Dr.Jart+ Premium Beauty Balm SPF 45 PA+++

Dr.Jart+ Premium Beauty Balm SPF 45 PA+++ ($39) is a protective tinted moisturizer that perfects the appearance of skin while protecting it from the sun and environmental factors. A moisturizer, sunscreen, tint, and treatment serum, this all-in-one product also offers advanced brightening properties with arbutin, one of its advanced ingredients. Arbutin is extracted from the bearberry plant and inhibits tyrosinase, thus preventing the formation of melanin, which darkens the skin.

Ideal under makeup, its natural-looking tinted coverage minimizes the appearance of imperfections and evens skin tone. Antioxidants, biopeptides, and adenosine (effective skin-care ingredients) protect the skin from the sun and free radicals while restoring firmness and elasticity. It's a one-step marvel.

In May, I had featured Dr.Jart+ Water Fuse Beauty Balm SPF 25 PA++, similar in its mission to protect our skin, but with lower UVA and UVB protection levels. Dr.Jart+ Premium Beauty Balm SPF 45 PA+++ is a little more expensive, but, in addition to the sun protection, offers a little more coverage and offers more expensive skin-care ingredients. It comes in a light tint that should blend into most skin tones (probably not chocolate-colored skin). The tint is slightly darker than the Water Fuse Beauty Balm, making it wearable by more women (or men). Both of them blend into my skin perfectly; they seem to adapt to skin tone.

It's a great tinted moisturizer for summer. The oil-free "balm," which is really a light cream, includes sunscreen ingredients that protect the skin from a broad range of UVA and UVB exposure. After a quick application, my skin is left looking smooth, perfect, and natural. The tint is almost imperceptible, but it does even my skin tone and take out the red in the center of my face. It won't cover stubborn marks, like dark sun spots or active acne, but it does "dull" their appearance.

I love makeup-free days on the weekends, but I'll always make an exception for a tinted moisturizer. I purchased several this summer, and I'm slowly testing them. Dr.Jart+ Premium Beauty Balm SPF 45 PA+++ is the second I put to the test after it was sent to me by the company, and it passed admirably. It did everything I expected. Feels good too - moisture without any oil slick that would be too heavy on a hot day.

The ingredients offer advanced brightening and anti-aging power and firm and hydrate the skin. The peptides, almost de rigueur in skin care today, will help restore the suppleness your skin may be losing. If you wear this product under your foundation, you'll find you need less foundation to achieve a perfect look. The sun protection comes from relatively high concentrations titanium dioxide and zinc oxide, which makes it fairly amazing that it feels so light on the skin.

Please remember that even if you are working inside all day, you need a sunscreen. You will be exposed to the sun's rays even through windows. Dr. Jart offers us a way to treat our skin and wear an effective sun screen in one fell swoop, with none of the nasty qualities some associate with sunscreens. This one is perfect for those who can't wear chemical sunscreens.

Dr. Jart, a dermatologist, offers a line of cosmeceuticals. The doctor's approach to product development is based on use of scientifically certified ingredients. Each formula is tried and tested to ensure safety for all skin types - even hypersensitive skin - so everyone can experience the "art of skincare with Dr. Jart." So far, I'm impressed by both products I've tried.

Next time you browse at Sephora, see what you think. Let us know, please!

Photos courtesy of Sephora and factoidz.com

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Dr.Jart+ Water Fuse Beauty Balm SPF 25 PA++

If you are anything like me, a product will catch your eye at Sephora, and you've added it to your cart before you "lose the idea." That was how I came to own Dr.Jart+ Water Fuse Beauty Balm SPF 25 PA++ ($32).

A moisturizer, sunscreen, and treatment serum, this all-in-one product that also hides imperfections because it has a light tint. Made with 50% water, Dr.Jart's Advanced Water Bead Technology helps hydrate and maintain healthy moisture for a dewy, fresh look. Like a drink for your skin, once applied, tiny droplets of water appear before being quickly absorbed, generating an instant soothing and cooling effect. They must be really tiny, because I don't see those little beads of water. What I see is even skin, while I feel a nice level of hydration. I know that sunscreen is offering protection too.

