Were I asked to sum up First Aid Beauty, the overall synopsis would be: an extensive line up that won’t overwhelm you at an approachable price point. The formulas embody ‘basic done well.’ My current favorites include the FAB Pharma Arnica Mask, Retinol Eye Cream, and that rather impressive Pores Be Gone primer with Fig Extract. With that said, there have been some misses. Formulas that simply aren’t for me include the Oat & Hemp facial dry oil and the Radiance Pads everyone seems to love. Lord knows I tried.
Recently, I received a First Aid Beauty PR mailer with some exciting new and upcoming launches. At first glance, the newness seemed tailor made for my skin, especially since it’s gotten warmer seemingly overnight. After two weeks of playing with the latest releases, I am happy to report back with this quick rundown on the tinted mineral sunscreen, an oil-free Ultra Repair gel moisturizer, and a brightening eye cream. Here’s the scoop:
Weightless Liquid Mineral Sunscreen SPF30
If you’re always on the hunt for a mineral only sunscreen that won’t leave a white cast (which can be either chalky or too sheen for its own good), the new First Aid Beauty SPF 30 should make your Spring/Summer wishlist. The formula uses non-nano Zinc Oxide in an impressive 16.8% concentration. What makes it truly amazing is the subtle tint that blends into the skinn to give you that radiant glow. Luckily, without a trace of shimmer. Another high point of this silky liquid: it dries fast and doesn’t streak. It does contain pigment so be sure to blend it in well but I found it doesn’t get caught in my hair and beard line. Nor my pandemic-size eyebrows.
A word of caution: physical sunscreens, including the FAB formula, often have a dry-touch finish, which can make the formula cling to dry patches on your skin. How do you avoid this happening? Exfoliate and use a moisturizer suitable for your type of skin. And shake that bottle well! Overall, the new sunscreen is ranking quite high on my list of latest discoveries. It’s not a moisturizer per se but it does contain ingredients good for your skin, such as soothing Deep Seawater Algae Extract, antioxidant-rich Vitamin E, and inflammatory Green Tea Leaf and Turmeric Extracts. It’s a yes for me. $34 (44ml) sephora.com
Eye Duty Niacinamide Brightening Cream
When it comes to First Aid Beauty eye care formulas, I learned to curb my enthusiasm. On one hand, the Retinol Eye Cream is among the best eye treatments under $50 I have found. And since I am a sucker for a slightly tinted eye brightener (Worst Sleeper of The Year right here), I really really really wanted to love the Eye Duty Triple Remedy. Sadly, the tube bursts open and spills everywhere whenever I travel with it. Side note: many products with metal tip or roller ball applicators loosen because of the airplane’s cabin pressure. Fighting jet lag = counterproductive.
Now, onto the new Eye Duty Niacinamide Brightening Cream. While it’s too soon to speak about any brightening, I am enjoying the lightweight texture, which absorbs great and wears well day or night. The cream’s light tint adds the perfect level of subtle iridescence and will make you look alert and not crazy eyed. If you’re after an instant brightening effect that doesn’t look like makeup, this is a great option. In addition to Niacinamide, the formula also highlights Pumpkin Seed Extract (to soothe and de-puff), Sodium Hyaluronate (to plump and hydrate), and Caffeine (to energize and help lighten the dark circles). In short, the latest eye treatment is pretty great. If it were packaged in a pump bottle, it would be perfect. $36 (15ml) at sephora.com
Ultra Repair Oil-Control Moisturizer
The latest Ultra Repair ancillary will appeal to those with an oily complexion that becomes shiny throughout the day. In my case, my skin apparently isn’t oily enough to be a candidate for this gel cream. Personally, I absolutely adore the Coconut Water Cream and Ultra Repair BarriAIR moisturizers. And honestly, I find the Pores Be Gone to be excellent at mattifying my combination skin. The new oil-free Oil-Control Moisturizer has a beautiful gel texture and is packed with Hyaluronic Acid that will keep your skin supple and comfortable. What really doesn’t work for me is the powdery finish it dries to and how, well… powdery it feels. I have no doubt this mattifying veil controls oil throughout the day but I found applying sunscreen over it a bit cumbersome. $32 (50ml) sephora.com
