Milk: Which Do You Choose?

"Milk: it does the body good!" Got it? Not so fast. While decades of advertisement and scientific study have told us that dairy is a cornerstone of good health, recent scholarship has began to shed doubt on these long-standing claims. And we shouldn't be surprised: the average gallon of milk sold today is packed with antibiotics, hormones, and pesticides that cows and their food are treated with. Organic milk isn't necessarily safe from these; there is a lot of debate as to what qualifies as organic, and food labels like "natural" can be extremely misleading. The milk sold today just isn't the same milk our grandparents drank: it is commercially produced at a high volume that makes use of excessive processing. Of course, it isn't just these chemicals that make milk a questionable nutritional option. Think practically: as infants, we drink the milk of our mother until we reach about eighteen months. After that, our bodies (and the bodies of our mothers) instinctively wean us off this milk, just like dogs, cats, or cows. Our bodies were only built to drink milk at a young age-- hence the high rate of lactose intolerance developed in adults. As one of my high school biology teachers told me, "it's just unnatural for one animal to drink the milk of another! Can you imagine feeding your dog human breast milk?"

Of course you wouldn't.

Now, it's still important to recognize that the wealth of health benefits derived from milk are absolutely real. Many nutrients are derived from the drink: vitamins D, A, protein, and-- most notably-- calcium. While we have been raised to consider milk the most convenient way to get these nutrients, the fact is that many more natural, healthy alternatives exist... and some are even inspired by our favorite drink!

While there are a variety of ways to go about getting your milk fix-- cereal can be hard to give up, right?-- for now we will cover four of the most popular non-dairy "milk" products: soy, rice almond, and coconut milk. Each comes in a variety of brands and flavors, so in the sake of fairness we will examine the "regular" version of the most popular brands. The milks will be judged for nutrition, cost, other flavors, and taste (which is admittedly highly subjective). Here goes!

For a comparison point, we will use 2% Dairy Milk. Its nutrients of note (in 8 oz):
122 cal (43 from fat), 5 g fat, 12 g carbohydrates (0 g fiber, 12 g sugar), 8 g protein, 9% of your daily Vitamin A intake, and 29% of your daily calcium intake

Soy milk (Silk)

When I ventured away from dairy milk, the first type of milk I tried was soy milk. Obviously, it was tasty enough to lure me away from conventional milk for good.

Silk Original comes in two forms. Like many non-dairy milks, there is a shelf-stable variety that can be stored up to twelve months (translation: if it's on sale or you find a great coupon, you can buy it even if you don't need it yet!) While the vanilla flavor is Silk's most popular (and delicious), the original packs a tasty punch that won't leave you missing dairy.

Nutrients: 90 cal (30 from fat), 3.5 g fat, 8 g carbohydrates (1 g fiber, 6 g sugar), 6 g protein, 10% of your daily vitamin A intake, and 45% of your daily calcium.

...So what? With six grams of soy protein in every eight ounces, you're getting 2g less protein than you would in 2% dairy milk. However, Silk Soy milk is clearly superior to dairy in caloric, fat, carbohydrate, and calcium content.

Cost: $0.11/oz for a six pack of the shelf stable variety on amazon.

Taste: With a slightly nutty aftertaste (apparently a new development), Silk feels slightly thicker than dairy milk but goes down much more smoothly. As far as milk varieties go, the taste gets a 6/10. For a delicious taste with only a few more calories, try the vanilla-- it goes perfectly with cereal!

Flavors: Vanilla, Chocolate, Very Vanilla, DHA-Omega 3 (Plain), Organic Vanilla, Organic Original, Organic Unsweetened, Light Vanilla, Light Chocolate, and Light Original 

(Note: all light favors are sweetened with Stevia)

Rice milk (Rice Dream) 

Rice Dream is the overwhelmingly popular variety of rice milk made from organic brown rice. It can be found in both shelf stable and refrigerated forms.

Nutrients: 120 cal (20 from fat), 2.5 g fat, 23 g carbohydrates (0 g fiber, 10 g sugar), 1 g protein, 10% of your daily vitamin A intake, and 30% of your daily calcium. Also a significant source of Vitamin B12 (25%), Vitamin D (25%), and Phosphorous (15%).

...So what? Rice milk trumps dairy milk in its vitamin and mineral content. However, the low protein and high sugar value make it less appealing than other milk varieties.

Cost: $0.09/oz for a twelve pack of the shelf stable variety on amazon.

