Most affordable panstick in India || Olivia Makeup Stick Review & Demo

Hi everyone,

Some of you may know that I also make YouTube videos and it has been 7 months now. So I also post reviews,makeup tutorials etc out there so if you want to see me talk you can visit my channel and subscribe to support me. So I had this Olivia Makeup Stick Pan Stick in my vanity which I had been using since 2 years and when I got to know that everyone was talking about it, I thought why not share my opinion on it. It is very affordable which is the best part. Please watch the video I have linked below and comment there as it will help my channel grow.

If you are unable to watch the video you can click HERE to watch it :)

I hope this video and my review would be helpful to all of you watching.So what do you have to say about this product, have you tried it before ? Do let me know in the comments section.

You can subscribe to my  YouTube channel to support me if you wish, It is FREE☺ You can subscribe HERE

I am active on Facebook, Twitter & Instagram do follow me there as well.

Thank you for taking the time to read my blog. Please note spam comments and comments with unnecessary links will not be entertained on the blog and my YouTube channel.I try my best to visit everyone's blog/social media but it gets difficult if you understand so please be kind and I will definitely visit your blog whenever I can.

Until next time.. Take care xoxo

Blue Heaven X - Factor Foundation Review & Demo (Video)

Hi everyone,

It has been a week since I posted anything here but there will be more posts coming soon, stay tuned for that. Some of you may know that I started my YouTube channel and I post one video per week for now so if you haven't checked my channel please do, I would really appreciate it. I had purchased the Blue Heaven X - Factor Foundation after hearing decent reviews on it and have tried, tested and done a demo on my YouTube channel. Please watch the video below to know if this foundation is a Hit or a Miss???

If you have trouble watching the video, please click the link HERE

You can subscribe to my channel if you wish and want to support me. Click the link HERE to subscribe and be notified for my future videos.Also do not forget to like, comment and subscribe if you like what you see and want to see more of me in future ☺☺

Thank you for visiting my blog and YouTube channel.

Until next time... Take care xoxo

Kevyn Aucoin Sensual Skin Enhancer Review & Photos!

Kevyn Aucoin Sensual Skin Enhancer 

Kevyn Aucoin Sensual Skin Enhancer ($45) was created to mimic the appearance of healthy, radiant skin. It's a cream foundation and concealer wrapped up in one product. Containing honey and jojoba oil, this foundation is creamy, moisturizing and creates a soft, natural dewy finish.

Kevyn Aucoin Sensual Skin Enhancer is available in (16) shades: SX01, SX02, SX03, SX04, SX05, SX06, SX07, SX08, SX09, SX10, SX11, SX12, SX13, SX14, SX15 and SX16.

I chose SX08, which is a warm medium shade with strong yellow undertones. It's suitable for the MAC NC35 coloring.

The texture of this cream is a bit different than other cream products I've used. It compares to the creaminess/goopiness of Benefit Erase Paste, but it's more dense and not as tacky. For instance, it's absolutely nothing like MAC Studio Finish Concealer (MAC Full Coverage Foundation) or Cinema Secrets/Graftobian/Ben Nye Foundations which are like the standard cream compact makeup - often dry and dense or with a similar consistency to a concealer stick. It's so much more creamy - luxuriously creamy, but it's also very thick/dense. Because of this, you need a tiny amount (about 1/4 the size of a pea or less) to provide full coverage to the entire face.

Since the formula is so concentrated, it doesn't move around well on dry skin. Whenever wearing this foundation, moisturizing and/or priming the face is an essential step. I usually use a silicone based primer for it to spread better, or apply a generous amount of moisturizer. Then, I like taking a concealer brush and wiping a line of product on each cheek, my chin and forehead. Then, I take a duo-fiber brush and with small circular motions blend it in completely. After it's blended, I like taking a facial mist and spritzing my face and using the duo-fiber brush again buff my face more to make sure everything is perfectly blended.

The result is completely flawless skin that actually looks like skin.

(Wearing Kevyn Aucoin Sensual Skin Enhancer SX08)

The consistency is a little tricky, so it might take a few trials and error to get it right. You might benefit from mixing equal parts moisturizer or primer to thin it out a little bit, or using a dampened beauty blender or cosmetic sponge. I've read a review where the person mixed it with a BB cream with amazing, full coverage results. I have yet to try a BB cream, but I'm definitely going to give that a try when I do.

The finish isn't really what I'd call dewy - it's more of a satiny, healthy finish. I feel it's necessary to set with a powder, otherwise I'll get a little shiny on my nose and chin area.

The lasting power is amazing. It gets me through a full day (still looks amazing at bedtime) without touch-ups.

