Hi all! I have been testing out some new Urban Decay products that were sent for my honest review!
I love Urban Decay (I have also just purchased the Urban Decay Naked Honey palette and will be reviewing it next week). Their products are innovative and cruelty free, and the ingredients are good for you! Here’s what I received:
This lineup of 50 shades with 9 shade intensities, 3 mastertones, and 7 undertones to dial in precise color match. The waterproof, longwear foundation feels like wearing nothing, thanks to a breathable, flexible formula that moves with you (all day and all night, up to 24 hours!). It not only feels better, it even looks better with its stay-true color, which minimizes the appearance of pores—so you always look like you.
My shade is 20CP, so it is light with a cool pink undertone. It might be a little light for me, but I make it work with bronzer and blush. I LOVE the finish of this foundation on me. At 51 (yep), it’s important that I achieve a natural finish that doesn’t settle in wrinkles and pores. This glides on my skin and makes me look flawless, but not like I’m wearing makeup. And it feels so light on (I hate greasy feeling foundation). It’s so good and I’ve been wearing it everyday. I need to start reviewing another foundation, but I only want to wear this. LOL!
I also really love the The Ultimate Brush Off Translucent Loose Setting Powder ($36 USD) — a finely-milled vegan powder that blends seamlessly to extend the wear of your foundation without adding any weight or texture (forget that old-school cakey feel). It sets makeup while absorbing oil and shine for a totally blurred-out effect, blending seamlessly without causing flashback, so you can take as many selfies as you want. Touch-ups on the go are easy thanks to the portable powder and its built-in, cruelty-free brush.
This powder is so good, it really is smooth and doesn’t cake at all. I like using a sponge for my under eye area, but I do use this brush on the rest of my face. It buffs in the powder and makes everything smooth and even. I sometimes use a fluffier brush for a lighter application. It’s lovely either way.
On the left is the Lip Chemistry and on the right is the lip plumper. Here’s more info about the lippies:
Vice Lip Chemistry is a vegan, high-gloss lip tint that reacts to your pH and creates a custom shade unique to your tone. Its lightweight, balm-like texture gives your lips a hit of hydration, so they feel moisturized. The lasting glassy tint adjusts to you; the color fully develops and reveals itself after just a few minutes and lasts up to 5 hours. Vice Lip Chemistry’s vegan formula goes on smooth and glossy (never sticky!) and does not transfer.
The vegan lip plumper gloss combines high shine with microfine, multidimensional glitter and a tantalizing scent. This formula has an almost-instant, refreshing tingly effect, creating fuller-looking lips minus that sticky feel. Caffeine, jojoba oil, and sunflower oil combine to give you smooth, intense shine with a cooling and plumping sensation.
My favorite of the two formulas is the lip plumper. It’s a little tingly, but doesn’t hurt. It’s glittery, but will be nice for the holidays. It tastes like honey, too! The Lip Chemistry is cool. It does change color and it feels really comfortable on. I don’t think I will wear it everyday, but I’m having fun testing it out.
Hi all! How’s your summer going? Mine is going well. It has cooled down a bit in Kansas City, which is so nice!
I was recently sent some amazing summer beauty products from Beautyblender for my honest review. I love this brand and the original Beautyblender is one of my favorite beauty tools!
RE-DEW Set & Refresh Spray ($30 USD) — This do-it-all mist refreshes makeup, extends versatility to existing formulas and easily adds a boost of hydration whenever needed. This has a very fine mist nozzle, and it doesn’t disturb makeup. I like how it blends my powders into my makeup so I look really natural.
The Original Beautblender ($20 USD) — Get a flawless blend with the award-winning, premier edgeless, reusable, high-definition cosmetic sponge applicator, in classic pink. The exclusive aqua-activated™ material provides an airbrushed application and absorbs minimal product, so your favorite formula lands on your complexion, not your sponge.
Selfie Shield™ Broad Spectrum SPF 38, Dry Oil Primer ($32 USD) — This totally invisible, quick-absorbing dry oil helps both protect and prep skin with no residue or cast–no matter your skin tone. The feel-good formula offers multi-spectrum protection from UVA, UVB and HEV (high energy visible) light to help fend off damage from both the sun and your tech devices. I love how quickly this absorbs in, but it also gives an extra layer of hydration when that helps when I wear a more matte foundation. It’s really nice under the BOUNCE foundation.