Taste: Definitely does not taste like dairy. It's thin, watery, and has a taste reminiscent of oat and something else I can't put my finger on. Closer to water than milk, but some may enjoy the lighter taste. A 4/10.

Flavors: Vanilla is available in both refrigerated and self stable form, but the rest are shelf stable form only: Enriched Chocolate, Heartwise Original, Heartwise Vanilla, Supreme Chocolate Chai, and Supreme Vanilla Hazelnut.

Almond milk (Silk)  

While Almond Dream sells another popular variety, we will review Silk in the interest of control. In the interest of full disclosure, this is my absolute favorite after sampling all three.

Nutrients: 60 cal (25 from fat), 2.5 g fat, 8 g carbohydrates (1 g fiber, 7 g sugar), 1 g protein, 10% of your daily vitamin A intake, and 45% of your daily calcium. Also a significant source of Vitamin B12 (50%), Vitamin D (25%), and Riboflavin (25%). 

...So what? As low calorie as milk substitutes get (the unsweetened flavor has just 35 calories!), the taste is unbeatable and the nutrition is impossibly good for those watching their weight.

Cost: $0.08/oz for a six pack of the shelf stable variety on amazon.

Taste: While the taste is undeniably nutty-- it takes a bit to get used to-- it tastes much more indulgent than its 60 calories without being too thick. Surprisingly good with cereal and coffee (although not as good as Silk Vanilla Soy Milk). On its own, though, nothing is better. 8.5/10

Flavors: Vanilla, Dark Chocolate, and Unsweetened.

Coconut milk (Silk)  

One of the newest nondairy milks, PureCoconut lets you buy into the current craze for coconut in our drinks.

Nutrients: 80 cal (50 from fat), 5 g fat, 7 g carbohydrates (0 g fiber, 6 g sugar), 1 g protein, 10% of your daily vitamin A intake, and 45% of your daily calcium. Also a significant source of Vitamin B12 (50%) and Vitamin D (25%).. 

...So what? The nutrients and calories have regular milk beat, although Coconut milk doesn't compare to almond or soy milk.

Cost: Not yet listed (will update soon!)

Taste: Despite the expected richness, Silk's coconut milk is surprisingly watery, with a strong aftertaste that is difficult to get used to. I love coconut, but coconut milk is like coconut water in its distinct taste. If you LOVE coconut water you might like this; otherwise, expect it to be an acquired taste. I give it a 5/10 here.

Flavors: Original and Vanilla (pictured)

Review: Wet N Wild Liquid Eyeliner (Black)

In my arsenal of makeup, black eyeliner is my weapon of choice. My eyes are the feature I know I should be playing up: the more striking they look, the less my baby-fat cheeks and big nose get noticed as my primary features. With my dark hair and brown eyes, I am one of those rare people who benefit from the black eyeliner look (I recommend a soft black or deep brown to most people--more on that another time). While pencil liner is easy to apply and easy to remove, nothing is as gorgeous, as striking, or as precise as liquid eyeliner. Yes, liquid eyeliner is my weapon of choice, but it's also most likely to backfire; using tips like Little Miss Makeup's can help draw the perfect shape, but you've still got to find the right product. After all, the wrong liquid eyeliner can fade quickly, smudge easily, and have an awful applicator... and those are the problems you run into within the first five minutes. A liquid eyeliner that avoids fading and smudging all day? There aren't many, and believe me, price is no indicator.

Of course, in my younger days, I thought price was an indicator, which is why I was so hesitant to purchase Wet 'n' Wild Liquid Eyeliner in Black for just $2.99 at CVS at full price. I should note that I had tried the H2O Proof version before and hated it-- it was difficult to apply, had a weird consistency, and hardly lived up to its name. Alas, I had read good things about the regular liner, so I was sucked back into the Wet 'n' Wild drugstore-price vortex. And I am so glad I was.

Never again.

The eyeliner is super easy to apply: one dip of the brush is sufficient for seamless lines on both your upper and lower lid. The brush itself is durable and precise, leaving lines about 1-1.5 mm wide depending on the angle and pressure you utilize. After about fifteen seconds, the eyeliner is dry enough for your lids to bat against the skin above your eye without leaving reside behind. (Am I the only one with that problem?) The liquid's smooth application leaves the final product looking both striking and professional. It easily lasts eight hours without smudging... at least for gals with oily skin like me. Of course, it isn't rub-proof, but are there really many eyeliners that are?

