Showing posts with label L'oreal. Show all posts
Showing posts with label L'oreal. Show all posts

Tuesday, August 28, 2012

L'Oreal True Match Lumi Foundation Review!

loreal true match lumi foundation

L'Oreal True Match Lumi Foundation

L'Oreal True Match Lumi Foundation ($12.95) is a lightweight, buildable foundation that provides a luminous, glowing finish to the skin. It's actually said to improve the clarity and skin tone with continued use.

L'Oreal True Match Lumi Foundation is available in 15 shades: Porcelain/Light Ivory, Nude Beige, Natural Beige, Sand Beige, Sun Beige, Soft Ivory/Classic Ivory, Natural Buff, Buff Beige, True Beige, Classic Tan, Creamy Natural, Shell Beige, Classic Beige, Soft Sable and Nut Brown/Cocoa.

To find your match a bit easier, the shades are broken up into three categories: Warm, Neutral and Cool. If you know your undertone, you can go straight to the appropriate category and figure out your exact shade. Sound familiar? Yep. L'Oreal True Match Foundation has the same coloring system. I picked W3 Nude Beige (I'm typically a W4 in L'Oreal True Match, but unfortunately my store was sold out of W4, and I was feeling impatient.. must.. have.. now!) W3 is a pretty good match for the MAC NC30 coloring. It's a bit peach - it could use more yellow/golden tones. For reference, it's less yellow than many of the other warm shades in the range.

The consistency is very lightweight; runny, but also very creamy. If I had to compare the consistency to another drugstore foundation, I'd probably say it's the most similar to Neutrogena Healthy Skin, but slightly creamier. Because of the thin texture, it's very easy to blend and doesn't cake or dry on the skin before you're finished blending the whole face.

The coverage is light, buildable to light-medium with an additional layer. I'd prefer if it had a touch more coverage, but it has nice coverage for my "better" skin days. When I want additional coverage, I usually add a touch of Revlon Colorstay Whipped to any areas that need it, and my face looks flawless.


It gives off a very natural, radiant finish. Not dewy or matte - somewhat along the lines of a satin finish with a bit more glow. Not Revlon Photoready glow, though (sparkle city). It's the type of glow your skin has after you've had a chemical peel.

Here's my skin closer up. I didn't set with a powder to preserve the luminosity. 

The lasting power on my balanced skin is around 6 hours with a setting powder. L'Oreal states that it lasts around 8 hours, which might be true on a good day. With the addition of Revlon Whipped, it lasts much longer (until the time I wash my face at night). I find that when it breaks down, it fades pretty naturally without looking patchy. The regular True Match fades patchy on my skin, which is why I don't particularly care for it. 

loreal true match lumi foundation w3


For color comparison-

loreal true match lumi foundation swatches
Swatches from left to right: L'Oreal True Match LUMI Foundation W3, L'Oreal True Match Foundation W4, MAC Studio Fix Fluid NC30.

Overall, I really like this foundation and my main gripe is mainly with the color. I think L'Oreal needs to go back to the drawing board with W3, because it's not warm enough. Lastly, I wish the lasting power was better, but most times lighter coverage/liquidy foundations don't last as long as heavier foundations.

It's a nice foundation, and much more wallet-friendly than most higher end alternatives. The reviews are very 50/50, but I will continue using this foundation, and mixing it with some of my other foundations to add a bit of radiance to my skin. I think this foundation would work particularly well on dry skin, as it's fairly moisturizing, spreads well on the face and gives a glow to the skin. It might have a little too much slip for oily skin, but individual results will vary.

The Round-Up
Pros:
  • Light, creamy-liquid formula that is very easy to work with
  • Light, buildable to light-medium coverage
  • SPF20
  • Pump dispenser - no mess!
  • Makes my skin look glowing and radiant
Cons:
  • W3 is too peach (it actually matches my MAC NW20 concealer)
  • Becomes shiny within a couple of hours if I don't set with a powder
  • Lasting power is 6 hours (results will vary - it may last longer or less on your skin)
Price: $12.95, at your local drugstore.

Thursday, August 2, 2012

L'Oreal Magic Lumi Highlighter Review, Photos and Swatches!

