The Magic Pot: Kevin Aucoin Sensual Skin Enhancer

If you have any skin concerns then get a cup of coffee, sit down, and READ this.  Because you NEED this.  This being the Kevin Aucoin Sensual Skin Enhancer, or as I like to refer to it, my magic pot.

My recent episode of break outs left me with acne scars which no concealer or full coverage foundation seemed to cover. Or, if the coverage was good then it didn't last all day and I was left with spotty skin unless I touched up. Forever on the search for something better, I thought about the Kevin Aucoin Sensual Skin Enhancer but was intimidated by its dense, thick consistency.  It seemed like spackle!   But after accumulating a few Space NK points, I decided to try it out.  Best.  Decision.  Ever.    

The Kevin Aucoin Sensual Skin Enhancer is a base product that can be used as a foundation or concealer.  There are a variety of shades from very light to very dark, with a variety of undertones to suit most skin tones.  For an excellent picture with swatches of all the shades, click on The Beauty Professor.  Since I primarily wanted to use this product as a foundation or concealer for acne scars, I chose a shade as close to my skin tone as possible and went with SX11, a medium to dark beige with golden undertones.  The product itself comes in a tiny pot with a LOT (18 gm) of product.  

The product itself is very dense and thick like a pot concealer.  The product is so densely pigmented that you would need only a pinhead size amount to conceal scars or blemishes.  To use as a foundation you would need again a very small amount, much less than a traditional "pump" of foundation to cover your entire face.  The product is extremely versatile- it can be mixed with moisturizer or lighter foundations for a sheerer finish, or used as is.  It can also be applied with fingers to warm up the product and make it easier to blend, or with a brush.  I found that for concealing a small brush worked best since fingers pick up too much product and then using the fingers to blend the product into the skin.  To use as a foundation, a stippling or buffing brush works best.  I use the Sephora Mineral Powder brush to stipple a very thin layer of product over my problem areas, and it covers flawlessly.  FLAWLESSLY.  I applied this only over my problem areas and blended it in with the brush, and left other good areas of my skin bare.  Another great method is to use this product as a concealer and apply first, followed by a tinted moisturizer on top for a blended look. This can also help if the color match is not perfect.  The pictures below are unretouched, and without any other concealer or foundation.  I think they speak for themselves!  Normally, I wouldn't even think of posting pictures of my skin without makeup, but I am so excited about this product and I really wanted to share the amazing results with you!  

On close inspection, the finish is satin and looks like skin.  The coverage lasts all day without need for touch ups.  I do think this product works best over a primer to help it blend into the skin more seamlessly.  Setting with powder also helps to keep the makeup in place.  From reading other reviews, some mentioned a displeasing scent to this product but to my nose there is no discernible scent.  

Bare face

Kevin Aucoin Sensual Skin Enhancer Only

Full face of makeup, concealer only under the eyes

There is a learning curve with this product in the sense that you can not just slap it on with a traditional foundation brush, or use it with your fingers straight from the pot and blend it into your skin.  It is too dense for that.  The key to using this product is to use a VERY small amount, less than a traditional foundation or concealer, and use a stippling or buffing brush to really work the product into the skin.  I would also recommend working on small areas of the face at a time.  This tiny pot, with 18gm of product, retails for $45 and will probably last a lifetime.  I have been using it daily since I purchased it, and there is no dent in sight.  This is by far the best product I have ever used to cover up acne scars, and is my holy grail!  I am so happy to have found something that provides enough coverage, but still allows you to have natural looking skin.  I will never be without it.  I highly, highly recommend it!