Make Up For Ever Ultra HD Foundation in Y405 and Y415 {review & swatches}

Sometimes I just can’t come up with a snappy title, my apologies ~bor-ing!~

I’ve been sitting on this review for too long, for no good reason other than I wanted to get full face shots and kept forgetting to take them, or just not wearing foundation half the time. I finally got my butt in gear and took a few this week – the weather (and so, the lighting) has been gorgeous this fall! We (meaning Ryan) even got a bit of yard work done yesterday because it was so beautiful outside.

Make Up For Ever’s newest foundation, the Ultra HD Invisible Cover Foundation ($50CAD), is a step-up from their original HD foundation in that it looks flawless and undetectable even under a 4k lense, which apparently is the highest definition on camera these days [blah blah technical jargon blah]. Essentially what that means to me is that if you can’t see it under a super-microscopic lense, you probably can’t see it in person either. SWEET. As someone who definitely favours the no-makeup makeup look (at least where skin is concerned), this PLEASES ME GREATLY.

I wasn’t actually a huge fan of the original HD foundation – I found that I *could* detect it on my skin and it felt a bit heavier than I prefer. The Ultra HD foundation however, is so totally up my alley – it’s insanely lightweight, blends seamlessly into my skin, and covers beautifully with only the smallest amount (no more than a pea-size for the entire face, if that!). The stick version (also $50CAD) works similarly in that it blends in easily – and is made even more efficient as you can just swipe it on, blend and and I’m ready to go. Both are buildable to a medium-full coverage if desired. Many have noted that the stick is better suited to drier skins, and I did find in the summer it was a bit too hydrating for my normal-oily skin (my t-zone got quite shiny). But in this cooler weather I’m actually having no issues with it, especially after lightly powdering around my nose and the centre of my forehead, and I prefer the ease of use of the stick for day to day – I can just spot conceal, blend and go!

Swatches, left to right: Ultra HD (liquid) foundation in Y415, Ultra HD (liquid) foundation in Y405 and Ultra HD (stick) foundation in Y405 

Swatches (blended), left to right: Ultra HD (liquid) foundation in Y415, Ultra HD (liquid) foundation in Y405 and Ultra HD (stick) foundation in Y405 

As usual, MUFE has a HUGE shade range to choose from, and if you used the original HD foundation you can find your match that route – for example, I was 153 in the original HD which corresponds to Y405 Golden Honey in the Ultra HD. I’ve still got a hint of a tan from the summer so this shade is a hair too light but if I blend well and don’t use it all over I can get away with it no problem. Interestingly, Y415 Almond, the other shade I have, is similar in ‘darkness’ but it’s more cool-toned as you can see in swatches above. It matched my skin better when I was more tan in the summertime.

Overall I’m really happy with these foundations, I adore the finish more than any other foundation I’ve tried (really!). The only caveat is that it does contain fragrance – and while sometimes fragrance in products doesn’t cause any issues for me when used in small amounts as it is here (I don’t even notice a smell), I have found that this irritates the skin around my mouth significantly if I apply it there. I have periodontal dermatitis off and on so I have to be very careful what I use in that area as it is – so that’s kind of a bummer, but not a deal breaker as it looks so good and wears so well everywhere else.

Have you tried the new Ultra HD foundation? What are your thoughts?

 

Recent Purchases, Part V: The base/face prodz

We’re almost done with these posts folks, I promise; there’s only one more after this (and I’m hoping to make it really extra special!). Today we’re looking at the base products I’ve accumulated over the past few months, plus a blush I picked up because, ya know: PRETTY.

Probably my favourite acquisition out of the bunch is MAC Mineralize Skinfinish Natural in Medium Tan ($37CAD). I am SURE I’ve tried this stuff before, but I don’t remember liking it so much! Even though I’m all about that #dewyskinlife, I kept seeing how lovely this looked on Karen and thinking I should really give it another shot. Guys, if you haven’t tried this, this ain’t your regular flat matte powder! Especially on top of well-moisturized skin, this powder makes my skin GLOW without heading into greaseball territory, which you know can be difficult to achieve with oilier skin (like mine). What I especially appreciate is that I can actually layer skincare products (serum & sunscreen in the summer) as well as use a primer if I’m so inclined (see next item) prior to using this, and my skin doesn’t feel sticky with product and my base doesn’t slide off in the warmer weather – which always happens when I use a liquid foundation over more than say, one other product. Applied with the Real Techniques Buffing Brush I purchased, I don’t get that matte, dull look from this either – it really doesn’t look like powder, just like my skin is naturally great and healthy-looking. I think I’ve found my HG summer foundation!

