-Ruby Kisses Eye Primer
- NYX Jumbo Pencil in Milk
-e.l.f. 100 Color Palette
-Avon Ultra Luxury Eyeliner in Dark Brown
-Maybelline Master Duo Liquid Eye Liner
-e.l.f. Dramatic Lashes
-Essence Multi Action Mascara
Face:
-e.l.f. Mineral Face Primer
-Flower Beauty About Face Foundation in LF11
-LA Girl Pro Conceal HD Concealer in Pure Beige
-Ruby Kisses Set N Forget HD Powder in Banana
-NYC Mosaic Face Powder in All Over Bronze Glow
-e.l.f. Shimmering Facial Whip in Lilac Petal
Lips:
-e.l.f. Essential Lipstick in Fantasy
-e.l.f. Hyper Shine Gloss in Mauve
____________________________________________
LOOK #2
Eyes:
-Ruby Kisses Eye Primer
- Nicka K Eye Lights Crayon in Champagne
-e.l.f. 100 Color Palette
-Sedona Lace Gel Eye Liner in Get Naked
-Maybelline Master Duo Liquid Eye Liner
-e.l.f. Dramatic Lashes
-Essence Multi Action Mascara
Lips:
-e.l.f. Mineral Face Primer
-Flower Beauty About Face Foundation in LF11
-LA Girl Pro Conceal HD Concealer in Pure Beige
-Ruby Kisses Set N Forget HD Powder in Banana
-NYC Mosaic Face Powder in All Over Bronze Glow
-e.l.f. Studi Blush in Candid Coral
Face:
-NYX Lip Liner in Natural
-Wet N Wild Mega Last Lipstick in 901B
-e.l.f. Luscious Liquid Lipstick in Baby Lips
-Nicka K Lipstick in Ruby Red
CLICK THE PICTURE ABOVE TO SEE AMANDA’S AFFORDABLE PROM LOOK!
Availability: SHANYcosmetics.com, Amazon, Ebay, etc. Pricing: $25 & up What You Get:
40 assorted, stackable jars of pigment
60g/2.12oz (Net Wt)
What It Is: SHANY Cosmetics Mineral Eye Sparkle is formulated from all natural mica found in high-end professional cosmetics. These eye shadows are the secret of professional stage makeup used on runway models, magazine photo shoots, and cinematography. Just like a professional makeup artist, you’ll have a rainbow of soft pastels and striking blues, greens, and reds at your disposal. Each color can be used on its own or blended with others for a shimmering look. Eye Sparkle can be worn not only around your eyes, but also on your cheeks, lips, nails and body. You can also add a touch of water for a more vibrant look. What Else You Need To Know:
Contains Talc 100 Mineral% 100% Made in U.S.A FDA approved
PROS:CONS:
OVERALL: A
Back with another SHANY Cosmetics review!! And as I’ve said in my previous review on the SHANY Masquerade Gel Eyeliner Set, I had been hearing a few things about SHANY Cosmetics via Youtube and IMATS (International Makeup Artist Trade Show) and was interested in the brand but the problem is, this brand isn’t that well known among average makeup consumers so there aren’t many resources for reviews. Eventually I stumbled upon a review/tutorial by fellow YouTube beauty guru “TymetheInfamous“. The video wasn’t on any of the products I currently own from this company, however I was so impressed with the quality of the products in Tyme’s video. I was a little hesitant to purchase at first but I’m SO GLAD I did! Now, before I get into the details of it all….just a quick FYI, I did in fact purchase this set to try out in my pro kit just see what affordable, yet high quality items are out there that are user friendly for an MUA & the average makeup lover/user. So in short I will be giving you my impressions from a MUA standpoint and well as a “normal consumer”. This set of 40 pigments retails for $58 (+$7.67 shipping) on the SHANY Cosmetics website but I was able to purchase mine from Amazon for roughly $25 (+$6.97 shipping). SHANY’s website often has sales and markdowns on their prices so I would always check both sites before making a purchase. The pigments come neatly packed in a card board case. Nothing was broken or had spilled out when I opened the box so I was pleased with that. However, I will say you need to be careful when taking them out of the box because some of the caps on mine weren’t screwed all the way on (I ordered a second set and that was the case with it as well). At first sight the containers seem very small (each container holds a little over 1 gram) but in reality it’s the perfect size for storing on the go, especially for a makeup artist. You pretty much receive every color man could think of in this set, including “staple shades” like a couple different shades of brown, some neutral and nude shades as