First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Tinted Moisturizer Broad Spectrum SPF 30 in Light

I picked up the First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Tinted Moisturizer in Light with a Sephora code in April, and I've got to say that it's worming it's way into my heart.  At first I thought it was going to be a bit too moisturizing/luminous for my taste, as my skins leans on the oily side. Then, there was the sheer coverage that lets all my various imperfections/dark spots peak through. But you know what?  I like it.

Here's some reasons why. It has a broad spectrum SPF of 30, and the warm temps and sun are back with a vengeance in Mobile so I'm spending more time outside. While I've finally embraced wearing a separate sunscreen every day (it took a few decades, but whatever), having more SPF in my base is welcome as well. This would also work well on days when you are not wearing any other makeup but just want to even out your skin tone or are going for a more "no-makeup" makeup look, while still giving sun protection.

The texture of the Ultra Repair Tinted Moisturizer is a mousse like gel, and it is playing nice with my skincare/SPF/primer thus far. The finish is natural and gives a soft glow due to "Finely milled minerals with light-reflecting properties that amplify skin’s natural radiance for a beautifully luminous effect". I do set it with a light coating of powder to help with shine/longevity, and have had no issues with it looking cakey.

I think my favorite thing about this tinted moisturizer, however, is that at the end of the day my skin still looks good.  Yes, my natural oils are peaking through but this seems to wear down evenly, with nary a sign of patchiness or breaking up in spite of the oil breakthrough. I also like the fragrance of this, which reminds me somewhat of orange blossoms. It's not overwhelming by any means, but it does register each time I apply and I find it a pleasant sensory experience.

I compared the Ultra Repair Tinted Moisturizer in Light to the bareMinerals Complexion Rescue in Natural 05, one of my favorite foundations with SPF.  They are both gel like but the Ultra Repair has a slightly more mousse texture, and leans lighter and more yellow in tone with a more luminous finish. I prefer the color of the Complexion Rescue, which makes me think I'd like to try the Ultra Repair in medium before making any decision on purchasing a full size, should I decide to go that route.

The full size of the Ultra Repair is $28 for 1 ounce versus $30 for the Complexion Rescue's 1.18 ounces, so essentially the same price.  I can't say I like the Ultra Tint more than the Complexion Rescue, but they could possibly run neck and neck!

Complexion Rescue Tinted Hydrating Gel Cream in Natural 05 by bareMinerals

I've been veering more towards BB and CC creams for my foundation choice the past few months, and bareMinerals newest entry into this crowded market caught my interest.  Described as "the best of a BB, a CC, and a tinted moisturizer", Complexion Rescue ($29) claims the ability to provide a 215% increase in skin hydration after just one week.  

I decided on shade Natural 05, designed for medium skin with neutral undertones.  It's a good match for me during winter, which is when I'd more likely be wearing Complexion Rescue due to my skin being slightly less oily then.  Yep, Complexion Rescue is described as providing a "dewy" finish, which I'd say is true.  No way can I wear this during the spring/summer, when my skin goes into oil producing hyper drive.

 Coverage is sheer, which was another concern I had, given my skin's less than perfect appearance.  You can build up coverage slightly, but Complexion Rescue main attribute is it's natural looking, smooth finish.  I relied on concealer to better cover dark spots or blemishes, and finishing off with a tinted setting powder (Le Metier de Beaute's Peau Vierge Anti-Aging Powder is my current favorite), helped both with longevity and shine.  

There were also days when I mixed Complexion Rescue with one of my more full cover foundations, with pretty good results.  I could also see using this as primer for it's sunscreen/skincare benefits, with a mineral powder foundation on top. 

Bottom line, I like Complexion Rescue, although my oily skin makes it not the best fit for me year round.  I'm still planning on purchasing the Goop CC Cream once my shade is back in stock, as it does a better job in the coverage and mattifying department.