March 2008
BEST
L’OREAL H.I.P. Flawless Liquid Makeup SPF 15 ($13) is nearly identical to L’Oreal’s True Match Super Blendable Makeup SPF 17, reviewed in a previous issue of this newsletter. The texture, application, and finish are all smooth, lightweight, and natural-looking, yet capable of providing sufficient coverage for minor flaws. The difference is the more varied selection of shades for women of color, and these shades are a bit more intense (less is best, but don’t skimp too much if you’re relying on this as your sole source of sun protection). The 16 shades present options that favor medium to deep skin tones; there are no suitable shades for fair skin. The following shades are too peach, orange, or copper: Fawn, Terra, and Cappuccino (slightly orange; may work for some tan skin tones). Mahogany is a beautiful shade for darker African-American skin tones. Last but not least, the sunscreen is pure UVA-protecting titanium dioxide.

WORST

CLEARASIL Control Treatment Gel ($7.99 for 0.65 ounce) lists 2% salicylic acid and has a pH low enough for it to exfoliate and help dissolve blackheads, but the amount of alcohol makes this a problem for all skin types.