well as nice rich matte black. The only bummer to me on the shade selection side is that they didn’t include a matte white. Also, the colors aren’t as bright as the company pictures (I kind of figured that would be the case) but please don’t get me wrong, they are still INSANELY GORGEOUS and SO PIGMENTED! Because of the intense concentration of color as well as the smooth creamy texture, you only need to work with a small amount at a time, though there are a few shades (in particularly the light shades) that are quite sheer or patchy and will need to be built up. I experienced little to no fall out with these and was impressed by the quality and feel of the pigment, with a primer underneath they also have great staying power. I also like that they are stackable. To stack them, you simply take the cap it came with off and twist them together but honestly, they come packed to the BRIM with product so it’ll be a while before I can even do that. Another great point about these are that they aren’t super duper shimmery. You do have some very shimmery shades, and while there are no completely matte shades besides the darkest brown, the yellow and the black the rest have only a slight sheen or loose sparkles which is great for versatility sake. Speaking of versatility, if you want to increase the intensity and shimmer of these pigments you can easily do that by using them wet. Overall I am VERY PLEASED with this purchase and think it was worth every penny. I’ve already used a few shades on set of a photo shoot and the results were PHENOMENAL. I recommend this to any makeup enthusiast or makeup artist. Now, if only they sold each color individual so I can replace them one by one instead of buying a whole new set, I’d be a happy camper.
What It Is:
These next generation, pressed powder blushes boast a rich, silky formula for a smooth, even application every time. This assortment of ten striking blush hues ranges from soft lavender to blazing orange, allowing you to create your ideal exposure from sheer to intense color. This versatile palette offers both matte and pearly finished shades to create a natural-looking glow.
PROS:
Clean, simple packaging
Great for travelling mua’s, freelancers, or any beauty enthusiast
Smooth application
Creamy, velvet consistency
Not gritty or powdery
Vibrant colors
Versatile, suitable for any skin tone
Nice mixture of pearl and matte finishes
Decent wear time
CONS:
None!
OVERALL: A
Welcome to my first “RAPID Review!”
In this post I’ll be giving you guys a quick overview of the new Blush Too Palette by Coastal Scents. If you’re familiar with the original and ever popular 10-pan blush palette (which I do own in my pro kit) that was first released by CS (and has since been copied by other affordable online stores like BH Cosmetics & Sedona Lace) you would think you know what to expect with the Blush Too palette…WRONG!
So far this palette is exclusive to CS and is unlike any blush palette I’ve seen. While I love the original 10-pan palette dearly I have to say the Blush Too palette is a force to be reckoned with! Now I will not lie, the only reason I purchased to palette was for the vibrant orange and beautiful lavender, shade but once it arrived I was blown away by the gorgeousness of the other 8 shades as well. The photos on CS didn’t do this palette justice to say the least.
There are, in my opinion, a few comparable dupes to some high-end companies, like MAC, MUFE & NARS.
At first use it’s immediately noticeable that the Blush Too palette uses a different formula than the original, as I find these blushes to have better pigmentation and are much silkier in texture with little to no powdery fall out. They all glide on to the skin like butter and a easily blend-able for a more wearable look as well as build-able for more intense color, which makes them perfect for ALL skin tones, from very dark to porcelain.
Shade 1 is a light baby doll pink shade (matte) with a cool blue undertone. The intensity can be built quite a bit. Most suitable for fair to light/medium skin tones.
Shade 2 is a dusty or muted mauve shade (matte) that applies quite sheer for a nice wash of a purple hue on the cheeks. Most suitable for fair to light/medium skin tones.