One thing I love the best of all is how comfortable it is on my face and how it doesn't break me out. I love how much coverage cream foundations provide, but you tend to feel them on your skin. After wearing a cream/cake foundation, by night time I'm feeling anxious to wash my face. It's almost like I can feel the pimples forming. As much as I love wearing Cinema Secrets, at the end of the day it starts feeling uncomfortable and I can't wear it more than a few days in a row before getting a blemish. Not this though, I can wear it every day with no problems.

In the photo on the left, I wiped a couple lines of product on my cheek - this will cover half of my face. In the photo on the right, I've started to blend the product with my duo-fiber brush. (The color is a little darker than my face right now, but it matches my neck perfectly.)

In the photo on the left, I've completely blended the product on my face. Everything is covered, but my face looks very one dimensional. To add a little dimension to my face, I added YSL Touche Eclat (highlighter), bronzer and blush. My makeup is finished on the right.

I love this foundation and I think it can work well for almost anyone. Even though it's a heavier coverage foundation, you can really adjust it however you'd like. For those with pigmentation and acne scars, I can see this working miracles. 

I'm planning on purchasing a couple additional shades - maybe a lighter shade I can use for a concealer and highlighting, and an additional shade for when I'm not tan. SX 08 works fine as long as I'm self-tanning, but it's too dark/yellow for when I'm not. 

Kevyn Aucoin Sensual Skin Enhancer is rated 4.1 out of 5, with a 71% repurchase rate based on 296 reviews on Makeupalley.

The Round-Up

Pros:

• Covers undereyes and blemishes really well
• Super pigmented/full coverage - you can sheer it out for a lighter or medium coverage
• Long-lasting - doesn't budge all day and night with a setting powder
• Comfortable

Cons:

• Can be a little tricky to work with at first.
• The first ingredient is mineral oil, and although it doesn't bother me at all, I know that it can be bothersome to some.
• Expensive, but a little goes a long way

Repurchase? Yes! I'm planning on purchasing additional shades.

Price: $45, Barney's, Dermstore.

L'Oreal True Match Lumi Foundation Review!

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. 

For color comparison-

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.

Revlon Colorstay Whipped Creme Makeup Review!

Revlon Colorstay Whipped Creme Makeup

Revlon Colorstay Whipped Creme Makeup ($13.99) is Revlon's newest addition to their foundation family. This mousse-like texture feels silky against the skin, with a "time release" formula that balances skin for a flawless long-lasting look. Provides medium to full coverage and withstands heat and humidity.

Available in sixteen (16) shades: Ivory, Buff, Sand Beige, Nude, Natural Beige, Medium Beige, Warm Golden, True Beige, Natural Tan, Early Tan, Rich Ginger and Caramel.

Being a big fan of Revlon, I was really excited when they launched a new foundation - especially since it's a part of the Colorstay line. After reading several very positive reviews, I didn't hesitate to purchase it! I've been wearing it now for a little under two weeks. (I was wearing it in every post for the month of July)

My color match is Warm Golden, which is a warm medium shade equivalent to the MAC NC30 coloring. In comparison to the Revlon Colorstay Liquid Foundation, it's almost exactly the same, but it's a touch less yellow toned. (Comparison swatches later in this post)

The consistency of the foundation is different than any other foundation I've tried. It's not like your typical cream foundation (Laura Mercier Silk Creme, MAC Studio Sculpt, etc.), it's much more dense. And, if you're not a fan of mousse formulas, don't worry, it's nothing like the texture of Maybelline Dream Matte Mousse. It's more emollient and thicker, yet very creamy and still has somewhat of a mousse-like feel. If you read the ingredients list, it's packed with silicone, but it doesn't have that familiar silicone primer, powdery texture. If you hold this container upside down, the product isn't going anywhere. 

I've experimented a lot with this foundation, and I've found that it's not the easiest formula to work with. It needs some moisture to spread across my face easily, so it's vital for me to apply a good layer of a lightweight moisturizer, or give my face a good spray of Maya Water or MAC Fix+ Spray prior to application.

Application Method
I've tried several different brushes, and I actually prefer using my fingers. The product glides across my face so much better with my fingers. After blending with my fingers, I usually go over my face with a clean foundation brush, working it in small circular motions to ensure that it's completely blended. When solely using a brush, the product doesn't seem to move around as well. I noticed when using a duo-fiber brush, specifically, my Real Techniques Stippling Brush, the product instantly builds up in the bristles, making the bristles stick together and become firm - a complete disaster if you're attempting to blend in the foundation. I'm assuming it's due to  all of the silicones in the ingredients. A slightly dampened sponge also works well, and according to other reviews, many like using a flat-top foundation brush, such as the Sigma F80.

The coverage is medium, which is buildable to a heavier medium. It leaves my face looking completely flawless. Reddened blemishes still peek through a tiny bit.

The finish is a bit matte at first, but then changes to a more natural satin finish. It's very similar to the Revlon Colorstay Liquid Makeup for oily/combination skin. I don't find a setting powder necessary.

It's kind of funny because I've seen other reviewers mention that it actually looks better as it wears throughout the day, and I completely agree. After an hour or so, it seems to settle in and appear more natural. Despite not wearing setting powder some days, I don't get oily, and my face doesn't need any touching up mid-day.

This foundation wears incredibly well and stays almost completely put until the time I take it off. It stays in tact all day with minor fading around my lips (from eating, drinking, etc). I actually find it to have better staying power than the regular Colorstay foundation (individual results will vary).

As far as heat and humidity goes, it has been very hot (over 100 degrees) and humid, and I wouldn't necessarily choose this foundation to wear if I'm going to be outdoors. I notice that shortly after being outside when it's very hot, the makeup melts off my upper-lip, giving me a white patch, and the darn container is too heavy to carry with me in my bag for touch-ups. Other than that, my foundation stays perfectly in place.

It washes off easily with a makeup wipe - it's not hard to remove like some other long-wearing foundations (Estee Double Wear for instance takes a little elbow grease to remove!)

Wearing 320 Warm Golden

The packaging is a large, heavy, bulky glass jar. I actually kinda like the visual appeal of it, but it's not ideal for travel and it's not very sanitary.  *For touch-ups, you can put a little scoop in a travel jar and keep it in your bag. 

It does have a slight smell, but it's nothing like the chemical smell of the regular Colorstay foundation. The smell is a bit synthetic - a bit like plastic? But nothing intolerable.

Overall, I'm really pleased with this foundation, and I can definitely see repurchasing it when I run out! I think it's a foundation that could work well on all skin types.

Left: Revlon Colorstay Whipped Makeup in Warm Golden

Right: Revlon Colorstay Liquid Makeup in Warm Golden.

The Round-Up
Pros:

• Feels very light on my skin
• Provides a great medium to a medium-full coverage
• Natural finish
• Wears incredibly well throughout the day
• Long-lasting
• Controls oil very well
• Doesn't irritate my skin
• Contains salicylic acid - lessens the chance of breakouts!?
• Photographs well

Cons:

• Can sometimes be difficult to work with.
• No spf.
• Color selection isn't the best for those with strong yellow undertones, and the darkest shade isn't very dark at all. Deep-dark skin tones won't be able to find a match.
• Although the packaging is appealing, it's not very sanitary and it's not practical. It's way too heavy to travel with, and being that it's glass, you have to be careful not to drop it - especially on ceramic floor (disaster!)
• The standard fluid ounces for the majority of foundations on the market is 1 oz. This foundation contains 0.8 oz. Why are you jipping me out of my 0.20 ounces, Revlon!? 

Price: $13.99 at your local drugstore. For a $2 off printable coupon, click below.

Have you tried this foundation? What'd you think of it?

Guest Post: Review: Bobbi Brown Luminous Moisturizing Foundation

Guest Post Written by Lindsay

We're all on an endless journey to discovering our favorite foundation - From one foundation fanatic to another, Lindsay of 'Lindsay C Makeup' shares with us her opinion on Bobbi Brown Luminous Moisturizing Foundation.

Bobbi Brown Luminous Moisturizing Foundation

I am a foundation addict! I can admit it. I have found many foundations I love or really like but I have yet to declare one my *Holy Grail.* So far, I have been loving my Bobbi Brown foundation.

The Bobbi Brown Luminous Moisturizing Foundation claims:
It gives skin a soft, healthy, even-toned glow as it helps reverse the visible signs of aging. Formulated with a natural collagen boosting, skin firming blend of Hexapeptides and Milk Thistle Extract. Softens fine lines and imperfections. Skin looks and feels refreshed, renewed and beautifully luminous. Offers medium-to-full coverage. For Normal to Dry Skin.

Bobbi Brown Luminous Moisturizing Foundation in Natural Tan 4.25 (MAC NW35-40 equivalent)

This foundation is definitely moisturizing! It kept my super-dry skin moisturized throughout the whole day. The consistency and feel reminds me of NARS Sheer Glow. However, I feel the Bobbi Brown lasts much longer but a bit more matte than Sheer Glow. It gives a 'luminous' finish without looking glittery or shiny. The website claims it provides medium to full coverage, but I found it to be more light maybe light-medium coverage. The foundation blends nicely with a foundation brush or sponge. Overall, I'd rate it an 8/10 because it gives me a natural glow without fading throughout the day.

