Sally Hansen Natural Beauty Inspired by Carmindy Airbrush Foundation

That's a lot of words for one little product. I didn't even know who Carmindy was, being far too loyal to the British original of Trinny and Susannah's What Not to Wear to tolerate the shrieky, very fake-seeming American version. It turns out that Carmindy is the makeup artist on that horrible show. And yet, she seems to have produced - with Sally Hansen - at least one very good product in a line called Natural Beauty. As the woman herself says of the collection:

I partnered with the Sally Hansen team to develop this breakthrough cosmetic line of the highest quality products at a price we can all afford. Natural Beauty is totally paraben-free and filled with natural anti-oxidants and botanicals. Each and every product works seamlessly together to deliver the flawless look and feel you have always wanted. You won't believe how fresh and light Natural Beauty is and how easy it is to apply.

She's not just spouting PR lines.

I tend to choose a tinted moisturizer with at least SPF 30 many days, which gives me sheer coverage. Sometimes I want to even out my skintone a bit more, which is when I opt for a proper foundation. Lately, I've been reaching more frequently for this one. (It offers no sun protection, so underneath I apply Neutrogena Age Shield Face with SPF 80.)

The word "airbrush" gives the sense that you'll be spraying your face with this stuff, and that it will Photoshop away all your imperfections. Instead, you spray the product into your hands, then blend it into your face. I don't know what the dispensing method has to do with why this foundation works so well, but it does. I don't feel I need much concealer (just under my eyes, to cover dark circles) when using it, yet it doesn't look cake-y or heavy.

At $13.50, I don't think you're going to find a better everyday option for foundation. (Trust me, I've shelled out many times that for the Vincent Longos of the world, and am very gunshy about returning.)

Comments

[Mela]

Its interesting that you had such good luck with this product, because I found it incredibly runny and not nearly as nice as some other foundations. I always feel like a good brush is a better investment than gimmicky dispensing methods.

[Jackie]

Mela, maybe you sprayed too much into your hand? I spray a bit at a time and work my way up to the coverage I want. I didn't find it runny in the slightest.

As for brushes, I have a MAC foundation brush that I liked but found a bit too much of a hassle (I'm usually rushing to get ready). Good brushes cost far more than this $13.50 foundation. Just sayin'.

[dgm]

Which shade do you use? You linked to the dark so I'm wondering if, like many products, the shade labeled "dark" is actually pretty light. I'm sort of cappuccino-colored and have a hell of a time finding the right foundation color.

Also, is this a fairly light (as in thickness, not shade) product? Currently I mix a couple of different Bare Minerals shades for the right color, and I love that Bare Minerals feels like I'm not wearing anything on my face.

[Jackie]

dgm, I wear light - technically, I guess I have medium skin, but many medium shades are just too dark for me.

I don't find this a thick product - one reason why I love it. It's not like wearing a mask, but it gives me better coverage than a tinted moisturizer.

[Sheila]

This is my new Holy Grail. Unbelievable. I have dark olive skin but my face is lighter, got the 'light to medium', and it is perfect. I feel the need to hoard, in case it goes away. Seriously, I cannot believe I have finally found something that gives me sheer coverage, and also seems to minimize my pores.

[Sally]

Is this the foundation she's been spraying onto a sponge on the show? I've always wondered what that was, but never caught a glimpse of the product itself.

[dgm]

Thanks, Jackie.

Ack! I tried the Dark and it was too pinkish for my skin. My next stop is Deep; it looks so dark but it still might work if it has more yellow tones.