Shade 3 is a bubble gum pink shade with small chunks of gold and pink glitter (shimmer). It’s a bit warmer than Shade 1. Somewhat like Angelika by Nars, without the blue undertone. Most Suitable for all skin tones.
Shade 4 is a mid toned peachy pink (more pink than peach) shade with a gold sheen (shimmer). This reminds me a lot of Orgasm, Deep Throat and Torrid all by Nars or even Pearly Orange 25 by MUFE. Suitable for all skin tones.
Shade 5 is an intense orange (matte) with few loose sparkles that really don’t transfer to the skin. It can work as a dupe for Taj Mahal or Liberte both by Nars. Aruba by Sleek and Tangerine 18 by MUFE are also a pretty good dupes. Suitable for all skin tones.
Shade 6 is a vibrant lavender (matte) which almost comes off as a neon shade. Definitely closest to Lavender 9 by MUFE. I would say Azalea by MAC minus the shimmer would be a good dupe but I can’t say I’m 100% on that because this shade is very much more purple. Suitable for all skin tones.
Shade 7 is a mid toned blue pink shade (matte). Again Azalea by MAC minus the shimmer would probably work as a dupe for this shade. Suitable for all skin tones.
Shade 8 is a slightly deep raspberry shade with a true red under tone (matte). A decent dupe to this would be Dark Raspberry 58 by MUFE. Suitable for all skin tones.
Shade 9 is a warm toffee colored brown with a yellow undertone (matte). This is the most versatile shade out of the bunch because you can also use this shade as a contour for light/medium skin tones. Definitely a dupe for Sahara by Sleek . Suitable for fair to medium skin tones.
Shade 10 is another peachy pink shade with a very light golden shimmer to it (satin). It’s almost like shade 4 but this time it’s a lot more peach than pink and hardly any golden shimmer in it. Probably the closest to Torrid or Taos both by Nars. Suitable for all skin tones.
Eyes:
•Maybelline Color Tattoo in Bad The Bronze (lid)
•Coastal Scents Hot Pot eyeshadow in New Penny (lid on top of Color Tattoo)
•Martha Stewart glitter in Tiger’s Eye (applied over shaow on lid)
•Laura Geller Inkwell Gel Liner in Brown (to cut crease)
•Coastal Scents Hot Pot eyeshadow in Deep Roast (applied over gel liner)
•Coastal Scents Hot Pot eyeshadow in Aurora Orange (above brown shade)
•Coastal Scents Hot Pot eyeshadow in Vanilla Sky (highlight)
•Lashes are by Kiss iEnvy, I don’t remember the name
Face:
•NYC Mosaic Face Powder in All Over Bronze Glow
•Milani Baked Blush in Fantastico Mauve
Lips:
• Wet N Wild Mega Last lipstick in Pink Suga’
• Avon Ultra Luxury lip liner in Chocolate
I have been receiving LOTS AND LOTS AND LOTS of requests and questions lately and one of the most frequently mentioned, is my skin care routine, so I decided to start the new year off by ding a post on my updatedroutine (This is a routine I have been using since about late September 2012).
Now if you visit my blog or my YT channel regularly, you should already know by now that I’m always changing my makeup. However, skin care is something I don’t like to tamper with too much…I believe in consistency when it comes to any regimen but I’m willing to try new products when I no longer see results with my old products.
Needless to say, since my last skin care routine video and post, my regimen has DRASTICALLY changed! I decided to fully re-vamp my skin care routine and went back and forth between high-end and low-end (drugstore) skin care brands for a while. I finally ended up choosing products that were mostly (if not all) from the drug store.
Here’s my day to day run down of my new skin care routine…if you have any questions don’t hesitate to ask!
This face wash is 100% oil and soap free which makes is super gentle and perfect for pretty much all skin types. I don’t suffer from extreme acne so this product is perfect to just help keep my skin clean and my blemishes under control without over drying my skin.