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Wearing the MAC Mineralize Skinfinish on top of the Laura Mercier primer, along with MAC’s Peony Petal blush and the MAC Orange Corrector/Maybelline Neutralizer combo under eyes – and the Lancome lippie of course!

In keeping with my constant quest for glowing skin, I picked up a travel size of Laura Mercier Foundation Primer – Radiance ($25CAD) shortly after Elena was born (I think it was our first trip to the mall together lol) because I desperately needed something to give my clearly overtired face a boost. Described as a ‘lightweight, water-based gel’ (except it contains castor seed and jojoba seed oil??? Calling it water-based implies it’s oil-free, but it’s not…sort of misleading, eh?), it’s supposed to  ‘provide a sheer, healthy glow to skin while prepping skin for makeup’. The shade is fairly neutral, not warm nor cool, and ‘blurs imperfections and improves makeup wear’. So ok. This kind of product I normally wouldn’t go for because to me it’s just asking for trouble (aka shine) when you use a non-mattifying primer on oilier skin like mine. But in my baby-adled brain it made sense at the time, and happily it hasn’t been a decision I regret. It just requires me to use it in a certain way. I started off using this by combining it with my liquid foundation for that all-over-glow, but it’s a bit much and ends up making me look – not greasy, exactly, but sort of unkempt somehow? I dunno, all I know is that by the end of the day I’m like ‘Yikes, Latoya!’ However, if I use it strategically before foundation on my cheekbones, down the centre of my nose, and over and under my brow bones (AKA – step one of STROBING [so funny how highlighting has a ‘technical’ name now]), it gives a lovely ethereal look to the skin – a bit more subtle than straight highlight. Interestingly, I’ve read reviews that say this is really sparkly; as a person who doesn’t much care for sparkle on the face except for on eyes, I haven’t actually found that to be the case, so not sure what’s the deal there.

Anyway, I do like this, but I’m glad I just have the travel size, as I’d like to try the CoverFX Illuminating Primer next.

When Elena was still in the hospital, I put in an online order for MAC because, well, essentially I think I was losing my mind in there and needed something to boost me up lol. I got it in my head that I *needed* a purplish blush, but they’re quite hard to find (this was before Urban Decay released their new blushes – I’m still curious about Bittersweet). MAC Satin Blush in Peony Petal ($26CAD) looked like the closest I was gonna get to a purple-hued blush – it’s actually a bright blue pink, but it’s super-cool tones appealed to me – so into the online cart it went.

This was also a purchase I didn’t regret – more and more I find cool-toned makeup quite flattering on me, and this is no exception. In the winter months it gave me a beautiful chilly flush, and now in the summer it adds a very subtle hint of color that is hard to overdo (which is good as I am still more heavy-handed with blush than is probably good). Loving it!

MAC Peony Petal Satin Blush

Also in that order, I picked up MAC Studio Finish Skin Corrector in Orange ($15.50CAD) because I  was desperate to find something to help with my dark circles, which were looking even worse than normal. This product is INTENSE guys, and you should NOT apply it straight from the pan and think your problems will be solved (no hate, but I watched this tutorial and it was what made me think I needed this concealer…I dunno how she made it work, but it is NOT that easy). I tried it and promptly put it to the back of my makeup drawer, thinking I just wasted $16.

However, I got reinvigorated to try it this week while writing this post, and I found some better advice that suggested mixing this with a yellow-toned concealer to create a ‘corrector’ shade, much like Bobbi Brown’s or the like. I just so happened to have a product like that (see Maybelline Neutralizer, below) so I applied the yellow-toned concealer first, then added the smallest dab of the orange and blended together for an awesome eye-brightening look! I’m actually super-pleased with the effect and I’m happy that I didn’t give up entirely – the results are well worth giving the Corrector a second chance.