BOUNCE Liquid Whip Longwear Foundation ($40 USD) — Available in 40 blends. The shade above is what I’m wearing since I have a bit of a tan (I’m pretty fair normally) is 2.50. My normal shade is 1.50. This is full coverage. It’s not supposed to look heavy on, but I need to make sure I am well hydrated before I use it. I have combination skin. It does look very natural on when I am moisturized and use a light layer. It has a pretty soft matte finish.
Have you tried any of these Beautyblender products? What do you think?
Hi all! I’m here today with a foundation review! I’ve realized that I don’t review a lot of foundations. I usually only have a couple open at a time, since I just have one face. LOL!
But I do feel like I’m in sort of a foundation/concealer rut and want to try some new ones this year.
I was recently sent the beautyblender Bounce foundation for my honest review. I was excited because I have been wanting to try this foundation for a while.
A weightless, full-coverage foundation in 40 shades that easily blends for a flawless finish and a revolutionary bare-skin feel. The whipped liquid glides and bounces easily so it never looks cakey or fake- no matter how little or how much you layer on. Never chalky or lifeless, the velveteen matte finish has a multidimensional effect, like naturally gorgeous, healthy skin. The lightweight, buildable formula addresses not just tone but also skin texture so your complexion looks smooth and even. Skin looks picture perfect- IRL and on-screen for up to 24 hours.
Here’s a closeup of the product:
To use this foundation, you slide the button (photo left) over to the left, then squeeze the top and the foundation comes out of the spout (photo right). Then you take a beautyblender (or other sponge or brush) and take the foundation that’s come out with the tool and apply it. It’s very easy to use. The only downfall is that the spout on the pump gets a bit messy.
I have tried the foundation with both a beautyblender and a flat top foundation brush. It works well with both, but even if I use a brush, I finish the application by bouncing the beautyblender over my skin to blend it out. My shade is 1.50, which is a fair/light with cool undertones.
The texture of the foundation is very silky and mousse-like. The claim on this is that it’s full coverage. I’d say it’s more medium, but can be built up to full. It melts into my skin and doesn’t even look like I’m wearing foundation — the coverage and finish is so natural! And my skin looks very flawless. It does give a soft matte finish, but it doesn’t dry down, so I do need to powder my skin. That’s fine with me.
The biggest pro with this foundation is that it doesn’t show texture and it looks like I’m not really wearing makeup. My skin is aging and combination. It’s also sensitive. This foundation covers my redness and uneven texture.
I’d say the only con for me is the packaging. The spout gets really dirty and it’s tough to clean.
I definitely recommend this foundation! I’ve been wearing it everyday since I received it. It just makes my skin look so nice.
Have you tried beautyblender Bounce? What foundation are you loving right now?
Hi All! I hope you are having an amazing weekend! I’m back with a foundation review. I don’t review a lot of foundations, because I only have one face!
I was so excited to get the Maybelline Super Stay Multi-Use Foundation Stick for my honest review. I’ve been wanting to try this! Here’s a close look at the shades I received:
These are 110 Porcelain, 120 Classic Ivory, 130 Buff Beige, 220 Natural Beige, 312 Golden, 330 Toffee, and 360 Mocha. You can probably tell that I have been using 120. It’s a really good match for me.
Here’s close up of the stick and sponge:
And here are a few swatches:
The Maybelline New York Super Stay Multi-Use Foundation Stick ($11.99 USD) allows you to perfect the ‘no-makeup’ makeup look by offering a lightweight formula to create a flawlessly natural complexion.
This foundation is easy to use, I just swipe the stick on my face and blend in with a brush or sponge. It gives a natural look, I’d say it’s a medium coverage. I did try to blend with the sponge end, but it’s really rough and I didn’t care much for it, even when I wet it. It will work okay in a pinch, though.
I also want to say that darker and lighter shades can be used for concealer, highlighter and contour. They are so creamy and blend out really well!