2. Simple Soothing Facial Toner
Walmart
Target
Drugstores
$6.97 & up
6.7 fl. oz./200 mL
I LOVE THIS TONER! It’s a refreshing pick me up in the morning and wipes away any traces of makeup I may have missed with my facial wash at the end of the day. It gives my skin that fresh squeaky clean feeling and minimizes my pores with chamomile and witch hazel but doesn’t leave it feeling super tight and dry like normal toners do. It also has pro-vitamin B5 that restores moisture and balance to the skin.
3. Physician’s Formula Ultra-Hydrating Day & Night Cream
Walmart
Ulta
Drugstores
$16.97 & up
1.7 oz./48g
I’ve always struggled in the moisturizer department because of my combination skin but I decided to try the PF brand on a whim and I have been in love ever since!
This moisturizer is light enough to wear alone or under makeup but still provides excellent moisture. It absorbs into my skin nicely and leaves my face feeling smooth and soft without leaving it greasy. Perfect for combination skin.
I love it because it helps to keep my skin super soft and supple and locks in all the moisture my skin needs. It also gives my skin a more even, smooth, tightened and toned complexion. (This moisturizer doesn’t have SPF but they do have a moisturizer in this line that contains SPF).
4. L’Oreal Dermo-Expertise Eye Defense
Target
Walmart
Drugstores
$12.27 & up
0.5 oz/14g
I don’t suffer from any crows feet or deep wrinkles on my under eye area but I do have some dryness and darkness in that area. This product is perfect for keeping my under eyes moisturized and brightened.
.
PRODUCT
AVAILABILITY
PRICE/SIZE
WHY I LOVE IT
1. Basis Cleaner Clean Face Wash
Refer to Morning Routine
2. Simple Soothing Facial Toner
Refer to Morning Routine
3. Physician’s Formula Laser Resurfacing Serum
Walmart
Ulta
Drugstores
$18.97 & up
1 fl oz/30 ml
I apply this at night instead of my moisturizer. This product can be used day and night but I prefer to only use it once a day because it is very potent and I would much rather use peels and resurfacing product while I sleep. This is by far my favorite item out of my day and night routine.
This serum contains Alpha Hydroxy Acid to Increases cellular turnover for a resurfacing effect, helping skin appear firmer and more refined. It also contains an active form of vitamin C that helps protect and brighten skin. As well as BioNymph Peptide which is a patented plant stem cell peptide that helps repair visible UV damage, while working to prevent further abuse. Since using this serum (as of November 2012) I’ve seen a DRASTIC change in my skin’s over all texture and tone. I’ve also noticed that my skin looks much more plump and firm and my frown lines in my forehead are becoming less noticeable My skin also looks more radiant and even and feels silky smooth.
4. Ziana Topical Gel
*Dermatologist Prescribed*
$289.99-509.99 (without prescription)
30-60g
I’m not going to pretend that I just have perfect skin or that I don’t see a Dermatologist. Like a lot of people I used to have horrible cystic acne but got rid of it by a rigorous treatment of Acutane (prescribed my by Dermatologist). I haven’t used Acutane in over 5 years but I still use a topical gel to keep my skin clear and prevent breakouts. Ziana is a topical gel made of an antibiotic & a retinoid, which is derived from Vitamin A. It’s an effective medication for all acne among teens and adults. It reduces your pimples in the quickest manner possible.
I apply this once a day right before bed. It can tend to dry my skin out a bit so I mix it with my resurfacing serum for added moisture at night.
You can purchase this without a prescription through Ziana’s website but it’s quite pricey without insurance as you can see so I definitely suggest seeing a Dermatologist first if you’re interested.
5. L’Oreal Dermo-Expertise Eye Defense Refer to Morning Routine
PRODUCT
AVAILABILITY
PRICE
WHY I LOVE IT
1. Queen Helene Mint Julep Masque
*For All Skin Types*
Target
Wal Mart
Drugstores
$3.99 & up
8 oz/226.8g
This is a product I have been using for years. I love to use this mask whenever I feel my skin needs a little refreshing pick me up to relax my facial muscles and frown lines. It’s also great for those who suffer from acne, large pores or blackheads.