Left to right: MAC Corrector in Orange, Maybelline Treatment Concealer in Neutralizer, the two mixed

Earlier in the year, before I had Elena but during the later part of my pregnancy in which I was experiencing some insomnia, I was on the hunt for something, anything to help with my dark circles (can you send a recurring theme here?!). After picking up Tarte’s Amazonian Clay Creaseless Concealer, I decided I needed a brightening powder to set it with, and came home with Laura Mercier Secret Brightening Powder ($29CAD). Truth be told, I don’t use it that much – I just don’t find it to be so brightening, and to use a separate setting powder just for under eyes is just more effort than I’m willing to put in. If this were a miracle product, I’d happily do so, but I honestly don’t find it does much of anything. Ah well.

The CoverFX Custom Color Drops in N60 ($44CAD) have been a polarizing product that has had many reviews for and against it. I’m not going to waste MORE words doing a full-on review because others have done it better, but my two cents is that it’s handy for adding to other skincare products without losing too much potency and coverage (like you would if you added your regular foundation to say, a moisturizer), which is ultimately what I bought it for. As mentioned, I don’t like layering too many products on my face in the summertime, so this is ideal to mix with my current SPF60 sunscreen – I get the coverage of a foundation (I only use a couple drops so it’s about a light-medium coverage, which is my preference), but since my SPF is higher I don’t feel my sun protection is compromised too much. Some people have also found the foundation lightened up too much when mixed – I bought mine online and had to guess at the shade, which is a bit dark on it’s own but perfect when mixed, so I lucked out! Win-win-win for me!

CoverFX Custom Color Drops in N60

I grabbed Maybelline Instant Age Rewind Eraser Dark Circles Treatment Concealer in Neutralizer on a whim when it was on sale while I was still in my ‘BANISH THE DARK CIRCLES‘ phase (not that I’m every really OUT of that phase…I just get to a point where I have TOO many products that I can’t justify even ONE more). They didn’t seem to have a dark enough shade for me so I figured the Neutralizer was the safe way to go. Alone, this is SUPER light on me – like Kim K. reverse racoon-eyes light [note though that I used this on all the girls during a wedding makeup I did last weekend and it was perfect for concealing any darkness on them (they were all fair-skinned)]. But as mentioned, mixed with the MAC Orange Corrector, this works kind of awesome to brighten my under eye.

Finally, just a quick mention of the Marc Jacobs O!Mega Bronze Perfect Tan ($59CAD) that I bought and later returned during the Sephora sale. It was a fabulous shade, but for my darker skin it was just not enough. However, if you’re lighter than me I definitely recommend checking this one out – it wasn’t too orange nor too brown, and the powder was silky smooth and lovely. Below are a few swatches of it against other bronzer shades I own for comparison purposes.

Left to right: MUFE Pro Sculpting Powder Duo #2 Golden (contour shade), Too Faced Sun Bunny Bronzing Powder, Marc Jacobs O!Mega Bronze Perfect Tan

That seemed like a long-winded post for only a handful of products! Sheesh. I can’t keep my trap shut lol. Anyway, I feel slightly overloaded with base products right now, but as they’re something I use every day I don’t worry too much about using them up. That being said, I am on a base-product-hiatus for the time being!

Do you own any of these products? What kind of skin finish do you prefer: dewy, satin or matte??

Recent Purchases, Part IV: The tools

MAN, I gotta get through all these ‘Recent Purchases’ posts already! There was just SO MUCH, you guys. And the photos have all been taken. And truth be told I’m a little bit lacking in original post ideas, since I’m a wee bit sidetracked these days:

THIS KID. She makes me laugh so much!!

I hope no one minds gratuitous baby pics…I can’t help myself!

ANYWAY. Let’s soldier on. Today I bring you the brushes/tools I’ve purchased over the past few months. These were not really necessary to buy, yet I feel they all were fairly practical purchases as I use them all quite frequently. The first to join the ranks of my tool collection was Beauty Blender ($26CAD); I finally caved to the hype and picked on up during the Sephora sale in April.

To be honest, I’m not particularly wowed. At least not when it’s used to blend foundation – I find I look MORE makeup-y when I use it for that purpose, and the whole reason I bought it was to look more natural, so that’s a fail. However, it’s nice for blending concealer and cream/liquid highlight, so it’s not gone to total waste. But I’m definitely not a convert nor going to preach its amazingness. Also – apparently I’m too rough when washing it, as this has already happened:

Oops.

Next, during one of two MAC hauls I bought the #266 Small Angled Brush ($   CAD), as I wanted something to use to apply cream/gel liner in a more diffused way. I like this a lot – you could also use it damp to apply powder shadow as liner, which I haven’t done yet but intend to. I have an angel liner brush from Clinique that I use for powder brow products, but it’s splayed and fluffed out too much for liner application – this one sounds like it will retain it’s tight shape much better.

Then, I had a bit of a ‘moment’ and decided I *needed* to buy the Chikuhodo Z-Series Z4 Cheek/Highlighter Brush ($73US) from Beautylish*. I really didn’t *need* this, but since having it I’ve been enjoying it immensely – aside from the fact that it’s SO DAMN SOFT, it applies and blends powder highlight like a dream. I used it initially with my more pigmented blushes as it’s so soft I thought it would help me stop overapplying them (damn if I don’t love my blush), but it’s too soft to blend them as well as I’d like; I’ve found myself using the Make Up For Ever #156 Large Flat Blush Brush for blush application a lot lately and LOVING it.

*Fantastic service by the way – I received my products within two days and afterward someone from the site text messaged me to see how I was enjoying the products I’d purchased. At first I found it a bit invasive, but after a bit of back and forth they left me alone, so ! I’ll be purchasing from them again. And FYI – your first purchase from the site they offer 15% off and free shipping, so BONUS.

Finally, after deciding the Beauty Blender wasn’t doing the trick and trying to hunt down the Real Techniques Expert Face Brush for achieving a natural-looking base, I found a Lawtons that carried the brand, and I bought said brush, as well as the Real Techniques Setting Brush. Unlike the Beauty Blender, the hype surrounding these is well-deserved, especially for their price (I can’t remember exactly but they were both under $15 each). I’ve been using the Expert Face Brush for both liquid and powder foundation and it buffs them both so nicely into the skin, and so effortlessly. Equally as useful, the Setting Brush is fantastic for placing powder right where it’s needed, and with a light touch. As someone who loves a more glowing look, but has slightly oily skin – which means I can veer into greasy very easily – spot powdering is ideal; I can just dust a bit around my nose, between my brows, on my chin, and under my eyes to set my concealer, without mattifying EVERYTHING on my face. I thought my MAC #138 Tapered Face Brush was sufficient for this task, but it’s still a bit too big and ends up powdering more than I want/need. So these two = total win.

Alright. Another purchase post down! I have 3 more to go (I KNOW. I bought SO MUCH STUFF) which I hope to get out soon so I’m forced to come up with something interesting to write about. I mean, it’s not all bad doing these kind of group mini-reviews – hopefully they’re helpful – but I’d like to get my creative juices flowing again.

Have you tried any of these brushes/tools? What sort of posts might you be interesting in reading? (I’ve been reading my old old OLD posts and I am thinking about doing a showcase of all my products by category again – thoughts?)

My new favourite base combo with Clinique and Benefit

Yikes! It’s been like, two weeks since I last posted…my bad! I find time gets away from me SO easily these days, and it’s not all baby planning. I’ve mentioned before all the extra-curriculars I’ve been partaking in, but (somewhat) happily, one of those has been wrapped up for the time being – my evening French classes have ended and I don’t plan to sign up for any more (I’m still taking lessons during work hours so hopefully that’ll keep me moving forward), so that’s one extra night a week I’ll have to do with as I please. Admittedly, this will probably involve a book and some tea most of the time, ha – I’ve been doing a TON of reading, like it’s going out of style. I just don’t know how much time I’ll have come mid-March (my guess is: ZERO) so I’m getting it all in now.

