Addicted to...Complexion Perfectors

When it comes to great skin, sometimes you gotta fake it 'til you make it

By Courtney Dunlop
Published: Dec 17, 2007

I know you’re strapped for time in the morning, but consider adding a simple extra step to your beauty routine—one that will help nudge your complexion towards flawless and away from, “Gee, this foundation really isn’t doing much for me anymore.” As your skin ages, the texture changes and sun damage (like discolorations and fine lines) becomes more apparent. Don’t worry, these new “complexion perfectors” —applied after skincare but before makeup—help conceal and correct signs of aging. You know how you prime a wall before painting so the color goes on evenly? Imagine the same effect with your foundation, but instead of just smoothing your skin, these bad boys also deliver long-term anti-aging results. Find the right one for you below.

Your skin is…

Parched and flaky:
Sue Devitt Microquatic Blue Anti-Aging SPF 30 Protection Primer ($48) has a long name, but I guess that’s because it does a lot of stuff. Blue algae neutralizes redness, SPF 30 protects from UV damage, and super tech-y sounding ingredients Ceramides II and Matrixyl help reduce fine lines. It’s very moisturizing, so you can use it in place of daytime lotion or cream.
Buy it at: www.ulta.com

Fine except for a few lines:
One pump of Revlon’s Age Defying Instant Firming Face Primer with Botafirm ($13.99) keeps your makeup fresh all day. Antioxidants help sluggish skin protect itself from stress and pollution, and peptides soften lines over time. You won’t get facelift results from a primer, but extended use can help your skin hold on to a youthful glow.
Buy it at: www.walgreens.com

Rough with large pores:
N.V. Perricone Ceramic Skin Smoother ($75) uses micro-beads to fill in pores, and pharmaceutical-strength vitamin E to preserve your skin’s radiance. Creator Dr. Perricone is a top anti-aging expert, and this light formula contains his patented DMAE, which enhances firmness. You can use this potent oil-free gel in place of other anti-aging products—besides sunscreen, of course—if you’re running short on time. Buy it at: www.nvperriconemd.com

A bit lackluster:
If your skin’s looking a little dullsville, check out Per-fékt Skin Perfection Gel ($57.50). The tinted gel formula goes on velvety smooth for an airbrushed effect, evens out skin tone, and can even replace a sheer-finish foundation. Designed with vitamins to repair skin and Alpha Lipoic Acid to fight aging, this gem of a product has a long list of celebrity followers, including Reese Witherspoon and Heather Locklear.
Buy it at: www.perfektbeauty.com