Adaptation

Makeup can be used to perfect, enhance or completely change our appearance. More often than not, we just want to look like ourselves, but better. Hence, the proliferation of beauty-junkie terms like MLBB, which means My Lips But Better. They key to looking like yourself but better is makeup that perfectly matches your coloring. A new crop of makeup has just arrived that promises to do just that.


Face: Almay Smart Shade Makeup
This product claims to magically transform into your ideal shade. The foundation comes out of the tube colorless, and then the shade appears as you rub it into skin. It takes the guesswork out of matching your skin tone.

How does it work? There are microscopic color beads inside that burst as you rub it in. The coverage is sheer, which also makes it easier to get a good match to your own skin tone.

Verdict? First, the product only comes in three shades: Light, Light/Medium and Medium. I’m sure that doesn’t make darker-skinned women too pleased. Also, some gals complained that the product turned a bit orangey on them. So, although it's a big step forward in makeup innovation, I think the quest for complexion perfection is still ongoing.

Cheeks: Smashbox O-Glow
What is the most natural blush shade for you? The color your cheeks become when you exercise or are out in the cold! Now, Shashbox offers a blush that goes on clear and promises to transform your cheeks into your best personal flush.

They tell us that this clear gel reacts with your personal skin chemistry to turn cheeks the exact color you blush, naturally in just seconds! How does it work? It stimulates microcirculation to bring a flush to cheeks and energizes skin for hours. Don’t worry – it goes on silky smooth, like Smashbox’s primers, and doesn’t sting or anything. Initially, the color was quite fuchsia on me (more of a post-marathon look, rather than a healthy glow!), but the hue quickly faded to a natural sweet pink. It’s also part of the "good for you” trend with its unique Goji Berry-C Complex formula that’s full of antioxidants like vitamin C, pomegranate seed oil, and marine plankton for added healthy-skin benefits.


Lips: mark. Glossblossom Ripening Lip Tint
This lipgloss goes from clear to pink in seconds and transforms into a custom-color shade for you. At $6, they’re a steal, but buy ‘em up quick gals, because I think Glossblossom is sadly heading for discontinuation.


I love the idea of makeup that adapts itself to each person's coloring and I'll be sure to report any other finds that help create YLBB (your look, but better!).