Physicians Formula Super BB Cream Review, Photos, Swatches!

Physicians Formula Super BB Cream

Physicians Formula Super BB Cream ($14.95) is a new all-in-one "miracle" multi-tasking cream that combines a hydrating moisturizer, light foundation and sun protection so you can simplify your morning beauty routine.

BB Creams (or beauty/blemish balms) are hugely popular because of the versatility of the product itself. You don't need a moisturizer, serum, primer, sunscreen or foundation because most BB creams do it all for you. Depending on the BB cream, it can treat blemishes/acne and provide anti-ageing. The coverage is typically light, but there are some pigmented formulas out there.

The Physicians Formula Super BB Cream is actually the first BB Cream I've ever tried. Quite honestly the sale tag at CVS and the holographic letting on the tube sealed the deal for me. (I'm pretty easy to please.)

Physicians Formula Super BB Cream is available in two shades: Light/Medium and Medium/Deep. I chose Light/Medium because it looked a little warmer than Medium/Deep. It's a little light for me, but definitely workable with some bronzer.

The consistency is thick and super creamy, so it blends really easily on the skin. Most of the time I apply the product with my fingers as I would apply a moisturizer and work it into my skin until blended. Then if I need any additional coverage, I'll apply a little extra product on a buffing brush and build the coverage wherever needed.

The coverage is light, but it builds really well to a medium coverage. It covers and perfects just about everything on my face unless I have a really red blemish, I might need extra concealing.

It provides a dewy (not oily) finish to the skin. I usually use a light setting of powder and I'm good for most of the day. With the creaminess of the product I'd almost expect it to crease after a few hours (around my mouth and such) and get oily, but it doesn't at all. It stays perfectly in place. (I have very normal or balanced skin for reference).

Here I am wearing Physicians Formula BB Cream, my brows filled in, tiny bit of mascara and a little lipgloss. My typical morning face.

YSL Le Teint Touche Eclat Illuminating Foundation Review!

YSL Le Teint Touche Eclat Illuminating Foundation

YSL Le Teint Touche Eclat Illuminating Foundation ($55) is a newer foundation by YSL that is inspired by their best-selling Touche Eclat Illuminating Pen. It's described as a weightless, illuminating foundation that will even out the complexion and enhance the skin's natural beauty. Contains SPF 19.

YSL Touche Eclat Foundation is available in (17) shades: B10, BD10, BR20, B30, BR30, B40, BD40, BR40, BD50, BR50, B60, BD60, BR60, B70, BD70, B80 and B90.

BR (Beige Rose) shades are for those with cool/pink undertones, BD (Beige Dore) shades are for those with warm golden undertones and B (Beige) shades are for balanced/beige undertones. It's really helpful to take a look at the Sephora site for a better description of each shade.

I purchased this foundation without doing any research and purchased the shade BD40 as Sephora describes it as being for light to medium skintones with golden/honey undertones. It ended up being way too light for my current medium MAC NC35 coloring. It's better geared for NC20. After reading reviews it sounds like BD50 would've been a better match for me.

BD40 swatched and blended on the back of my hand.

Urban Decay Naked Foundation First Impressions.

Urban Decay Naked Skin Foundation

Urban Decay Naked Skin Foundation ($38) is a newer foundation by Urban Decay that is described as being "light as air", with coverage that's buildable but ultimately making you look like you're wearing nothing at all.

"Naked Skin uses light-diffusing spheres to "blur" imperfections for a luminous, demi-matte finish that feels invisible but looks professionally retouched. Naked Skin is oil-free, paraben-free, fragrance-free, and loaded with nourishing ingredients. "

Naked Skin is available in (18) shades: 0.5, 1.0, 2.0, 3.0, 3.5, 4.0, 4.5, 5.0, 5.5, 6.0, 6.5, 7.0, 7.5, 8.0, 9.0, 10.0, 11.0, 12.0. Shades ending in .5 are cool toned, and shades ending in .0 are warm toned.

