Archive for February, 2011

Yay – I think the foundation search has come to an end!  I’ve been testing a lot of them out, and I found one I think I’m happy with – M.A.C. Pro Longwear! 

I’m testing it out today with MAC Prep+Prime SPF50, and I like it.  Tomorrow I’ll try it without the primer and see how it goes.  I might need a new setting powder though, I’m not sure.  I’m just not as happy with the NYC Smooth Skin Translucent Powder as I used to be. 

I think I’ll give Lancome Teint Idole Fresh Wear another go though… I did like that as well, but I think I was too yellow.  Maybe I’ll test it with the primer and see how it does.

Either way, I think it’s between those two foundations… Unless attempt #2 with my Chanel Vitalumiere Aqua goes well… Oh lawdy!  Too many options!  I make things hard for myself, huh?

Clinique Moisture Surge Tinted Moisturizer has recently been made available on their website, though scheduled for a March 2011 release.  Clinique’s newest complexion perfector is supposed to give just enough coverage to make imperfections disappear while providing a natural look.  Moisture Surge TM is deemed a super hydrating, lightweight gel-cream that provides up to 12-hours of stay-true color.

The SPF provided will contain both physical and chemical sunscreen agents, which may or may not pose as a problem for some.  While only available in six shades for the fairest to medium/deep complexions (I have a feeling that means darker complexions will be without a match, sadly), Clinique Moisture Surge Tinted Moisturizer is non-comedogenic, oil-free and 100% fragrance-free, as well as allergy, dermatologist and ophthalmologist tested.

So, what are your thoughts?  Think you’ll be giving this a go, or holding out for a bit?  While I’ve never used their infamous Moisture Surge, I’d be interested in trying this as long as I can find a color match, which can be trying with any brand most times.

Info and picture via Cosmetoscope

I know I just made my last post about Revlon PhotoReady, but I went on a hunt this weekend for a new foundation. Well, sorta…

I realized that as of late foundations recommended for NC40 ladies hasn’t been working for me.  So, I went to MAC to have my color re-matched.  It seems I am now NC37.  Needless to say, this kind of changes what color foundation I should be wearing – although, I’m lucky in that my Revlon PR color doesn’t change even though sadly it now makes me look pink

While I was at MAC, I went got a sample of Studio Fix Fluid.  I know a lot of people have issues with MAC foundation in that they either love it or hate it since it seems to break them out.  Since it’s possible I need a new foundation, I also grabbed a sample of Shiseido Dual Balancing Foundation and Origins VitaZing.  Then, I headed to the other side of the mall and grabbed samples of NARS Sheer Glow and MUFE Mat Velvet+.

I’m testing out MAC today, and while I love the color (hey, it’s a direct color match and didn’t really oxidize!), I’m not too thrilled with the lasting coverage.  I normally don’t have to blot Revlon PR at all, but I’ve already had to blot once with SFF.  I know it may seem one application isn’t enough to judge by, but I seriously don’t think I’d bother trying it out again.

Origins VitaZing didn’t do anything for me the way it has for others, so it’s a lost cause there.  Not to mention, it made my face feel really tight.  Not cool!  So, tomorrow I’ll give the MUFE a go and see how well I like it.  Then we’ll try NARS Sheer Glow.  Since I have the most amount of Shiseido, I’ll hold that off until last. 

How hard has it been for you to get a proper foundation match?  Do you end up too yellow or too pink?  What kind of finish do you prefer, and what’s your HG foundation (if you’ve found it)?

Product: 4 of 5
Packaging: 5 of 5
Quality: 4 of 5
Price: 5 of 5
Overall: 4 of 5
Would I repurchase? Unless I find a better foundation, or if it starts looking icky in the warmer weather, I most definitely will!

::: The Product :::
Revlon PhotoReady is marketed as a foundation that helps you have the look of “poreless, airbrushed skin in any light”.  The foundation contains photocromatic pigments that bend and reflect light virtually erasing any flaws, and is supposed to give a soft, luminous finish with complete yet undetectable finish.  PhotoReady Foundation contains SPF18 (titanium dioxide and iron oxide), which is a plus since it is stable.  It is also both fragrance- and oil-free.