Pros
Natural luminous/glowing finish
Long-lasting
Doesn't break me out
Photographs well

Cons
Difficult to build coverage without adding shine
Only suited for dry skin
No dispenser pump
Price Tag of $46

Guest Post Written by Lindsay

My name is Lindsay and I am a 22 year old freelance makeup artist and owner of Lindsay C Makeup in Toronto, Canada. I have a blog called Lindsay C Makeup Artist where I share Pro Tips, Reviews and Looks. I am also a student and aspiring to head into law school next year. You can visit my blog at lindsaycmakeup.com!

Where you can find me:     

Reviewing an old favorite: Estee Lauder Double Wear Foundation.

Estee Lauder Double Wear Foundation

I've talked and recommended this foundation on many occasions, but I don't actually have a post dedicated to it. It's been requested on a few occasions, and since I've been wearing it almost every day lately, it's reminded me of how much I love this foundation and figured it'd be the perfect time for a review on it!

My love for this foundation dated back six years ago when I was in the market for a full coverage foundation. I was recommended Estee Lauder Double Wear and haven't looked back!

This miracle in a bottle claims to provide flawless, lasting coverage that will withstand heat, humidity and sweat while feeling lightweight on the skin and looking completely natural throughout the day.

It's also smudge-proof, oil-free, Non-acnegenic and fragrance free.

There are 21 shades in total, and the shades are broken up into three categories, making it easier to find the right shade for your undertone. *As a side note, neutral in the Estee Lauder Double Wear line refers to peach.

W = Warm (1W1 Bone, 1W2 Linen, 2W1 Sand, 3W1 Tawny, 4W1 Shell Beige, 5W1 Bronze, 6W2 Spice)
N = Neutral (1N1 Ecru, 2N1 Desert Beige, 2N2 Fresco, 3N1 Ivory Beige, 4N1 Wheat, 5N1 Soft Tan, 6N1 Truffle)
C = Cool (1C1 Shell, 2C1 Dusk, 3C1 Pebble, 4C1 Suede, 5C1 Rich Chestnut, 6C1 Rich Cocoa)

*Warm = red, yellow undertones, Cool = pink/rosy undertones. 

When I have no tan (MAC NC15-20 coloring) I use shade 1W1 Bone. When I'm tan (MAC NC35-NC40 coloring) I use 3W1 Tawny. Tawny is slightly light when I'm NC40, but the next shade up (Shell Beige) lacks enough yellow.

READ MORE!

Here's a comparison photo of 1W1 Bone with MAC Studio Fix Fluid in NC15 and 3W1 Tawny with MAC Studio Fix Fluid in NC40.

Can you tell the difference? They're incredibly similar. The only noteable differences is that 1W1 Bone is slightly darker than MAC Studio Fix Fluid in NC15 and Studio Fix Fluid in NC40 is slightly darker and more yellow than 3W1 Tawny.

It's pretty crucial to find the right color match with this foundation because of the opaque coverage. Sheer foundations are usually more forgiving, but with full coverage foundations, to avoid looking like you're wearing a "mask" of makeup, you really need to take the time at your local counter in finding the closest shade to match your skintone.

If I'm looking for a very full coverage, I'll opt for a standard paddle foundation brush. But on most days, I like using a duo-fiber/stippling brush for a less opaque, yet still flawless look. For a lighter coverage, a dampened beauty blender sponge is said to work very well.

This foundation dries quickly once applied to the face, but it's not difficult to work with when dry. I find that it layers well (although I'm always good with one layer) without looking blotchy. Once the foundation has set, your skin should feel dry to the touch. If you find this difficult to work with, applying a moisturizing base prior to the foundation can help.

It provides medium to full coverage. With one layer it covers just about everything, including light sun spots and blemishes.

In the below (left) photo, I wanted to display how opaque the foundation is with a couple swipes of a standard foundation brush.

Estee Lauder Double Wear has a semi-matte, soft-focus finish that doesn't look dull. I rarely ever have to set with a powder and my skin barely gets any shine throughout the day (my skin type is very normal).

It holds up incredibly well throughout the day. From morning till the time I go to sleep, my foundation is still in place.

Now that I've said everything good to say about Double Wear, here are the draw backs.

Because this foundation initially blurs out all imperfections, it can make your skin look very one-dimensional. Bronzer and blush are necessary to add shadows/dimension back into your face. (This isn't necessarily a drawback, but it's something to keep in mind.)

I have tried and owned several foundations. Some photograph well, and some don't (usually due to the Titanium Oxide in the ingredient list). This one is probably one of the worst. For photos outdoors in natural light, it isn't too bad. But for indoor photos and flash photography, it really washes me out and sometimes gives my skin a grey-ish cast. If I look back at old photos and my face is white and my neck is tan, I know that I wearing Double Wear. This is an absolute fabulous foundation, but avoid it if you're going to be photographed.

