Kevyn Aucoin Sensual Skin Enhancer Demo and Tips

Is it worth the hype?

Kevyn Aucoin Sensual Skin Enhancer, capped

I hate to say this, but... yes.
And yes, I’m kinda late to the game. But Kevyn Aucoin is not available where I am, and I only just realized FragranceX carried it.

So I did some swatch searches online and purchased a jar of this super-high coverage camouflage foundation for myself. It takes a little know-how to use if you’ve never tried something like this before, so if you’re wondering about investing in a jar of this wonderful product, then below are some tips and a demo.
The shade I use is SX 06 which is a fair yellow that’s probably closest to a MAC C25/NC25.

Kevyn Aucoin Sensual Skin Enhancer SX06

Pictured with a tube of lip balm to show how small the jar is!

1. First thing you’ll notice is how tiny the jar is considering the US$50 retail price-tag. It’s literally the size of a jar of eye cream.
2. But second thing you should know is: You need a lot less than you think, which explains the size. See that little dab on the spatula below? That’s usually more than enough for basic dark circle and blemish coverage over my entire face. That little jar will probably last you longer than most of your foundations.
3. Most of these camouflage products are oil-based. This isn’t a bad thing because it keeps the product blendable and supple-looking even if you layer and layer it on to cover scars and tattoos. It also works fine on drier skin, including under the eyes. In Sensual Skin Enhancer’s case, it is mainly mineral oil (non-comedogenic, doesn’t go rancid), and jojoba oil (this is actually a natural skin-protecting wax, so it ALSO doesn’t clog pores or go rancid).
4. Sensual Skin Enhancer comes in both yellow-based and pink-based shades so make sure you read the descriptions before you purchase, especially if you’re shopping online.

A "dose" of Sensual Enhancer on a plastic spatula; this is all you need to cover dark circles and do a little concealing all over...

Usage tip: To use it for everyday, don’t just try to apply it all over the face straight from the pot. You’ll end up with a cakey, heavy mess. You can take a tiny amount and mix it with about 5-6 parts lotion or more for a lightweight foundation or tinted moisturizer. I mix it with my SPF50 sun screen just so I can take care of sun protection and foundation at one shot.

If you want fuller coverage, mix it with 3-4 parts lotion. (Mix it with an oil-control lotion if you prefer a more matte finish.) I simply rub everything together on the back of my hand and then apply to the face with brush or fingers.

To see the application process, follow this link and scroll to the bottom of the post!

Quick Flawless Base Routine (using Make Up For Ever HD Foundation and Estee Lauder Maximum Coverage Foundation)

Before

After

Ok, I'm not saying I have a lot to cover. Neither do I have flawless skin, obviously. I have dry spots, some areas with obvious pores, some unevenness, old acne marks, and dark circles.

This is not a tutorial for covering serious acne (I always recommend you get that treated rather than covered) or scarring. It's just a quick way to look as flawless as possible, without caking up your face with lots of unnatural-looking makeup.

You want products that can give maximum pigmentation with minimal texture, so it still looks and feels like skin up close.

The products:

Unfortunately, in my experience, good "fake" real skin does not come cheap. But if you are doing this for your wedding or a special occasion, I think it's ok to consider a once-in-a-blue-moon splurge to feel really confident.

Make Up For Ever HD Foundation: The best balance between lightweight texture and high pigmentation. It sets into a real skin texture, so you get coverage but not that powdery, mask-like texture of matte foundations. A tiny bit goes a long way so this is an investment if you're willing to shell out. If you're lucky, you'll find a perfect match. I don't have one, so I have to mix 123 and 117 for a perfect match. Ouch.

Estee Lauder Double Wear Maximum Cover Camouflage Makeup: I don't use this as a foundation. I use it as a concealer because it's SO high coverage. I prefer it over some other products because it lasts a lot better but doesn't feel TOO dry on the under-eye area for my combi/dry skin. If you're on the market for a good liquid/cream concealer, I highly suggest checking this out because it comes in a huge 30ml tube and lasts FOREVER.

Sigma F05 brush: You can use any duo-fiber stippling brush, but I find this works a lot faster and blends the foundation out a lot more flawlessly for that really airbrushed finish.

MAC Fix+: Or any alcohol-free toner or setting spray

Step 1: I pump out a small amount of foundation on the back of my hand and then lightly dip just the tips of the brush hairs into it. You want the tips of the hairs to have a small bit of product, so that the fibers are still pretty much separated from each other. Avoid wetting chunks of fiber so they clump together.

Step 2: Stipple the brush onto your face lightly to distribute the foundation and then very lightly buff the tips of the brush into your face in circular motions. Some people like to just dab-dab-dab, but I find the swirling helps to "airbrush" away your pores. Just don't be too rough if you have dry, flaky skin as this can make it worse.

Step 3: Apply dabs of concealer on dark marks. In general, I like to use my finger to pat and blend undereye concealer. For spots, I like to dot onto the spot directly, and then use the F05 brush to stipple lightly. This once again "air-brushes" the area without looking like you have a patch of heavy product.

Areas to look out for include:

• Inner corners of eyes
• Outer corners of eyes
• Uneven areas
• Spots
• Veins around the nostrils
• Corners of the mouth

Step 4: Set the T-zone. I don't powder all over at this point. I just use a transparent setting powder like Silica, Make Up For Ever HD, MAC Prep + Prime, etc on a sponge wedge and lightly press (not rub!) onto the T-zone, chin and sides of the nose where the pores are more obvious.

P.S. I also like to do my brows at this point. It's not important; just a personal preference.

Step 5: Adding some glow back into the skin so you look fresh and dewy. I apply some highlighter onto cheekbones and brow bones.

Step 6: Finish with a hint of pink blush along the temples. The softer and looser your brush, the more natural your blush will look.

And that's it! You can move on to the rest of your makeup!