Revlon PhotoReady comes in a clear glass jar with a black cap and black pump – Yes, a pump!  Each bottle contains approximately 1 fl. oz. of foundation.  Colors range in 12 shades covering a broad spectrum of skin tones.  While not necessarily ranging from lightest to darkest, but from the lowest number to the highest number (001 – 011), shades available are: Ivory, Vanilla, Shell, Nude, Natural Beige, Medium Beige, Cool Beige, Golden Beige, Rich Ginger, Caramel, Cappuccino and Mocha.

There’s also a matching pressed powder and a newer compact cream-to-powder foundation.  I haven’t tried either, but I haven’t heard a lot of positive reviews for the cream-to-powder foundation.

::: Ingredients :::
(Active Ingredients : Titanium Dioxide 1.1%, Zinc Oxide 2.0%) Water, Cyclopentasiloxane, Dimethicone, Cyclohexasiloxane, Butylene Glycol, Boron Nitride, Cetyl PEG/PPG-10/1 Dimethicone, Phenyl Trimethicone, PEG/PPG-18/18 Dimethicone, Sodium Chloride, Nylon-12, HDI/Trimethylol Hexyllactone Crosspolymer, Calcium Aluminium Borosilicate, Alumina, Trimethylsiloxysilicate, Glycerin, Bis-PEG/PPG-14/14 Dimethicone, Isodecyl Neopentanoate, Dimethicone/Bis-Isobutyl PPG-20 Crosspolymer, Trisiloxane, Methicone, Triethoxycaprylylsilane, Tribehenin, Methyl Methacrylate Crosspolymer, Cycloheptasiloxane, Silica, Sorbitan Sesquioleate, Tetrasodium EDTA, Phenoxyethanol, Caprylyl Glycol, 1,2-Hexanediol /- (CI 77019/Mica, CI 77891/Titanium Dioxide, CI 77491/CI 77492/CI 77499/Iron Oxides, CI 77947/Zinc Oxide)

::: My Experience :::
I decided it was time to move on from mineral makeup since it wasn’t getting along with my skin anymore as far as shine and oil, and it was fading too quickly.  I tested out a few high-end and low-end brands before I figured to go with Revlon ColorStay since it’s a cult favorite.  Sadly, it was too thick and I think it was contributing some of my acne issues.  I also tried L’Oreal Visible Lift, which wasn’t too bad but fades quickly as well, and Boots Lift and Firm made me look like an oil-slick.

Just before exhausting myself into going back to mineral makeup I figured I’d give Revlon PhotoReady a try since a lot of people love it.  The one thing that had been holding me back on trying it was the comments I had read regarding the shimmer made by the light-reflecting particles, which had been likened to the effect of Edward from “Twilight” twinkling in the sun. I figured I couldn’t lose either way, so why not give it a go.

I originally purchased 008 Golden Beige, but it wasn’t the right match.  So, I ended up with 006 Medium Beige.  You’d think the higher number would be darker, but it’s not.  I fell in love with PhotoReady almost immediately!  I look almost airbrushed, and I would consider the coverage to be medium.  It’s not overly thick or too thin that it’s runny, and is easy to blend (I just use my fingers).  The color holds all day and I don’t look oily by the end of the day, and I don’t even have to reapply powder for any shine.  Sadly, I think my color has changed and I need to look for another color.  I’m not sure why since I purchased it in the winter and it’s still winter.  Maybe it’s because I started a new skin care regimen that’s brightened my skin and evened out my skin tone (YAY!).  Either way, I love the foundation and unless one I’m testing out now ends up being a better fit, I’ll be sticking to PhotoReady!

::: Overall :::
If you don’t mind some shimmer from the light-reflecting pigments, or you’re okay with medium coverage, then I say give this foundation a try.  It’s not too expensive (price ranges from $10 – $14), and can easily be found anywhere Revlon is sold.  My best recommendation is to purchase it from a store who accepts returns (which does NOT include Target!).  It might be tricky finding your shade, but Temptalia’s Foundation Matrix might be a lifesaver for you if you know your “M.A.C color.”

Disclosure: This product was purchased by me from a local store. For more information, please view my Disclosure Policy.

Photo courtesy of CVS.com.

In honor of Valentine’s Day and all things pink and red, I thought I’d designate this post to a few of my favorite things that are girly colors that remind us of The Day of Love (so I’m deeming it).

Pink Blushes - Cargo Amalfi and Physicians Formula Rose Happy Booster Blush (this even has hearts embossed in it!)