Lastly, because this foundation is water resistant, some may find that it's difficult to remove. A cleanser containing oil works best (or you can add a drop of any oil to your cleanser - olive oil, jojoba oil, baby oil, etc.) My favorite makeup remover wipes; Neutrogena Makeup Remover Cleaning Towelettes work perfectly.

Overall, the pros outweigh the cons, which is why I've continued re-purchasing this foundation again and again throughout the past few years.

Price: $35, at your local department store that carries Estee Lauder.

PROS: This foundation lives up to all of it's claims (in my experience at least). It provides medium to full coverage that looks natural when it's not over-applied, it endures heat and sweat like a champion and doesn't transfer as easy as most of my other foundations. It also stays in tact till the moment I go to sleep, so it deserves an A+ for lasting power.
CONS: The only real cons with this foundation is that it doesn't photograph well (gives a white cast in flash photography). Also, even though there is a good range of shades, the color selection still isn't all that great. I found that the cool shades are very pink and the neutral shades leaned pretty orange. Also, if you apply too much of this foundation, it can look unnatural (less is more!).
PACKAGING: I'm not a fan of the packaging, but I'm not a fan of any of Estee Lauder's packaging, for the records. It's pretty simple and standard, which is fine, but because of the pour-bottle design, the top and cap can get very messy. **The MAC Foundation Pump fits on this bottle, so if you use this foundation often and you prefer a pump, it may be something you'd like to look into. You can purchase it separately from MAC for $7.
OVERALL: If you can find your color match in this foundation, I won't doubt that you're going to love this foundation. I think some are quick to label this foundation as too heavy or too fake, but with any pigmented foundation, you have to take in consideration that you're not going to need as much product as with a lighter coverage foundation. Start out with less than you think you're going to need, and build if necessary. Starting out with too much at once will only set yourself up for disaster. This foundation has high rating for all skin types, and it's especially beneficial for combination oily skin types because of it's close to matte finish and long-wearing abilities. 

A few of my old never-fail products - and yep, they're all MAC.

I'm sure most of us makeup fanatics have a few products in our makeup stash that you can consider your "never fail" products. They are the often neglected, but never forgotten products that you know you can use, and they'll never let you down. You may not use them every day, but once you run out, you know you have to purchase another to replace it. Maybe it's a certain eyeliner or a particular blush. Maybe it's one item in each category. I'm sure I have a few more than I'm mentioning - but I wanted to dedicate a post to these few that stood out to me and always have a warm place in my heart: MAC Studio Fix Fluid Foundation, MAC Studio Finish Concealer and MAC Select Cover-Up.

It's a complete coincidence that they're all MAC products - and it's even a bigger coincidence that they are some of the first MAC products I ever tried.

I remember my first trip to MAC like it was yesterday. I was a senior in highschool and it was my first time ever buying non-drugstore makeup. I purchased (George purchased it, actually. We just started dating at the time!) Studio Fix Fluid in NC40, Blot Powder in Med-Dark, Select Cover-up in Peach, Paint in Bare Canvas and Eyeshadows in Gorgeous Gold, Moons Reflection and Aquadisiac. Aside from the shadows, I continue using all of those products till this day.

READ MORE!

MAC Studio Fix Fluid 

Studio Fix Fluid is basically everything I look for in a foundation. It has a very nice, creamy consistency that blends easily, medium to heavy-medium coverage, has a satiny finish and is long-lasting. The colors are spot on for my golden-yellow complexion and no matter what kind of skin day I'm having, I can always rely on Studio Fix Fluid to make my skin look airbrushed. I always make sure to have a bottle on hand, and it's probably my most re-purchased makeup item ever. *Side note: I always make sure to set with a powder when wearing this foundation as my skin can get shiny after a few hours.

Blemishes - They will be camouflages for the most part, but if you have dark or very red blemishes, you may find that using an additional concealer may be necessary for full coverage. Minor blemishes should be covered.

Application - My favorite application method for this foundation is using a duo-fiber brush for the most natural finish. I also like using a flat top brush, but in order for it not to look too heavy on my skin, I'll usually moisturize skin beforehand or spirtz my face with water. With this particular foundation I don't like using my fingers because it can look too heavy/porcelain. I think the way this foundation looks really depends on your application method. 

Often complaints are - It causes breakouts, it has a chemical smell, it's too heavy/cakey, the shades are either too yellow or too cool - there isn't a good in-between. 

