June 27, 2008

Beauty on a Budget Week: Physicians Formula Organic Wear Tinted Moisturizer

Am I using the wrong Tinted Moisturizer or are these things WAY overrated?

I don’t see the point.

Even though I’m going to give Physicians Formula Organic Wear Tinted Moisturizer an ok review I still feel like the entire idea behind tinted moisturizer has escaped my feeble little mind.

I don’t really feel like I can leave the house wearing a tinted moisturizer and some blush. It kinda feels like leaving the house in pants without underwear on (unless of course that’s your thing!). Am I making sense?

I guess the general idea of using a tinted moisturizer is to even out your complexion while giving you the benefits of SPF but seriously do you feel like you’re looking your flawless best with just the moisturizer and some blusher thrown on?

I don’t.

A reader e-mailed me yesterday and asked me have I tried the latest craze in the Korean market, BB Creams (Hi Jing!). I promptly replied explaining I had indeed and how I never understood the hype about tinted moisturizers or BB Creams. Neither does anything for me. After some discussions she convinced me that I should not make my final decision on BB Creams until I try a few brands she recommended! After a bit of chatter I’ve decided to reinvest my cash flow into some of these brands to see if they are worth my time! So expect a review from me very soon on some BB Creams. If you have no idea what BB Creams are I’ll explain further in my upcoming review.

All the tinted moisturizers (and BB Creams) have always had a few major flaws in my opinion. coverage, color, and formula. In this case Physicians Formula Organic Wear Tinted Moisturizer has a range of problems with it. I got the lightest shade available which was Fair to Light but like all tinted moisturizers it turns out it’s a rather ugly beige color that does nothing to flatter my medium fair skin tone. The color is a really dull beige which as you’ll notice on my arm, which happens to be a shade darker than my face, looks very off and unflattering.

I don’t need a whole lot of coverage as my skin is perfectly fine without it and if I so choose I can walk out of the house with a bit of cheek stain and some gloss however I feel very naked without product on my face which is a reason this doesn’t work well for me. This doesn’t cover much of anything. My face is occasionally dull so I depend on my foundation to brighten my face up and make it go from tired to flawless however I can’t depend on a simple tinted moisturizer to do that especially one in an unflattering shade of beige!

Two strikes against Physicians Formula Organic Tinted Moisturizer so far!

So far I’m not loving the color or the coverage options on this and you might be wondering if the formula and texture can redeem my poor opinion of this. Sadly, no go. The formula is very runny and watery. Obviously, since it’s Summer, we are looking for lighter coverage however a thicker consistency would make me feel like I was not only gaining more coverage and longer wear but also more moisture. The watery formula fails to make me feel like I have applied moisturizer at all!

I can’t recall the exact amount I paid for this but it’s somewhere between $7 USD and $10 USD. I think it’s safe to say that you can skip this although I will mention the cons of the product which could change your mind about investing your money in it.

Even though coverage, color, and formula wasn’t what I’d have liked to see in this it still has many redeeming qualities.

The formula is 100% paraben free, organic, cruelty free, and has an SPF of 15. It’s a very green makeup product and since many have jumped on board environmental and organic ranges of cosmetics this might be something you may want to consider investing in. I admit, sadly, that I’m not always attentive to what exactly is going on my face and I definately hand out props to Physicians Formula for breaking into this market and offering a range for those of you that are Vegan friendly.

All in all I just wasn’t loving this and can’t recommend it for purchase!

How about you?

Tried and Loved it?

Love Tinted Moisturizers? Which are your favorites?

Tell the Muse!

31 Comments

About the Muse

Isabella MuseIsabella is just an average everyday geeky girl who doesn’t blend her eyeshadow correctly, wears too much blush, and hopes she never finds her holy grail products because she likes the thrill of the chase so much. Her mission is to bring you super honest reviews on makeup, skincare, fragrance and all things beauty. She’s in no way an expert on the topic and she sure as hell isn’t a super model. But she’s passionate about makeup and is seeking like-minded individuals that like pina coladas, getting caught in the rain, and ones that enjoy spending hundreds of dollars at Sephora without feeling buyer’s remorse. If you’re that person feel free to reach out and leave a comment or follow me on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and Bloglovin‘.

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Comments

  • Christina

    I’m with you on leaving the house with just a tinted moisturizer, I just can’t do it either. Even though my skin isn’t generally too bad, I feel like I need more than just a tinted moisturizer or I feel really naked. If I absolutely have to wear one, and I do own one, I wear Bobbi Brown’s Tinted moisturizer. A little pricey, but seems to work well. The one I do not like at all, is Benefit’s You Rebel. Was way too dark and turned me an orange color 🙁 I LOVE your blog. 🙂 You are adorable 🙂

  • the Muse

    hello there Christina! Happy Friday!

    Amen! Someone that agrees! I pride myself on my skin but I just can’t leave home without wearing my face in full. That includes concealer, cream foundation, etc…just going out with tinted moisturizer does nothing for me, unless I’m not finding a good one that actually works.

