Perricone MD Review: No Foundation Foundation Serum

Perricone MD Cosmeceuticals is a dermatologist-developed brand with a focus on anti-aging skincare and makeup. Nicholas Perricone has developed the No Makeup Skincare line that aims to anti-aging benefits while enhancing skin with natural-looking, translucent makeup coverage.

Dr. Perricone is also a mediatic and controversial phenomenon, claiming a holistic approach to anti-aging issues and developing produts with some questionable ingredients that lack scientific studies to back them. One of this highly controversial ingredients, present in No Foundation Foundation Serum is dimethyl MEA also known as DMAE.

DMAE has been used a lot as an oral supplement for improving mental alertness and is used in Alzheimer disease treatments. In skincare, specially in moisturizers, it is said to protect the skin cells, preventing inflammation, as it is a powerful antioxidant stabilizer: improves the appearance of sagging skin and fine lines as well as smoothes and brightens skin. We can find this ingredient also in some Neutrogena products. The problem is that this claims are controversial in the scientific field. Some say it lacks proper research with results published in scientific magazines as it is a standard scientific research procedure. According to Paula's Choice experts, there are recent studies and researches that tend to prove that DMAE can worsen the aging of skin, thickening the dermis, reducing the production of collagen and inducing cells death as well as being potentially irritant to skin.

I used No Foundation Foundation Serum for about 8 months between the Spring and the Fall (until November) and it worked great for me. I didn't notice any anti-aging benefits but I tend to have dehydrated and sensitive skin, prone to allergy breakouts (especially in the Spring) and this Foundation took good care of my skin, that felt moisturized and smooth. It is the only Perricone MD product that I have, but I think that, regardless the controversial around the product's ingredients, I will buy it again.

No Foundation Foundation Serum is a lightweight sheer foundation with light coverage as you would expect of a Foundation called No Foundation Foundation, good for all skin types. In Perricone MD's website you can read the magic words "flawless complexion", "breathable second skin" and "semi-matte finish". Although the breathable part is questionable as Caroline Hirons would point out, I find that second skin is a good benefit I can point out. Of course if you like or need a good coverage foundation, this is not for you. It is good for hot weather, since it is, in fact, semi-matte as they claim and it is so sheer that it won't melt or get cakey. It has a mineral broad spectrum SPF 30 (zinc oxide) that is so good that I went surfing with the Foundation on (after work) and I felt more protected than with my normal sunscreen. It only sells in an universal shade that fits my fair/medium skin, but for those with very fair or deep complexions it won't work.

No Foundation Foundation Serum is a fluid liquid oil-based foundation with light coverage with good Broad Spectrum SPF, fragrance-free formula, good for sensitive skin, that although semi-matte it gives a certain healthy glow to the skin. Regarding the skincare benefits that it is supposed to have, I think it is best to rely on a good skincare routine, using a good anti-aging serum and using this Foundation as makeup.

Bárbara is a portuguese beauty blogger, author of cronicasdapenelope.blogspot.pt/

Barbara Valentina

Bárbara Valentina works as a production manager in Portuguese film industry for the past fifteen years. She completed a postgraduation in Ar...(more)