4.0 seems to be a really good match for my warm NC30-35 skintone. I could probably go one shade up if I'm really tan, as 4.0 is better geared for NC30.

From left to right: 2.0, 3.5, 4.0 and 8.0.

This foundation is often compared to Make Up Forever HD Foundation, and with MUFE HD being one of my favorite foundations, I was really curious to try Naked Skin. 

Although the sample I have doesn't have an adequate amount of foundation to properly test the foundation, I was able to gather some thoughts and decide whether it's a foundation I'd purchase or not.

First off, the consistency is very thin and velvety. It has a watery, silicone consistency (had I known this prior, I probably wouldn't have been curious to try it).

After blending a small amount of product on my face, the product almost played a magic trick - once it was completely blended, it looked like nothing was there. After examining the side of my face without foundation, I noticed that the foundation softened the appearance of my pores and gave a little color to my skin. I didn't notice much, if any coverage, but the side with foundation did look slightly better. With another coat of foundation, flaws were concealed a bit better, but still visible. Redness and any discolorations are evened out, pores are softened and my skin has a velvety matte finish. It feels completely weightless on my skin.

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)

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.

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)

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.

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!

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!

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.

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 √ Liked it, Recently tried their new Infallible Eyeshadows and √ 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!

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!

Chanel Perfection Lumiere Foundation Review!

Chanel Perfection Lumiere is Chanel's newest foundation, which I believe launched this past September of 2011. It claims to be a long wearing and comfortable, will make your skin look fresh and flawless, yet very natural. It is said to be suitable for all skin types.

Chanel Perfection Lumiere is available in 20 shades: 
12 Beige Rose, 22 Beige Rose, 32 Beige Rose, 42 Beige Rose, 52 Beige Rose, 10 Beige, 20 Beige, 20 Beige, 40 Beige, 60 Beige, 24 Beige Ambre, 34 Beige Ambre, 44 Beige Ambre, 54 Beige Ambre, 64 Beige Ambre, 94 Ambre, 104 Ambre, 114 Ambre, 134 Ambre, 154 Ambre.

I have samples of a few different shades - some were pretty random, but the sales associate just grabbed a bunch. Both B10 and Beige Rose 12 work fine on my (no tan) MAC NC15 skintone. B20 is great for NC25, and B30 is a good NC30-35 match. **Many reviewers mentioned that they noticed oxidation (once dry, it turns darker), so definitely try a sample before purchasing. I didn't notice any oxidation with BR12, and slight oxidation with B10.

With it's long-wearing claims, I was very interested in giving this foundation a try. I picked up several samples over the past few months and I feel that I can now properly evaluate it.

Almay Clear Complexion Makeup Foundation Review!

Almay Clear Complexion Makeup

PRODUCT DESCRIPTION:

-This soothing Makeup works with salicylic acid, a proven blemish clearing ingredient to prevent future breakouts.
-Infused with meadowsweet to help purify skin as well as aloe and chamomile to protect against dryness and reduce the appearance of redness.
-Helps eliminates oil all day to banish unwanted shine so you get flawless, natural coverage that is perfect for everyday.

Almay Clear Complexion Makeup is available in a very small variety of shades. There are seven shades in total: Ivory, Buff, Naked, Neutral, Beige, Sand and Warm.

I chose the shade Buff, which is a light, warm peachy-beige. It's a good match for my skin when I have no tan - around MAC NC15-20 coloring.

Review: Diorskin Nude Fresh Glow Hydrating Makeup Foundation

 Diorskin Nude Fresh Glow Hydrating Makeup Foundation

PRODUCT DESCRIPTION:

Containing nearly 40% Active Mineralized water, this fluid foundation offers a fresh and hydrating finish. Your complexion appears smooth, silky and feels more comfortable due to micronized water droplets. This formula offers lightweight coverage, while it evens out the complexion and helps it appear more radiant and transparent.

With daily use, the skin texture improves for a long-lasting natural glow.

*Clinically proven to improve skin quality +27% after 4 weeks (Clinical study carried out by a dermatologist on 30 women: assessment before application and on bare skin after 4 weeks of daily use)

Dior currently has a selection six liquid foundations (including the airbrush spray foundation), with Diorskin Nude (Fluid) being the most popular.

I've been bored with my foundations lately, and Diorskin Nude peaked my interest as I noticed that it - or was, a favorite among many beauty bloggers. So, I decided to pick it up during Sephora's VIB sale.

The numbering system with this foundation is as follows:

yellow undertones = ends in 1

pink undertones = ends in 2

neutral undertones = ends in 0

peach undertones = ends in 3

Knowing that, helped me figure out my foundation shade a little easier. I know that I need a yellow based foundation, so my choices were 021, 031 or 051. So there's basically a light skin match, medium and dark with not much in between - for yellow undertones, that is. The lightest yellow shade (021) actually isn't that light. I'd say it's around a NC20 in the MAC coloring system, not far from a NC25.

CONTINUE READING!

Covergirl CG Smoothers AquaSmooth Compact Foundation Review!

Covergirl CG Smoothers AquaSmooth Compact Foundation

PRODUCT DESCRIPTION: Designed with AquaCurrent Science, this vitamin-enriched formula directs moisture to your skin's surface to improve its condition over time, while giving smooth, even coverage that makes imperfections virtually vanish before your eyes. This solid makeup transforms into a liquid during application, then dries to an even, powder-light finish.

-Oil-Free and Noncomedogenic (won't clog pores)
-SPF 15 UVA/UVB Sunscreen
-Vitamins B3, B5, and E

There are fifteen (15) shades in total, and considering the compact is packaged closed (yes, the compact is shut and is packaged in plastic so you can't see the color), you'd pretty much have to play the guessing game when picking a shade at the store. The shades are as follows: Ivory 705, Classic Ivory 710, Natural Ivory 715, Creamy Natural 720, Buff Beige 725, Classic Beige 730, Medium Light 735, Natural Beige 740, Warm Beige 745, Creamy Beige 750, Soft Honey 755, Classic Tan 760, Tawny 765, Toasted Almond 770 and Soft Sable 775. Unfortunately, if you have very fair skin or deep-dark skin, there may not be a match for you. The main factor that brings down the rating of this foundation is the shade selection. There aren't enough golden/yellow shades, and many of the shades are too neutral (gray) or too pink. I was lucky to find a match for my non-tanned skin; Classic Ivory, which is a good MAC NC20 color match. It's also said to match NW20. From reviews, I've read that Buff Beige is good for NC25.

Classic Ivory

Maybelline Superstay 24 HR Makeup Review!

Maybelline Superstay 24 HR Makeup

PRODUCT DESCRIPTION: Foundation gives superior coverage and provides 24-hour wear. Superstay 24HR Makeup by Maybelline incorporates a Micro-Flex technology formulated to withstand heat, sweat and humidity - yet stays comfortable and looks flawless. Oil-free makeup will not transfer. Dermatologist tested. Fragrance Free. Suitable for all skin types.

There are twelve (12) shades in total, so finding your perfect match may be a little difficult with the limited shade selection. The shades are as follows: Porcelain Ivory, Sand Beige, Classic Ivory, Natural Beige, Nude, Classic Beige, Pure Beige, Natural Tan, True Beige, Honey Beige, Caramel and Cocoa. I purchased this foundation because I was in need of a foundation to wear when I'm not tan, so I chose the shade "Sand Beige", which seems to be around the MAC NC20 coloring.

Revlon Age Defying with DNA Advantage Foundation Review!

