Brightening, Setting, Retouching.. And this is after you've applied foundation, concealer, bronzer, blush.. As I age, my multitude of skin issues are more apparent and that means more product. Often, too much has the adverse effect and you end up looking like a art project gone wrong, but setting powders is a necessary step to perfect makeup.

After applying topical medication (rosacea), serums, moisturizer, corrective creams, and sometimes foundation, my face is rather shiny. Thanks to my 'angry', combination skin, I'm having to deal with an oily complexion too. Bobbi Brown White Skin Correcting Powder is meant to 'brighten and illuminate' fair skin tones, but I use it to slightly mattify my look. It's the last step in my makeup routine, but if I'm having one of those 'dry' days, the powder will magnify my dehydrated skin. Decisions - oily or flakey?

I apply Bobbi Brown Skin Correcting Powder in peach to add a little warmth to my complexion. Focusing my cheeks, this subtle shade looks great on my super-fair skin. I don't feel like either of these retouching powders are drastically enhancing my makeup, but Bobbi Brown is about subtlety!

Move over BB, there's newbies in the Cosmocube! Laura Mercier Secret Brightening Powder is like magic fairy dust. The transparent powder is formulated with light-reflecting micronized pigments that illuminate your under eye area while setting your concealer. Apply concealer, blend with a damp beautyblender, be sure there's no creasing, dab your damp makeup sponge into the powder and lightly pat it onto your under eye area. Too much is ok - it will settle and you can sweep off the excess product in a few. AMAZING results! My concealer is set, there's little-to-no creasing and my under eye area appears significantly brighter. LOVE!

The mint green tint of Laura Mercier Shine Control Pressed Setting Powder tones down redness (I NEED THAT) while reducing shine. The 'Shine Control Complex' gives you a shine-free, fresh, mate finish - a much-needed addition to my cosmetic bag for on-the-go touchups. While we're on the topic of green - Sephora Collection Bright Future Color Correctors are super light and great for combating discoloration, blemishes.. I use the green shade to neutralize the redness on my nose. The formula is lightweight and blends nicely. 

I have combination skin; rosacea, acne and oily. I struggled to find makeup to meet my long list of needs. My dermatologist recommended I try Bobbi Brown makeup. It's been a few years since my first purchase, and now I practically own every product made by Bobbi Brown. The makeup gives me the results I want and doesn't irritate my skin or clog my pores. The BB cream and yellow based Sheer Finish Loose Powder cover the redness on my cheeks and the Tinted Eye Brightener along with the white Retouching Powder masks dark circles under my eyes. Together these four products allow me to create a natural base, before adding blush, eye makeup and lip color.

I start with under eye cream and add a small amount of Tinted Eye Brightener. I gently sweep the Eye Brightener at the base of my under eye circles and blend upwards. Too much under eye makeup will sit in your wrinkles and cake in the corners of your eyes, so use sparingly.

Then I apply my favorite makeup product Bobbi Brown BB Cream. I squeeze the cream onto the back of my hand and using a foundation brush apply the cream to my face using circular motions to blend it in. I start on my forehead, blend down the bridge of my nose, apply to my cheeks and blend down around my chin and neck.

Finally I sweep the Retouching Powder under my eyes and across the bridge of my noise to brighten my look. Bobbi Brown Retouching Powder is amazing. It is available in six shades; each one combats specific discoloration of your skin. These powders even out your skin tone and brighten your look. 

If I need extra coverage I will apply a small amount of Sheer Loose Powder. I strive for a natural look and most days forego the loose powder.

Visit a Bobbi Brown makeup counter at any major department store for a consultation; the knowledgable makeup artists will help you find your perfect makeup shades and teach you how to apply your makeup.