Red Lippies - M.A.C. Sexitada & NYC Retro Red lipsticks; Revlon Stay Ablaze ColorStay Mineral Lipglaze

Pink Lippies - M.A.C. Flowerosophy Lustreglass & Covergirl Heavenly Lip Perfection Lipstick (it’s pink on me at least!)

Red Nailpolish - China Glaze Ruby Deer (2010 Holiday) & Essie A-Red

Pink Nailpolish -  NYC Manhattan (more of a berry) & OPI Regis Raves

I’m sure there’s more, but these are the products that immediately come to mind.  What about you?  What are your favorite reds and pinks when it comes to your cosmetics stash?

I’m never been a makeup snob, so I’ve always had a range of high-end and low-end makeup in my stash.  After I fell out of my MU obsession and fell into my NP obsession, I started paring down my stash.  I only kept my bare necessities, with an occasional splurge on a random item I’d want to try.

About a month or so ago I dipped my big toe into the MU world again, but thankfully I haven’t gone crazy.  I started using more than Stila Bouquet e/s (and honestly don’t recall the last time I used it), and started using my two NYX palettes, Champagne & Caviar and Smokey Eyes.  I did buy a new blush, Cargo Amalfi, in mid-December and have been using it daily. 

I really think that there’s plenty of low-end brands that are just as superior to high-end, or even better.  I’ve never had luck with a high-end liquid foundation, but I’m loving my Revlon Photo Ready.  (I might need to look into another color though because I suddenly look way more pink than before!)  Mascara is something I’ve never seen the point of spending loads of moola on, and I’m quite happy with drugstore brand mascara any day of the week. 

I kept reading about how great the new Cover Girl Lip Perfections were, so I’ve purchased three which I hope to review soon.  I also picked up Revlon ColorStay Mineral Lipglaze in Endless Lilac and Bonne Bell Liplites in Strawberry Parfait.  So far I really like the glosses too.  Oh!  And I found the Physicians Formula Happy Booster blushes and bronzers.  I only got the blushes, but I’m loving them!  I might actually go back for the bronzer to use in the summer. 

Blushes are one of the few things I’ve never lucked out with as far as low-end brands, although NYX is pretty good!  I’m actually debating on a NYX haul for some products that are intriguing me.  I’m thinking about getting another palette (or two) and another blush, as well as trying out their Soft Matte Lip Creams. 

What’s your opinion on high-end versus low-end cosmetics?  Do you see any difference in quality for specific items or in general?  Oh, and please let me know if you have any recs for me as far as brands and products, of if there’s anything you’d like me to grab and review for you

Remember me?  If not, I don’t blame you LOL! I’ve been so sporadic and random with posting! I do apologize, and as I slowly get back into the swing of things, I hope to post more. Also, for those who might be interested, I’m keeping a separate blog regarding my weight loss. You can check out that blog, and subscribe if you want, at The Skinny On Me.

So, lately I’ve started to dip my toes back into the makeup pool.  I’m not going to go nuts like I did before.  I’m quite happy having a few must-haves, and then a few carefully picked extras.  I’ve also learned that I’ve been leaning more towards drugstore brands than high-end brands.  It’s just so much easier for me to access them, and the quality of the products is so close (and in some cases superior) to high-end brands.

That being said, I thought I’d share with you a few favorites I have.  I’ll try to write full reviews on the products soon too!

• Hard Candy 1000 Lashes Fiber Mascara Primer
• Prestige My Longest Lashes Mascara
• Burt’s Bees Tinted Lip Balm in Red Dahlia
• NYX Nutmeg Blush (rediscovered in my stash)
• Cargo Amalfi Blush

I’ve also started using more than just Stila Bouquet for eyeshadow.  I’ve actually been using my two NYX palettes, Champagne & Caviar and Smokey Eye Kit.  Hey, I’ve even been doing a crease color and using blush daily!  Imagine that!  I just picked up the new Cover Girl Lip Perfection Lipsticks (I grabbed Entwined and Heavenly), so I might have a review on those soon.  So far I like them, but only time will tell if I’ve finally found a lipstick I like that doesn’t dry my lips out.  And I also just picked up the Physicians Formula Happy Boosters in Rose and Natural, so I’ll test those babies out tomorrow and report back ASAP!

I guess this means you’ll have some posts coming your way from me, huh?  YAY!  I’ll even get back to posting recipes soon