Nonetheless, rest assured that even if you don’t see me churning out a ton of posts, I’ve still got beauty on the brain! I scored a pretty large haul during the Sephora VIB sale (which I’ll be showing you soon), and I’m employing every trick in the book to really capitalize on the ‘pregnancy glow’ – I don’t really see it myself, but I must be faking doing something right because I’ve been told several times that I’ve got it in spades. Hopefully its being said in a positive way and they’re not referring to me looking like a grease ball  I’m *fairly* certain that’s not the case, as I’ve got a new routine going that I’m really loving! Neither product is new, nor even really new to me, but I started using them together and it’s like a match made in heaven. The duo I’m referring to is Benefit’s The POREfessional and Clinique’s Stay Matte Oil-Free Makeup (in shade 19 Sand).

I’ve used both of these products on their own separately before, but wasn’t terribly wowed by either. Benefit’s primer seems much like every other, blurring the look of pores with a light, ‘cone-based formula; the Stay Matte formula from Clinique’s foundation range is a great choice for combination to oilier skin that requires little coverage (it’s quite sheer), but it doesn’t keep my skin from getting shiny throughout the day. However, the two together just seem to work. The Benefit primer slightly mattifies my skin (I apply it through the T-zone) and the foundation glides seamlessly on top and manages to leave my skin with only a healthy glow by the end of the day – and this is without applying powder on top!

This has been my go-to pairing for the last month or so – I’m always trying to achieve a ‘glow’ that doesn’t veer into disco-ball shine, and I’ve finally found the trick with these two products. If you’re looking for a completely matte finish, neither of these products, together or separately, will give you that look. But if you have skin like mine that tends to get a low-level shine factor by mid-day, you might want to check them out to keep the oilies at bay without sacrificing that ever-elusive healthy glow.

What’s your favourite primer + foundation combo?

Nearing the finish line: Makeup empties (the ultimate beauty achievement)

It’s been a dedicated effort, but I finally have some makeup items nearing empty – a whole handful of them! You other beauty fiends know just what I’m talking about, and how hard this is to do when you have SO MANY PRETTIES to use! I’m feeling pretty good about my progress, so I thought I’d share with you some gratuitous near-‘pan’ p0rn in case you need inspiration of your own 🙂

I’ve been using the Hourglass Immaculate Liquid Powder Foundation together with the Burberry Fresh Glow Luminizer to freshen up the matte look the Hourglass imparts – the two pair together quite well. I get a LOT of views on the Hourglass foundation post, so I just want to reiterate how great it is! I can skip powder entirely when I use this, and the coverage is medium without looking or feeling too heavy. I do prefer a dewier finish which is the only drawback for me (though I’d still probably still repurchase this, because all other facets are so good), which is where the Fresh Glow comes in. If you’re looking for a foundation for oilier skin with a satin-matte finish, this is 100% for you!  I’ve had the foundation for a long time now (2 years) and it’s near it’s end ~tear~

The MAC blush here (Mineralize in Early Morning) is a bit of a cheat, because I dropped it a couple years ago and most of it was wasted. Nevertheless, it’s a beautiful shade so I kept it and used the dregs anyway. I’ll probably let it go soon but I’m just not ready to yet.

I’m STILL working on MAC’s Arena eyeshadow, which I showed you had hit pan last year. I’ve been using it almost every day but it just won’t die! LOL I do still love it, but it’s best for the summer months when my skin is more tanned – I love it as a subtle brow highlight then. Other times of the year it doesn’t get worn as much, but I’m making progress now because I’m SO CLOSE.

The Laura Mercier Lip Glace in Discrete is also a couple years old, and while I liked the neutral shade as it was quite wearable, I’m over it now! Its got maybe 3-4 uses left so I’m gonna make it happen TOOT SWEET. The Buxom lipgloss (here in April), is also on it’s last legs, and I’m not a fan of the frosty sparkly thing at all now, so it’ll be kicked to the curb regardless in the next couple weeks.

This two deluxe samples have had highs and lows in my beauty life. I love the nude tone of the Buxom Lip Stick (this is Sydney) but it’s very matte and looks terrible if  you’re lips aren’t in perfect shape (which mine weren’t for most of the winter).  My lips are doing much better now so I’m chugging through it – I really don’t like ‘mini’s’! The Burberry lippie is in Cameo Pink, and it’s a pretty soft coral shade that’s just a touch too light for my skin tone. If I apply it with a light hand, or pair it with another lip product, it fares pretty well. Got it down to the nub finally!