I have to say that the only con in this foundation, besides the sponge, is that there is not a lot of product. It’s only .25 oz or 7 g. I do know that stick foundations can’t carry a lot of product in them, but if they removed the sponge there would be more room. I have used it exclusively for a couple of weeks, and there is only about half of the stick left. I am saving it for a trip I’m going on soon because I know it will travel so well!
I can say I will probably purchase this again, but I do hope they change up the packaging and add more product!
The Maybelline New York Super Stay Multi-Use Foundation Stick is available now at mass market retailers in 16 shades.
Have you tried this foundation? What’s your favorite stick foundation?
I received samples of Rimmel London Lasting Finish 25 Hour Breathable Foundation ($7.99 USD) and Concealer ($5.99 USD) for my honest review. Here is some info on the foundation:
The lightest long-lasting formula available on the mass market. This special formula builds and blends with ease to ensure a flawless canvas with every application. Formula & Benefits: 25HR wear, sweat and transfer resistant, SPF 18 to protect skin, built-in ergonomic cushion applicator.
It’s a large doe foot wand applicator that is flexible and cushiony. I use it to dot or stripe the foundation on my face and then I blend in with a brush or sponge.
The swatch on the left is the concealer in the shade 200 Light. It’s a little dark for me know, but will work really well for the summer time. Next to it is the foundation in 100 Ivory, then 101 Classic Ivory. They both work really well on my skin.
I like the foundation a lot, it is very light on and looks really natural. It can be built up for more coverage and really does last all day. I do feel that it is not caked on and is breathable. I’m not really into full coverage foundations (I have pretty good skin for my age), so I will be wearing this often!
The concealer squeezes out of the tube in a stream, can be applied with the sponge or with a brush or fingers. Here’s the info on the concealer:
The formula is transfer and sweat resistant so it lasts when you need it most. Best part? It doesn’t look cakey or feel heavy. Formula & Benefits: Cushion applicator, 25 HR wear, sweat and transfer resistant, Ultra-smooth breathable formula.
Available in six skin-true shades : 001 Light Ivory, 100 Fair, 200 Light, 300 Medium, 400 Medium Dark, 600 Dark
This covers well, I almost think it’s a little more full coverage than the foundation! It lasts all day and will be perfect when it is hot and humid in the summer!
Have you tried either of these products? What do you think?
I am a big fan of PUR Cosmetics. I have tried lots of their products and are always excited to review them!
I have recently received PUR’s Bare It All 4-in-1 Skin-Perfecting Foundation and Contour Diaries Palette Ultra Matte Contour Kit for my honest review. I love trying new products to help give me a flawless complexion! I even did swatches, which are after the reviews below:
From the website — Formulated with agave extract, green tea, ginseng, B vitamins and PÜR’s proprietary Ceretin® Complex, this unique formula moisturizes and plumps the skin while stimulating the skin’s renewal process and fighting signs of aging.
I have found that it is a bit thick and the texture is a little dry. It does blend out well and is full coverage. For me it works best over a primer. It doesn’t settle in my pores or lines, and I really like that! It also stays looking fresh for hours. I received the shade Porcelain, which is a bit light for me now, but will work well in the winter. This foundation is available in 10 shades.
This is the front of the Contour Diaries. It’s just like the outer package. I think it’s very elegant!
The Contour Diaries open to show the mirror and shades. Here are the shades more close up:
The shades are:
Charm: Light pink/peach
Dream: Golden hue
Flirt: Warm peach
Secret: Light brown
Passion: Warm brown
Mystery: Deep brown
This palette has all matte shades. I thought that was really interesting for the highlights. They are soft powders that blend really well. As my skin tone is light, Secret is the best contour for me, but I can also use Passion with a bit of a tan. Mystery is too dark for me.
The highlighting shades are too dark as well, but I do light Dream for under my eyes. It kind of reminds me of a banana powder. That and Charm can be used as setting powder.
These powders can also be mixed together for the perfect shade. I think this kit would be gorgeous on someone with a medium to tan skin tone. The lighter shades would show up nicely.
Here are swatches of the foundation and palette:
The foundation is to the left and the bottom row is Charm, Dream and Flirt. The top row is Secret, Passion and Mystery.
I will be using the foundation in the winter when I am lighter and like more coverage. I will definitely use Secret and Passion to contour and I will play around with the lighter shades to see how to best use them.
Have you tried either of these products? Leave a comment and let me know!
It is getting hot again here in Kansas City, and humid. Our backyard is a swamp because it has been raining and the bugs are out, so I say inside.
This has giving me a change to try new products. My faves this week include two new breakthrough skincare items and a cool foundation:
Philosophy Ultimate Miracle Worker Multi-Rejuvinating Retinol+Superfood Oil and Pads
Philosophy Ultimate Miracle Worker Multi-Rejuvinating Retinol+Superfood Oil and Pads ($75 USD) — the nighttime solution specifically formulated to help combat key signs of aging including lines, wrinkles, discoloration,
pores, roughness, firmness and radiance. this nourishing nighttime formula delivers clinically proven anti-aging power.
What I think: To use this product, pour the entire bottle over the pads. Then, this it to be applied every night after cleansing and before hydrating skin. After using, skin feels firmer and pores are visibly reduced. This is easy to use and really tightens skin and gives a youthful glow!
StriVectin Multi-Action Active Infusion Youth Serum
StriVectin Multi-Action Active Infusion Youth Serum ($89 1 oz) –Visibly smooths lines, firms and unifies overall texture. Instantly infuses skin with sophisticated luminosity. Clinically proven to strengthen the skin barrier 2x.
What I think: First of all, the product in the bottle is so pretty! This is gorgeous for morning and/or evening use before moisturizer. Once applied, skin is brightened and looks smooth and clear. This definitely makes you look younger!
Julep Cushion Complexion 5-in-1 Skin Perfector with Turmeric ($30 or $24 if you are a Julep Maven) — This multitasking skin perfector has a natural, demi-matte finish with buildable medium-to-full coverage that conceals, corrects, illuminates, blurs & brightens. The convenient cushion tip applicator allows for easy and precise application, even on the go. Use it to spot correct and conceal, or all over as a foundation.
What I think: This product is unlike anything I have tried before! I received it in my August Maven box. I have been subscribing for years (I usually don’t review the box, because I only get a couple of items in it a month).
This has a sponge applicator, which is not new, but the fact that this can be a full face foundation is, plus it dries down to a matte finish almost immediately. If is full coverage and really pretty on. You only get a few minutes of play because it sets too, and I have found that I don’t need finishing powder with it. There are 18 shade available, so there’s a shade for almost everyone!
I am giving away 2 Medium 1 drops, a Deep 1 and a Deep 2 for a total of 4 products given away! They are all sealed and are a brand new product.
Here is the info on the drops:
Hard Candy Glamoflauge Mix-In Pigment Makeup Drops – ($7 USD) Highly concentrated liquid pigments that allow you to customize any face product for coverage or shade. Squeeze the dropper and add drops to any daily moisturizer or primer to create a custom foundation. The more drops you add, the higher the coverage. You can also add light or dark drops to any liquid makeup to custom match your skin tone.
If you would like to receive one, please leave a comment with the shade you would like to receive. If the shades don’t match yours, remember summer is coming! Also, if you have a friend or family member would match one of these shades, they would make a great gift!
Available to US residents only. I will draw winners on Friday, April 21st. Good Luck!
Happy Friday! I’m so excited to do this review of MATCHCo My Perfect Complexion foundation. I was lucky to be sent a customized just for me, bottle of this amazing foundation for my honest review.
Have you heard of MATCHCo? This brand is absolutely amazing because it’s extremely difficult, if not impossible to find a foundation that 100% matches our skin tone, we always have to match and try to create our own. With the MATCHCo ’s patented state of the art technology, this beauty app captures your exact skin tone with 5 simple skin tone scans. In less than 10 minutes, this iPhone app analyzes your unique skin tone and then custom blends a perfectly matching color formula just for you, even your bottle is personalized with your name and date it was made. It is beauty customization and personalization at its best. It’s the all-in-one foundation that evens out your skin tone and gives your complexion a flawless no-makeup look. Learn more at www.getmatchco.com
Here is the back of the bottle. I love how it has my name and the date it was created on it!
At first, I thought it might be a little dark for me, but it’s not. Here is the matching on my hand:
As you can see in the last photo, it blends really nicely. I love the full coverage, but it is so light on the skin, it looks like I’m not wearing foundation at all!
If you have an IPhone, check out the MATCHCo app. Scanning your skin is really easy. The foundation costs $49 and although it’s a bit pricey, it’s worth it to have a foundation that matches your skin so well.
I recommend this product and think it’s fantastic!
I have a BIG Fall makeup post today! I have recently received some fab new fall makeup to try out. I have made a list of my 10 fave items from 5 stellar brands: Laura Mercier, tarte, Pur Minerals, Laura Geller and It Cosmetics:
tarte Amazonian clay full coverage airbrush foundation
1. tarte Amazonian clay full coverage airbrush foundation ($36 USD) — Introducing the latest addition to the Amazonian clay foundation line for total complexion perfection! Amazonian clay full coverage airbrush foundation delivers flawless, natural-looking coverage that lasts, while the skintuitive™ formula invigorates skin tone and texture for a youthful complexion. Powered by Amazonian clay enriched with the Earth’s natural, light-reflecting gemstones, this moisture-rich powder buffs on smoothly for waterproof, 12-hour coverage that won’t settle into fine lines and wrinkles. Available in 11 shades to perfectly compliment a wide range of skin tones and undertones, this innovative foundation also employs a custom mesh delivery system for a fool-proof, mess-free application every time.
What I think: If you are looking for a natural coverage foundation that is good for you, this is the perfect one! I buff it on with tarte’s Airbuki Foundation Brush. It covers red spots and imperfections but really looks just like your own skin! And it is so fast to apply!
2. Laura Geller CC Cream Compact w/ SPF 25 ($35 USD) So many benefits–just one compact! This antiaging compact creme foundation helps even out your complexion with a color-correcting peach swirl–but it doesn’t stop there. Boasting conditioning ingredients, the weightless formula also helps to protect against sun damage and prevent the look of lines, wrinkles, and sun spots. From Laura Geller. More info:
0.37-oz CC Creme Compact Color Correcting Swirl Foundation Broad Spectrum SPF 25
Sponge
Light: very fair or fair to light skin tones
Medium: light to medium skin tones
Tan: light olive skin to lightly tanned skin
Made in Italy/Korea
What I think: I have lots of BB, CC and even a DD liquid foundation, but this is my first CC crème contact. I am testing this in light, and really enjoy it for a full coverage look. I apply this with my BeautyBlender and it goes on perfectly. So smooth and pretty, it really evens out my skin tone.
3. Laura Mercier Baked Eye Colour in Mystical ($23 USD) — An innovative wet/dry Eye Colour formula featuring Baked technology in beautiful shades that last all day. Magical and Mystical are limited edition shades included in the new Dark Spell collection.
What I think: Black smoky eyes are hot again this fall. This shadow has a little sparkle in it and is perfect for a night out. Really great color payoff as well.
4. Laura Geller INKcredible Gel Eyeliner Pencil ($20 USD) — INKcredible Waterproof Gel Eyeliner Pencil is waterproof glide-on color stays put from day to night, delivering powerful, vibrant, multi-dimensional color.
Benefits:
– Precision tip allows for even application.
– Highly pigmented formula stays vibrant all day.
– Super soft means no pulling or skipping during application.
4 colors: Purple Rain, Blue Jean Baby, Teal Waters and After Midnight.
What I think: I have always been a fan on Laura Geller’s pencil eyeliners. I have been using this in Purple Rain. It is a gorgeous shimmering shade of purple. This is a very soft pencil, so make sure that you don’t press too hard (like I did). You could lose the point. But, it does last all day and all shades are gorgeous for fall!
5. Purminerals Big Blink Mascara ($20 USD) Fake a full night’s sleep with Pür Minerals Big Blink Mascara. Fortified with Argan Oil, Big Blink nourishes lashes for stronger, fuller eyelashes that are less likely to break or fallout. The clump-resistant wand easily glides over the lashes for an even application and coats the hard-to-reach inner corners for a complete set of luscious lashes.
What I think: This mascara gives great volume and keeps lashes healthy at the same time! The thing I love most about this mascara is that my lashes don’t get sticky and lumpy after I apply it. It looks fresh all day. This has a hard plastic brush which really separates the lashes.
6. tarte lights, camera, flashes™ statement mascara ($23 USD) — Take your lashes to the extreme with this ultra-black mascara that lengthens, curls and magnifies for an intensified look proven to increase lash volume by 752% instantly!
Take your sultry, flashy lashes to the extreme with this amped up, ultra-black mascara that lengthens, curls and magnifies lashes for an intensified look proven to increase lash volume by 752% instantly! Powered by tarte’s proprietary triple black complex, this longwear, vitamin-infused formula emphasizes length and volume while conditioning lashes for a dramatic look that won’t dry out, flake or budge.
The custom-engineered, dual-molded brush boosts even the skinniest lashes for an exaggerated, voluminous look. First, the shorter, denser side of the brush delivers the optimal amount of mascara to volumize and coat each lash perfectly, then the longer, firmer side of the brush lengthens and separates for maximum volume without clumping.
What I think: This is currently my favorite mascara. I use the longer side first so that when I apply it I won’t get lumpy lashes, then the short side for more volume, but you can play with it to see the perfect application for you. And boy, the results! My short, stubby lashes looks so long and lush! Awesome!
7. Pur Minerals Lip Gloss Stick ($15 USD) A bold lip makes a statement and pulls the look together quickly. Loaded with rich emollients and vitamin E, these buttery smooth sticks condition lips as they color for a smoother, softer pout with each application. Slick on the richly pigmented, bold color of a Pür Minerals Lip Gloss Stick available in fall’s hottest shades including: Coralline – a juicy coral, Game Day – our signature classic red, Daredevil – a punchy light red and Spiked Punch – sheer hot pink.
What I think: I have this in an older color called Honey Pie (above), which is a perfect neutral for fall. The stick itself is very moisturizing on the lips and leaves a soft, glossy finish. Very nice!
It Cosmetics Vitality Lip Blush™ Hydrating Gloss Stain
8. It Cosmetics Vitality Lip Blush™ Hydrating Gloss Stain ($24 USD) — Stay hydrated in the summer heat with the new IT Cosmetics Vitality Lip Blush Hydrating Gloss Stain which is infused with nine butter and oils that will pamper your lips without that giving them that sticky feeling. This lightweight serum repairs and protect while offering a beautiful pigmented shine. Available in four shades, Inspiring Red is the one shown.
What I think: The mixture of a stain and a moisturizing gloss is genius — soft lips and color that lasts all day! I always love It Cosmetics products because of the wonderful quality and skincare benefits. Very luxe.
9. Laura Mercier Lip Plumper in Charmed ($30 USD) — Lips look visibly fuller, healthier, sexier with a dose of colour and high-definition shine.
What I think: I have a lot of Laura Mercier glosses, but this is the first lip plumper I have tried from the brand. It does not sting, but does plump well and is not sticky! I am testing a limited edition color called Charmed. It is a light peach sheer color and is gorgeous, perfect with the hot black smoky eye!
It Cosmetics Limited Edition Heavenly Luxe™ Vanity Brush Set
10. It Cosmetics Limited Edition Heavenly Luxe™ Vanity Brush Set ($39 USD) Feather your way to happiness with this 6-pc Limited Edition Heavenly Luxe Vanity Brush Set made from 100 percent Ultra Plush, Cruelty Free Bristles. The chic and innovative set is sure to give you that airbrushed finish, for makeup application on the go!
What I think: I am so loving this brush set — and what a great price for the quality! My teenage daughter has stolen most of my eye shadow brushes, so I was glad to get a couple in this kit. You also get a large powder brush, a foundation brush, and a concealer brush, along with the three eye brushes.
The shades are:
As you can see in the last photo, it blends really nicely. I love the full coverage, but it is so light on the skin, it looks like I’m not wearing foundation at all!
Forty, Flirty & Fabulous 