Okay. As I sit here on this Tundra Esque day of 9 degrees Celsius, with the wind howling like a hound dog outside, I’m in my pajamas—my indoor attire, if you will.  My laptop is placed on the dining room table, and I am looking at our Christmas tree, which is still up. The tree in the sunroom still stands.

Living Room Tree

Sunroom Tree

Neither tree is going anywhere anytime soon!

Both are staying up because I need something to cheer me up as our government continues to spiral down the toilet.   It’s a change.  Surrounding me of items that make me happy.

It isn’t the only change.  As you know, I no longer wear mascara.  Let’s add to that.  I no longer wear foundation.  Or base as some are prone to call it.  There’s a reason.  And a good one at that.

Foundation-free but not makeup free!

On the cusp of 71 years, my skin has absolutely changed over the past 10 years—5 years and keeps changing.  The blotchiness is worse.  The dry skin is worse due to the condition of the weather outside.  Once inside, the heat is a dry heat and I’m not getting a humidifier for every room.  The lines and wrinkles?  Well, they aren’t necessarily becoming deeper, but there are more of them.  Add to that age spots and other signs of aging.

My aging face doesn’t need to look like the cement foundation holding up a building!

And one thing I have discovered is foundation is not a good thing for this aged skin.  Foundation dries and cakes up the way Royal Icing on cookies does.  On cookies, it’s fine. On human skin, it is not fine. And foundation is for buildings.  Foundation is cement and does not belong on my visage!

Royal Icing may be smooth but after it dries.  Watch out for the cracks. And holes!

Quite frankly, I remain sick and tired of “mature” beauty influencers grifting foundations that claim to work magic—the magic being the use of filters.  And so, I decided to take control of my skin.  A while ago I did do a post in connection with tinted moisturizers but now I’m taking it to another level because they work so well on mature, aging skin—and I’m talking about “Over 65 skin”.

While I do have several tinted moisturizers, each one does a stellar job—especially combined with other additions such as glow products—but allow me to go over what I’ve been using; but first, I’ll tell you how I’ve been applying:

The Tinted Moisturizers, Skin Tints and others I’ve been using.

The fingers.  My hands are currently, a mess. Because of my job, and I’m always in the files, all my natural nails, which were growing so beautifully, broke.  At this point, I can’t be bothered to get a manicure—especially when I do shit work—so I’ll pass.  However, the fingers are the best way to apply the tinted moisturizers.   When mixed with other products, can be rather liquid, and brushes and sponges can absorb a lot of the product and then you end up wasting money.

First step. Apply with fingers. Even if your nails are a mess!

After applying with my fingers, I’ve been revisiting my Leia Beaute blender. I know.  I know. It’s phallic in appearance but the textured side works wonders.  I received this as a gift from the company a few years ago and started using it again to assist in blending the TM (I’m referring to tinted moisturizer as “TM” moving forward).  I tried looking for this online, but it appears that the company might have gone out of business.  Still, if you can get your hands on one of these, it’s really good.

Despite the phallic appearance of this dirty pillow, it works like a charm to begin the blending process.

Then, I will lightly buff with a soft brush.  When I say lightly, I mean it. Buffing allows the TM to settle in and before moving on I use a setting spray.  Any spray will do.  Overall, it takes less than two minutes to do this, then you can move on to the other products.

I use a very soft brush to finish the process. And the end result is very good.

Fully blended and ready for work. This pic was taken last week after applying my “face”!

Here’s a rundown of the TM’s I use:

Almay Smart Shade Anti-Aging, Skintone Matching Makeup:  Although not a true TM but not a foundation either, I’ve been using this for about three years on and off.  You really need to pay attention to the skintone.  The “light” is light.  And it has a white cast when first applied but it blends in beautifully to your skin after about a minute.  It is never cakey and never exaggerates the lines—deep or fine.  The coverage is medium and not full.  But it does last all day and at a drugstore price point it is well-worth the purchase. The price ranges from $13.00 up to $18.00 depending on what drugstore you go to.

Not quite a TM and not a foundation. This is really good stuff! Been wearing it for a few years!

MAC Studio Radiance Face and Body Sheer Foundation: I’m on my second bottle.  Back in the day, when I purchased the first bottle, I was still wearing foundation.  When I purchased and used for the first time, I was really ticked off because it really wasn’t a foundation.  And I can’t stand false advertisement.  It is more of a tinted moisturizer.  It can be built up for more coverage, but alone, it adds a nice finish.  Sheer but it manages to tone down redness and give that something extra to the skin.  I am continued to be flummoxed as to why this is labeled a foundation.  The price is around $45 still less expensive than luxury products but pricier than drugstore.

Calling this a “foundation” is incredibly misleading.  I place it in the TM category.

