Makeup primers are the latest craze in cosmetics. They are used to set makeup, fill lines and shrink pores, while absorbing oils to provide a smooth foundation and flawless finish – or so say their fancy packages.Unfortunately, even top end primers (I used to be a big fan of Dior’s until the sad realization hit that Dior makeup does not play nicely with breakout-prone skin) tend to be thick and sticky, which leaves your pores clogged and your skin begging for air (I’ve used primers that have made my skin shinier and sweatier than they were without using ANY primers).
When I came across Youthful Trends’ new makeup primer on SheBlogs, I was intrigued, but also incredibly skeptical. Caffeine and coffee-based products are also INCREDIBLY popular now (great tip that I’ll post about in greater detail separately – if you want to tone up quickly for an upcoming event or beach weekend – take used coffee grounds, rub them on your torso or thighs, wrap with plastic wrap, and sweat for an hour. I swear it works!), but finding your way through the forest of gimmicky products can be a challenge. But hey – samples available means I’m willing to check it out and sacrifice a good skin day for the sake of my readers.
Sooo…here goes:
I really like the product. Not only did it come in a spray bottle, which was surprising to me (I’m used to Dior’s cornstarch-esque paste that comes out of a tube), and was incredibly light – it didn’t have to be spackled on with a putty knife. It also didn’t leave me feeling like I was wearing 5 lbs of makeup. Did it work for keeping my makeup on? Yes – I noticed a significant difference even when applying really light amounts of makeup for every day wear, and definitely saw a difference when applying makeup for evening.
With a $29.99 price tag, the product is definitely worth having on your shelf, especially if you live in an area with warm or humid climate.
While I didn’t have a chance to road test for all of these items, it’s worth noting the company’s marketing pitch, because their studies speak far more than my one week road test:
Youthful Trends brand makeup primer is made from a distilled water base with vegetable glycerin, natural botanicals and caffeine. Studies show caffeine tightens lines, reduces bulging pores, and protects skin from UV damage, but Youthful Trends primer does so much more. The non-sticky natural base smoothes skin while increasing permeability, which allows pores to breathe beneath any cosmetic foundation. While most makeup primers are manufactured as serums, creams or powders, Youthful Trends is an atomized spray that allows users to easily apply the product with any makeup regimen. Unlike sticky primers, this water based spray dries evenly while hydrating skin and absorbing excess oils. Youthful Trends primer also reduces facial sweating and protects skin to keep makeup looking beautiful all day long. This exclusive formula works for all skin types and colors, as well as all types of makeup including mineral powders, creams and liquids.
For more information visit www.YouthfulTrends.com.
Disclaimer: I received a sample of Youthful Trends Makeup Primer for a one week review/road test. The opinions expressed in my review are mine and mine alone, and I was not provided with any additional compensation.
I’m not typically one for chain restaurants – many offer high-priced versions of “fast food” that is frozen, never fresh, and shipped from some centralized warehouse all in the name of living up to corporate standards (read: making sure that corporate can take the franchisee for every penny they can – insisting that the veggies and meats they use MUST come from their suppliers instead of from the local farms). I also like to support independent restaurants and enjoy the creative, and often more daring, dishes they offer. However, there is one guilty pleasure I’m not afraid to admit: Cheesecake Factory.
The plate is ENORMOUS, and we both wound up filling up on the appetizer alone, and opted to have our meals wrapped for lunch today and order dessert instead. However, the Boston House Salad that I ordered as my entree (I have to justify the mountain of cheesecake somehow), which comes with boston lettuce, bacon, hardboiled egg, bleu cheese crumbles and 
I try to vary the types of posts that you’ll see on I’m No June Cleaver, but today I got a press release that I just couldn’t pass up blogging about. Just on the coattails of my review of Sushi Jo, I received this exciting news from a PR pro for SUSHISAMBA – with locations in NYC, Miami Beach, Chicago and elsewhere: the restaurant will be hosting sushi & sake classes on Wednesday nights! From their release: