August 2009

 $$$ M.A.C. Prep + Prime Transparent Finishing Powder ($21). This loose powder is described as “an invisible way to set makeup.” It has a finely milled cornstarch-based texture that feels weightless and, despite its pure white color, actually does go on transparent. I asked a M.A.C. makeup artist with a darker skin tone to show me how this powder looked on her hand, and sure enough, it didn’t appear whitish or ashen. This finishes matte with just a hint of shine, and is a good choice for oily skin that needs extra absorbency. This is not recommended for blemish-prone skin because cornstarch can “feed” the bacteria that contribute to acne. This powder can be used over most shades of foundation without affecting the color.

WORST
 Clearasil Ultra Pimple Blocker Pen ($10.47 for 0.064 ounce). The pen concept of this product is clever because lots of consumers with acne want to zero in on their blemishes and zap them away. Treating acne in this manner can be effective, but treating the entire face is better than spot treating because then you are working on preventing blemishes from occurring in the first place, plus the same ingredients that zap zits help reduce them as well. What is pathetic about this terribly formulated product is that the second ingredient is alcohol. And it also contains menthol. Alcohol causes free-radical damage and irritation and menthol adds to the irritation. Those two ingredients not only hurt the skin’s ability to heal but also stimulate oil production in the pore. This product is an ultra problem for anyone’s skin.