If you’ve been counting guys, that’s 8 makeup products that’ll be good to go very soon!!  SO EXCITED. I’m really trying to whittle down my stash and make way for new stuff, without feeling overwhelmed by the selection I already have. Which has been a goal of mine for forever, I know. But I keep trying! I’ve gotten major spring fever this year and gave a ton of stuff away to family and friends, mostly PR samples or gift items, as I’m getting a lot better at buying shades and products that I really want and that work. I usually have a huge bag full of items up for swap, but there’s nothing left now 🙂

Do you have any beauty goals right now? On average how often do you finish makeup items?

Flawless Skin In A Flash With Make Up For Ever’s Pro Finish Powder Foundation

It’s interesting how different people’s opinions can be.  Last week, I read Tracy’s post on this very same product, and she stated that she far prefers powder foundation to liquid.  In my case, in general I prefer liquid foundation to powder!  See, I think what I like about liquid foundation is that it typically leaves skin looking a bit more moist and glowing, whereas I always imagined powder foundation to leave you looking matte and sort of dull.  I like the idea of a powder base, because Hello, how easy it is to use?  But overall I choose liquid every single time.

However, I think I’ve found THE product to meet all my needs.  Make Up For Ever’s new Pro Finish Powder Foundation ($42CAD) – can be used dry like traditional powder foundations for a matte, full coverage look, or…can be used wet, for a more satin finish with sheer coverage!  Yay!!  And it actually does what it claims!  Double-yay!!

The color that received is the same shade that I wear in MUFE’s HD Foundation – 153, which makes total sense (and isn’t always the case – Clinique numbering and naming system does not follow ANY pattern whatsoever – you can be a Sand in one formula and not be a Sand in another…drives me absolutely batty!).  I would still test it in-store to be sure, but if you don’t have that option, choosing the same color as your HD shade is a good bet.

The case comes with a sponge and your typical flip-up storage for said sponge; however, ingeniously they’ve included air holes in the bottom of the casing to let your sponge air out after using – so handy!

There are some nourishing ingredients in the formula to help keep your skin hydrated and comfortable while you wear it.  Tracy found that by the end of the day her drier skin felt *slightly* tight; however, my skin is normal to oily and I experienced absolutely no dryness – and also next to no oiliness!  It kept my skin’s oils totally controlled without being too matte and flat-looking, which I found impressive.  Pretty cool I’d say!

Below are shots of my skin in natural light – on the left side I wore it dry, and on the right – wet.

Left side of my face, with the foundation applied dry.

Right side of my face with the foundation applied wet.

Do you notice how on the side where I applied the foundation dry, it takes on a slightly more yellow tone?  I think that’s merely because the product is being applied more densely, rather than with some transparency when applied wet.  Nonetheless, I prefer the powder applied wet as it seems to meld into my skin more and look more natural.  It still looked good dry, and if I needed more coverage I’d use it that way.  But I tend to be a sheer to light coverage gal when it comes to foundation, so wet is ideal for me.

Here’s a full-face shot:

You can see that on the left side there is more coverage  than the right.  I like having the option of customized coverage, and I suppose you could even alternate between the two at once if you had some problem areas that required more concealment.  It really does a great job!  Check it out with flash:

If you’re in the market for a foundation, and your preference is a powder – or if you’re interested in trying something different – I’d highly recommend the Pro Finish powder.  It feels lightweight (even when applied dry) and the stay power is great even without a primer.  And the way it controls shine really is something else!  Right now this is only available online at Sephora, but will be in-stores February 2013.

Do you prefer powder or liquid foundation?  What kind of coverage do you like in a foundation?

Make Up For Ever HD Foundation Event This Weekend at Halifax Sephora!

Heads up guys – there’s another Make Up For Ever event going on at Sephora this weekend!  With fall just around the corner, its a perfect time to get matched for a new foundation and MUFE has your HD shade – I guarantee you can find one to suit your skintone perfectly (there are like, 26 shades, so if you can’t – I’ll eat my hat!)!

