Creating flawless skin with makeup ( Tools, Primers, Tinted Moisturizers, Foundations, Correctors/Concealers, Powders)

There are many MANY different ways, products, tools, methods etc of applying foundations, not to mention, all of us have different preferences of how much coverage we want/like.

There are no wrong views and there are no rules of how much you must use. However, there can be errors with application, choosing the right (colors) and textures.

I am going to be writing what I use and what I think works best for EVERY DAY NATURAL coverage that will ensure the most flawless skin without looking plastic and fake.

Firstly, TOOLS:

These are all the brushes I use for foundations and concealers. For more fluid like substances I prefer the brushes on the right photo and the two larger brushes on the left photo.

For creamy and more cake-y substances (usually these are full coverage foundations, concealers and correctors) I like to use the brushes on the left photo.

When I am applying to larger areas I use the bigger brushes and for smaller areas and blending along the hair line I use the ones on the left.

The more dense the brush is, the thicker the application will be.

SPONGES AND THE BEAUTY BLENDER:

Sponges eat the product, even the beauty blender! Average sponges give thicker coverage and the Beauty Blender lets you build coverage from light to thick. I will not go in to detail about them, because I don't use them often.

CLEANING YOUR BRUSHES:

There are a few ways to clean your brushes.

If you have the time for your brushes to dry you can hand wash them in luke warm water with a facial wash even ( If it's safe for your face, it will be safe for the brush ), make sure it foams a bit.

From time to time, cleans them with disinfectant. Usually you will not need to wait for them to dry, but the chemicals can be harsh on the bristles, so vary the two methods... Give them a good wash every 10-14 days. ( If you are working on many people, wash them as often as possible! )

PRIMERS AND TINTED MOISTURIZERS:

Primers are NOT A MUST. I myself don't use them too often. When my skin is acting up (red), or it's color/ smoothness is uneven.

Primers lock in your moisturizer and help keep your foundation in place besides evening out the skin's physical texture.

Tinted moisturizers I generally do NOT like! They tend to be wrong in color and texture...to orange-y and "strange" in texture, thick, oily and cake-y. There are though a few that I like to USE AS PRIMERS!!

Smashbox Photo Finish Illuminising Primer:

It's texture is mousse-like and dries to a smooth feel. Many primers come off being waxy or heavy (Sephora brand, Too Faced, Urban Decay...etc.).

It's light reflecting particles optically even out skin discoloration. I love this most when the skin is a bit sun tanned as it leaves a very pretty sheen. It is a bit dark for my skin color so I use it mainly on my cheekbones and cheeks and down the sides of the nose. Blend it with your fingers to make sure you warm up the product and are fully able to spread it on to the skin.

It's a great product and it does keep your foundation set all day and will help lock in moisture. You can buy it on line or at Sephora in a small size ( like the image above ) found usually at the check out line!

I would recommend any of the Smashbox primers as they have many different types, they do what they are supposed to do and the product is very spreadable so it will last!

PIXI ILLUMINATING TINT & CONCEAL:

Great product! It is in fact a moisturizer, but I use it as a primer. The texture is similar to a very light but creamy lotion. It has a sheer pearly shine and a bit of a tint. It gives the same effect as the Smashbox Photo Finish Primer, but if you are in need of more moisture this is probably a better solution...you can always add a primer after if you want, though I think it's unnecessary.

Two other great things about this product is the fact that it comes in a good range of colors, so you'll be able to find one that will blend in to your natural coloring, and the other great attribute to it is the concealer in the cap. The texture of it is quite dense and dry, so I personally don't use too much of it, but it's great for touch ups, just toss it in your bag and you're all set!

The product is very spreadable and the price is friendly as well, so it's great value for your money.

LAURA MERCIER TINTED MOISTURIZER (OIL FREE) :

Literally the ONLY tinted moisturizer I would recommend buying. It's texture is very light as it is water based, the coverage can be built from light to medium thickness and it comes in a great range of shades. None of them have any of the nasty orangey coloring to them. They are wonderful! Order on line or you can purchase it in Sephora or department stores.

They are a bit pricey but they are worth it!

FOUNDATIONS:

Over the many years I have used and tried a good range of brands and textures. Of course as the skin changes and ages, it will need different types of textures to fulfill the needs for ideal coverage. For the last few years now, I have finally found the right textures and methods for application. The key is to build up coverage needed using thin and light textures RATHER THAN immediately using full/thick coverage products.

This way you will be able to evaluate and create natural coverage without risking putting on too much and looking fake. If you need to cover blemishes or just feel some areas need more product , use a thicker foundation or corrector on THAT area and blend the edges. WATER BASED foundations are THE BEST foundations available!! It's harder to find them but they are great for all skin types, not to mention they look and feel the best!

DIANNE BRILL FRESHWATER PEARL FOUNDATION:

This is by far one of the best foundations I have ever come across. I wish I still had some to take a photo of what the substance looks like, as it is quite remarkable. It's like a smart foundation. When you squeeze it out of the tube it looks like there are about 3 different shades in it..a lighter shade, a bit of highlighting shine and a more natural shade. You take a fluffy foundation brush and dab is in to the foundation and then apply it to the face with small circular movements. This helps blend together the different shades in the foundation and truly gives the most natural finish! ( The skin is built up of several tones of pigmentation, so this product works amazingly giving a real effect. )

It has a bit of a vanilla aroma to it, which some people find irritating, but it did not at all bother me, nor any of my clients I used it on.

The brush it comes with is totally useless though... but you get over it. It is a water based foundation so you will have to work it on to the skin and can't take too much time applying as it "dries" faster.

I am very sad though that it is not an easy product to track down..I went through like 3 of these for myself and had one more in each color to use for clients. I hope I can find them again at some point! ( Last place I found it was at The Plaza Hotel in NY, in the shopping area... check it out if you can! )

MAKEUP FOREVER FACE AND BODY:

This is my second favourite foundation available on the market. The reason why it comes in second place is because it is one flat tone and I know how amazing the Dianne Brill one is with the multiple tones. Otherwise it is amazing, all the attributes that are found in the Dianne Brill one are found in this one too. The bottle is a bit bigger and the texture is a little more gel-like. You have to shake it before you pump it on to the back of your hand. IT's very spreadable, I only need about 2 pumps for my entire face and neck area. It has no scent. The coverage is buildable... it's a great product, I am on my second bottle and will probably have to order a new one via the french Sephora, or maybe try a new brand... (CHANEL has just come out not long ago with a similar product, but I don't usually like buying these types of brands...we shall see...)

They come in many many shades which is also a major plus!

Use it the same way as the Dianne Brill one, or use a large flat/dense foundation brush to stroke strips of product on the face then switch to the fluffy foundation brush and blend in circular movements.

BOURJOIS 10h SLEEP and HEALTHY MIX SERUM:

Both of these foundations are amazing for their price! I am currently loving the serum as it is water based and still gives great coverage ( and is not a high-end expensive brand ). The 10 h Sleep one is amazing as well , I can't remember if it is water based or not, but none the less the coverage is light weight and buildable. I did though find 2 attributes to it, that would put it in 4th place on my list. Firstly there is some chemical in it that can be a bit irritating on the skin...it doesn't cause pain, but it can be uncomfortable. Secondly it is a bit yellow.

These products work best as "add on-s". Meaning, use these products to give a bit more coverage if you need it as they give bit more coverage, but since they are light weight you will still be left with a natural finish and a light weight feel.

I use the Healthy Mix Serum on my cheeks middle of forehead and chin area after applying the Makeup Forever Face and Body. Use one pump amount and apply with a fluffy foundation brush in circular motions. Blend outward from the "center" of the face.

SHISEIDO DUAL BALANCING FOUNDATION:

Not water based, but lighter in texture and doesn't feel overly oily or creamy. I didn't want to put a photo of it because it isn't overly amazing, though it is worth mentioning. It contains illuminising particles as well to give off the more natural look, but the downside that I dislike about this product is that, the same way as the MAC fluid foundations seem to change color (turn pinky or orangey), so does this one! Also it doesn't come with a pump and you have to pour it out every time, also when you start running out it is impossible to get the product out! Grrr!! Overall not bad, but I wouldn't buy it again.

BEST THICK COVERAGE FOUNDATIONS:

Double up any of these as concealers or use them on "bad skin days".

DIANNE BRILL SMOOTHING COVERAGE FOUNDATION WITH BLACK SEA PEARLS:

I can not find the right size image so, sorry but no photo. It comes in a glass pot with a screw lid. I bought 3 of these to use for TV work. They are amazing. I don't know how or why but it gives the most beautiful full coverage ever! It is quite thick so it takes a bit of technique to work it on to the face. It also contains illuminising particles to give the skin a beautiful finish. It dries quite matt but not dry-powdery...there is no need to use any other corrective makeup with this product. When I find where to purchase it, I would buy it again. Only downside is there aren't too many colors available and the darker ones are a little yellow. (i.e.: number 4)

MAC FULL COVERAGE FOUNDATION:

Not too much to say about this product. It's full on, full coverage, in a thick cream texture. I am contemplating buying a few shades, but don't know how much use I will get out of them. On photo shoots I like using more light coverage stuff... this is ideal for TV or for those times when thicker coverage is needed. Highlighting and contouring with these products are great!! When I worked with this, I used a sponge because it was for television, but I am sure a brush will work out just fine. You definitely need to use a powder to set this, as it doesn't have a matt finish, but has a oil shine to it. I love that MAC does have a huge range of colors and shades, but you have to make sure you get the right one!! Especially as this is THICK coverage so in natural light , if it is even a bit off than your natural shade, it will be very unattractive!

KRYOLAN ULTRA FOUNDATION:

Love these foundations for a few reasons, firstly because the color range is very impressive, secondly because you can buy a 12 piece empty tin case and put together your own palette with their refills and last but not least the price is very low! The quality is similar to MAC Full Coverage but it is less oily and thick. I can most compare it to a lighter creamy-er concealer. Great for TV or for adding a bit more coverage where needed.

I always have my 12 piece tin with me on jobs. You can buy them online but they usually have them available in all professional makeup stores! ( London , check website for store locator : www.screenface.co.uk, New York at Alcone Store .. I don't know if I spelled that right, Budapest: Kryolan City Store on O utca! )

Concealers/Correctors:

In general I don't like to use these types of products. They are usually very dry and way too light in color ( i.e.: YSL Touche Eclat or any other stick type or potted products). I usually just use a thicker foundation to do the concealer's job.

Apply them with your fingers or with a concealer brush, just make sure you use a tapping motion.

With that said there are a few products I do like and they are the following...

MAC PRO-LONGWEAR CONCEALER:

Filling in the number 1 slot, is this creamy, spreadable product. It is great because of the following; you only need about half a pump size to conceal under eye shade and to cover blemishes ( usually), next positive is that it is super spreadable and blends seamlessly!

Two downsides are the following;

The pump lets too much product come out, so you will feel like you are wasting product ( get a small container and put the excess in to that and use it as an everyday touch up case! Just throw it in your bag , then you don't need to take the real thing with you.)

Obviously, the price...it may sound strange but I hate spending too much on concealers. I don't know why, it's just a "thing" I hate.

None the less I am on my second bottle and use it on clients for TV and photo shoots and will be sure to purchase it again when I run out! I highly recommend it, it is great!

Make sure, again, to choose the RIGHT shade!! For under eye areas go for warmer shades NOT pink or very light/white...it will just make everything look grey and dull!!

TOO FACED ABSOLUTELY FLAWLESS CONCEALER:

This is the cheap version of MAC pro-longwear, but it is a great product as well!! The only downside to it is that the color range isn't as large as MAC (of course) and the textures, though similar, this one is a tiny bit thicker. If you are on a budget this is a great option! Very creamy, spreadable and gives great coverage. Very good value over all. Check if the shades work for you!

Kryolan Derma Color:

No image , as it is the SAME LOOK AND STORY as with Ultra Foundation. The texture is much dryer!! I suggest getting a few shades and only use them when you have severe skin discoloration. Not suitable for everyday use, but is good to have as a back up and is great value for your money... the price I believe is the sam as Ultra Foundation.

POWDERS:

I only use them for work (usually), because my skin is quite dry so I don't mind if I have a little shine and moisture.

If I DO use a powder, the only one I use is the following:

KRYOLAN TV POWDER in TRANSLUCENT:

I recently ( year and a half ago ) bought this large "box" and then used an empty case and filled it with the powder. It will last forever, and is great for every skin type or color! Not too much more to say about it!

I prefer loose powders with no color, over any pressed, colored powders.

Ok , so that is it for an intro in to my top foundations concealers, primers, powders and what not...

I hope you enjoy, and try them out! I promise you will not be let down... I haven't decided on what the next post will be about yet...any ideas?

Best products fighting irritation/blemishes/acne...etc

Before even going in to the products I have to state the following:

We have to remember irritation is caused by MANY external and/or internal "interferences", so if you wake up, look in the mirror and panic because you notice a "blemish" don't necessarily assume you have bad/over oily or greasy/dirty/whatever skin!

DO NOT TRY to pick or squeeze...easier said than done? I know...it's difficult to just leave it alone, but the fact is you will probably cause MORE harm and irritation, and will take even longer to heal...so just try your hardest to accept and think tomorrow is a new day and it WILL get better!

With that said, I have to move on to another topic which is a bit of a controversy. Aesthetic extractions... a.k.a. going to the beautician and them "cleaning" out your pores.

I myself have only had this done about 3 -4 times in my life and I am a licensed aesthetician, who learned this in school to be a "basic" treatment.

I DO NOT AGREE! I feel it's ONLY ok to have this done when the pore is NOT IRRITATED and the sebum is firm and dark or soft and white...( I know it sounds awful and it is disgusting, but I just have to write it! ) If you are a believer in this "procedure" I suggest telling your therapist to only extract from NON-IRRITATED areas/pores that are "ready" for extraction and have them do CALMING therapy on irritation. By doing this you know you will not have MORE irritation than what you arrived with. NEVER ATTEMPT TO DIY!!

If you have irritations (either a few or full blown acne) and you decide to pick/extract, you will risk having the puss infect other areas of the skin and further irritate the area itself.

Now let's move on to the products to EXTERNALLY treat irritation!

PRO ACTIVE:

I know it's hard to take this brand seriously because of all the "celebrity" in your face advertising they do, but I HAVE USED THIS AND IT DOES WORK, also I know a good few other people who have as well, and agree it's a great product. It comes with a daily exfoliating face wash , toner and daily moisturizer... as a bonus they send you the mask as well. Concerning scent and packaging don't expect anything amazing...it's medicated stuff, so it's not too pleasant but if you are like I was, and had such bad skin and didn't care about "luxury", but just to get rid of the problem...GO FOR IT! If you have any where from dry seborrhea with chronic break outs to full blown acne it will make a difference within the first week or two! ( I saw results within the first week of use, I had the chronic break outs. )

What they do not tell you is, when your skin becomes "normalized" or has a significant change towards healthy looking skin STOP using this product EITHER every day to a few times of the week or fully stop and store it away to use ONLY when needed!

What happened to me is, I over used this product and my skin became so dry that that started making me break out again! It took a very long time to get my skin to recover from over drying it, so just be careful! If your skin becomes over dry it will be very intolerant and easily irritable, so it will be a horrific adventure to try and find products that your skin will tolerate and or absorb and NOT break out from it!

The products come with directions how to use them, but they are general so try and figure out the best way to use them to benefit your skin needs. The best products are the face wash and mask...the toner is good too but it can be a bit strong and the daily moisturizer smells terrible and feels a bit yucky... but hey, no pain, no gain! Right?!

CLEAN AND CLEAR QUICK CLEAR SPOT TREATMENT GEL:

Many companies are coming out with similar products today. They promise to minimize blemishes in rapid time. the key ingredient in all of these is usually SALICYLIC ACID. This ingredient can either help you or make your life miserable and it all depends on the concentration level in the product AND how many times and the way you apply it to the affected area. Salicylic acid promotes the skin cells to dry/peel away faster, thus encourages new skin cells to be born. This is why it helps blemishes dry/clear up faster. So what's the problem with that you may ask?!

The problem is this chemical strengthens it effect each time it comes in contact with the previously treated area... this means you are "burning" away the skin each time you use it. I am sure if you have ever used these products you have noticed either all or some of the following:

• dark/purple/discolored in the treated area
• burning like sensation
• severe dryness and peeling after a few uses

NOW, I am sure it all makes sense to you why these "symptoms" occur!

I find THIS clean and clear one is the most gentle out of all these types of products. My tip is to use a small amount ONLY on the blemish right when you notice it (if possible) then DO NOT use it for a full 24h. Repeat if necessary. By doing this you are giving your skin recovery time..remember SKIN=LIVING BREATHING ORGAN!

PLEASE READ MORE about this chemical here so you know what the safe amounts are and make sure you check ingredient lists on product to make sure they are safe!

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Salicylic_acid

LA ROCHE POSAY EFFACLAR A.I.:

This is a great ALTERNATIVE product if the SALICYLIC ACID products are to strong for you.

It does contain a bit of salicylic acid but significantly less than the others, as this brand it self is developed for easily irritable/ sensitive skin. The other ingredient which is key in this is KAOLIN. It's a powder like substance which absorbs oil which helps "dry" blemishes without being to harmful to the tissue and cells. Niacinamide helps to prevent more irritation and piractone/glycacil is anti-bacterial.