Revlon Age Defying with DNA Advantage Foundation

PRODUCT DESCRIPTION: New Revlon Age Defying with DNA Advantage Cream Makeup combines makeup + powerful anti-aging skincare to help protect skin's DNA to fight the signs of aging. 96% of women saw flawless, younger-looking skin in two weeks. Lines and wrinkles are visibly diminished while skin is refreshed, hydrated, revitalized. SPF 20.

Sounds far fetched, doesn't it? Well, I particularly didn't pick this foundation up for it's anti-aging properties, as I don't have very visible signs of aging yet. You can say that I'm a fan of Revlon, and their foundations, so when I found an incredible sale on this new foundation, I had to pick one up. What I really liked about it is that it has a SPF of 20, and any extra SPF in my skincare is always a bonus (as long as I'm not being photographed.. white cast - eek!!)

First Impressions + partial review: Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer!

Some of you maybe remembered, last week I stopped in at Sephora on the search for a tinted moisturizer. I've never used one prior, but my curiosity got the best of me, and I picked up a sample of Laura Mercier's Oil-Free Tinted Moisturizer. (original post here)

Laura Mercier makes two formulations of the tinted moisturizers, one containing oil and one that is oil free. Both formulations have the same shade range and same SPF (20). I wasn't sure which one to choose, but when I told the Sephora Sales Associate that I have sensitive/prone to breakouts skin, she recommended I try the oil free version. I was matched to the shade "Sand".

PRODUCT DESCRIPTION:

Oil Free Formula - This lightweight foundation that can be reapplied as necessary, offers sun protection for sensitive or acne prone skin, oil control, and provides hydration to prevent dryness.

Regular Formula - Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer is a sheer, lightweight formula with a hint of color you can use in place of foundation for a natural finish and a healthy glowing complexion. It contains a SPF 20 for the ultimate in anti-aging prevention.

(The oil free formula is described as a foundation, and the regular formula rather calls it a "formula" that can be used in place of a foundation. I'm guessing because the regular version acts as more of a moisturizer with a tint and with the oil free version, it's more of a "tint" that doesn't give off added moisture.)

Aside from the tinted moisturizer, I was given a sample of the oil free primer. Every time I've used the tinted moisturizer, I've always used the primer beforehand. The first time using this, I attempted to apply the tinted moisturizer with my fingers. That doesn't work too well. I was really surprised that the texture is rather thick and doesn't spread evenly. I resorted to using my Sigma F80 Flat Top Foundation brush, and it worked out much better. So I basically apply it the same way I would any foundation. Dot it all over my face and blend with my brush. Because it's sheer, I'll use a little more product than I'd normally wear with a heavier foundation. The tube is 1.7 oz, compared to most foundations weighing in at 1 oz, so you can afford to use a little more. On my normal skin, (not oily or dry, a little shine in the t-zone) the finish is a satin - light dewy (not greasy) finish. Most of the reviews I've read for this said it has a very dewy, even an oily finish. I didn't experience that. I do have to set with powder though, because it seems to highlight the pores on my cheeks and add shine to my nose and chin. It instantly transforms when I apply my Guerlain Meteorites (my setting powder) and buff it into my skin with a kabuki. The finish is absolutely gorgeous. It looks incredibly natural and completely undetectable on my face. It looks like I may of using a dusting of a very fine milled powder, but that's all. It lasts well through an 8 hour day with little fading by the time I wash my face.

MAC Studio Careblend/Pressed Powder Review!

MAC Studio Careblend/Pressed Powder

Formulated to provide a smooth, virtually invisible, fresh-looking finish, this soft, cream-like powder is carefully blended to provide the skin with extra care, nourishment and comfort. (MAC COSMETICS)

"Studio Careblend Pressed Powder provides sheer to medium coverage with perfect skin adhesion that helps to create a more flawless, refined look to skin. Studio Careblend Pressed Powder’s versatility allows users to apply it alone, over moisturized skin, atop foundation to set, or simply to touch up and perfect skin throughout the day." - Nick Gavrelis, Vice President, Global Product Development (read more here)

MAC Studio Careblend/Pressed Powder is available in eight (8) shades: Light (soft pale beige), Light Plus (pale golden beige), Medium (soft creamy beige), Medium Dark (caramel beige), Medium Plus (tan beige), Dark (deep caramel), Medium Deep (rich golden tan) and Dark Deep (rich golden bronze).