L'Oreal Magic Lumi Highlighter

L'Oreal Magic Lumi Concealer/Corrector ($12.95) is a liquid concealer/highlighter in a clickable pen - similar to to the concept of the YSL Touche Eclat. This pen is meant to highlight/brighten areas of the face more than it is to conceal blemishes, so if you're looking for a heavy duty cover-up, this won't be the correct product for you.

The L'Oreal Magic Lumi Highlighter is available in (4) shades: Fair, Light and Medium and Deep.

*You may notice that the packaging of my tube reads "concealer/corrector", so I phoned L'Oreal to double check if the concealer and highlighter are the same product. It is indeed the same exact product, but they have changed the name to "highlighter" rather "concealer". I'm guessing they didn't want it to sound misleading as a concealer, being it doesn't cover much.

I like applying the highlighter to the inner corners of my eyes and along the bridge of my nose. It can also be used on the cheekbones, brow bone and cupids-bow. What's really great about this highlighter, is that it's not shimmery and stark against the skin. It's sheer and subtle, and will do it's job of bringing light to the areas of where it's applied.



The reason it's different fro a standard concealer is because of it's light, blendable texture and sheer pigment. You might be able to acheive a similar look with a lighter concealer, but you'd want to make sure to use a light coverage liquid/cream concealer that is pink-based (pink brightens) or peach-based for medium-tan skin. You can mix it with a drop of liquid/cream illuminator or pigment for a illuminating effect.

Here's a comparison to YSL Touche Eclat #1. L'Oreal is on the left, YSL is on the right.

Now unless companies start making these concealer pens the size of a mascara tube, they will never be a very good value for the money you pay, and the amount of product you get. The L'Oreal Magic Lumi Highlighter contains 0.05 oz, so at $12.95, that is $259 per ounce. The YSL Touche Eclat contains double the amount (0.10 oz) for $40, which is $400 per ounce. BUT, you can get Touche Eclat on Amazon for around $22. As with many products, you have to use caution when purchasing online, because sadly, any popular high-end cosmetic item, there are counterfeits. (here is an article)

Furthermore, the L'Oreal version is cheaper overall, so it's a nice alternative for those on a budget, but I personally favor the YSL Touche Eclat, so I don't think I'll be re-purchasing this product.

Here's a closer look at my eyeshadow. I was wearing one of my favorite eyeshadow palettes; the Dior 5 Golds Quint, and some gold glitter on my top lash-line.



The Round-Up

Pros:
  • Provides a very subtle highlight that can be used all over the face without being noticeably detected.
  • Easy to use; convenient packaging.
Cons:
  • Expensive for the amount provided.
  • For those looking for a noticeable/shimmery highlight, this may fall below your expectations 
  • Doesn't provide coverage for concealing
Price: $10.99 - $12.99 at your local drugstore. Prices will vary based on location.


Monday, July 16, 2012

L'Oreal Blushing Sequin Colour Caresse Lipstick Review!

L'Oreal Blushing Sequin Colour Caresse Lipstick

L'Oreal Blushing Sequin Colour Caresse Lipstick ($9.99) is a vibrant pink with a slight neon pink/purple sheen. What drew me to this shade is the striking resemblance to one of my favorite lipsticks - MAC Insanely It Sheen Supreme. Comparisons are at the end of this post.

The majority of this review is duplicated from my previous post, reviewing the shade Pink Cashmere, as every aspect of the lipstick is the same, except for the color.

The Colour Caresse formula is in some ways like Revlon Lip Butters - they are a lipstick/lip balm hybrid, applying to the lips smoothly like a lip balm, and providing a good amount of color like a lipstick. They are sheer upon the first swipe, but the color can easily be built. The pigmentation is comparable to the MAC Lustre Lipstick formula.


Blushing Sequin on my lips.



Application is a breeze with the smooth, glossy formula, but I personally don't find them to be at all moisturizing. To be fair, I don't think I've ever discovered a moisturizing lipstick, but the Color Caresse formula seems to sit on top of my lips like a glossy film, without ever penetrating my lips (YSL Rouge Volupte Lipsticks do the same thing for me). If you don't have a problem with dry lips, you might find these moisturizing. They contain Jojoba Butter, which is really nice, but for my dry lips, applying a good lip balm before (or after) is very well needed with these.