    I haven’t tried the BB one but I have tried Rebel. I use the Rebel Lite version b/c that regular version is AWFUL isn’t it? I agree orangy and gross. The lite version is nice but again it offers very very very little coverage.

    awww shucks! Thanks! I’m glad you enjoy my blog 😉 Appreciate your saying as such!

    Thanks for commenting and I hope you’ll stop by soon again for a chitchat!

  • Laurie

    Yeah – I just can’t do it either. I always layer some poweder over the top if I go the TM route.

    I actually liked this product though, although it has almost no coverage – you’re right on with that.

  • the Muse

    Morning Laurie Happy Friday!

    I do the same. I love the SPF benefits but I def need a bit of powder or more foundation to blend it out.

    The coverage was virtually none. Did you feel like it was too watery though? I felt like I put it on, it sunk in, but as far as long wearing seemed a no go?!

  • Tammy

    My moisturizer already has SPF, so if I am doing the “naked” face thing, I just use some powder. Plus, this looked kinda orange…can’t walk around looking like an Oompa Loompa now, can we? 😉

  • Laurie

    Yes, I think the consistency of this is pretty runny. I fear leakage in my makeup bag too – I won’t travel with this one!

    I’ve tested Smashbox’s Sheer Focus TM and I really liked the consistency of that as well. I just don’t feel like shelling out the $30 for more TM – when I just seem to wear concealer and powder in the summer anyway:)

    Plus, I just did my Nordies pre-order:) I’ve got more exciting things on my MU list to look forward to!

  • Emelie

    I actually feel that my skin seem more flawless with mineral make up than with a tinted moisturizer.

    I’m looking forward to read more about the BB creams as it’s kind of new to me. I’m not really sure that I know what it is LOL.

  • beautyaddict1one1

    I never ever own a Tinted Moisturizer i just mix my Moisturizer with my foundation it’s Perfect 4 me
    Thanks

  • the Muse

    Hiya Tammy!

    Mine too which I adore. Lord no. That’s exactly the problem with most tms they are orange…oompa loompa is a perfect example of the effect these cause lol!

    Cheers.

  • the Muse

    hi again Laura!

    Agreed. It’s runny as is I imagine if it was in my makeup bag during the heat say it would be even runnier!

    I haven’t tried the SB one. I’m about to give the Stila one a go…Hmm hope it’s good!

    Oooooo nordies goodies yay! I did mine as well. cant waits 😉

    I’m excited about the piggies from mac 😉

  • the Muse

    hello Emelie!

    I think powder definately gives much more coverage than a mere tm!

    BB Creams are glorified tms to me. They contain a wide range of good stuff for your face while offering major coverage in a lighter formula.

    I’ll be doing the review soon. I never bothered reviewing bbs prior as the ones I’ve tried just weren’t fab but after the email I got from a reader I’m convinced I tried the wrong ones so I ordered a few she had suggested I try out 😉

    Happy Weekend!

  • Thushaa

    Great review. I’ve tried it too and I also find it runny. Definitely not my favourite!

  • Adina

    Oh Izzy, you break my heart. I love tinted moisturizers in the summer, and Stila came out with a reformulation that has spf 30 and more coverage than your avg tm 🙂

    P.S If i started a blog, would you be a reader? 😉

  • Decorative Diva

    I don’t like tinted moisturizer. They’ve never looked right on me, and I’ve tried a lot. I’m too pale and the shade just ends up looking like a weird beige on me.

    So I think there’s nothing wrong with you not liking them either!

    However, happy to see your reviews 🙂 They make my day!

  • Allysia-May

    I personally don’t believe in tinted moisturisers. I think they’re a total rip-off. You can do exactly the same thing by mixing your foundation with your daily facial moisturiser….just think of it as two products disguised in one bottle…a total no-brainer

  • Liz

    Am I the only person here that prefers TM over foundation??!! I don’t feel ‘naked’ when using TM and one of the reasons I don’t use foundation is because most of the ones I’ve tried I find rather thick.

    But yes, I think this TM is only okay; it’s not bad for the price (Laura Mercier’s is more than 4 times as expensive!). I have to agree with you on the runny texture. Don’t like it one bit! As for the shade, I use an even lighter shade ‘Ivory to Fair’, which I think will suit you much better! But if you don’t anything about it, perhaps there’s no point investing in another tube?

    My favourite TM so far has to be Vichy’s Lumineuse Sheer Radiance Tinted Moisturiser. I just wish they brought out a lighter shade!

  • Ann

    hi izzy! i’ll give thumbs down abt the bb cream. it works just like the tinted moisturiser. just slightly better coverage.

    i usually use a layer of mineral foundation over it to give me the coverage i want (which is rather pointless as it will be another extra step).

  • Shefali

    I have You Rebel by Benefit…used half the tube until I just got bored and realized that it wasn’t doing anything for me except making me look orange. It’s still sitting in my drawer 5 years later. So for me, TM’s are a no go. For summer, I go with moisturizer with sunscreen and a lightweight foundation, like Lorac’s.

