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Thursday, May 1, 2014

Review: Physicians Formula Youthful Wear Spotless Foundation & Powder

Since I am of the age where sun spots, age spots, broken capillaries, etc. are real and not just some "thing I hope I never get," I was really excited to try this new Spotless line from Physicians Formula. Especially since, as I mentioned back in November, Physicians Formula was apparently inspired by Armani's Maestro Foundation (which also comes with a dropper applicator but retails for a mere $64 a bottle) when creating this foundation.

Well I surely didn't pay anywhere near $64 for the Physicians Formula version. I purchased both the foundation and powder (there's also a concealer in this line but I have not tried that yet) back in early April when CVS or Rite Aid was having one of their 40% off or BOGOFREE sales (sorry, can't remember which). Both retailers run these types of sales quite frequently on PF cosmetics, so you will never have to pay full price for them (which even at full price is nowhere near $64) as long as you're patient!

Physicians Formula Youthful Wear Spotless Foundation & Powder
(retail: $14.95 and $13.95)

Sadly, I cannot tell you if this foundation is truly a dupe for Armani Maestro, because I don't own Armani Maestro. But I can tell what I think of it (and I have some very strong opinions about it!) so keep reading if you'd like to hear my thoughts...

First, photos of the foundation:

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Physicians Formula Youthful Wear Spotless Foundation in Medium
(Retail: $14.95, 1.0 oz)

This foundation comes in three shades: Light, Medium and Medium Beige. You can view the shades on the PF website here.

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Believe it not, even though this dropper looks messy, I have managed to keep the opening and the bottle itself quite clean without any real effort at all. As long as you're careful when you pull it out and place it back in, you should never find that things get messy. I've been using this foundation regularly since the beginning of April and it still looks pretty close to what you see above. 

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A little dark for my NC20 skintone, but still workable.

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This brush is very dense (surprisingly so) and the softness is good (it can be a little prickly when you're dabbing, but it's not prickly when buffing). Sadly, I find it way too small to use for foundation application and the few times I used it for that, I felt like I was trying to paint a house with a nail polish brush. 

BUT,  I have actually found a better use for it--I love it for applying cream and mousse blushes! I find it works beautifully for those types of products, so don't be quick to throw this one out if you don't like it for foundation. I also like it for applying products like Revlon Photoready Skinlights because it allows for very targeted application.

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The powder:

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Physicians Formula Youthful Wear Spotless Powder in Translucent 
(retail: $13.95, 0.33 oz)

This powder comes in one shade: Translucent. You can read more about it here.

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I did not notice until I got this product home that it contains a lot of fine sparkle. You can see that better here:

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The sparkle above may not be visible if you're viewing
from a mobile device but trust me, it's there.

Some before-and-afters:

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My bare skin

Above is my freshly-washed face. I hate showing this to you (or anybody for that matter) but I just want you to know that I am the target demographic for a product like this. I have sun spots, age spots, freckles, redness, broken capillaries, enlarged pores, old acne scars, dark circles, you name it. I am 43 years old and about the only things I DON'T have at this point are crows-feet and deep wrinkles (thanks to my mom, and thanks to my general dislike of hot weather and sunshine which is ironic, I know, given that I live in San Diego but I digress). 

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After applying Physicians Formula Youthful Wear
Spotless Foundation with my fingers

This product does an amazing job at covering most of my flaws, and it does not settle into my (giant) pores. Even just using my fingers for application, I do not have issues with foundation pooling up in my pores. I think this product gives me a very natural look, while still providing great coverage.

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After applying Physicians Formula Youthful Wear
Spotless Powder on top of the foundation 


This powder does not look cakey on the skin and in the pics above, I don't think there's a really a big difference between without-powder and with-powder. I love the way it looks on my skin, except for one big issue:

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Same foundation & powder, different day

If you're viewing this on a mobile device, you may not be able to see that the glitter  in this powder is abundant and it's all over my face. You can see also see it here:

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I have the very beginnings of crows-feet around my outer eye area, and hopefully you can see that the glitter in this powder highlights that. I am NOT a fan of this much sparkle in my face powders because I feel that it actually draws attention to my skin's flaws (large pores, fine lines) rather than "blur" them (as intended). 