2. Boots Botanics Complexion Refining Clay Mask
*For Combination/Oily Skin*
Target
Boots.com
Drugstore.com
$9.39
1.69 fl oz/50 ml
This mask is AMAZING! It contains Rosemary to protect and clarify and my favorite, Amazonian clay!
I use this mask when I’m suffering from any breakouts, usually around “that time of the month”. It really pulls out all the oil and yucky stuff that clogs your pores while clearing up any existing problems. It does tingle quite a bit when you first put it on and goes away after 2 minutes or so. I find it refreshing but some may not enjoy the tingle too much and find it to be rather uncomfortable. Since I have dry skin I use it once a month, twice if necessarily but this is a great mask for those with oily, acne prone skin.
3. Boots Botanics Conditioning Clay Mask
*For All Skin Types*
Target
Boots.com
Drugstore.com
$8.99
4.2 oz/120 g
This mask is similar to the Complexion Refining mask except it’s more moisturizing and suitable for all skin types. It contains burdock to purify and clarify the skin.
This is a mask I love to use more frequently for my dry skin. It works like the Complexion Refining mask, drawing out any impurities and leaves your skin feeling clean and refreshed but not super tight and dry.
4. Arbonne FC5 Intense Hydration Mask
*For Normal/Dry Skin*
Arbonne.com
$32.00
3.0 fl oz/89 ml
I’ve been using this mask for quite some time now, maybe a little over a year and I quite like it. Although it’s a little on the expensive side.
It contains mango cell extracts to hydrate and revitalize the skin. This mask is super SUPER moisturizing and luxurious. I find that it works best for me during the winter and colder months as my already dry skin is crazy dry around that time and seems to just drink this stuff up. It’s a great little treat for my skin during the winter and always leaves my skin feeling fresh and radiant.
What It Is & Does: Rich and creamy blush that naturally sculpts and highlights the cheekbones for a soft-focus effect, great for everyday use. The Vitamin E enriched formula conditions and hydrates the skin for a healthy, radiant glow. Velvety soft, lightweight and highly pigmented color creates a long-lasting result for all day wear. PROS:
Affordable
Moisturizing
Pigmented/Opaque
Concentrated
Semi Matte
Smooth & creamy texture
Lightweight
Suitable for most skin tones
CONS:
Not beginner or “user” friendly
May have trouble building/blending product
OVERALL: A-
These blushes are a fairly new addition to the e.l.f Studio line and have QUICKLY become a rising topic among beauty vloggers, bloggers and makeup lovers all over! Before I get to the actual review I just want to speak on a point that has been mentioned many times (and I know people will still point it out). YES, these blushes are extremely close dupes if not identical to the Make Up For Ever (MUFE) HD Microfinish blushes. As a professional MUA having a cream/liquid blush in kit is a definite must have, I’ve tested MUFE HD blushes many time and have always wanted to purchase but they cost a pretty penny for such a small item. The MUFE HD blushes retail for $25 whereas the e.l.f. blush is a mere $3…that’s a $22 difference! Granted MUFE has twice as many shades, you really can’t beat that price point from e.l.f. Much to my surprise, I did a little research and the MUFE HD blushes contain 0.2 fl. oz of product that’s roughly 5 ml, e.l.f.’s dupe is 0.34 fl. oz or 10 ml…you read right! You’re getting TWICE as much product from e.l.f. for $22 LESS than MUFE! From the packaging to the pigmentation and performance, these blushes could really give MUFE a run for their money, especially if e.l.f. releases more shades.
NOW BACK TO OUR MAIN TOPIC…. The e.l.f. HD blushes come in a small clear plastic container with a pump dispenser. It’s a fairly basic form of packaging, very standard but the important thing is that it’s functional and for $3 it’s not a big deal. There are currently 5 shaded available (hopefully more to come): Headliner, Showstopper, Superstar, Encore and Diva (swatched below). Two things I like about the packaging are (1) it’s clear so you can see exactly what shade you have but the swatches on e.l.f.’s website are very misleading so it may be hard to choose based on their photos. (2) the pump is actually very easy to control, you only need the TINIEST amount and it really helps that the pump allows you to dispense extremely small dots of product.