So, let's go to the summary, shall we?
Pros: Smooth application, deep color, durable brush, and a little bit goes a long way
Cons: Few color options, H2O liquid liner is awful.
Price: $2.99 at drugstore.com
Bottom line: As an eyeliner aficionado, I truly believe you can't find any better for the price! 

Review: Starbucks Refreshers

So, since I've already admitted my vice... I may as well indulge you with more details! Yes, caffeine is my drug of choice. While there's nothing better than a cup of coffee, my dorm room digs lack a machine to make it with. Sure, I've spent plenty of my meal plan at our on-campus Starbucks or Buffalo Springs, but that isn't always an option for early morning study time.

Honestly, I was getting a little bored of Red Bull all of the time (have you checked out my review of Red Bull Total Zero?) and wanted to try something new. When I saw the can of Starbucks Refreshers in Raspberry Pomegranate on the shelf at the grocery, I grabbed it immediately.

From the first sip, I knew I had a new favorite energy drink indulgence. The tangy pomegranate is delicious but not overpowering, nicely muted by the sweet taste of raspberry. The latter fruit definitely has a stronger presence, and at times it feels like you're sipping sparkling fresh raspberry juice. The drink is only lightly carbonated; this sets it apart from other energy drinks, which boast excessive carbonation or none at all.

The energy kick from this product comes from a unique source: green coffee extract! So what, exactly, is green coffee extract? According to Starbucks's website:

"Freshly harvested green coffee beans are typically heated and roasted to bring out the signature dark colors and bold flavors coffee is famous for. But now, Starbucks is using a patented new process to pull the naturally occurring caffeine and other good stuff from 100% green Arabica coffee beans before they are roasted. The result is green coffee extract - all of the natural energy from coffee, but with none of the coffee flavor."

The result? Not the taste of coffee, don't worry! The drink boasts 50 mg of Panax Ginseng, 25% juice (from concentrate), 60 calories, and 100% Vitamin C. It's also fortified with B vitamins, giving you 25% Pantothenic Acid, Vitamin B, and Niacin.

No, you probably shouldn't be drinking this every day-- coffee is still the healthiest way to get your caffeine fix. For a delicious treat on the go, however, this drink is sweeter than its energy drink counterparts and lacks the tangy aftertaste most of them have. Try it once-- it comes in Raspberry Pomegranate, Orange Melon, and Strawberry Lemonade, and every flavor is pretty tasty.

Baja Bob's: Our Favorite Low-Cal Mixer

I am not an alcohol aficionado by any means-- it's hard to get much experience when your tolerance is capped at four drinks, right? In some ways I'm grateful for my low tolerance, because it saves both money and calories. At the same time, even two or three mixed drinks over the course of a night can leave your wallet feeling $15 lighter. With the average mixed drink containing about 300 calories in 8 fl. oz, you might see the numbers on the scale going up as quickly as the numbers in your bank account are going down.

While there's no substitution for a night on the town, there's a way to satisfy your cravings for a good Whiskey Sour, Cranberry Cosmo, or Mai Tai that will save you the regrets of frequent barhopping. Baja Bob's Sugar Free Cocktail Mixes are not only cheap and super low-cal, they are absolutely delicious!

I first stumbled upon Baja Bob's after my boyfriend's mom introduced me to whiskey sours. My boyfriend and I went on a mad hunt for sweet and sour mix, only to find that it contained way more calories than we were comfortable with. Resigning myself to the fact that I'd never have a good whiskey sour without regret, I searched the internet for low-calorie mixed drinks. My search ultimately led me to Baja Bob's website, where I was shocked to find a zero calorie sweet and sour mix... alongside more zero calorie products to make drinks I've never even heard of.

The huge variety of zero- and low- calorie mixers at Baja Bob's is truly incredible. There are mixers for all of the classics: Margarita, Hurricane, Daiquiri, Mojito, Pina Colada, and Mai Tai, just to name a few. Baja Bob's doesn't limit itself to the familiar, however; margarita flavors include Original, Triple Citrus, Strawberry, and Mango. With sample packs and on-the-go packets available, the selection is so enormous that you're bound to find something you like.

While I haven't tried all of them, I have tried most (thank you, sample packs!). Besides their low-calorie status, the thing I like most about the mixes is their versatility. Nearly all of them taste delicious with a variety of alcohols; for example, the Sweet-n-Sour mix is as good with vodka as it is with whiskey, and my boyfriend swears the Original Margarita tastes great with gin, rum, or vodka. Bob's mixers are strong enough that, if you're pinching your pennies, you can enjoy a drink that's 1 part mix and 1 part alcohol and barely taste the latter. On the other hand, Bob's is tasty enough that you can drink it on the rocks to enjoy the virgin variety of your favorite drink.