More about the powder before I get to the foundation: This is a nice, smooth powder that's finely-milled. It's not chunky or gritty and even though it looks pretty pigmented in the pan, it really does go on like a translucent powder. It does a nice job at oil control, it doesn't look cakey and it works nicely to set this foundation, as well as other foundations I've used it with. The fragrance is pretty strong--it has a vanilla note to it and it reminds of the scent of the Physicians Formula Sexy Booster products (I love that scent). So really, the only thing I do not care for is the abundance of fine glitter in this powder, but for the reasons I stated above, that's a deal-breaker for me and I won't be repurchasing. It's just not a good fit for me personally.

Now on to the foundation!

Texture and consistency: When it comes to consistency, this foundation is unlike any other foundation I've ever used. Granted, I have not used Armani Maestro, or any other uber-expensive foundations (aside from occasional sample packets but you can't really get a good feel for foundation from a tiny sample). So I have no basis for comparison when it comes to this product and extremely-high-end foundations. BUT, I can tell you that the consistency and texture of this product are unlike anything I've used before. This foundation is thin and watery and that may scare you at first, especially if you prefer full coverage. But once you apply it to your skin (I just place a few drops directly on my fingertips) it feels amazing. At first it feels like you're rubbing a light, oil-based product onto your skin (it does contain oils) but after a second or two, it's as if this foundation melts INTO your skin. It feels like it actually becomes one with your skin. It glides on like silk, yet it's light and cushiony at the same time. And then once you're done blending, it turns almost powder-like, yet it doesn't look like powder. This is the best way I can describe it, but you really have to try it for yourself to fully understand.

Application: Don't use the brush (but do keep it for blushes, as I explained above) and try using your clean fingers the first time you give this one a shot. I'm telling you, even if you're a brush or sponge lover, you might be surprised at how wonderful this foundation looks using just your fingertips. I've been so happy with my fingers that I haven't even wanted to try other methods. Also, a note about the applicator: I think that PF chose the best delivery system for this product. It's so thin that if it were in a squeeze-tube or pump, it would easily dispense too much product. With the dropper, you can really control it, drop by drop, so even if it feels like a hassle, I think it's worth it. And again, my bottle hasn't gotten "gunked up" even though I've been using it consistently for about a month. 

Coverage and staying power: For a foundation that is this thin, I am SERIOUSLY impressed with the coverage. Almost all of my flaws are covered on the first try, and I don't really even find myself going back in for spot applications when I'm done with my initial application. Staying power is great for me, even with my super oily skin, in cooler weather (8-10 hours). But in warmer weather, this does tend to fade and become a bit oily-looking after the 4-5 hour mark. But for a product that contains oil, that's still very impressive for me. I do get better staying power if I use a primer beforehand and an oil-control powder after application though.

Fragrance: This is going to sound kind of weird, but the scent of this foundation reminds of mascara. Specifically, it smells like the Physicians Formula Organic Wear Mascaras. Sort of earthy but, to me, pleasant. Unlike the powder, the foundation doesn't have that "Sexy Booster" fragrance to it. 

FINAL VERDICT: I have oily skin and it seems counter-intuitive to use a foundation that also contains oil, but I have had nothing but wonderful experiences, time after time, with this foundation. The texture is unlike anything I have ever applied to my face (you just have to experience it for yourself to fully understand!) and for such a thin liquid, the coverage is beyond impressive. Staying power on my oily skin is great in cooler weather, but it does tend to fade more quickly in warmer weather unless I use a primer and an oil-control setting powder.  For me, the biggest fault with this foundation is its small shade selection, but if you can find a shade that works for you, this might become a new favorite.  I really wish it came in shades suitable for ALL of you, because I really want you all to experience what this foundation feels like. It's a new favorite for me because it really does give me that "second-skin" feel and look, while also concealing most of my flaws. I will most certainly repurchase! Sadly, I can't say the same for the powder in this line, but that's just because I don't like a lot of glitter in my face products (I do like everything else about it). 