Glossier Skin Tint:  Priced at $30, this small bottle is worth the money. I love this and am a fan of Glossier products in general.  While I realize the brand is focused on young women, this skin tint is a great TM for mature skin.  I mix it with Glossier’s Futuredew and the finish is beautiful.   While it doesn’t provide coverage, it makes the skin look fresh and alive.  I have purchased this on repeat. And repeat. And repeat.

You can tell from the mess of the bottle that I use this a lot!

Bobbie Brown Nude Finish Tinted Moisturizer with SPF 15: I picked this up early last year at TJ Maxx for about $6.99.  There’s a reason it was so cheap.  It’s been reformulated and the word “enriched” (What?  Did they add eggs to it?) has been added.  The price is now $49.00, and the shade range is decent.  It’s a good product.  Non-drying, minimal coverage, the texture is good too.  Would I repurchase at the new “enriched” price?  Probably not—but I never say never.  I feel there are other TM’s out there that do a better job.  I will say for the price of $6.99, I did get lucky!

I was lucky to get this at $6.99 but don’t know if I would purchase at the current price.

Typology Tinted Serum T10:  Typology is another brand that I love.  I have many products and I need to reorder the Glow Drops.  The tinted serum—really a TM that is more on the full-coverage side.  In fact, it’s the closest to a foundation without being a foundation.  I don’t use this in the dead of winter as it tends to make my desert-dry skin a bit drier.  But, in hot weather, this is a charmer.  For some reason, it acts very well combined with the heat!  This runs at $47.90 and the Glow Drops are a great price at $39.00.  Typology products are an online purchase because they are sold only at one store in Paris.

Although I prefer this product in warmer weather..

I love these glow drops and use them mixed with my other TM’s almost every day. I’m almost out and need to reorder!

DRMTLGY Universal Tinted Moisturizer SPF46: I was a sucker for the internet ads for this.  Coming in a pump bottle, it has the consistency of whipped cream but don’t eat it!  To be honest, I am a total fangirl.  Blends beautifully and gives a great finish to your skin.  It’s perfect for all kinds of weather too! Currently on sale on the site for $23 and change and on Amazon for $31.00

Another favorite. I love this and love the whipped cream texture!

Elta MD Skincare Tinted Face Sunscreen: Another TM if you will.  The same consistency as DRMTLGY, the pump lets out a whipped product at just the correct amount.  I purchased this ad my dermatologist’s office and surprise!  My insurance company reimbursed me!  It retails for $47.00 on Amazon and the same on the elta site. The brand also has sales throughout the year and the sales are decent.

If I’m not mixing with Glow Drops, I’m mixing with Glossier’s Futuredew. The finish is gorgeous.

Live Tinted Skin Tint SPF50:  I recently purchased a few products from this brand and must admit.  I really like the products.  A lot.  A pump tube, as with the others, a perfect amount comes out of the tube with more whipped cream texture.  It’s moisturizing—even in this harsh weather.  Can be purchased on the Live Tinted site as well as on Amazon for $42.00.   I purchased a set of essentials for $78.00.  Was it expensive?  Sort of but individually, it’s okay.  I will say that I am incredibly happy with the products.

My newest foray into the world of TM’s.  I have to say, I am loving this brand..

I purchased the Everyday Essentials kit and am very, very pleased.

I still have wrinkles. I still have texture. NOTHING will erase that.  However, my skin has a nice healthy glow and overall radiant look.  That’s all I ask for at this stage.

My only slight issue is that brands are so effing focused on youth and the younger women that they fail to see just how great the products are on mature skin!

So, about the rest of the face:

I have been using this Pixie blush for a few months now and love it.  I can’t remember where I purchased it, but I think it’s the mini size. Very pigmented and you don’t need a lot. I usually swipe it on my cheeks and blend with a brush.  The full size is $18.00 on Amazon.

This blush could end up being my absolute favorite. This is the mini size and it’s so pigmented that I have hardly put a dent in it!

The last step for the face is finishing powder. Look. I can’t stand face powder but………. Guerlain Meteorites are the bomb!  Yes. They are pricey as is everything by Guerlain.  And the little orbs of powder work so well when applied with a big fluffy brush. The finish is a reflective glow but a subtle one. And it sets the makeup all day.  ALL. DAY.  When I take my makeup off at the end of the day, the tissue is filthy.  The makeup stays put!

I’m a HUGE fan of Guerlain’s Meteorites. The ones on the left, I picked up at CDG airport at the duty-free.  The ones on the right–I’ve had for FIVE YEARS!  They last forever!

I use this brush by Morphe to apply the Meteorites. It’s big. And fluffy. And does a beautiful job!

That’s about it.  I hope this dive into Tinted Moisturizers helps.  I’m done with foundation.  But I also realize that one does what works the best for them.  So, if you’re not thrilled with foundation these days and are considering a TM, you might want to try one!

That’s all folks. I’m just loving no more foundation!