The only issue you may find with Baja Bob's is that it's sweetened with Splenda, the sugar substitute that has fallen from favor as Stevia has risen. Bob's may not be all-natural, but at least it avoids such sweeteners as aspartame and erythritol. While this may be a breaking point for a few, Bob's is still one of the safer indulgences your body can couple with alcohol.

By the way, did I mention the best part about Baja Bob's? The price is just $5.99 for 32 fl. oz of mix! It's available online at http://www.bajabob.com/, but the more common varieties (Original Margarita, Strawberry Daiquiri, Sweet-n-Sour) can be found at your local Giant Eagle. I like buying online because shipping is free over $50; I end up with a box of mixers big enough to last almost a year between two people! They usually have other great promotional deals going on too; if you head over right now, you can get 10% off your order with the code DOTTI10.

If you're new to mixed drinks or want to experiment with a flavor you've never seen, Bob's site offers fun recipes that are reviewed (and sometimes submitted) by users. In addition, each bottle includes one or two great drink recipes on its label, which I have found to be spectacular.

Bottom line: Great price, great taste, huge variety, and zero sugar makes for low calorie mixed drinks that are WAY more exciting than your average Diet Coke and Captain. A MUST TRY.

Note: All opinions expressed above are entirely my own. Baja Bob's has not compensated me for this review in any way, nor did they contact me to request such a review. I just really love their product!

Product Review: Red Bull Total Zero

Okay, okay, so this goes against everything to do with minimal/natural living... but sometimes a girl (or guy) needs a pick-me-up, right? Ever since I've cut out soda, I've been allowing myself to have "cheat" days with Sugar-Free Red Bulls. My boyfriend is an energy drink aficionado, but Red Bull is the only thing I'll touch anymore! So, when I saw a can of Red Bull that wasn't in a shade of blue, I was totally intrigued... and naturally, I bought it immediately. So much for rationing my meal plan!


Red Bull already has a Sugar-Free variety, so what's different about Total Zero? Shockingly, it isn't the calories: both boast 10 calories/12 fluid ounces. Sure, we'd expect something called Total Zero to have zero calories--that's how it was advertised-- but ten is no big deal, right?

What does the name refer to, then? Total Zero is different because it has zero grams of sugar (and, by extension, zero grams of carbohydrates). It's a sign that low-carb diets like Atkins are becoming all the rage again, about eight years after they last faded out. Whether the difference is due to the sugar or a creative choice, the taste of Total Zero is definitely different than its Sugar Free counterpart. Total Zero is significantly less tangy, and the amber drink taste has an almost peach-like aftertaste. It's definitely smooth, but it will remind you more of a soda than those tart-but-sweet low-cal flavors that you find in other energy drinks.

Summary: Red Bull Total Zero is Red Bull without the afterbite. Sweetened with aspartame, sucralose and acesulfame K, it still has the 10 cal/12 fl.oz as its Sugar Free counterpart. It's caffeine content is similar as well, with 114 mg/12 fl. oz. Unless you're on a low carb diet, this drink isn't worth buying into; if you are on a low carb diet, however, this no-carb energy drink is totally worth your while.

Product Review: Physicians Formula Conceal Rx™ Physicians Strength Concealer

I have twice recommended Physicians Formula's Conceal Rx™ Physicians Strength Concealer in my blog (here) and (here), so it feels like it's high time to write about it (especially in light of the previous post)! As I have mentioned multiple times, my acne is absolutely terrible-- and I mean teenager-in-puberty terrible. Even when my skin is relatively clear from breakouts, it's hard to leave the house without makeup because of my dark acne scars. Until last year, I assumed that the only way to cover up skin imperfections was loading on foundation; not only was this bad for my skin, I was wasting a lot of foundation and getting poor results.

Luckily, my time spent lurking around beauty sites gave me the advice I needed to sufficiently cover up these marks. I had never used concealer before, so I had no idea which brand to choose; it was all about experimentation! I was afraid of spending a lot of time (and money) before finding the right product... fortunately, I quickly found the perfect solution in Physicians Formula Conceal Rx™ Physicians Strength Concealer in Soft Green.