Have you tried anything from the Physicians Formula Youthful Wear Spotless Collection yet? I'd love to hear from you!

The products featured in this post were purchased with personal funds. For more information, click here.
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54 comments

  1. This is the very best, detailed review of this product ANYWHERE!!! You ROCK!!!

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    1. Wow, thank you SO much, MaryAnn!! I'm so glad you enjoyed! Happy to help! :)

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  2. I'm going to HAVE TO get this foundation! The revlon whipped has been my holy grail but its been feeling too thick and sticky for the warmer weather.

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    1. I like that one too but this definitely feels lighter on the skin (to me at least!). I'd love to know what you think if you try it!

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  3. Wow G, this is a great, in-depth review! I agree that the shade selection is ridiculous though. PF needs to start offering a bigger shade range. That being said, I might give this a try...But can you tell us do you like it better than your HG Cover Girl 3-in-1? That's what I currently use and I can't find anything I like better. Could this be it? :D

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    1. Thanks, Carol!!

      They're so different, it's hard to say. I still love my CG and will always rely on it for full coverage and dependability. But the PF looks more natural and it's quicker to apply because it's thinner and it really melts into the skin, so I don't have to spend as much time blending as I do with the CG.

      That said, I would reach for the CG on days when I absolutely need my foundation to last and I don't have a lot of time for touch-ups, But if I wanted a more natural look and I didn't need it to last 10+ hours, this is definitely what I'd reach for right now. The CG is still my holy grail but this is a very nice, more natural-looking option. I hope that helps!!

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  4. OK, I am sold! I also am going to have to pick this up this weekend. Great and helpful review! I have been waiting and waiting for it and now, I know it was worth the wait based on your thoughtful and detailed writing.

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    1. Thank you so much!! You are so incredibly sweet to say that, and I hope that when you get it, you enjoy it as much as I do! Please, please keep me posted? :)

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  5. Ugh. Translucent powder with sparkles? I was really excited that it might be another knockout powder by PF.

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    1. Girl, it totally WAS, until I saw that sparkle all over my face when I was looking in my rearview mirror! It's a total glitterbomb in the sunlight. So bummed. :(

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  6. I'm glad the foundation works so well, but I'm not sure how they got away with calling it "broad spectrum" sun protection, because by their own ingredient list, it absolutely is not. UVB only, no UVA sunscreen at all in here. Not that anyone should rely on foundation only for their sunscreen, but just from a nitpicky standpoint, I imagine the FDA will have them changing their labeling or they'll choose to change their formula as soon as it catches up with them. The powder, however, is definitely broad spectrum though.

    That said, I'm anxious to try it. I'm about the same age and starting to see some discoloration and fine lines. It's always great to find a great product at a great price! (Which is why I love your site!)

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    1. I've noticed this a lot in various drugstore foundations and BB creams but like you said, no on should be relying on just their foundation for sun protection and, frankly, if a product is SPF15 I just ignore the SPF anyway since I try not to leave my house in anything under SPF30 anyway. You know what I mean?

      And thank you so much!! I would absolutely love to know what you think if you give it a shot!

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  7. Great review. The foundation sounds interesting! I'd like to give it a try. I hope the oils in it don't break me out tho. : \

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    Replies
    1. I haven't experienced any breakouts while using this. Hope you have the same experience too!! :) And thank you!!

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  8. Have you tried the Loreal Liquid powder to know if this is similar? I really like the liquid powder and it sounds similar in description.

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    1. Sadly, I have not. Since those bottles aren't safety-sealed, I won't buy it in-store because they always look like they've been opened/tested. :( I keep looking for a good online deal and as soon as I find one I'll grab it. When I review, I'll be sure to mention if they're similar. :)

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  9. The Spotless foundation and Armani Maestro have some similar ingredients, but not in the same order. I've tried the Maestro foundation and it is really wonderful. I got it at GA's Friends and Family sale online in November.

