Dr. Denese Defense Day Cream SPF 30 Review

I have a new favorite tinted moisturizer/makeup base, and it's from Dr. Denese. I received a media sample of this product from a representative of the company. I was a bit hesitant to try it out at first because I already had my share of tinted moisturizers, but I was reeled in by the SPF 30 sunscreen and the claim that it is supposed to have a matte finish.



First of all, I love the shade; it's perfect for my skintone. I like that it has yellow tones to complement my warm skintone. It's neither too light nor too dark, just about right. Also, I love the texture. I apply it using my Coastal Scents' kabuki-on-a-stick (similar to Bare Escentuals' Handy Buki Brush or a slightly larger version of the MAC 109), buffing it in using circular motions. I like that it's very light on the face, very silky, and is absorbed well by the skin. It contains silicones so it's very slick in that sense, but it is also matte, so the skin looks evened out with this product. The silicones are being used by cosmetic companies as makeup primers, so this product really acts as a tinted moisturizer, sunscreen, makeup and primer in one. I apply this before I put on my mineral makeup, and this is the best method of application for me.



See how evened-out and flawless the finish is? Notice the matte finish, which is perfect for me because I don't end up looking like a greaseball by midday. I like that I use less oil blotting sheets with this product. The face just looks polished using this tinted day cream.

Downside: Coverage isn't that good, which is typical of tinted moisturizers. That's fine with me, though, because I layer mineral makeup over it anyway. I just primarily use this product as moisturizer, sunscreen and primer. Three products in one, not bad, right? Also, if you don't like matte finishes, this might not be for you, although it's matte in a very silicone-y way (it mattifies and evens out the face to prepare it for makeup application). Lastly, if you are allergic to or break out with silicones, stay away from this product. This doesn't give me any problems though, as silicones don't give my skin a hard time.

All in all, if you are in a hurry on most days and want a day cream, sunscreen and makeup base (or even makeup) in one, check out Dr. Denese Defense Day Cream SPF 30.