Let's check out the company's description and claims, found here:

• "Maximum coverage concealer formula that glides on smoothly to conceal blemishes, scars, birthmarks, age spots, rosacea, and hyperpigmentation." YES. I spread the concealer very thin and couldn't believe how well my acne and scars were  hidden.
• "Concentrated formula lasts up to 12 hours!" YES. Not once has my concealer worn off and failed me. If you have a good foundation to wear it under, it will work as long as your foundation does. The good thing is that, if your foundation does wear off, you're not left with strange green spots on your skin; the concealer blends with whatever foundation you use.
• "Hypoallergenic. Fragrance-free. Non-comedogenic. Oil-free. Dermatologist approved" YES. My combination skin had no issues with this concealer; this is especially important, because you will often times be using this over breakout zones.

Besides the AWESOME coverage, my favorite thing about this product is that a little bit truly does go a long way. I have been using the same tube five days a week since this September, and there's still plenty left. My only advice is to let the product sit for a few minutes on your face before you apply foundation (I do my eye makeup in between!) This way, you won't overspread your already thin layer of concealer and maintain great coverage.

In short, this product is one of my top five store bought beauty essentials. You can find it in Soft Yellow, Fair Light, and Natural Light as well, depending on your needs.

Price: 8/10 ($8.95 on their website for .49 oz)

Coverage: 9/10

Overall: 9/10

Covergirl Outlast Lipstain: Review

It should come as no surprise that, when I'm not concocting my own, I generally buy my cosmetics at the drugstore. Obviously, this is often a hit-or-miss scenario: sometimes you get exactly what you pay for with cheap makeup. There are times, however, when you come across something so good that you swear you'd keep using it if you won the lottery tomorrow.

For me, this product is Outlast All-Day Lipcolor by Covergirl. When my mother decided I should start wearing makeup, I remember this being the first product she gave me. The few times I've veered away, I've regretted it. When Covergirl claims it will last up to sixteen hours, they mean it. It withstands kisses, lip-biting, water bottles, intense exercise, and even coffee cups (though admittedly, a small amount comes off on my Starbucks lid). My adoration of Outlast All-Day Lipcolor prompted me to see what else Covergirl has to offer with their Outlast Collection.

Given my love affair with the All-Day Lipcolor, the idea of a lip stain from the same company obviously drew me in. According to Covergirl's website, "The water-based colorants of Outlast Lipstain give lips a beautiful, lightweight flush of color that won't come off, lasting for hours without the heavy look or feel of an ordinary lipstick. Its pen-like precision applicator makes it easy to define your lips — just draw on color without any hassle!" I admit that I still haven't perfected the  on-the-run application of lipstick, so for busy days the product seemed promising.

Before I even bought the product, I noticed the lack of color selections. Now, I realize All-Day Lipcolor has left me spoilt for choice (41 shades are available on Covergirl's site), so I shrugged off my disappointment and picked up the pretty "Wild Berry Wink". The color went on beautifully-- it definitely lives up to its namesake as a stain-- and the pen's design left for easy application. Strange as it sounds, it reminded me of an extremely effective highlighter with a soft, rounded tip. Like a highlighter, the product should only be applied to dry surfaces; even slightly wet lips will block color absorption. 

As far as lip color products go, Outlast Lip Stain stays on for a comparably long time. As far as something with the word "stain" in it goes, however, I expected the color to last longer. While it held up well against the dreaded coffee cup, the color faded after about four hours. Just a touch of moisture leaves it to virtually disappear, and as you go through your day, exposure to moisture is completely unavoidable. Obviously, most lipsticks aren't marketed as waterproof, yet even these manage to hold their own better than this supposed "lip stain". 

While I'm certainly not knocking the product-- I still use it for quick outings-- it will hardly hold a permanent place in my makeup bag. Admittedly, this is the first lip stain I've tried, so I can't compare it to others-- but I can only hope they prove to outlast Outlast.

Pros:

• Easy to apply with great precision
• Rich color that maintains the texture of your lips

Cons:

• Lacks any sort of moisture-resistance
• Wears off after a few hours

Price: 6/10 ($7.84 at Target)

Durability: 3/10

Appearance: 7/10

EWG Score: 7 (In Scarlet Pucker)

Overall: 5/10

Queen Helene Mud Pack Masque: Review

If you aren't using a face mask weekly or biweekly (guilty as charged), you aren't doing your skin justice. While the idea of a face mask almost seems retro- think of how many times it has served as a device for humor or to symbolize "girl time" in cinema- I can assure you that the modern girl can and should reap the scientifically backed benefits of said masque. There's a type of facial mask to benefit every skin type, and as someone with oily, acne-prone skin I'm drawn to the purifying powers of clay and mud masks.