There are many "weightless" claims for this lipstick, and I completely agree that it's a featherweight, comfortable formula.

The lasting power isn't the best, it diminishes after 1-2 hours, but leaves a light stain behind. Not really a big deal, as it's pretty expected with a lip balm type of lipstick.

It has reflective gold packaging, which is pretty cute and chic, but is a major trap for finger prints (as is any reflective packaging).

Lastly, I almost want to say these lipsticks are unscented, but they carry the slightest sweet, kind of fruity scent. It is so subtle that I really have to inhale the lipstick to know it exists. A big plus in my book because I'm not a fan of the standard scent of L'Oreal lipsticks.

Comparisons to MAC Insanely It Sheen Supreme Lipstick -

The color is almost exactly the same, but L'Oreal Blushing Sequin is much more sheer. A very good dupe though!

Overall, I really like the L'Oreal Colour Caresse Lipsticks, but my major gripe with them is that the formula isn't very moisturizing on my lips, and they wear off quickly. If you don't have a general problem with dry lips and you don't mind re-applying every couple of hours, definitely check these out! They have some really good colors to choose from.

The Round-Up

Pros:
  • Great pigmentation - in between a lipstick and lip balm
  • Glides on the lips with ease
  • Lightweight
  • Shiny finish
  • Leaves a light stain on the lips after the lipstick has worn off
  • No obnoxious scent - yay!
Cons:
  • Isn't particularly moisturizing on my lips (results will vary from person to person) and further dries out any dryness present on my lips.
  • Isn't long-lasting, fades after an hour or two.
Price: $9.99 at your local drugstore. I've spotted it for $7.98 at my local Wal-mart. Prices will vary based on location.

Saturday, July 14, 2012

L'Oreal Pink Cashmere Colour Caresse Lipstick Review!

L'Oreal Pink Cashmere Colour Caresse Lipstick

L'Oreal Colour Caresse Lipstick ($9.99) is a new spin on L'Oreal's popular Colour Riche Lipsticks. They deliver a pop of luminous color to the lips, with a smooth, lightweight, non-heavy or sticky feel and a shiny finish.

Pink Cashmere is a light-medium vibrant pink with a subtle glowy sheen.

The Colour Caresse formula is in some ways like Revlon Lip Butters - they are a lipstick/lip balm hybrid, applying to the lips smoothly like a lip balm, and providing a good amount of color like a lipstick. They are sheer upon the first swipe, but the color can easily be built. The pigmentation is comparable to the MAC Lustre Lipstick formula.


Pink Cashmere on my lips (it's a bit more vibrant in person)

Application is a breeze with the smooth, glossy formula, but I personally don't find them to be moisturizing. To be fair, I don't think I've ever discovered a moisturizing lipstick, but the Color Caresse formula seems to sit on top of my lips like a glossy film, without ever penetrating my lips (YSL Rouge Volupte Lipsticks do the same thing for me). If you don't have a problem with dry lips, you might find these moisturizing. They contain Jojoba Butter, which is really nice, but for my dry lips, applying a good lip balm before (or after) is needed with these.

There are many "weightless" claims for this lipstick, and I completely agree that it's a featherweight, comfortable formula.

The lasting power isn't the best, it diminishes after 1-2 hours, but leaves a light pink stain behind. Not really a big deal, as it's pretty expected with a lip balm type of lipstick.

It has reflective gold packaging, which is pretty cute and chic, but is a major trap for finger prints (as is any reflective packaging).

Lastly, I almost want to say these lipsticks are unscented, but they carry the slightest sweet, kind of fruity scent. It is so sublte that I really have to inhale the lipstick to know it exists. A big plus in my book because I'm not a fan of the standard scent of L'Oreal lipsticks.

Overall I like these lipsticks, and if I happen to run across a good sale, I'll be picking up a couple more shades. But if I had to choose Revlon Lip Butters or L'Oreal Colour Caresse, I'd have to go with Revlon Lip Butters because they feel a bit silkier on the lips.




The Round-Up

Pros:
  • Great pigmentation - in between a lipstick and lip balm
  • Glides on the lips with ease
  • Lightweight
  • Shiny finish
  • Leaves a light stain on the lips after the lipstick has worn off
  • No obnoxious scent - yay!
Cons:
  • Isn't particularly moisturizing on my lips (results will vary from person to person) and further dries out any dryness present on my lips.
  • Isn't long-lasting, fades after an hour or two.
Price: $9.99 at your local drugstore. I've spotted it for $7.98 at my local Wal-mart. Prices will vary based on location.

Wednesday, May 16, 2012

10 Beauty Products I'm Loving Right Now!


1)      L’Oreal Sublime Bronze Clear Self-Tanning Gel – As some of you may have noticed, I dropped my religious routine of fake baking (self-tanning) last October, but I felt like it was time for a little bit of color again. So, I recently purchased this and have been using it on my face, décolleté and arms, and I’ve really been enjoying it! Sure, it’s no St. Tropez, but for something quick and easy, it works well. And, it doesn’t stink, or break out my skin – yay!
2)     Pacifica Tuscan Blood Orange Body Butter – Can we say yum!? Blood Orange is one of my favorite scents, and if you are keen on orange, this body butter is a must-have. It’s fruity, it’s sweet, it’s spicy – it’s everything you could ask for.
3)      Organix Moroccan Argan Oil Penetrating Oil– I’ve had this for a while now, and am beginning to realize (when I don’t use it) how awesome it really is. When I use this, my hair feels softer and everyone around me seems to notice how good my hair smells – that alone will make me want to keep using it!
4)      It’s a 10 Miracle Leave-in plus Keratin– I dyed my hair last week (one shade lighter, you can barely tell in photos) so I wanted a good leave-in treatment to keep my hair hydrated. I knew about this stuff for ages, but never purchased it because of the hefty price tag ($20/4oz). With the health of my hair in m best interest, I decided to take the plunge, and I’m punching myself in the arm for not buying it sooner. Best Leave-in I’ve tried, hands down. It leaves my hair so much more manageable and my hair looks and feels so much healthier.
5)      Reviva Labs Hyaluronic Acid Serum– One of my past favorites. I just got a hold of a new bottle and the sparks in my heart started flying once again. Applied under a moisturizer (or alone) this serum keeps my skin hydrated better than anything else. I never have a bad skin day when I’m using my Reviva Labs.
6)      Kevyn Aucoin Sensual Skin Enhancer– Got a hold of this a couple weeks ago and I’ve been playing around with it here and there. I got it in a color that’s too dark for me now (which is why I haven’t reviewed it yet) but so far, I’ve been mixing it with some of my lighter foundations and wow, this little jar packs some intense coverage. If I ever need extra concealing, this is my new weapon.
7)      Covergirl Lash Blast Fusion Mascara– I’ve gotten tired of trying other mascaras only to look like a raccoon by the end of the day, so I resorted to an old favorite of mine. Covergirl Lash Blast is the only mascara that doesn’t smudge on me, and although I’ve grown bored from the big bulky tube and wand, it’s better than having to touch up my under-eyes every couple of hours. If you have problems with smudging, I highly recommend picking up a tube.
8)      Gucci Guilty Intense Eau de Parfum– I know that everyone has their own preference to scents, so this may not be one for everyone, but I cannot get enough of this perfume. This isn’t the first time I’ve mentioned it on my blog, but I always keep the bottle (it’s a deluxe sample – 0.16 oz) in my bag and dab it on my wrist and neck 1-2 times a day.  Periodically I’ll smell it in the air and it somehow brightens my day and soothes my senses.
9)     E.L.F. Nail Polish Remover Pads– Goodbye traditional nail polish remover, don’t let the door hit you on your rear on the way out.  These pads work very well, don’t stink like acetone, there is no leaky mess, and they’re convenient and easy for travel. 
10)   Chanel Glossimer Lipgloss– So I don’t normally pay close attention to the lasting power of my lipgloss, but lately I’ve been wearing Chanel Bagatelle every day, and aside from being beautiful all on its own (no lipstick companion necessary) noticed that it’s a little soldier in disguise. It stays on my lips fighting for hours of wear before needing a re-application. I’m sure the formula can possibly differ between shades, but this one in particular is an A+ in my book, and I’m tempted to try more.

I'll have reviews up for some of these products shortly.

What are you loving right now?

