Nude Attitude: HIPPxRGB Nail Foundations

❂❂❂

In the summer I love a brightly-colored nail. From trendy neons to tropical-inspired corals, warm weather feeds this need. However, there is nothing like the perfect nude nail polish. A polish that will never go out of style and will flatter and enhance your skin tone all-year-round. If you have ever searched for this unicorn, you know how difficult it is to find.

Last year, Celebrity Nail Stylist Jenna Hipp teamed up with RGB founder Gina Carney to create HIPPxRGB, the first skin tone specific, full coverage, all nude nail color collection. Similar to the concept of foundation for the face, Nail Foundation is the first nail color of its kind designed to match and compliment for a flawless even finish. Available in four shades – F1, F2, F3, & F4 -, Nail Foundation can be applied with two coats or worn under a favorite neutral for a custom blend with added coverage.

Genius. The only word to describe. I mix F1 and F2 to concoct the perfect nude for my skintone. By the end of summer, I may need to add a drop of F3. I love the alchemy involved with these polishes. Mix and match shades for warmer or cooler tones, depending on the season.

ABOUT RGB:

Stands for: The RGB color model is an additive color model in which red, green, and blue light are added together in various ways to reproduce a broad array of colors. The name of the model comes from the initials of the three additive primary colors, red, green, and blue.

RGB is a product line dedicated solely to nail color and care. RGB creates nail color as an extension of one’s wardrobe; we use color as an accessory. It started with the RGB Ten collection: ten iconic colors with a modern edge. Each shade is our sharp take on a classic with a straightforward name to match. While the classic ten will always remain the same, new colors are added seasonally. The chip-resistant and high shine formula is free of harmful chemicals. There is no Formaldehyde, Toluene, DBP (dibutyl phthalate), Formaldehyde Resin, or Camphor in RGB products.

Glow-T’s Mineral Powder Foundation Awards

ΩΩΩ

Glow-T’s Mineral Powder Foundation Awards. 

Trust me, I have tried them all. I am a true fan of mineral powders for texture, coverage, finish and added benefits. To date, here are my picks:

BEST TEXTURE: Korres Wild Rose Mineral Foundation

This talc-free, loose powder foundation contains Korres signature Wild Rose Extract, a natural source of vitamin C that helps to reduce the appearance of fine lines and skin discolorations. The texture is lightweight and feels like it allows the skin to breathe. It glides on the skin with a silky-smooth texture. The coverage is very sheer which makes this the perfect setting powder, for the brightening benefits and SPF 30.

BEST COVERAGE: Youngblood Natural Mineral Foundation

Originally developed with leading doctors and for use in a medical setting, Youngblood minerals are some of the finest available. The Natural Mineral Foundation is no joke. The ultra-fine powders provide the most full-coverage I have seen, yet still feels light on the skin. It produces a flawless, glowing complexion and covers any blemish or discoloration properly. Perfect for all skintypes, it is enriched with minerals that provide UVA/UVB protection and is completely free from talc, perfumes and chemical dyes.

BEST FINISH: Laura Mercier Mineral Powder SPF 15

This finely milled powder is composed completely of natural elements with 15 active amino acids. It helps to clear the skin of toxins, promote healthy skin-cell growth and fight the aging process. The real selling point is the amazing satin finish this product produces. It makes skin look incredibly youthful and luminous. While buffing this product into the skin, it almost feels like a cream and smooths over the skin effortlessly. The water-resistant powder is long-lasting and provides medium coverage and the shade selection is full of neutral tones that look natural on the skin.

BEST IN SHOW: PRIORI CoffeeBerry Perfecting Minerals

The All-In-One mineral powder foundation. Treat/Cover/Protect. The only mineral line that contains CoffeeBerry, a powerful antioxidant that fights free radicals and the causes of aging skin. This foundation feels weightless on the skin. It contains light-diffusing minerals that reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles producing a smoother more perfected complexion. It not only evens-out skintone and redness, but treats the underlying causes. Recommended by the Skin Cancer Foundation, this is the best choice for broad spectrum UV protection: SPF 25, UVA 10, PA+++. When I wear this foundation, I think of it more as skincare than makeup. It gives me the perfect coverage and glow, in which I even feel comfortable wearing it to the gym. This is my pick for a Mineral Powder Foundation, it is truly in a category of it’s own.

Tried & Tested: Dior Hydra Life BB Crème

ΔΔΔ

The BB Cream craze has officially arrived stateside. Prestige brands are now formulating their own versions of these “magical creams.”

To read more on the meaning and creation of the BB Cream, read my previous post, here.

I admit, I jumped on the BB Cream bandwagon a couple years ago. I starting with traditional Asian brands and have worked my way up to my current favorite, Dior.

The difference between traditional BB Creams and the BB Creams now available at your local counters, is color and consistency. The majority of the traditional brands offer a selection of only one or two shades, developed primarily for Asian skin tones. These shades are often very light and have greyish-undertones. Traditional BB Creams are thick in consistency and provide medium to full coverage as well as excellent sun protection, anti-aging benefits and skin-regenerating properties. The majority of the “new” BB Creams are no different than a tinted moisturizer with higher SPF. The coverage of these products can be very sheer, but most offer a better selection of shades.

Dior Hydra Life BB Crème has a thicker, full-coverage texture that is more in line with traditional BB Creams. Formulated with the Hydra Life skincare line, this cream is packed with moisturizing and age-defying benefits. The smooth velevety-texture has complexion-enhancing properties that produce a dewy, radiant glow. With SPF 30 PA+++ protection, this is a great product to reach for in the warmer months. The one caveat is, similar to traditional BB Creams, Dior Hydra Life BB Crème is available in one only shade. It is important to test this product before purchasing.

The BB Cream craze is confirmable, who wouldn’t want a single-step cream that will balance skin, correct the complexion and protect a youthful appearance?