What really lured me into wanting Careblend is the claim that it doesn't look powdery and it isn't drying. Not to mention the amazing rating on Makeupalley (4.4/5 with an 86% re-purchase rate based on 79 reviews). I had a little bit of a tough time trying to pick a shade for my current NC30 skintone - I was debating with Light Plus (mainly because it has some good golden tones), Medium or Medium Dark. I figured that since they are sheer, there will be a little room for error, but my favorite MAC Sales Assoc. informed me that they do indeed pack pretty good pigment, so I played it safe and purchased Medium. I purchased this powder to solely use it as a setting powder. Other powders I'm currently using for a quick dusting across my face are Chanel Double Perfection Compact, MAC Studio Fix Powder or Rimmel Stay Matte Powder (I also love MAC Blot Powder, but I'm currently out of it).

MAC Studio Careblend Powder in Medium

Medium is a good match for my skin. It lacks yellow though if you're medium skinned and particular about having the right amount of golden in your foundation or powder. I compared it to my MAC Studio Fix Powder in C3 for reference. Of course, C3 has a stronger yellow tone as all "C" powders do in the SF Powder range.

The consistency of this powder to the touch, feels like your average powder. Studio Fix Powder actually feels softer to the touch. But, once smoothed on the skin, Careblend feels much smoother, whereas Studio Fix feels a bit dryer and powdery (ironic, huh?) The powder isn't completely sheer - it does have some pigment, so if you have relatively clear skin and need little coverage and oil control, this can be worn alone. I like using a large fluffy powder brush such as my Sigma F30 (FAV) and swirling the product all over my face to set my foundation. If I want a little extra coverage, I'll use a more dense brush such as my Sephora Pro Platinum Bronzer Brush or a standard Kabuki. The finish with this powder indeed is not powdery at all. It gives a velvety satin finish that even reminds me a bit of my beloved Chanel Double Perfection Powder.

Here's a little comparison. You can see a big difference in the finish of Studio Fix and Studio Careblend. Studio Fix is much more dull and powdery, whereas Studio Careblend has a bit of luminosity.

Left to Right: MAC Studio Fix Powder in C3, MAC Studio Careblend Powder in Medium and MAC Mineralize Skinfinish in Medium/Natural & Shimmer (the medium/natural side) Limited Edition

I don't need all that much oil control, just a little bit in my t-zone, and this keeps my skin from getting shiny throughout the day very well. Based on some reviews I've read, some don't recommend this powder for those with oily skin as it may not control oil well enough, but I've also read that some oily skin found it works great. The reviews are pretty mixed. I think it would work particularly well for those with dry skin as contains moisturizing oils (Safflower, Meadowfoam & Olive) as well as Shea Butter and it doesn't seem to accentuate dryness. I really love this powder and will continue using it for an all over setting powder. I still plan on purchasing MAC Blot Powder as well because I like to have a powder on hand that won't deposit any color (mainly to powder my under-eyes).

MAC Studio Careblend/Pressed Powder is $23 for .35 oz, $4 cheaper than MAC's Mineralize Skinfinish (plus Careblend has a mirrored compact & powder puff, the MSF has neither). It's slightly more expensive than MAC Blot which is $23 for .42 oz (.07 oz more product).

.35 oz really isn't a lot of product, and with the silkiness of this powder, you can probably easily go overboard with it without realizing. When I used my MAC Blot Powder daily, I would hit pan very quickly with it, so I'm going to make sure to use my Careblend sparingly.

What's your favorite setting powder?