10 Beauty Products I'm Loving Right Now!


1)      L�Oreal Sublime Bronze Clear Self-Tanning Gel � As some of you may have noticed, I dropped my religious routine of fake baking (self-tanning) last October, but I felt like it was time for a little bit of color again. So, I recently purchased this and have been using it on my face, d�collet� and arms, and I�ve really been enjoying it! Sure, it�s no St. Tropez, but for something quick and easy, it works well. And, it doesn�t stink, or break out my skin � yay!
2)     Pacifica Tuscan Blood Orange Body Butter � Can we say yum!? Blood Orange is one of my favorite scents, and if you are keen on orange, this body butter is a must-have. It�s fruity, it�s sweet, it�s spicy � it�s everything you could ask for.
3)      Organix Moroccan Argan Oil Penetrating Oil� I�ve had this for a while now, and am beginning to realize (when I don�t use it) how awesome it really is. When I use this, my hair feels softer and everyone around me seems to notice how good my hair smells � that alone will make me want to keep using it!
4)      It�s a 10 Miracle Leave-in plus Keratin� I dyed my hair last week (one shade lighter, you can barely tell in photos) so I wanted a good leave-in treatment to keep my hair hydrated. I knew about this stuff for ages, but never purchased it because of the hefty price tag ($20/4oz). With the health of my hair in m best interest, I decided to take the plunge, and I�m punching myself in the arm for not buying it sooner. Best Leave-in I�ve tried, hands down. It leaves my hair so much more manageable and my hair looks and feels so much healthier.
5)      Reviva Labs Hyaluronic Acid Serum� One of my past favorites. I just got a hold of a new bottle and the sparks in my heart started flying once again. Applied under a moisturizer (or alone) this serum keeps my skin hydrated better than anything else. I never have a bad skin day when I�m using my Reviva Labs.
6)      Kevyn Aucoin Sensual Skin Enhancer� Got a hold of this a couple weeks ago and I�ve been playing around with it here and there. I got it in a color that�s too dark for me now (which is why I haven�t reviewed it yet) but so far, I�ve been mixing it with some of my lighter foundations and wow, this little jar packs some intense coverage. If I ever need extra concealing, this is my new weapon.
7)      Covergirl Lash Blast Fusion Mascara� I�ve gotten tired of trying other mascaras only to look like a raccoon by the end of the day, so I resorted to an old favorite of mine. Covergirl Lash Blast is the only mascara that doesn�t smudge on me, and although I�ve grown bored from the big bulky tube and wand, it�s better than having to touch up my under-eyes every couple of hours. If you have problems with smudging, I highly recommend picking up a tube.
8)      Gucci Guilty Intense Eau de Parfum� I know that everyone has their own preference to scents, so this may not be one for everyone, but I cannot get enough of this perfume. This isn�t the first time I�ve mentioned it on my blog, but I always keep the bottle (it�s a deluxe sample � 0.16 oz) in my bag and dab it on my wrist and neck 1-2 times a day.  Periodically I�ll smell it in the air and it somehow brightens my day and soothes my senses.
9)     E.L.F. Nail Polish Remover Pads� Goodbye traditional nail polish remover, don�t let the door hit you on your rear on the way out.  These pads work very well, don�t stink like acetone, there is no leaky mess, and they�re convenient and easy for travel. 
10)   Chanel Glossimer Lipgloss� So I don�t normally pay close attention to the lasting power of my lipgloss, but lately I�ve been wearing Chanel Bagatelle every day, and aside from being beautiful all on its own (no lipstick companion necessary) noticed that it�s a little soldier in disguise. It stays on my lips fighting for hours of wear before needing a re-application. I�m sure the formula can possibly differ between shades, but this one in particular is an A+ in my book, and I�m tempted to try more.

I'll have reviews up for some of these products shortly.

What are you loving right now?

Sunday, March 18, 2012

L'Oreal Cherubic Magicsmooth Souffle Blush Review, Photos and Swatches!

L'Oreal Magicsmooth Souffle Blush in Cherubic

At the start of 2011, L'Oreal launched their Magicsmooth Souffle Makeup, a whipped, airy mousse foundation promising to create a poreless, and flawless finish. It took a year for L'Oreal to add a few blushes to the line, launching the L'Oreal Magicsmooth Souffle Blush at the start of this year. 

