation from a brand that's never done liquid anything before -- and it's a home run. There's also the biggest innovation in DIY hair color in my lifetime.
These new beauty buys will carry you through Memorial Day and beyond.
The best new beauty products for May include makeup brushes that look so different from what you currently use that they're practically futuristic. Then, there's a serum foundation from a brand that's never done liquid anything before -- and it's a home run. There's also the biggest innovation in DIY hair color in my lifetime.
These new beauty buys will carry you through Memorial Day and beyond.
Bare Escentuals kills the competition with its mineral foundation formulas, but powder isn't for everyone. Finally, liquid-foundation lovers get to experience the brand, as well. Twenty shades of Bare Minerals Bareskin Pure Brightening Serum Foundation, $29, are here.
Unlike other foundations, the line doesn't contain oil, silicone or water -- and it's free of parabens and fragrance. It does contain vitamin C and plant stem cells to brighten the skin, and, of course, mineral pigments, which are suspended in a coconut extract. The texture is truly serum-like -- it blends easily and sinks into the skin quickly.
Unlike other foundations, the line doesn't contain oil, silicone or water -- and it's free of parabens and fragrance. It does contain vitamin C and plant stem cells to brighten the skin, and, of course, mineral pigments, which are suspended in a coconut extract. The texture is truly serum-like -- it blends easily and sinks into the skin quickly.
If you like color, you'll love the Urban Decay Electric Pressed Pigment Palette, $49. It's 10 shades of pure awesomeness. When applied, the colors are just as saturated as they look in the palette -- a feat of true makeup magic. Blend multiple colors together for kaleidoscopic results or, for a subtler look, wet your brush and use one color as liner.
If you color your hair at home, you're probably all too familiar with the mixing bowls, spatulas and brushes the process requires. It's time-consuming, messy and wasteful -- even if you're a DIY genius. Enter L'Oréal Superior Preference Mousse Absolue, $14.99 -- hair color even a baby could use. After years of testing, L'Oréal scientists and engineers figured out how to put hair color in a single bottle -- you shake and apply the mousse. That's it. You can even use it multiple times -- perfect for root touch-ups or covering grays. File this one under: "Why didn't someone come up with this sooner?"
If you want to get rid of wrinkles, use a retinoid -- it's as simple as that. Still, I have a hard time sticking with a prescription-strength vitamin A cream (and I know I'm not alone in this) because the peeling and dryness is just too annoying. Instead, I'm using Strivectin-AR Advanced Retinol Concentrated Serum, $119, which has a high percentage of active ingredients and a patented nicotinic acid complex that helps the retinol work even better. After just a few weeks, fine lines around my eyes seem less noticeable, and since I'm not dealing with frustrating dryness, I'll keep using it.