Suntegrity

If there is one thing you can do to suspend the relentless tick of the clock, to slow down time and ward off premature aging, experts agree it's wearing a good SPF every day. 

Look for one that's SPF 15 – SPF 30, for example isn't twice as effective as 15, we're talking about a scant 4% difference that can compromise the formula. My favorite tinted one is Suntegrity, it's a true multi-tasker and a repeat buy for me. I was first introduced to it at San Francisco's Credo Beauty following a 6am flight that turned into a nightmarish long trek with a plane delay, 2 hour wait time at Hertz, Bay Area traffic and a crying toddler. I had a headache coming on, but insisted on stopping at Credo. There, I wearily asked an onsite aesthetician what I needed, and she promptly whipped out a tube of this tinted SPF moisturizer, and a Kari Gran lip balm. She was spot on, I looked and felt more rested immediately. 

This SPF moisturizer is super hydrating; giving off the glow-y sheen of a facial oil, it blends quickly and negates any need for foundation. Just a bit of powder and under eye concealer (I love this as a day time eye cream as well), and you're done. Perfect for busy mornings or packing an overnight bag. 

W3ll People

Awhile back, I had an educational conversation with Kelly Curtis, brand manager at W3LL People. This line of high performing, natural makeup knocks it out of the park with every launch. It's no surprise, given a make up artist (formerly with NARS) and a dermatologist are amongst the founders. 

Here's the line in a nutshell:

  • Everything is mineral based.

  • Just about everything (mascara and lipgloss excluded) is really versatile. They optimize for products performing a multitude of options as opposed to their clientele carrying a bunch of products.

  • No nano particles.

  • Nearly everything is infused with aloe.

  • It’s an artists' line. They encourage folks to play, get creative and get fingers messy. Mixing and matching is paramount.

And below are the product-specific tips I learned from Kelly:

Universalist Color Stick

  • #1 is the sheerest color. (Personally, I'm on my 3rd tube of this gold flecked, pinked up rose that works very well and lips and cheeks – thus securing it's place as a purse staple.)

  • #3 is also highly recommended.

Expressionist Mascara

  • W3ll People's mascara is their top seller (my favorite one in rotation yet).

  • It now comes in neon blue, plus less statement making purple and chocolate shades.

Bio Brightener Invisible Powder and Stick

  • Use the stick underneath your make up, or as a highlighter on the cheekbones, bridge of nose and cupid's bow.

  • The Bio Brightener Powder is for those who don't want a powdered look. It gives a soft focus, photoshopped glow, as opposed to traditional matte powders. 

  • The Bio Brightener Powder can also be used to set eye shadows.

Altruist Powder Foundations

  • They're big on spraying a mist over powder foundations to kickstart the aloe infused in it.

Narcisisst Foundation Sticks.

  • Go with a darker concealer underneath the eyes.

  • Narcissist #1 and #4 are the two pinkiest shades.

  • They recommend using fingers to apply the Narcissist stick as a concealer, but the brush is best when you’re using it as a foundation.

Elitist Eye Shadows

  • Pat loose color on, don’t sweep it.

  • Matte brown in the crease no matter what. Capitalist pigment in #912 (unless you’re super dark, then use #913).

  • If there is shimmer in the crease, it will make your eye look puffy.

  • Look straight ahead, eyes open when doing the crease.

  • Do #836 on the lid, and a pop of color as a liner down below.)

  • #833 or (Narcissist 0) in the brow bone.)

Hypnotist Eyeliner

  • After lining the lower lash line, squint the eye really hard to deposit color evenly.

  • If you have smaller upper eye lids, don’t take up real estate with a thick eyeliner. Instead, tight-line the lower and upper lids.

  • A lot of women think they need a waterproof line, but because their water line is already damp, the pigment rolls. Waterproof pencils won't stick to a moist rim, and will instead consolidate in the tear duct.

 

Swatches of Elitist Eye Shadows

Swatches of Elitist Eye Shadows

Tiny Japanese stickers help me identify the shades, though their new packaging solves the problem with windows in their caps.

Tiny Japanese stickers help me identify the shades, though their new packaging solves the problem with windows in their caps.