In the past, I did get a pimple here and there when wearing Studio Fix Fluid on a daily basis, but with a proper skincare (cleansing and exfoliating) routine, I don't have anymore breakouts when wearing it. But it might also be because I usually don't wear it for more than a few days in a row (I have way too many foundations to stay loyal to one). Everyone has a different sensitivity to certain products, so this may or may not irritate your skin. I highly recommend washing your face well at night to avoid break-outs. 

Studio Finish Concealer

Studio Finish Concealer is one of my - if not my favorite cream concealer. I often search for new concealers because I get bored easily with using the same products all of the time, but this concealer never fails me. It's not too dry, and it's not too creamy. It's a good in-between so it spreads easy, yet it doesn't move around. Often cream concealers can be too emollient, causing the concealer to crease, cake up, transfer and look shiny throughout the day, and some drier consistencies can look dry and flaky throughout the day. I think MAC has the formula down pact on this one. It works well for the under-eyes and it also works well at covering blemishes. I usually have it in a few different shades - one that matches my face (NC) and one with peachy-pink tones that will counteract my dark under-eyes (NW). I'm never without this stuff in my stash.

Select Cover-Up

Not too many people talk about MAC Select Cover-up, but it's definitely one of my favorite liquid concealers. It's creamy (not watery) - not too thick and definitely not heavy. It provides a good light-medium coverage, so in conjunction with a medium coverage foundation, this concealer is really all you need. It's not going to provide opaque coverage for those with severe darkness, but for those with minor to average dark under-eyes, this should do the trick. It has more coverage than Moisturecover (that stuff just does nothing for me) and just does a fabulous overall job of brightening my under-eyes. 

Here's a few photos to show my under-eyes without concealer, and with Select Cover-up and Studio Finish. You can see that with the Select Cover-up, almost everything is concealed, but a little darkness still peaks through. In the photo wearing Studio Finish, little to no darkness is peaking though. 

What are some products you always keep in your stash? Let me know in the comments!

Shiseido Sun Protection Liquid Foundation Review!

Shiseido Sun Protection Liquid Foundation

Shiseiso Sun Protection Liquid Foundation is a product I've been wanting to try for years. After being turned down at a couple of Shiseido counters for a sample, I basically forgot about it for a while. It wasn't until lately when I ran across a YouTube video by Fleur, who raved about how she loves it (even more than her favorite Chanel Vitalumiere Aqua) that I decided I need to get my hands on a bottle.

As a part of Shiseido's Sun Protection line, the Sun Protection Liquid Foundation is a thin consistency liquid foundation with high sun protection (SPF 42) that claims to be non-transferrable through heat, water and sweat while looking completely natural.

What stinks about this foundation is the itty-bitty shade selection. It's only available in seven (7) shades: SP10, SP20, SP30, SP40, SP50, SP60 and SP70.



I'm not positive how the numbering system is figured, but I compared the three lightest shades - SP10, SP20 and SP30. They actually all looked like the same, or very similar depths, but with different undertones. SP10 appeared the pinkest of the three, SP20 appeared fairly neutral (nor pink or yellow - a good in-between) and SP30 appeared yellow toned. I ultimately ended up with SP30, which I would say is equivalent to around the MAC NC15-20 coloring.

Here's a comparison-

From left to right: MAC Studio Fix Fluid in NC15, Neutogena Healthy Skin Liquid Foundation in Classic Ivory and Shiseido Sun Protection Liquid Foundation in SP30.

The darkest shade isn't very dark at all. P70 is equivalent to the MAC NC40-NC42 (medium-tan) coloring.

The consistency of the foundation is very light and runny, so you'd expect it to have very sheer coverage, but it surprisingly packs a good amount of pigment. It's enough to even out any redness and/or discoloration as well as camouflage minor blemishes with an additional layer. The coverage can range from light to a heavy medium.

It feels incredibly light on my skin, and even if I apply too much product, I don't find that it looks cakey or feels heavy.

It dries to a matte, so I don't necessarily need to set with a powder, but I usually like to use a light dusting because I do notice shine later in the day if I don't.

Included with the foundation is a cosmetic sponge applicator and a plastic case to hold the sponge for travel (how cute!). I personally don't like using sponges to apply my foundation, unless it's a thicker consistency, cream foundation. I find that when using the sponge with this foundation, it soaked up a lot of product and became difficult to build the coverage. My favorite method is simply my fingers, and then using a fluffy brush to blend out any harsh edges.

Here's a before photo of my bare skin, a photo mid-application to show the opacity of the foundation and an after photo when it has all been blended.

This foundation holds up really well throughout the day. I've worn this while working out, and my makeup would still be in tact 45 minutes later. Some days I notice that my t-zone will get a little oily (mainly my nose) and I'll have to touch-up mid-day. I have to say though when it wears off, it wears off quite nicely. I haven't experienced any patchiness.