I would use it the same way as the previously mentioned product, though since it is white and quite dense, it's best for overnight treatment. For prices check online. This is probably more expensive but it is twice as much product compared to Clean and Clear.

TEA TREE OIL:

The brand doesn't matter just make sure you get it in oil form preferably pure and from a a pharmacy. DO NOT USE IF YOU ARE PREGNANT OR SOMEONE AROUND YOU IS! It's VERY strong and can be dangerous...read more here : http://www.livestrong.com/article/355888-risks-of-using-tea-tree-oil-during-pregnancy/ .

Tea tree oil is a very potent and strong and has antiseptic, antiviral, antibacterial and antifungal effects.

It is a basic product every household should have as it has many uses. Used on blemishes it helps clean the area and encourages healthy healing.

What you want to remember though are the following:

• EXTERNAL USE ONLY!
• Apply on DRY, non wet areas or else it causes strong burning sensation (SENSATION!)
• Use carefully near to the eyes as it's aroma can cause irritation

To use, put few drops on an earbud or cotton pad and dab on to the area in question.

For further information : http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tea_tree_oil

ALOE VERA AND ALOE VERA GELS:

It's best if you can just buy the leaf, cut it and use it in it's pure form, but not all of us are able to obtain the leaves. I am using this exact product right now and I can tell you it's effects are amazing!

Aloe vera soothes and calms irritation amazingly, without taking a toll on your skin and doesn't have a drying effect. The only issue I have with this and other aloe vera products is they tend to be a bit potent...I sometimes (once every 10 days maybe) will do a "mask" with this gel and my eyes water VERY badly until the gel dries away. Again though, no pain, no gain! It's worth it though...just take a 10-15 minute nap with it on your face. Wash off and you'll be left with smoother, calmer skin.

I use it on smaller blemishes too which totally helps them to calm down and decrease in size.

Just put a little drop on the area and let it settle/dry away. It's also great for sunburns and other irritations.

ECZEMA OINTMENTS AND CREAMS:

I am not putting an image for this as there are many different types available, but the one most popular and easily obtained is SUDOCREM. When to use these types of products : When you have dry-very dry, eczema type rashes and irritation that spreads. Mostly you will have bumpy skin that feels dry and peels and looks similar to acne. The reason why these work well on this type of irritation because the texture is very rich and nourishing so it will help relieve dryness, thus already helping irritation, and the ingredients will further calm, sooth and treat the effected area.

I had contact eczema all over my face at one point a few years ago and it was awful! My nose was probably the only clear area on my face and I had no idea what the heck to try...then, when I understood WHY and WHAT I was dealing with I tried an ointment for eczema and over night 60% of the irritation was GONE!

Remember though, this method should only, ONLY be used to treat THIS type of irritation and only as long as it is needed!

ANTI REDNESS EYE DROPS:

Again, no photo needed, as there are many types available. The main thing is , purchase one to relieve redness.

This method will NOT heal anything, but it will relieve and lessen redness. Drop a good 4-5 drops on to a cotton pad then hold it on the red area for a good 30-60 seconds. This should reduce the color and will help you to conceal the blemish better.

So here you go, these are ( according to me ) the BEST ways to battle blemishes and irritation.

Obviously, if you have severe ACNE you will need to probably do more, and should start at the dermatologist's office. You need to evaluate your external routine and internal intake or products combined with what your doctor tells you. These methods above though may still help you out though!

NEXT POST: PRIMERS AND FOUNDATIONS! :)

Best Day Creams...and 2 "mists" I forgot to mention...

So before showing the day creams I have to mention two spray mists that are great...both have different effects but are great!

CAUDALIE BEUTY ELIXIR:

You can get this in a small size at Sephora...at least that's where I always bought it. Use it to refresh, tone, minimize pores and prep your skin beforeyour daily moisturizer. It'sscent is amazing , and if you don't want to feel like you have too many products on your face, but find that moisturizer alone isn't enough THIS is a great product.

The price is 16$ for the "To Go" version(1oz / 30ml) ...reasonable to try it out...it will last a month or two, then you can see ifyou would buy it again.Forthose interested in this product and don't have a Sephora near by, check the french Sephora website..they ship to many countries in europe!

THERMAL WATER SPRAYS:

I never found a difference between the brands first off. They don't have any real effect that is anti-aging or super nourishing or will help with oily skin. However, they are great for refreshing your skin if it is irritated or very dry. They are soothing and calming on the skin, sometimes when I have irritation and dryness I use these to sooth away redness and calm the skin before applying my other skin care products (i.e.: You have to get somewhere in a hurry and get ready fast, but you've just exfoliated and you're as red as a tomato). They are available in large and small sizes at pharmacies and their prices range from more expensive to a bit less...

