Section 1: Rodan + Fields Radiant Defense Perfecting Liquid
“The mission of Rodan + Fields is to give people the best skin of their lives with dermatology-inspired skincare that delivers visible results and really works,” Dalia Stoddard, the brand’s vice president of product development, tells Allure. “[Radiant Defense] combines the power of dermatology-inspired skincare with instant perfecting results in a single multi-tasking step.”
The formula, which contains peptides and antioxidants (blueberry extract and red algae), the final step in your skincare routine, right before applying makeup.”
[Doctors Katie Rodan and Kathy Fields] understand that almost every woman uses a finishing product after their skincare routine to even out the skin tone and create a flawless appearance, “Stoddard elaborates. “However, they are aware that many women do not regard these products as ‘good for your skin.'”
Radiant Defense was dermatologist-tested to be non-comedogenic and non-acnegenic, in addition to providing a slew of skincare benefits. After two years now of testing, I hadn’t gotten a pimple due to using the product — an impressive feat given that my sensitive, acne-prone skin has a nasty habit of breaking out if you even look at it.
In terms of finish, Radiant Defense provides buildable, light-to-medium coverage in six versatile shades — a range that was intentional for the brand, which envisioned a product that would provide a sheer glow rather than a full-coverage finish.
“We’re a skincare company, not a makeup company,” Stoddard explained. If you need more coverage, you can always apply your favourite foundation over Radiant Defense. How did the band decide on the colour palette? According to a Rodan + Fields spokesperson, the product was tested “among an inclusive group of consumers” with “a diverse range of skin tones.”
When it came to testing the product, I started in September 2018 in hot New Orleans at the end of summer? While the texture was lightweight and creamier than I had anticipated, having Asian skin – the beige and the neutral undertones seamlessly blended into my light-medium complexion with an even, soft-matte finish. (Think of it as a supercharged, moisturising skincare powerhouse rather than a tinted sunscreen.)
I should mention that I slathered on my favourite sunscreen before applying Radiant Defense Perfecting Liquid with Broad Spectrum SPF 30. (Most dermatologists also recommend this route for tinted products with built-in SPF.)
“You need to apply enough to achieve the SPF labelled on a product,” Joshua Zeichner, director of cosmetic and clinical research at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City, tells Allure. “We don’t usually use that much when applying a cosmetic product, so they shouldn’t be used on their own.”
