Avon Smooth Minerals Pressed Foundation ($11). This is an outstanding medium-to-full coverage pressed-powder foundation for all skin types. The texture is creamy and smooth (just as the name suggests), if a bit dry, yet the effect is incredibly skin-like, leaving a luminous, non-chalky glow without shimmer (with the exception of those in the Deep shade range, which have noticeable shine).

The "mineral" designation is silly, but many women have been brainwashed into thinking "mineral" powders are better for them, so everyone in the cosmetics industry slaps the word "mineral" on their products. Regardless of the name, it goes on beautifully, without exaggerating lines or caking around blemishes. The shades are equally impressive, with workable options for both fair and medium-to-dark skin tones. Nutmeg proved to be an especially lovely neutral shade for dark skin tones, while Spice was a bit too orange.

Rather than gunk up your brushes, this foundation applies better with a sponge, but a brush can work if you desire more sheer coverage. Though it lacks an SPF rating, Smooth Minerals applies well over moisturizer with sunscreen, and there's enough titanium dioxide and other sunscreen ingredients in the formula that it wouldn't be a surprise if Avon announces later on that this does indeed provide some sun protection.

Please note that there is a discrepancy on the packaging: the ingredient list is not correct. My team confirmed with Avon that the correct ingredient list is on their site (and ours), not on the box.

 Clarins SOS Sunburn Soother ($36 for 1.3 ounces). The problem with this product is that it contains a heavy-duty occlusive emollient as the first ingredient and that is not what you should be putting on acutely sunburned skin. Of course, the goal is to avoid sunburn in the first place, but if it occurs, slathering thick creams like this on the initial burn can make matters worse because occlusive emollients (think butter from the old days) trap the heat beneath the skin, pushing the problem deeper. Applying cool water or cool aloe compresses and taking anti-inflammatory medication (with your doctor's OK) is a far better treatment modality for acute sunburn. Even initial use of over-the-counter hydrocortisone (which has research showing it can help sunburned skin) would be preferred over this. SOS Sunburn Soother also contains fragrant plant oils, but adding irritating ingredients to a burn isn't wise.