FINALLY Moving on to MOISTURIZERS!! :)

In general I always prefer brands sold in pharmacies rather then cosmetics or department stores. I have always been happier with the products available there vs. MAC or Clinique or Decleor (for example). Also the sales people know a bit at least about what they are selling.

I am putting these in RANDOM ORDER and remember I am ONLY listing the BEST products I have used!

DDF (Doctor's Dermatologic Formula) Products :

These products are AMAZING quality concerning their effects. Again, from SEPHORA I received these in tester form ( If you don't have a BEAUTY VIB card or account there, GET ONE!!! Sooooooooo worth it!!! ). I got the "Advanced Firming Cream Moisturizer" and at first glance I was sceptic about it...It's nothing special looks wise, it's texture feels quite "thick", like a massage cream. The smell was a bit off-putting, it's just a bit of a medicated scent

Anyhoo, I still tried it out and was very impressed! I can have the worst dry skin but this cream amazingly! My skin felt smooth, healthy, well moisturized and the best part was ,that at the time I was having a bit of a break out and it TOTALLY calmed the irritation!!! So I very much recommend this brand! In the states I saw it in Marshall's too, but I don't know howlong it's been there so I would just get it at Sephora or search it online! I never checked the price since I am still using the tester ( I got two ) so I honestly didn't check the price...I have a feeling they would be a bit pricey...but remember SKIN=ORGAN! It's worth the money IF it works!!

AVENE EAU THERMALE:

At the moment I am using the "Antirougeurs" cream for dry to very dry sensitive skin. It has the slightest green tint to it to help even out redness in the skin. It hydrates well and has no irritating effects as it has no fake/perfume/fruity/whatever smell. I also have tried the "Hydrance Optimale" cream... this is actually kind of a main name for a range of creams within the brand. It's basic function is to intensely moisturize the skin -hence the name- but has ones for each skin type! It does what it says and adapts to your skin type. I like both of these products so I am pretty sure their other products are quite good as well. They are available in pharmacies.

A-Derma:

Not going to go in to too much detail about this brand I've used some of their products and they are very similar to Avene Eau Thermale. My mom always uses this product and she used to put it on me too ( which I hated at the time because I could care less about moisturizer at age 12-13 ?! ). It is a great brand though with a wide range of variety.

Search it on google for more information. My fave one is the SENSIPHASE pink color one...it's great for dry sensitive skin.

LIERAC CORRECTEUR ANTI-TACHES:

. This cream was one of the best I had ever tried when I had very uneven skin tone either because of I was "recovering" after a breakout and my pigmentation wasn't even or when I felt like my skin just looked dull and was dry. It has the smallest illuminating particles in a very rich textured cream. The particles reflect light off the face while the cream itself nourishes and moisturizes. If you like to use primers with illuminating particles under foundation, this cream will let you skip that step!

The only negative about this cream that it can dry out over time... it lasts a good 2-2,5 months though just because of the spreadable quality of the brand, which means a little bit goes a long way!

DIANNE BRILL ALL DAY TEMPTATION:

Unfortunately I am unable to post a photo of it for some reason... It looks very similar to the serum posted previously, except the bottle is bigger/taller and it is a white lotion.

Very nice scent, comfortable moisturizer and great light, yet moveable texture. Your skin will feel very refreshed! I was using it in the spring last year and felt great on a hot day as it has a bit of a "tingle". I just found it on kaboodle.com where it is sold for 28$ so not the cheapest, but if you don't have overly irritable skin which is a little bit dry-normal and want light moisture you will not be disappointed! I remember being sad when it ran out! Awww :(

Last but not least to mention:

LIERAC MAT-CHRONO EMULSION-HYDRATANTE:

This is a light-weight lotion FANTASTIC for oily skin types! It was a great fresh scent just as the serum has and it controls shine amazingly! Many brands have mattifying effect creams/lotions, but I find that they DO NOT absorb well... they just kind of sit on the skin and then kind of peel off...yuck! This however totally absorbs and helps control oil while not totally drying the skin! For the best results I would combine it with the serum! The prices are similar to each other, and by the way, the "Mat-Chrono" products are one of the brands most popular products!

So those are the best of the best according to my experience so far! Up next :Acne Combat products and tricks ;)