There have been some comments that when you initially pump out the product it is either dispensed with a oily film mixed in or just the oil itself. These blushes contain a specific ingredient that is designed to make the product more emollient, or creamy in texture so it is normal for a product of this nature to separate a bit when it has been sitting for a while or settled. This is an easy fix, all you have to do is pump out the oily film or if you find that your blush is a bit more “liquidy” because of the oiliness once you begin to blend the product out it will mix together and perform just fine. The consistency of these blushes are really nice. Again, they are like a mix between a liquid and a cream and are so velvety and smooth. None of the blushes contain any visible shimmer and when it comes to application and blending, you only need about a pinprick size of product and when I say pinprick I mean it! Even an amount in the size of a grain of rice would most likely be too much because these blushes are insanely pigmented!
There may be some people who find the pigmentation to be too much for them, especially my fair skinned girls but the trick is in the application. It isn’t that easy to apply and blend in a wearable fashion if you don’t know the correct technique, which is why I couldn’t give it an “A” rating. I have worked products of this formula many times as a professional MUA and over the years I’ve found that the best way to apply these types of products is to use a damp make up sponge or wedge to stipple on and blend the product out, this will make for a more sheer application that you can then build up if desired.
These blushes have excellent staying power when worn alone and will last even longer with a powder blush or translucent powder on top to set. You may find that the deeper colors are a tad bit a the staining side so be sure to cleanse your face thoroughly when removing them.
Overall, I am most certainly on the e.l.f. bandwagon with this one! They’re amazingly pigmented, great for traveling and can be used on almost any skin tone! I loved them so much I purchased 2 of each, one set for me and one for my kit! I’m quite impressed e.l.f….quite impressed indeed!
Diva is an intense neon pink with a blue undertone to it. Most suitable for medium to deep skin tones.
Superstar is peachy coral shade with a hint of pink. This is the most wearable shade over all for anyone. Most suitable for all skin tones.
Headliner is soft muted pink with a hint of a rosy feel to it. Another very wearable color. Most suitable for fair to medium skin tones.
Encore is a bright magenta shade with a purple undertone. This shade is quite similar to Diva at first glanced but Diva is more on the pink-blue side whereas Encore is more pink-purple. Most suitable for light to deep skin tones
Lastly, Showstopper is a very deep, rich, true plum shade. It blends out to look more like a stain and gives that fresh winter “just bitten” flush to the cheeks, which is really pretty if applied correctly. Most suitable for light to deep skin tones.
The Printed Pump: a great way to spice up your fall/winter wardrobe. They’re edgy, eye catching and can be uber chic, perfect to pair with your favorite jeans and a crisp white-T or a little black dress.
This season is all about layers and packing a punch without doing too much. Sound crazy? You may be wondering, how do you instantly take your chic winter look and turn it into an elegant yet front cover worthy ensemble–all without breaking the bank? A great statement piece like collar or bib can transform any look, keeping it classy but making it trendy. You can definitely wear these beauties separately, like a necklace or add some flair to a plain button down shirt by placing it over the existing collar for a bejeweled effect.
Leopard print has been a fashion go-to staple for quite a few years but as the saying goes, “If it’s not broken don’t fix it!” This is a super easy and fun way to jump kick your wardrobe. On your feet, as a top, on your bottom or as an accessory, you can’t go wrong with this animalistic print!
*Retro City is my favorite place to shop for trendy shades. They always have great up-to-date and vintage styles at a super affordable price! I’ll be giving away 2 pairs of Retro City sunglasses to one lucky winner! Click Here to find out how to win!*
Faux Tortoise Shell
Tortoise shell–faux, of course–is a top trend in sunglasses for fall 2012 and can be worn right through winter. Tortoise shell has been popular for years and just like a little black dress, we can always count on a classic to be appropriate. The tortoise shell design remains a fashion classic, so it will continue to be fashionable even when it’s not a top trend. Over sized frames have been all the rave for the past few years so rocking a pair over sized faux tortoise shell shades will have you looking chic, classic and right on trend…like a true fashionista!