They’re also offering a free gift with a purchase of the foundation, so if you’ve been thinking about it, now’s the perfect time!  And while you’re there – check out some of their other fabulous products, like their liquid liners, eyeshadows (pencil, powder, and cream), blush, lipsticks…so many goodies to choose from! 🙂

You Might NEED This: Hourglass Immaculate Liquid Powder Foundation

It’s been a long while since I’ve had to buy a foundation – as a haphazard user, I tend to have a bottle for well over a year (I just finished my NARS Sheer Glow, which I purchased back in January 2011).  Buying foundation usually isn’t exciting for me, but once you get down to the dregs of anything, the thought of getting something new is a thrill.  When I was in Sephora a couple weeks ago returning the Boscia cream I’d picked up (quick boo-hiss on that – it made my skin burn!!), I saw that the new ‘Immaculate Liquid Powder Foundation’ by Hourglass (which I had drooled over after seeing it on several model’s faces from previous runway shows) had been released.  First, I have to comment – it’s sort of an oxy-moron, isn’t it – ‘liquid powder’??  Now owning the product, I know what they mean, but I suspect that might be a bit confusing to consumers. Anyway, so I saw this gleaming at the store and I just had to swatch it and check it out.  I rarely try anything via swatch and want it instantly, but this was an exception.  It smoothed onto my skin leaving the most natural veil of color and a subtle luminosity that was kind of entrancing.  Designed for combination/oily skin, with anti-aging properties, and free of pretty much all baddie ingredients (see box below for the exhaustive list), it just seemed too good to be true.  I was in the market for a new foundation, but when I looked at the price – $64CAD!! – I balked and gently put it back in it’s place and slunk away. As I tend to do in Sephora, I wandered around some more just admiring the pretty things, when I happened to glance at my hand again.  The foundation had settled and had turned into a subtle, velvety finish.  I was so surprized at the change, and at how lovely it made my skin look, that I huffed it back to the kiosk and picked up a bottle in Warm Beige – the darkest shade there (unfortunately).  Before I could exert any sense, I bought it.I think pictures will show you more than I can describe.  Behold:

Bare face…yikes!

Wearing Immaculate foundation…and apparently my shirt inside-out (oops!)

Wearing Immaculate foundation with a little gloss (so I don’t look dead) and bronzer.

You can notice two things in the photos: that the foundation is a touch light and beige for my skintone, and that it makes my skin look FLAWLESS.  While I’m disappointed about the shade – which will be even more disheartening once I’ve gone down South and have got a major tan going on – I really love the coverage and I love the matte yet luminous look it gives.  I can warm it up a bit as you can see with bronzer so the shade blends better, so for now it works. The formulation is lovely – quite thin so it doesn’t feel heavy in the least, but gives great, even coverage quickly.  There are so many things to love about the foundation that I still wanted to review it, even though I’m not getting the best out of it due to the shade restrictions.  I highly recommend trying it out (or at least getting a sample) if you’re able.  The technology is superb and it seems like a perfect foundation to wear going into the warmer months.

Aside from the shade, what are your thoughts on ‘Immaculate’?  Do you think you’ll give it a look?  What kind of finish do you prefer on a foundation?

An Inside Look: My NARS Collection

I had a hard time coming up with the title for this post, as to state I have a NARS collection sounds like I should have a HUGE stash, and in fact I don’t – but out of all the cosmetic brands I own, I have more NARS makeup than any other, so that constitutes as a collection, right?   Anyway, don’t say I didn’t warn you!Modest, to some I’m sure.  In any case, I definitely feel that NARS is the brand that gets most of my money on a consistent basis.  I’m pretty much a devotee and I’m certain my relatively small assemblage will continue to grow until it is no longer ‘modest.’  I’m OK with that!

Earlier in the week, several of my fave blogs wrote on one of their own collections – of blushes.  As I am becoming something of a blush enthusiast myself, I read these posts eagerly with a mixture of interest and envy.  While their numbers were all near the 30 range, a quick look in my train case revealed that I have a measly 8 blushes – a fair number if one is to be realistic, but clearly I am nowhere near a true aficionado yet!  Anyway, to the point: half of my blush collection is made up of NARS shades (plus 3 of my 4 highlighters).  While there is something like, 31 shades of NARS blush, I have had an idea percolating in my head that I want to start a collection of just NARS blushes – I know having 4 hardly makes a dent, but it’s something to work towards right?