Some compare this foundation to Chanel Vitalumiere Aqua, and I don't find them all that similar. I like both for different reasons. I absolutely love the finish of Chanel Vitalumiere Aqua, and I love the coverage, high SPF and lasting power of Shiseido Sun Protection. For a fantastic comparison, check out Delyteful Speaks' Blog.

PROS: There are many great things to say about this foundation. For one, the consistency is super light, it blends easily and looks and feels invisible on the skin. It has a good amount of coverage that is buildable, and never looks heavy despite how much I apply. The best thing about this foundation is it's high SPF (42), and the fact that it's waterproof and transfer resistant. Also, it doesn't irritate or break-out my skin.
CONS:  There is a poor color selection. Sadly if you're any darker than a MAC NC42, you won't be able to find a match. I really wish Shiseido would add some shades to this line! Also, I notice if I don't powder, I will get shiny around my t-zone (my nose especially) after 4-5 hours. Lastly, I find that because of it's super light and watery consistency, I end up using too much foundation per application, so with daily wear I can see myself running out very quickly.
PACKAGING:  I like the packaging. It comes in a lightweight, blue plastic bottle with a squeeze tip applicator. It's ideal for travel and the tip leaves no mess and is sanitary. It also includes a cosmetic sponge with it's own little travel container that has two small openings for air. The packaging yells Summer to me, which is totally appropriate as it's a very summer-time foundation.
OVERALL: I'm really happy I gave this foundation a try, but I'm unsure at this point if I'd re-purchase it or not. The biggest drawback to me is that I find myself using too much for my desired coverage and you're unable to see how much product is in the tube, so I have really no idea how much I'm using. That would be no problem if the foundation were cheaper, but at $35 a tube, I don't want to purchase a new bottle every month. I do love this foundation for my "no makeup" makeup days and for very sunny days where I need the extra SPF and want my skin to look really natural. It's a good foundation to take on vacation, especially if you're going somewhere hot.

Price: $35, at Macy's or your other local department store that carries Shiseido (Bloomingale's, Nordstrom, etc.)

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!

Physician's Formula Youthful Wear Youth-Boosting Foundation & Brush Review.

 Physician's Formula Youthful Wear Youth-Boosting Foundation

I purchased this foundation a couple months ago when I first spotted it on the rack at CVS. I'm not going to lie, the only reason I purchased it is because I saw the little hot pink sticker stuck to the front that reads "TRY ME FREE" that you may spot every once in a while on newly launched Physician Formula products. When you see that little label on the product, it's basically like a mail-in rebate. You send in your receipt in along with the label, and you will receive your money back for the product. (For more information on PF's rebates, click here.)

I'm always interested in trying new foundations, so I thought it was worth a shot, even though it isn't targeted for my age range. That doesn't really matter though, because I've used "firming" and "age-defying" products before and really liked them.

Anyway, Physician's Formula's new Youthful Wear Foundation claims to even out skintone and texture, blending effortlessly while providing a flawless coverage that will last all day. It also claims to be Physican Formula's first ever "Cosmeceutical" foundation that will help treat visible signs of ageing, restoring skins firmness & elasticity and improving the skins appearance in the long-term. Alright, Physician's Formula, You had me at flawless coverage!

Physician's Formula Youthful Wear Foundation is available in three (3) shades: Fair, Light and Medium. Apparently PF didn't get the memo that there are more than three colored skintones out there. 

The foundation is housed in a little purple squeeze tube, which is great for travel (no bulk), convenience (no struggle getting product out), sanitary and you won't waste any product as you'll be able to squeeze out every last drop. And for those of you that like to cut open your squeeze tubes, to literally get every last drop, you'll be sure to get every molecule.

It also comes with a small synthetic foundation brush, which is very soft and actually works pretty well.

READ MORE!

First off, I'd like to mention this is a silicone based foundation. Let me tell you, my personal preference is, I. Hate. Silicone. Unless it's 350cc's of silicone being inserted into my chesticles, I don't want it on my face. Like I said though, it's only my personal preference. For my skin type, silicone based products just make my skin look dull and after several hours, it can feel uncomfortable and oily/itchy on my face.

I chose the shade Light, which is a peachy beige shade. It lacks any real golden tones, but once applied to my face, the color looks much better. After going through different foundations in my stash, it seems to be a perfect MAC NW25 color match, but it can also work for NC20, maybe even NC25 - which is around what I am now. Although it looks a little dark on my hand, it seems to blend well on my face.

