Which Foundation Formula is Right for Your Skin?

After how to formulate a healthy eating plan, one of the questions I hear the most often in my business is how to figure out what foundation would be the best choice for your skin.  I love makeup and I have strong personal preferences, so I love to help people find their "holy grail" foundation.  Wearing the proper foundation makes a huge difference to the appearance of your skin, and your overall look.

As silly as it may sound, foundation is actually one of the reasons I began my business.  I had been on a long-term hunt at Sephora for foundation that had good coverage, wasn't cakey, and wore well.  I had bought and used probably at least ten over the past few years, and I hadn't found what I wanted.  The last straw was when I paid (Seth, avert your eyes), $75 for a foundation that I thought HAD to be the best, because of the brand and price. And it lasted maybe an hour on my skin before it was invisible.  So frustrating!  When I had a friend send me samples of Arbonne's liquid foundation, it was *exactly* what I had been searching for, and half the price.  As a skeptic, that really got me wondering about what could be different about it.

Now that I have done my research, I know that the best thing about Arbonne's makeup is that it is all formulated to *improve* your skin, not just to be a cosmetic product that covers up imperfections.  It is a HUGE difference when you wear makeup that isn't fighting against what you are using your skincare to treat, whether that is acne, aging, or sensitive skin.  Not only that, but Arbonne's makeup follows our strict ingredient policy, contains no animal products, and is never tested on animals, in any way.  Are you curious about why ingredients in makeup matter?  I was too.  Here is a handy little video: https://youtu.be/RA61jh8HwPI)

And.....PSA off.  :)

Foundation comes in a ton of different choices these days, but there are three more popular formulations: liquid, mineral, and CC cream (BB cream, DD cream....this is called by so many names!)

Here is a chart that will hopefully help you figure out which formula will work best with your skin type, and your preferences.

My hands-down favorite is the liquid foundation.  That is my every-single-day choice.  My skin is normal to combination, and I prefer its medium to full coverage.  It stays in place all day without looking like a mask.

What about the others?

I use the CC Cream during the summer, when we are going to be running around so I want a little bit of coverage, but we will eventually end up at the pool, so I don't actually want a full face of makeup on. Mineral foundation is perfect for when it is humid and a powder formula will keep down the shine.

For those of you who just love to see photo evidence (me too!), here are three truly cringe-worthy selfies of the different coverages, with no other makeup on.

             Liquid                                                            Mineral                                                 CC Cream

You can grab any of these formulas here.

Speaking of, come back on Friday when I do a side by side photo comparison of other foundation brands, and see which brand really does make you look like you have something to hide.  And tomorrow morning, I'd love to have you join me on Periscope (@ArbonneVPSWenzel) for a discussion and tutorial of application methods for foundation.

Sugar-free, Low Carb Chocolate Peanut Butter Cup Protein Shake

Are you trying to limit your sugar intake?  Staying low carb?  Diabetic?  Just wondering what to do with flavorless protein?  I have had this shake recipe on repeat for the last few days, and I can't get enough.

Chickens in My Kitchen Sugar-Free, Low Carb, Chocolate Peanut Butter Shake

1 1/2 c unsweetened vanilla almond milk (could use other nondairy milk choices as well)
2 T unsweetened cocoa powder (I have been using Hershey's Special Dark)
2 T PB2 (slightly less calories and carbs than regular peanut butter)
1 scoop Arbonne Daily Protein Boost
Half a ripe avocado (to add some healthy fats. Stick with me here, you can't taste it at all, and the texture is AMAZING)
Sprinkle of cinnamon
Liquid Stevia to taste (start with one dropperful, and add from there)

Put all ingredients in good quality blender, and blend well.  Add ice, and blend until ice is your desired level of crushed.  I personally like mine smooth, like a milkshake.

If you are not trying to stay low carb, there are so many yummy add ins you could use: bananas or berries, chocolate chips, coconut.....


SO good, and so healthy.  And as a bonus, this recipe kept me full long past my usual dinnertime.

Proud of you all for moving towards your goals!  Tell us, what is your number one health goal right now? Mine is to stick my clean eating plan.  So far, I am 100% on track since Jan 1 (cliche much? Indeed. But it has always been a successful time for my goal-setting).  I'd love to hear yours...

Protein Boost Recipes

At a loss for healthy, pre-made snacks for you AND your family that help keep you full for longer, and meet your need for protein?  Believe me, ME TOO!  My kids seem to be eating constantly!  It is not unusual for me to still be washing up from a meal and see little (boy) feet sticking out of my fridge.  We go through a HUGE amount of meat and cheese around here, as well as less healthy choices, like granola bars.  Whether I want to limit the junk (boxed snacks), or watch the budget (meat and cheese), protein bites and shakes are my go-to.

These are a favorite snack recipe of our whole family.  Seth even takes these out in the field.  And they're freezer-friendly, so feel free to double up the recipe!

Chickens in My Kitchen 5 Minute Superfood Protein Bites

1 c almond butter (can sub peanut butter if you like)
1/2 c honey*
2 t vanilla extract
1/3 c Arbonne Vanilla Protein Powder**
1/3 c Arbonne Chocolate Protein Powder**
1/3 c flax seeds
1/3 c chia seeds
1 c steel cut oats
4 T mini chocolate chips

*For no-sugar bites, you may substitute liquid stevia for the honey (to taste-try 1 T to start, and adjust from there), and then also substitute Arbonne's new sugar- and sweetener-free Daily Protein Boost for our flavored proteins.  Of course, remove the chocolate chips as well.  :)
**Notes: you can make these with all one flavor of protein powder if you like.

1. In a microwave safe bowl, mix almond butter and honey, and microwave for 1 minute, or until you can easily mix them together.  Add vanilla extract.  Mix again.

2.  In the meantime, in a large bowl, mix all other ingredients.

3.  Add the almond butter mixture to the dry ingredients, and mix well.  The chocolate chips may melt.  That is okay!

4.  Using a cookie scoop or large spoon, between your hands to form 1 inch balls.  *You can also press into a 9 by 13 pan and then cut into squares

5.  Refrigerate for an hour before eating, or freeze immediately.  Keep refrigerated when you can, as the bites tend to crumble a bit when warm.  If you need to travel with them, keep frozen and let them defrost as your day goes on.


Help a girl out....what's your favorite healthy snack?