  • psychoexgirlfriend

    Hey Muse! Great and honest review. I’ve only tried one tinted moisturizer (LM) and while I liked the idea, I found the colour lacking. Aw well… I’ll def pass on this for sure since PF is way more expensive here in Canada (a tube runs about $20+). Can’t wait for your review on BB Creams.

  • the Muse

    hi Thushaa!

    Thanks! Indeed! I can’t stand how watery and runny it is. How can you get good coverage with a formula that’s so runny 😛

    yuk!

    Thanks for the comment! Hope to talk to you again soon!

    Happy Monday!

  • the Muse

    Morning Adina!

    How are you lovie? Your skin is pure perfection that’s why! All milky, pale gorgeousness! 😉 I’m about to try out the Stila one and I’m hoping for the best. Wish me luck?

    But of course I’d read your blog! And I’d link you here 😉

    I’m positive it’ll be fabulous..but not nearly as fab as you of course 😉

    I look forward to reading it!

    Hugs!

  • the Muse

    hiya Decorative Diva!

    Wahoo! Another one for the hater team 😉 Me either it appears. Or maybe I haven’t tried the right one just yet!

    They remind me of BB creams so damn much with all that beige. Why beige?!?!?!

    Awww shucks thanks love! *blush* I’m so happy you stop by daily to read my babblings 😉

    Cheers!

    Happy Monday!

  • the Muse

    Morning Allysia-May!

    Good to see you honey! When’s the big day?

    Amen sister! I thought it was me. Either that or I haven’t run across the right one yet!

    I’ve been doing that for a while now however I now found a product that works as lightly as a TM plus has plenty of coverage. Will be reviewing soon 😉 I think you’ll like it!

  • the Muse

    Morning Liz!

    hehe. The majority weights out your minority of liking them 🙂

    which tm are you using again? Maybe I am trying the wrong ones/types.

    I thought that this was the lightest shade…hmm thanks for the heads up. I might actually go buy another tube to try it again!

    I really don’t like the formula but I am curious about selecting a new shade as this is such a dull beige. Ugh!

    Hmmmm must trach down the Vichys. I’m testing out Stila shortly and generally curious about it 😉

    Happy Monday lovie!

  • the Muse

    hiya ann!

    Hugs!

    BB creams have always been something I haven’t enjoyed using at all. I agree about the better coverage but again it’s just about the same beigey grossness as TM’s I’ve come across. However I am going to try to give a few others a shot to see if they are all really bad 😉

    I agree. I actually found a product this weekend that is amazing. The coverage of a bb cream with the light feeling of a TM 😉 Review to follow soon!

    It’s fantastic!

  • the Muse

    hi shefali!

    My sister swears by the original rebel. I can’t stand it. Orange cast grossness.

    Your routine sounds pretty much like mine in the Summer as really adding TM into the mix does nothing for me 😛

  • the Muse

    hiya psychoexgirlfriend!

    Thanks honey!

    The color is def lacking on most tm’s I’ve tried as well. I’m still vaguely curious about the LM since everyone raves about it constantly.

    BB Creams are somethings disappointing as well but I got a new batch coming that I pray is good.

    Yikes! $20? Obscene. If you need any PF from here just give a yell I’d be happy to nab it for you!

  • Liz

    Hey Izzy, I think with all the TM talk, I confused you!

    So, to make things clear…

    At the moment, I’m using Physicians Formula Organic Wear Tinted Moisturizer in ‘Ivory to Fair’ (a shade lighter than what you got). My favourite TM so far is Vichy Lumineuse Sheer Radiance Tinted Moisturiser (for dry skin) in 00 Naturelle.

    I shall have my Clinique Moisture Sheer Tint SPF 15 in a few days. Will let you know how I like it! 🙂

  • ichooseyoo

    i’m definitely for bb creams. i was considering buying some american brands from sephora before coming to korea but i’m glad i waited.

    i ended up buying missha’s ‘watery’ version of their bb cream. it goes on great. and gives the dewy finish that is popular right now in korea. they also have a ‘shiny’ version which has a bit of shimmer. both have spf 27. they also have another line which was around spf 45 i believe? they range from $14-$18 :]

    try ’em out. they’re great.

  • the Muse

    morning liz!

    LOL possibly but than again I’m always clueless and confused 🙂

    sounds good to me. I want to get the PH in the lighter shade and see if it works for me better than this 😛

    I’m getting the LM shortly as well so review to follow 😉

    Thanks for clarifying lovie!

  • the Muse

    morning ichooseyoo!

    BB creams are way better in coverage as opposed to TMs 😛

    I was curious about the missha and decided to order some. Should bere here shortly.

    SPF 27 is fantastic as not even my regular moisturizer has such a high SPF!

    I have a few BB creams from various cheaper companies like etude house but I wasn’t loving them so someone suggested a few brands and I decided to grab ’em 🙂

    Will be doing a review shortly actually on the ones I got!

    Thanks for the comment 🙂

    Hope to hear from you again soon!