There are four (4) shades in total: Celestial (pale pink), Cherubic (warm rose), Angelic (warm peach-pink) and Plume (dusty plum).


All of the shades are very subtle and won't deliver intense color. If you like very light, neutral shades to add just a hint of color to your cheeks, you may enjoy the color selection.

From the swatches I've seen on other blogs, I took the strongest liking to Cherubic - a natural, dusty rose.

Like the foundation, this blush has the same mousse texture that is suppose to glide on the skin with ease, and diffuse into an ultra-soft, natural finish.

I tried using a stippling brush like I do with most of my cream blushes, and it worked fine, but my favorite brush to use is the Real Techniques Blush Brush. It's a tapered, domed synthetic brush with ultra soft bristles. Just a tiny tap of the product on the tip of the brush, and I'll swirl it into my cheeks for a little bit of color.

I've been wearing it on the days where I don't want my cheek color to overpower my eye makeup (if I'm wearing a lot on my eyes) and on days where I've gone bronzer happy and still need a little color on my cheeks without looking like I'm wearing too much makeup.

L'Oreal Magicsmooth Souffle Blush in Cherubic

I'll admit, I was a little nervous to try this product because the only reviews that I read for this product weren't all that positive. (The Gloss Goss called it a "product fail" and Makeup and Beauty Blog rated the blushes a C+, saying that you'll need almost perfect skin to pull them off.)

Many of the reviews complained about a shimmer, but I didn't find shimmer present in Cherubic. Upon close inspection you may find a tiny sparkle or two, but nothing at all noticeable (which makes me wonder why it's there in the first place).

I didn't care at all that this blush might possibly be too sheer, because I actually like products that you can actually go a little hand-heavy without worrying about looking like a clown. Not to mention you're able to finish the product up faster (which I see as a good thing! I feel accomplished when I finish a product!) I tend to use those products more and shy away from products where you have to use the lightest touch and you'll never end up finishing (like many of my Nars blushes).

To my surprise, it's not at all as sheer as I expected. It actually has pretty good pigmentation and is very buildable with an additional layer. I'm assuming they'd work the best on lighter skintones, as on Karen from Makeup and Beauty Blog (Medium-tan, MAC NC42), Celestial and Angelic looked non-existent on her cheeks. 

With my Real Techniques Blush Brush, it blends so well across my cheeks and doesn't leave a harsh edge. Just a very natural color, with a very natural finish.

MAC Blushbaby and Cubic are a couple of my go-to blush colors, and I think I prefer this blush over both of them. It's a little more natural than Blushbaby and a little more pigmented than Cubic. It also warms up to my skintone better than the other two.

Lastly, it seemed to last well on my cheeks throughout the day. Of course the color is completely gone by bed-time, but it's still present mid-day, which is always a good thing.

L'Oreal Magicsmooth Souffle Blush in Cherubic

Here is the blush blended with my fingers on the back of my hand.

I'm guessing these blushes would work best on those with normal skin. They may possibly have too much slip to them for those with very oily skin and can possibly accentuate dryness for those with dry skin. If you enjoy mousse products in general, and are a fan of Maybelline Dream Matte Blushes, these may be worth a try. I think Cherubic is probably the best shade of the four. 

They are a little expensive, at around $13 each, but if you catch a good sale, it'd be worth a try!

On a side note: I really like the packaging. It's actually what drew me into wanting it in the first place. Isn't that funny? 

Have you tried any of these blushes? What'd ya think?

Thursday, March 1, 2012

L'Oreal Infallible Advanced Never Fail Makeup Foundation Review.

L'Oreal Infallible Advanced Never Fail Makeup

I'm sure you all know by now that I'm a foundation addict. I love trying new foundations, whether it be drugstore (I don't discriminate!) or high-end, I'm totally interested.

I recently picked up L'Oreal Infallible Foundation on my recent trip to CVS because I had some extra-cash to blow that was ready to expire (literally - it was around 11:30 PM and it expires at midnight).

I've tried L'Oreal's Infallible Lipgloss in the past and v Liked it, Recently tried their new Infallible Eyeshadows and v Loved it. So naturally, I became curious to see if their other products were just as good.