The consistency is very light, airy and moussey. It's much like the texture you'd see with a mousse foundation, such as Maybelline Dream Matte Mousse or L'Oreal Magic Souffle Foundation. It blends very well and feels light on the skin. I read in a review that the texture is similar to Laura Mercier Silk Creme, but I disagree completely. Laura Mercier Silk Cream is much creamier and moist. I don't find them comparable.

The coverage is light to medium. It evens out the skintone very well, but my freckles still show through. It has a satiny-matte finish. To add a little glow back into my skin, I like tossing on a little Benefit High Beam on my cheeks.

As for application method, I don't care for the brush it comes with. I like the brush, but not for this foundation. I don't like using my fingers, and I don't like my usual synthetic flat top brush. The best brush I found for this foundation is the good ol' MAC 187 Duo-Fiber Stippling Brush (any skunk brush will do).

Let me tell you though, I have very normal skin. I sometimes apply a moisturizer before a foundation, but not always. I've found that when using this without a moisturizer, this foundation highlights the imperfections on my face and shows dryness I didn't even know existed. It makes my skin look dull and dirty. I then tried using this with a silicone primer and.. *screams* don't ever do it! It balled up all over my face like nobody's business and little balls of foundation fell all over my clothes and in my hair. Don't do it. SO, I applied a good layer of a water based moisturizer mixed with a face illuminator (I used this one I purchased from Forever 21) and then applied the Physician's Formula Foundation and it was like an "AHA!" moment. The foundation seemed to adhere to the moisture on my face, and it blended better on my face and the final result was 100x better. The results were like night and day. You must moisturize your face for the best results and if you'd like an extra glow (since the foundation is matte), add an illuminator in with your moisturizer.

(I applied a layer of DDF Moisturizing Dew mixed with Forever 21's Love & Beauty Illuminator to my face, then using my MAC 187 Brush, I stippled the Physican's Formula Foundation all over my face and swirled the brush in circular motions until all of the product was blended. Then, I applied Benefit High Beam to my cheeks and the bridge of my nose using the same brush. Lastly, I added a little bit of Nars Irrisitiblement Bronzer all over my face for color and Kevyn Aucoin Hot Pink Liquifuschia Cheek Color to the apples of my cheeks.)

The result is incredibly natural, flawless skin. It softens my pores and makes my skin look very smooth. I find the lasting power to be pretty average. It seems to break down a bit after 6 hours. I don't set it with a powder, but I'm sure that would prolong the wear for a couple more hours.

Overall, it took a quite a bit of work to figure out this foundation, and I think it's pretty good. I think it's a terrible foundation for dry skin, and the most suitable for combination/oily skin.

Ingredients: Active Ingredient: Zinc Oxide 1.960% Inactive Ingredients: Water, Dimethicone, Isododecane, Hydrogenated Didecene, Lauryl PEG-8 Dimethicone, Vinyl Dimethicone/Methicone Silsesquioxane Crosspolymer, Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Silica Dimethyl Silylate, Tribehenin, Nylon-12, Polyamide-5, Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil, Laminaria Digitata Extract, Ceramide 3, Glycerin, Aluminum Dimyristate, Disodium EDTA, Disodium Stearoyl Glutamate, Disteardimonium Hectorite, Magnesium Silicate, Olive Glycerides, Propylene Carbonate, Sodium Hyaluronate, Triethoxycaprylylsilane, Tocopherol, Tocopheryl Acetate, Caprylyl Glycol, Ethylhexyl Glycerin, Hexylene Glycol, Phenoxyethanol, May Contain: Titanium Dioxide, Iron Oxides.

PROS: It has a velvety smooth texture, feels incredibly light on the face (can't feel it at all!), provides a good light-medium coverage and comes with a foundation brush - even if it's not useful for this particular foundation, you may be able to find a use for it. I like using it to apply concealer.
CONS: Limited color selection. There are only three shades: Fair, Light and Medium. There aren't any shades light enough for porcelain skin or medium-dark to deep skintones. The consistency is a little thick, so if there is not enough moisture on the skin, it can be difficult to spread. Looks dull on dry skin. It's quite expensive for a drugstore foundation, at around $14-$15.
PACKAGING: The packaging is great. It's a small squeeze tube, which is great for travel (no bulk), it's sanitary and you won't be wasting any product, as you can squeeze out every last drop.
OVERALL: Overall the foundation isn't bad. It's just so-so to me, and although I will finish up my tube, I don't think I will be re-purchasing it. I think those that will find the best use out of this foundation is those with light to medium skin that leans more towards neutral (as it lacks yellow, but isn't too cool/pink) with minor imperfections. It will even out the skintone and camouflage very minor blemishes. It's best suited for combination to oily skin as it's a foundation that really needs moisture to adhere to, and it also has a satiny matte finish which is great for those with oily skin types.