October 2008

 Maybelline New York Instant Age Rewind Custom Face Perfector Cream Compact Foundation SPF 18 ($9.99). Continuing with the tradition of excellence set forth from the brand’s other Instant Age Rewind products, Maybelline has another hit on its hands. Mind you, none of the Instant Age Rewind products take you back more than a month or so (they aren’t wrinkle erasers) but independent of the names and claims, there’s much to applaud about the products. This cream-to-powder foundation is one of the best at the drugstore. The sunscreen is pure titanium dioxide, which is great news not only for sun protection but also for those with sensitive skin. The silky, initially creamy texture is a pleasure to blend and sets to a soft, natural matte finish that enlivens skin. Coverage varies depending on which side of the included sponge you use. The white side of the sponge produces nearly full coverage and does a good job of keeping the foundation out of lines and large pores. The pink side produces sheer coverage and tends to exaggerate lines and pores, so it is not preferred. Actually, a flat, round latex sponge is the best way to apply this foundation, but you may also use a foundation brush if that’s your preference. Whichever you choose, there’s no denying this is a brilliant cream-to-powder foundation with sunscreen that is highly recommended for normal to slightly oily skin not prone to blemishes (the waxes this contains can contribute t clogged pores). Among the eight shades are mostly neutral options suitable for light to tan skin tones. Pure Beige will be too peach for most medium skin tones, and Tan has the same issue but is still worth considering.

WORST
 Dr. Brandt Microdermabrasion Body ($45 for 4 ounces). This unusually abrasive body scrub is not recommended because it contains skin cell-damaging lavender oil and irritating eucalyptus oil along with fragrant geranium oil. Not only that, but considering the cost for such a small amount of product, you’d be spending much more than you need to only to abrade and irritate skin. Stick with a washcloth or a gentler body scrub such as those from popular drugstore brands.