Dan Read Cosmetics doesn't want your money. Or at least, they don't want you to waste your money. I recently got a chance to chat with Dan Read himself. He gave me the inside skinny on his tips and tricks, as well a chance to check out his famous foundation.
Dan Read is a firm believer in only spending money on products that work. He doesn't want you to buy anything that doesn't work perfectly. No sponges that soak up product and no products with fillers that aren't needed. He isn't a fan of mineral makeup that doesn't match your skin tone, and he doesn't always understand why women are so quick to lay out their cosmetic money on products that don't match their face perfectly and don't do everything they want a foundation to do. Dan Read Cosmetics know they could make a killing on certain products but, until they're happy with what they've created, they just refuse to take your money.
Even more interesting, he has a different way to determine what foundation is the right color for you.
Dan Read Cosmetics can match you over the phone or via email if you are unsure after looking at their swatches. You heard right. They'll match you without seeing you. They'll ask you a few questions and then tell you what shade you are with 95% accuracy. While I'm really hard to match in department stores (really hard. My neck is a different color from my face and everyone assumes I'm much darker than I actually am.), Dan was able to match me on the first try! And oddly enough, this is the first foundation that also matched me when I looked in the most revealing mirror of all - the mirror on the fold down flap of the drivers side visor (it's the best mirror for foundation and eye brow hair checks!). For some reason, in person, most foundations pass, but in this mirror I can see the difference.
I tried the
Soft Ivory 1 with Shimmer. The shimmer in this foundation consists of nano pigments of glimmer. If you look closely enough on my face, you can see the particles, but they aren't really noticeable unless you search for them. And even then you'd have to have really sharp eyes.
This foundation is unlike anything I've ever tried before. Maybe it's because I tend to use more "consumer" lines and this line strikes me as more of a Pro line. In the package, it looks a little like pancake makeup from my days at Merle Norman. However, it doesn't apply or act like that. Here is how it's different:
1. It arrives hard as a rock. (Mine did, anyway.)
2. It only really applies well with a sponge or a densely packed foundation brush. It's not meant to be applied with your fingers.
3. No matter how long you spend twirling the sponge in the product, you'll only get what you need.
4. It could freeze and turn into something entirely different. So keep it in a climate-controlled area.
5. It's not a liquid, mineral or what I think of as a cream.
6.
It doesn't look like you are wearing any makeup, but your skin looks perfect. Not like it's been airbrushed and retouched, but like you have actual, perfect skin.7. It doesn't come off until you take it off. It isn't coming off on my flat-front cell phone or after yard work (yes, Mom, I did some!).
8. It has shades suited for all skin colors, from Nicole Kidman to
Alex Wek and everyone in between.
9. You can apply it wet or dry. I prefer dry, because I think it looks more sheer and very fresh.
Now remember, you do have to apply this slightly differently, using a sponge or foundation brush. It won't work with your fingers, like a traditional foundation. Instead, swirl a sponge/brush over the top of the foundation for several seconds. The sponge/brush may not even look like it has picked up much product, but you've probably picked up all you need to get a good start. I find that I am swirling three or four times to cover my face, including using this as a concealer (by just adding a bit more where I need more coverage).
My skin looked amazing. All day long. And while you could use a powder with this to set it (which I'm sure you'd only need to use it powder once), I've been using my Mally or Dior face finishers and it sets beautifully. I've tried it with a HD micro powder and I honestly prefer it without a powder. I like the natural finish this foundation gives on its own. The finish is radiant, gorgeous and perfect. I just may be returning or shelving my other foundations.
Check out
Dan Read Cosmetics online and on
Facebook. The foundations range in price from $31 to $41.
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