The Cat Eye Comeback
Get catty with a pair of these feline friendly frames! Cat eye frames are a vintage-inspired trend that made a huge come back in 2010 and are still going strong! Fabulous for Fall 2012. The narrower cat eye styles, most popular during the 1950s and 1960s look especially good on petite women, but there are all kinds of new modern and uber sexy takes on a this classic. Paired with a nice light scarf and thin fall appropriate jacket or pea coat these beauties are a definite must have for the crisp autumn weather.
What It Is & Does: 2-color foundation that sculpts and shapes the natural contours of your face.
PROS:
Moisturizing
Buildable
Great full coverage
Smooth & creamy texture
Lightweight
Has many shades to choose from
Caters to Women of Color
CONS:
Short wear time
Not easy obtainable
OVERALL: A-
I have been asked by so many of my YT veiwers to review this foundation but finding a beauty supply store that carried this particular product was nearly impossible so I gave up for a while. I happen to come across it by chance in a BSS quite some ways away from my house and snatched it up (I should have bought them all!).
This foundation comes in a clear plastic compact, simple and practical but still nice to look at. There are 16 “levels” or shade ranges to choose from but for some reason Ruby Kisses’ website as well as the website they use to sell their products (link above) only carry shades 9-16.
Each compact has two shades and this was particularly exciting to me because if you follow my blog or YT channel regualry, you know that I am one of those people that are in between shade so I always have a hard time finding a shade that fits me exactly and often have to custom mix to get my perfect match. My shade is Level 9 and this is probably one of the first foundation that matched me so close (I’m close to a mix of NW42 + NC45 in MAC or MAC’s Matchmaster in 5.0). The dual shade aspect is perfect if you’re someone who’s in between shades like me, for skin tone changes between seasons, if you’re into contouring with foundation or if your a budding makeup artist look for more bang for your buck.
I immediately noticed the texture and consistency of this foundation. In the compact they can initially look hard and not very pliable but OH BABY don’t be fooled! These foundations are so rich, creamy and light…I can’t believe its a cream foundation! It’s not as thick as creme foundations usually are which makes them easier to work with and blend.As a professional MUA, cream foundations are an essential must have in your kit to achieve full coverage on shoots and film and I’m not one for heavy coverage in my personal stash but the fact that these are so creamy and buildable in coverage makes me think twice!
The finish is claimed to be a semi-matte finish but I find it to be more moisturizing and dewy than anything else. It looks like it would be oily on the skin but actually looks and feels like you have nothing on, just an added luminosity. Which gives great hope for oily/combination skin. You can also mattify it quite a bit with a setting powder.
I also loved the shade range you had to choose from. Again, there are 16 “levels” from light to very deep and 2 different shades in each level so you’re bound to find your perfect match. My only 2 love/hate issues with the shade range is that (1) these all seem to have a yellow undertone to them that makes them perfect for my Women of Color (African Americans, Asians, Latinas, Indians, etc) but then again that leaves out my ladies with more pink and red undertones. (2) Again finding the first 8 shade levels in a store or online is near impossible, even finding my shade (level 9) was tricky. It would be nice if the entire shade range was easily accessible.
As far as wear time this claims to have a 12 hour long wear which I don’t find to be necessarily true. Even if you don’t have oily skin and you set with a good powder after the first 7 hours or so you will start to notice the foundation breaking down or getting oily due to the creamy nature. You’ll especially notice it in the heat and humidity so I’d say this is more of winter time foundation.
Overall, I actually like these and find that they have decent quality. They’re super affordable so even if you have no idea what your shade is, you can buy the two closest ones and have 4 shades to play with…all the while never spending more than $15!
