This Probiotic-Spiked Moisturizer Makes My Skin Glow
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Having tested out more moisturizers than any other skin-care category, it has come to my attention that, more often than not, what separates a "good" moisturizer from the "best" comes down to the physical experience and feel. My criteria are the formula is lightweight, absorbs very quickly, doesn't leave behind greasy or heavy residue, and is easy to layer under sunscreen and makeup (aka it doesn't make any subsequent products pill). Cover FX's official foray into the skin-care world, the Custom Blending Moisturizer, checks off all of those boxes and is purposefully designed to mix well with other liquid formulas — like foundations, serums, and even the brand's Custom Enhancer Drops.
As the perfect base for makeup, the serum-like moisturizer makes my foundation glide on oh-so-smoothly. Despite being loaded up with deeply hydrating ingredients, such as hyaluronic acid, shea butter, olive oil, and jojoba oil, it doesn't weigh heavily on my skin. Instead, it leaves behind a weightless, velvety finish that makes my skin look ever so plump and more awake.
The moisturizer is also spiked with prebiotic and probiotic complexes — specifically lactobacillus ferment — that strengthen your skin's microbiome and skin barrier's defensive abilities. Whereas prebiotics are foods that "preferentially support the growth of healthy bacteria," probiotics like lactobacillus ferment are "like a spice pack that enhances the flavor of your recipe," board-certified dermatologist Joshua Zeichner explains, meaning it creates an optimal environment that allows healthy bacteria to grow in the first place. He also confirms that probiotic skin-care products can be used on all skin types, including those with sensitive skin — either as a stand-alone product or mixed into cosmetic products.
I frequently use the back of my hand as a mixing medium to add drops of moisturizing primers or liquid highlighters directly in with my foundation — that is, until I tried out Cover FX's Custom Application Brush (an Allure editor favorite). It's designed with three little wells that infuse up to three products into one cohesive formula. In the photo on the left below, I combined the Custom Blending Moisturizer with my beloved (and Best of Beauty Award-winning) Kevyn Aucoin Glass Glow and Revlon PhotoReady Candid Foundation for a sheer, glowy layer of coverage. It's the perfect, just-barely-there amount for slapping on before a Zoom call just to feel a little more put together.
Cover FX Custom Application brush (left); Me wearing all three products (right).
Although I don't think brushes are necessary for applying skin-care products in particular (dermatologists tend to agree, too), I appreciate the Custom Application Brush's portion control and the fact that my hands are spared from any mess. If I want more coverage, I'll fill up two sections with foundation. The most important factor is you clean your brushes regularly — ideally, after each use — to avoid contamination. If I'm wearing the moisturizer by itself, however, I'm perfectly happy with using my bare, clean hands to slather it on.
Whether I use a brush or not, one thing is crystal-clear: The Cover FX Custom Blending Moisturizer gives my tired-looking skin a potent, much-needed boost of hydration every morning.
Cover FX Custom Blending Moisturizer
Get your glow on and pick up the Custom Blending Moisturizer now at coverfx.com and ulta.com for $42.
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