When I purchased the Queen Helene Mud Pack Masque at Marc's for $2.49, I certainly wasn't expecting much. After all, the typical 'mid-range' facial masque is priced at around $20-30 and it only gets more expensive from there (we're talking THOUSANDS of dollars). While I don't doubt that these more expensive treatments work (I admit, I'm a fan of GOOP), I have a hard time believing the price/effect trade off is worth while. Queen Helene's is not only dirt cheap, it provides the sort of instant results that even I would pay triple its current price for.

The 8 oz bottle boasts that it contains a "bonus 33% more", and believe me, every ounce is worthwhile. It has a thick, creamy consistency and a beige color that looks precisely like the "natural" English Clay it is made from. After washing my face, I applied the mask in a thin layer (less than 1/16 of the tube was sufficient) and waited for the mask to harden as instructed. It took slightly longer than the estimated 15 minutes, but I liked that the color lightened as it dried so I knew exactly when I could take it off. Clean up was easy- warm water did the trick without scrubbing, which is good since the color is likely to dirty a washcloth.

The results were, in a word, incredible. My skin looked significantly smoother and more radiant, an effect which lasted visibly throughout the day after the single use. I was thrilled with how much better it made my pores and forehead wrinkles look. This product is ideal for the lucky girls who don't have to wear foundation yet but still want a radiant shine, and just as useful for women looking for a relaxing and effective facial treatment to enhance their complexion. I have no doubt I will be using it as a biweekly treatment from now on.

Bottom line: with a little bit going a long way, this extraordinarily affordable product gives results you can see immediately. No mater how economical you are, the Queen Helene Mud Pack Masque with Natural English Clay is an investment worth making in your skin care regimen.

Order it here for the best online prices:

http://www.amazon.com/Queen-Helene-Masque-Mud-Pack/dp/B00008CMOS

Price: 10/10

Effectiveness: 7/10

EWG Score: 5 (With moderate concerns for allergies & immunotoxicity)

Overall: 8/10

Physicians Formula Mineral Wear™ Talc-Free Mineral Liquid Foundation: Review

As someone with TERRIBLE acne that sprung up when I turned fifteen and hasn't slowed down since, foundation with great coverage is a must. Of course, the trade-off for great coverage-- a rarity in drugstore brands-- is usually a caked-on look that risks looking trashy and garish. Sure, there are probably expensive brands that do a great job of avoiding this (I adore Mary Kay's medium coverage liquid foundation), but no college girl wants to pay for that when there's an acceptable alternative.

In my search for a drugstore brand that balances low cost and excellent coverage, I decided to pick up a brand I had only a little experience with. Physicians Formula boasts that its products are excellent for sensitive skin, being hypoallergenic, oil free, and fragrance free. Titanium Dioxide and Iron Oxides contribute to the natural matte finish and the talc-free formula contains Vitamins A & E to protect and nourish the skin. Of course, sun protection is a must (especially when you spend so much time walking outside to classes), so the fact that the product was SPF 15 was the final selling point.

The product comes with a sponge-like anti-microbial applicator on its lid. This is a nice touch in theory, but I felt it was hard to obtain optimal coverage quickly enough while using it. In addition, it seemed as though a substantial amount of the foundation was doomed to be stuck in the sponge, a major "no" for those of us trying to get the most for our dollar! Luckily, the lid can be twisted off so you can squeeze the foundation right into your hand.

The product was easy to apply and feels surprisingly light for the heavy coverage it provides. Minor redness is amply covered, though concealer (I recommend their Conceal Rx™ Physicians Strength Concealer in Soft Green) is a must for particularly red blemishes.  I wouldn't say that a little bit goes a long way, but one relatively thin layer seems to be enough to achieve great coverage; 1 fluid ounce has lasted me well over a month of regular use. It definitely looks good for the cost, but the matte finish comes dangerously close to "caked-on" territory. At the end of the day, though, it's hard to find coverage this heavy without flirting with breakouts.

Pros:

• Heavy coverage that avoids looking caked-on
• Great for sensitive and breakout-prone skin
• SPF 15 (contains Titanium Dioxide)

Cons:

• Applicator is frustrating and unnecessary (but removable)
• Tough to find an appropriate color for light olive skin

Price: 7/10

Coverage: 8/10

EWG Score: N/A

Overall:7/10