Blinded by the Light

Published by admin on Tagged Body, Beauty & Health light diffusing make up wrinkles

Gisele Bundchen gets airbrushed to make the cover of Vogue. Too bad it doesn’t work like that in real life.  Wait - it does.  You do have the option of being viewed through a soft-focus Vaseline smeared lens just like any over the hill actress on an infomercial.

Using the theory that light bounces, several companies have been experimenting with “light diffusing” makeup that purportedly takes years off your face through optical sleight-of-hand. It’s a principle similar to photographic air-brushing. The Theory: take the trench of shadow from under that wrinkle, and the eye won’t “read” the bag.

Many skin lotions and moisturizers come with light reflecting particles these days and with good reason. Used sparingly they impart an ethereal glow. Estee Lauder makes a good one, along with Yves Rocher and Aveeno’s Active Naturals. Other favorites:  

BeneFit’s It Stick

The ten ton gorilla of light diffusers, this fabulous little flesh colored pencil is simple to use. No, it’s not a cover stick. It’s a disappearing wand. While not technical a diffuser because it doesn’t contain particles, it uses the same optic principle to deliver results. Simply dot it on anything you want to make evaporate, even draw right over the sagging folds on either side of your nose. Poof!

Verdict: fabulous but blend well. Otherwise you’re just an old broad with flesh colored lines over your wrinkles.  

Prescriptives “Magic”   

Reflects light off your face like some kind of satellite sun. A flesh colored reflecting cream goes on first, followed by light-reflecting powder. On younger women the creaminess can be mistaken for just plain shine, so powder is advisable. Watch out for a tendency to collect in various areas of the face unless blended very well.

Verdict: expensive for a fairly subtle result. If you have a trust fund, you’ll want this.  Revlon makes a similar and cheaper product called ShimmerLights Diffusing Tint.

May 16th, 2007