It's a great tinted moisturizer for summer. The oil-free "balm," which is really a light cream, includes sunscreen ingredients that protect the skin from a broad range of UVA and UVB radiation. After a quick application, my skin is left looking smooth, perfect, and natural. The tint is almost imperceptible, but it does even my skin tone. It won't cover stubborn marks, like dark sun spots or active acne.

I love makeup-free days on the weekends, but I'll always make an exception for a tinted moisturizer. I've purchased three for this summer, and I'm slowly testing them. Water Fuse Beauty Balm is the first I put to the test, and it passed. It did everything I expected. Feels good too - moisture without any oil slick that would be too heavy on a warm day.

Water Fuse Beauty Balm SPF 25 PA++ has nice ingredients. The sun-protection comes from relatively high concentrations of octinoxate, octisalate, and titanium dioxide. The other good-for-you ingredients include hyaluronic acid, dimethicone, aloe, portulaca extract, and sea water.

Dr. Jart, a dermatologist, offers a line of cosmeceuticals. The doctor's approach to product development is based on use of scientifically certified ingredients. Each formula is tried and tested to ensure safety for all skin types - even hypersensitive skin - so everyone can experience the "art of skincare with Dr. Jart." So far, I'm pleased.

Next time you browse at Sephora, see what you think.

Photo courtesy of Sephora

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Bobbi Brown Pretty Natural SPF 15 Tinted Moisturizers

Bobbi Brown is featuring Pretty Natural SPF 15 Tinted Moisturizers ($40), one of which is now available in an oil-free formula. The perfect foundation alternative for summer, tinted moisturizers even skin tone and provide a dewy, healthy finish while moisturizing and hydrating the skin. Bobbi's SPF 15 provides broad-spectrum UVA/UVB protection with colors that stay true and blend evenly.

The regular tinted moisturizer is designed for normal to dry skin, and the new oil-free version was created for women with oily skin who want sheer, lightweight coverage and sun protection in one. The refreshing, lightweight gel texture of the oil-free formula hydrates and soothes the skin, while a hint of coverage evens skin tone for a natural finish.

The formulas are packed with good-for-your-skin ingredients.

Here's how the regular formula stacks up.

• Sodium hyaluronate, a moisture magnet, instantly hydrates the skin.
• Petrolatum strengthens the skin's natural moisture barrier, improving its ability to lock in moisture.
• Jojoba oil conditions the skin and leaves it feeling soft and supple.
• Antioxidant vitamin E helps protect against free radical damage.
• The emollient texture applies evenly and blends well.

The oil-free formula offers these benefits.

• Sodium hyaluronate, a moisture magnet, instantly hydrates the skin.
• Emollients and humectants soften the skin and strengthen its natural moisture balance, improving its ability to lock in moisture.
• Collagen-boosting peptides help strengthen and firm the skin.
• Antioxidant vitamins C and E help protect the skin against free radical damage.
• Aloe, sucrose, and caffeine help calm, de-puff, and soothe the skin.

Even though I have dry skin, I want to try the oil-free formula. It sounds fabulous for summer.

Both formulas are available in nine shades, meaning there's a formula and shade for everyone. The tinted moisturizers are available at Bobbi Brown's Web site and will be at counters very soon - just in time for summer.

Photo courtesy of Bobbi Brown

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New Clinique Moisture Surge Tinted Moisturizer SPF 15

Brand new from Clinique, Moisture Surge Tinted Moisturizer SPF 15 ($24.50) is definitely worth a look. Unlike many tinted moisturizers that come in only three shades, light, medium, and dark, and match no one, Clinique's comes in six shades. It's likely you can find one that works for you. I did (with an assist from Kathy Shoreman [aka Miss Brahms]).

Clinique says Moisture Surge Tinted Moisturizer will apply an instant moisture boost with SPF protection for your skin and a hint of skin-perfecting color. The refreshingly lightweight formula provides a no-makeup look and feel, yet covers imperfections with a natural, hydrating touch. It's oil-free, and you know the rest, including dermatologist tested.

Here are the six shades, and you can see they cover a wide range of skin tones. I'm happy to see that women with darker skin have options. Often, they don't need a mask of foundation. A light tint for even skin, and they are ready to go. I selected Shade 1, and it blends into my skin perfectly.You should have trouble seeing the tinted moisturizer in the swatch photo at right. I applied an unblended swatch of Shade 1 at the top. You can see that it's a yellow-toned ivory. Underneath, I applied even less product and blended with my finger. Normally, I would use a sponge or brush to blend. The Clinique tinted moisturizer "disappeared" right into my skin. It was "almost me." If you look closely at my photo, you can see how it masks the veins in my arm toward the bottom of my photo. It's sheer, but it will mask redness and small imperfections in your face.

Clinique's Moisture Surge is a nice moisturizer. Clinique has made it "even better" by giving it a tint with an SPF. Now, we have a fabulous option for days this summer when we don't want to wear a full face of makeup. I am looking forward to both summer and wearing it.

You can count on Clinique for makeup that doesn't have a fragrance (thank you!), and the price is always great. Clinique is widely available, which means all of you can find it. I got mine at Neiman Marcus. You can see Moisture Surge Tinted Moisturizer SPF 15 at Clinique's Web site. I recommend you check it out. Sometimes the simple pleasures can be enormously gratifying.

Photos at top courtesy of Clinique

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Orlane Super-Moisturizing Tinted Cream

Orlane Paris has a new Super-Moisturizing Tinted Cream ($75), which combines anti-aging active ingredients with light-reflecting pigments to make your skin look even and radiant. This tinted moisturizer transparently evens skin tone and boosts your "glow factor." The treated pigment in it withstands water (and humidity) and even sebum for a long-lasting natural look. Orlane's product even softens lines and imperfections. A diamond powder, which reflects blue light, gives it a soft-focus effect on the skin that we all love.

I got a sample during the blogger event I attended at Neiman Marcus Mazza Gallerie two weeks ago. There are three "self-adjusting" shades, from #1 (Light), the lightest, to #3 (Amber), the darkest. The sample I got is shade #2 (Golden), and it's obviously too dark for me (see swatch below). No matter - I was able to see how nice the texture is by trying #2.

As a rule, I don't "love" tinted moisturizers. They often make my face look dirty. It's hard for me to find the right shade, and many companies, Orlane included, don't offer a full range of shades. If you can find the right shade for your skin, you will like Super-Moisturizing Tinted Cream.

This is definitely an anti-aging moisturer, intended for women over 30. The complex of aquatic plants and biomimetic active ingredients is intensely and lastingly moisturizing. The active ingredients help capture, retain, and redistribute water. Orlane's B21 Bio-Energic Anti-Aging Complex stimulates cellular energy and regenerates, smoothes, and firms the skin.

I used to be an Orlane addict. I loved their products. Somehow, over the years, I moved away from them, probably because Rene Marshall and her sister Vanna were no longer working for Orlane. They had been my gurus. I need to explore the line again, particularly with the most recent improvements. I plan to check out shade #1 in this tinted moisturizer to see if it works for me. My swatch of #2 is shown at right. I loved its transparency, and I loved the feel. Now I just have to see if the company has a shade for my pale face.

The swatch shows the unblended application at the top and a blended application below. If this is your skin tone, you could be a #2! I know the shades are supposed to adjust to your skin tone, but there was no way #2 was going to adjust to mine.

You can purchase Orlane's Super-Moisturizing Tinted Cream at Neiman Marcus (not all stores) and Bloomingdale's.

Photo at top courtesy of Neiman Marcus

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