Lighten up for summer

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When summer comes, I always think of lightening up on makeup, though it's been so hot since last fall, that I've been trying to go lighter all along. Makeup just seems to melt away so I almost figure, why bother? It's gotten to the point where I'm not using any foundation at all, just tinted moisturizer.

In the June 9 paper is my story about a summer make-under on an older woman, because young women don't need any help looking radiant!

Here are some of my favorite things for the greatest of ease, without looking like I've completely given up:

1. Osmotics Age Prevention Protection Extreme SPF 40 UVA/UVB moisturizer.

2. BeneFit mango-inspired Cha Cha Tint lip and cheek stain ($29). Just don't let it sit too long before rubbing it in because it really stains.

3. BeneFit The Porefessional pro balm for minimizing pores ($28).

4. C.O. Bigelow "Ginger Mint" Mentha Lip Tint with ginger and mint oils for flavor and touch of gold shimmer, $7.50 at Bath and Body Works.

5. Physicians Formula Shimmer Strips Custom Eye Enhancing Gel Cream Liner: The economy being what it is, I've been experimenting with more drugstore brands. Some things you can't get away with spending less. I find with eyeshadows you get better texture and more pigment with pricier brands, and in lipsticks you get better texture and more moisturizing formulas at the higher end, but sometimes you can get away with spending less, like on these eyeliner trios in stackable pots are about $10.95. You can shop by eye color: Brown, hazel, blue or green. I use the trio for brown eyes (black, brown and violet), pictured, but I think the green eye combination of green, blue and black would also work on those with brown eyes and dark hair.

Beauty Spot: Osmotics

George Smart, national director of education for Osmotics, shows the device used for the LED treatment used in conjunction with the company's products. He's 40 and his skin is amazing. After battling rosacea most of his life, he said Osmotics' Blue Copper is what started him on the path of skin healing.

Francine Porter, creator of Osmotics Cosmeceuticals, is revolutionizing the way skincare is sold by bringing esthetics to the sales floor with the introduction of LED red-light Therapy used in conjunction with Osmotics products.

This is the wave of the future, just as performing makeovers on the sales floor might have been a novel idea 50 years ago but is commonplace today.

While the Nordstrom Cosmetic Trend Event is going on May 28, you may be able to catch George Smart, national director of education for Osmotics at the counter performing the LED Therapy, which will continue to be available on a permanent basis, by appointment.

A treatment that might cost $200 at a esthetic or medi-spa will be free with a $75 purchase from Osmotics, or $75 without purchase. Consider it a lift with purchase instead of a gift with purchase.

Porter started the company because she was frustrated by the empty claims of many cosmetic brands, and wanted scientific proof of products' effectiveness. She began working with university medical centers, basing its treatments on clinically validated tests, and licensing technologies that produce results.

Smart said he suffered from rosacea throughout his life, unable to find any product that worked until he discovered Osmotics Blue Copper 5.

Although most people might use Osmotics for anti-aging purposes, others like Smart, seek it for relief from rosacea or other skin conditions such as excema, psoriasis, or who are going through chemo or radiation.

Some of the most popular items from the line include:

"Crease-Less": A needle-less Botox alternative, with patented peptides that help prevent expression lines and creases.

"Eye Surgery": An under-eye rejuvenator to help reduce dark circles, puffy eye bags and smooth crepey eyelids.

Necollete: Targets signs of aging and sun damage on the neck, chest and décoletté.