Above the glow

What do Katy Perry, Alyssa Milano, Julianne Hough and Jessica Simpson all have in common? An unfair advantage in the genetic lottery? Bodies that could make a paper bag look like couture? Millions to burn on the red-soled Christian Louboutins that I drool over in Neiman Marcus? Well, yes actually, but they also all endorse Proactiv. Yup, the acne stuff. And why do they all have this endorsement deal? Because they have beautiful, clear, glowing skin. And while no paper bag will ever look good on me, and I may have to take to painting the bottoms of my shoes red, gorgeous skin is something that I feel I can have.

I’ve used Proactiv. I have. I’ve also used Neutrogena, Clinique, Dove, Ives Apricot Scrub and just about every other face soap out there. And my skin never looks any different. It’s mostly dry, and at 27 years of age, my forehead and chin still experience regular breakouts.  So, I have two choices: accept that my skin will never have Julianne Hough’s glow or not. And I choose not. Instead, I choose foundation.

I like my makeup to be minimal. I don’t like my face to look like a bad version of an oil painting from the 1800s. Most of the foundations I usually wear are powders, like Smashbox “Halo” Hydrating Perfecting Powder or Bare Escentual’s bareMinerals Mineral Veil. Both work well for my skin type and my desired, fresh-faced look. But, they are not always enough.

Enter my new love. My new partner in achieving Julianne Hough—Jessica Simpson—Alyssa Milano—good skin: Make up Forever HD Invisible Cover Foundation. This oil-free, long lasting foundation feels incredibly light and natural on skin. And, any imperfections or blemishes vanish immediately. It comes in 25 different shades so you’ll easily be able to find the perfect one to match your skin tone. Since it’s a liquid foundation, you can squirt a few dabs around your face and use your fingertips to blend the product until it’s a light, all-over coverage. However, my preferred method is to squirt the foundation onto the back of my hand or an old CD and use a brush (my pick is Sephora Collection Pro Foundation Airbrush in #56) to gently apply. You don’t need a ton—a little definitely goes a long way. Too much will make you look like a Geisha doll, but the right amount is divine. Your skin will be flawless, you don’t have to worry about the foundation rubbing off, and since this product was originally intended for photo shoots and spotlights, you know you will look gorgeous in all those self-portraits you take with your friends. So get your best kissy-face ready, shove Katy Perry and the rest aside, and prepare yourself for that glowing skin you deserve.