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 going to pretend I’m the most eco-conscious gal out there, but I do make my efforts. However, one of the eco-sins I’m most often guilty of is drinking bottle after bottle of spring water. I do recycle, but there are still energy and other costs to consider. Brita and other filters never appealed to me, and the thought of drinking tap water really does creep me out (I travel a lot for work, so I swear by bottled water when I’m on the go – especially after one night in a Manhattan hotel when I decided I’d just fill a glass with tap water rather than take the elevator downstairs to the vending machine in the middle of the night – BIG mistake!).

So, when I heard about Zuvo water, I was thrilled. Some information on the product from its makers:

Winner of the Summer 2009, Parent Tested/Parent Approved Award, the Zuvo Water Purator is a new point-of-use water treatment system that is not only more cost effective than pitcher filters or bottled water, but also helps people reduce waste and limit the environmental impact of bottled water. This compact, chemical-free water system attaches to a standard kitchen faucet or connects in-line with plumbing under the sink.  Using a patented 5-step puration process, the Zuvo Water Purator mimics nature’s water cleansing process by exposing tap water to UV light and ozone, creating a harmful environment for water-borne bacteria and microorganisms, while trapping particles and dissolved solids in a carbon filter. This process not only preserves the valuable mineral content in the water, but it reduces bad tastes, potentially unhealthy contaminants, and cuts down waste.

SheBlogs.org is currently hosting a contest for the filtration systems, and I’d love to throw my hat into the ring to win one. However, even if I don’t, I think that the investment is worth checking into. Even though I rent, it looks like the system is compact enough for me to take with me when I move.

Check out more on Zuvo at http://zuvowater.com.