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    1. Thanks! Glad to hear the Armani is working for you! I'd love to know how you think they compare if you try the PF!

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  10. I'm almost 42 and have nearly all the same skin concerns you do (plus L.A.'s HEAT) so I am totally stoked to get this. Ugh my sun spots from a lifetime in So Cal!

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    1. I had a feeling we're were around the same age!! ;)

      I'd love to know what you think if you give it a try!!

      And yeah, this So Cal heat is unbearable right now, right?? :(

      Delete
  11. I'm going to send this review to my mom, she's 66 and has a lot of sun damage because she has never worn sunscreen. Or, I'll buy it for myself and maybe let her try it ;) Do you think it's improving your skin, since it's supposed to brighten?

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    1. I really hope you and your mom both enjoy it as much as I do! Please keep me posted? :)

      I haven't noticed any real change in my skin aside from it feeling a little softer when I remove my makeup at the end of the day. But I've only been using it for a month. If I DO notice an improvement I will definitely do an update!

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  12. Thanks for this in-depth, detailed review! I have seen a couple of other positive reviews about this foundation, so I'm pretty sure that I want to check it out. It's a bummer that the shades run dark though.... because I'm pretty fair. I'm thinking after I get a bit of sun this summer (while wearing SPF, of course!), the light shade will work for me. :) Thanks again! I'm excited to check the foundation out!
    -Jessica

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    1. Thank you so much! :)

      Since this line runs dark, I find that applying a slightly lighter setting powder helps tone it down a bit, if you find the shade just a tad too dark. Good luck and I hope the lightest shade is workable for you!! :)

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  13. Physician's Formula stuff has always seemed sort of gimmicky to me, but now I just might have to give this a try!

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    1. I've had so much good luck with this brand over the years, I definitely think it's worth a try. If you buy this during a BOGO sale, check out my recent reviews of the nude palette and the CC cream for other great options! :)

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  14. One thing not addressed was the actual spot reducing capability. I have issues with melasma so that's a big draw for me. Since you have been wearing it a while did you notice a difference?

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    1. I have not noticed an improvement in that area, but I've only been using this for a month. If I notice any change in the future I'll definitely post an update! :)

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  15. Can we trade? I live in Seattle and need more sun! Thanks for the detailed review!

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    1. YES!! My boyfriend always says I was a Seattle native in a past life because I literally get happy and feel more alive when it's overcast, cloudy and raining! Lol! When I lived in N Cal, one time it rained for 31 days straight and I was in HEAVEN! Lol!!

      And you're so welcome! ;)

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  16. Replies
    1. I'm not sure about it being helpful for dry skin, but I can definitely see this working for dry skin. It's definitely not a drying formula. Hope that helps! :)

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  17. Well, yes, but considering the awfull/weird heath we've been having lately in San Diego skin goes crazy too.

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    1. This weather has been the worst this week!! Ugh :(

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  18. Does this foundation have a Matte finish or a Luminous? :)

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    1. Neither. It's a tiny bit dewy but honestly it just looks like a second skin. Hope that helps a bit!

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  19. Your review was perfect for me--I have T-zone oil, and wasn't sure about the oil in this product. Thanks for saving me from sparkle-ization! Excellent review, as always. I wish I read this before I ordered the new BareMinerals liquid foundation. It looks so similar, and what a price difference!

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    1. Lol @ "sparkle-ization"!! ;)

      You are so welcome, and thank you!! If you can find a color match, I think you might love this! And I would LOVE to know how you think it compares to the BM foundation! :)

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  20. Wow, I am impressed with the foundation. The powder, with its bits of sparkle, not so much. But the foundation does an awesome job. I'm very close to you in age and have many of the same issues, so this is a super helpful review.

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  21. Wow! Great review! I have oily skin and was so curious about this product. It actually also reminds me of the new Bare Minerals foundation that was just released but with the brush, it ends up being $57! May have to finally give this a try!

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  22. Thanks for the review G! I really want to try the foundation , but I am so scared that it will be to dark for my skin tone since I am ghost white lol! I loved how it covered most of the things you wanted it to cover and I need something that will cover my oh lord nos, they need to put testers out for it! Now the powder on te other hand, I can't do powder with shimmer in it!!!! I can't stand shimmery powder! Thanks again for the review G :)

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  23. Great review! I'm also curious to hear about how it compares to the L'oreal, if/when you decide to get that one.

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  24. Picked it up last night and test drove it today. Medium is too dark (I am fair with blue eyes, light brown/dark blond hair, and I BURN in the sun). How is CVS with their return/exchange policy? I just couldn't wait and all they had was medium. I blended it with a bit of PF CC cream in light and dusted with transluscent PF mineral powder. I am so loyal to PF for foundation/powder/blush. Hoping Light will work because my skin looks pretty today!

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    1. CVS is great with returns. I've gone back and said I hated the scent of a product and they just give me the cash.

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  25. I love this review! And don't feel bad, you are certainly not the only person with skin issues!! People with perfect, stunning skin au naturale are the rareties :) I have been loving all my PF products I've tried lately. I'm in love with their organic CC cream. I don't have easy to work with skin. It is the best one I've tried yet. (Except for Ole Henrikson Truth CC cream, but that's $40 more!). And this foundation here looks fabulous! Thanks so much!!

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  26. This sounds a lot like L'Oreal's Magic Nude which I love, but the dropper idea on this one sounds fabulous. I need to check it out and see if they have my shade. I need to go a bit lighter than you.

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  27. Thanks so much for your incredibly thorough review! I think you've honestly answered any questions I might have!

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  28. Dangit! I picked up this foundation today even though I've always been too pale for PF foundations.... sadly, this one was no exception. It felt and looked amazing in terms of finish, but I looked like a pumpkin and no amount of pale powder was going to fix that. Sadness! Ladies, if you're NC15, there is no way this is going to work for you.

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  29. I replied yesterday but lost it somehow and gave up...

    Just wanted to say that this is an excellent review, so thought out and thorough. Great pics. Thanks for showing yourself... that is how we all look... dots and spots. Mine are minimal.. thanks to Bragg's apple cider vinegar. Apply to cotton ball, straight on face and wham-o a day later all is good again.

    I meant to go the rite aide yesterday for the 50% off, was going to try out this product, I use their powder plastic foundation, I got waylaid. This will be in my cart during the next sale.

    Try the vinegar... tell me how you like it as a toner.

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  30. Thanks G for introducing me to one of my new fav foundations. I am 38 with skin like yours - oily, nope deeply wrinkled, large pores, some redness. After reading your review and seeing the results, I found myself at CVS. This stuff is AMAZING. It's the perfect light, quick foundation for my needs. Used my fingers and it was love at first application. It looks awesome and lasts pretty well - I use an oil control primer in t-zone and set with NYX loose setting powder. Even lasted through a 5 hour hike. Would have never tried this without your review - so thank you. Am going to test it out on my biz trip and of interested - will let you know how it travels. Thanks!!!

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  31. I can't believe you got this shade to work for you. I have a similar skin tone, and I bought Light and it's waaaay too dark. I'm bummed, because I really love the consistency and the finish. Maybe it'll work if I start sunless tanning more often, but, right now, it's pretty bad.

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  32. I just love this foundation. Very lightweight on the skin & it keeps my face looking presentable on acne days. Love the review as well. Thanks!

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  33. Shoot, kinda wish I'd have gotten the light shade now but still not sure., its 40% off at Rite Aid this week and medium looked ok in the bottle. I'm about NC 20, darker in summer due to having a pool (despite spf50+ I still tan) & ST with bronzers so was afraid light would be too light then, hmmm, guess best to just give it a whirl and know they take returns. With a finish and great review like this I just HAD to get it!

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  34. Just wanted to let you know they do have a powder out in this line that says "matte" and one that says "illuminating". Perhaps you'd like the matte powder better? ps. I had no idea you were 43!

    ReplyDelete

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