L'Oreal Infallible Foundation claims to provide 18 hours of flawless, fade-proof and shine-free coverage, while withstanding heat and humidity and providing sun protection (SPF 20). It's also supposedly ideal for all skin types.

There are fourteen (14) shades to choose from: Soft Ivory, Classic Ivory, Natural Ivory, Nude Beige, Natural Buff, Creamy Natural, Natural Beige, Buff Beige, Sand Beige, True Beige, Sun Beige, Classic Tan, Soft Sable and Cocoa.

I chose Nude Beige, which is alright, but it's not the best match for my skintone. It's a little too neutral (gray) for me, but it's workable. It seems like a good match, but when blended, it appears slightly darker.


Alright, so the consistency of the product is pretty nice. I was expecting it to be thick, considering many say it has pretty good coverage, but it's actually on the thin side (not runny or watery - somewhat comparable to Neutrogena Healthy Skin Foundation). It's definitely thinner than Maybelline Superstay Foundation and Revlon Colorstay Foundation. It's light and creamy and blends nicely. Just make sure to give it a good shake before you apply it.

READ MORE!
L'Oreal Infallible Advanced Never Fail Makeup

The coverage is a light medium, that is buildable to a higher-medium coverage, but it never fully reaches a full coverage. I have a couple red blemishes (Thank you, Infallible) on my cheek and it doesn't conceal the redness 100%. I'd like to mention that it builds very nicely. While testing out the coverage, I actually built three thin layers and it didn't look cakey. Two coats is pretty good coverage for me though. One light coat with a standard flat foundation brush, and an additional with a stippling foundation brush. I'll make sure my face is primed/moisturized, so the foundation won't adhere to any dry areas.

The finish is semi-matte, with a slight radiance. I don't feel the need to set with a powder, but after a few hours I'll get a little shiny, so especially for those who are prone to shine, powdering is probably a good idea.

I don't find the staying power to be very good though for a foundation that states to last for 18 hours. There are extremely mixed reviews for the wear time - some say it lasts for 12 hours, some say it merely lasts 3 hours. On my skin, this foundation fades a bit within 5 hours and has faded considerably after 8 hours. It's definitely not the worst, it's pretty average for a drugstore foundation, but I had higher expectations for it. Maybelline Superstay definitely beats the wear time in my experience with the two.

So here comes the bad news. It broke me out. And I mean, it broke me out like crazy. I look like a hormonal teenager. After wearing it for one day, I woke up with several pimples on both cheeks, in my hairline, above my eyebrows and even a nice large on one of my ears. WTH!? I think this is the first pimple I've had on my ear in my life.

I think this is a foundation you'll either love or hate. Unfortunately, I can't say I love it, and I won't be wearing it again due to the break-outs and the not-so-great color match. I think the claims for this foundation are a little too large. Otherwise, it's not all that bad.

PROS: This foundation has a light texture with easy blendability, a good medium coverage and a pretty nice finish. The color selection is decent (14 shades), that caters to light, medium and dark skintones.
CONS: Although I don't find this foundation to be at all cakey, it can look very unnatural if too much is applied. This foundation claims to be shine-proof, but I experienced shine in a short amount of time and my skin right now is actually on the drier to normal side. Also, the wear-time doesn't come close to it's claims. It claims to last for 18 hours, but I'd say 8 at best - which is pretty average. The biggest con is that it broke me out badly. I haven't had a product break me out this bad in years. Lastly, I purchased this for $14.99 at CVS, which I think is a joke for a drugstore foundation.
PACKAGING: The packaging is great. It comes in a lightweight glass bottle with a pump dispenser. No messy hands here!
OVERALL: Your mileage will vary with this foundation. I would say it's mostly ideal for those looking for a medium coverage with normal to combination skin, as the semi-matte finish can accentuate dry skin, and the shine that appears within a few hours can be bothersome to those with oily skin. I've read several reviews and they are extremely mixed. There are those with dry, normal, oily and acne-prone skin that love it - and there are those that hate it. I would of course forewarn those with sensitive or acne-prone skin to take precaution, as this foundation can cause breakouts. 


I'm really curious to know if any of you tried this foundation. Let me know your thoughts in the comments!