Anyway, again, getting back on track – here are my NARS blushes, or 1/2 of my blush stash:Starting with the most exciting, as well as my first NARS blush if you can believe it – WOW, take a look at Taj Mahal!  When I was first breaking into higher-end cosmetics, I wanted to buy really interesting, one of a kind products you couldn’t replicate at the drugstore.  Case In Point: Taj Mahal is a fiery orange with high shimmer.  It looks terrifying, not only to the shade but the formulation, but it’s actually quite beautiful on the right skintone.  I limit this to the Summer months as it just feels that way to me, though the shimmer probably would do wonders for Winter-pallid skin.  It can show up rather noticeably in sunshine so a light hand and some major buffing is necessary, but the resulting look is well worth it.My next blush purchase from NARS was the lovely Torrid, which the SA noted would be my version of the award-winning ‘Orgasm,’ which was too light for my skin.  I’ve gotten a lot of use out of this blush, especially in Spring and Summer.  It’s a lovely peachy-pink shade that really goes with just about anything, but I like to switch it up (but of course).  Very flattering and girly on, and the shimmer really doesn’t even factor into it when all’s said and done.  Another winner.I snagged Turkish Red, a discontinued NARS cream blush, through a swap, and at first I was not impressed.  I wanted a red blush to give me that ‘cold weather flush,’ but I found it just looked silly once on.  However, I gave it another shot and made sure to keep a light hand (I use my MAC #130, which is why you see pock-marks in the blush), and now I find myself reaching for this shade again and again – it almost gives me a two-in-one look where I look like I got some sun, as well as was out in the cold.  Really pretty effect.After reading the infamous ‘blush posts,’ I confess I pretty much ran out to Sephora and picked up Sin, in order to make myself feel better.  Also, I had just finished a blush (which is kind of amazing) and figured I was allowed to buy a replacement of sorts.  I’ve owned this blush now for a total of 26 hours, and already I can say with certainty that this is my favorite of all my blushes (all 8), hands down.  Wowza, this blush was made for my  brown-olive skintone!  An MUA-er noted that this shade works well for olive skin as it “swallows up the purple” – sound strange, but considering some reviews I’ve heard find it produces a bruise-like effect, it seems accurate, as on my skin it looks absolutely wonderful.  It turns out to be more of a neutral pink-mauve and is ridiculously flattering and perfect for Winter.  I haven’t been this excited about a makeup item in a really long time – I woke up this morning and was so happy just to know that I’ll get to wear it again!  So, so sad, but ultimately true.

NARS blush retails for $29CAD.

Next, we have almost my entire collection of highlighters, courtesy of NARS. First, my fun Summer purchase, one of the coveted illuminators in Laguna (reviewed here).  I didn’t get as much use out of this as I’d hoped, mostly because I’m lazy and an extra step wasn’t always in the cards.  Still a great product though and I’m hoping I’ll start pulling it out more this coming year.I received this from the Sephora rep after the luncheon I attended back in May.  It’s a lovely bronzed shade of highlight, that could be used in place of bronzer for fairer skins – for me it’s really just a highlight with a touch of bronzed effect.  I can use this year-round, which I like, and the texture is so smooth and not at all greasy.  This is my first full-sized Multiple and it has me considering buying another down the road (they retail for $46 CAD).I hounded people on MUA to get this product, one of The Multiples in South Beach.  I wanted it so bad and no one wanted to swap for it with me – until finally someone approached me for a swap and had this deluxe sample in her swap list.  Shortly thereafter I received the Laguna Multiple from my Sephora luncheon, and didn’t have as much need for this.  I’m not sure if it’s because it’s a sample, but the texture on this is so smooshy, it’s quite irritating.  I can’t apply this directly to the face, but have to use my fingers because otherwise it’ll deposit way too much product and ball up on my skin.  So, needless to say I’m glad this is just a small portion of product – though the shade and look of it is quite lovely.  Sort of like warm rose-gold.

Moving right along…NARS eye shadows!I bought this Habanera Eyeshadow Duo without first trying it on or even really swatching it, which was a mistake.  I was going by the awesome photos on MUA, but sadly, on me this duo falls flat.  The metallic ice blue shade is far too much on my darker skin, and the pretty plummy shimmer has poor color payoff that makes me sad.  I have this up for swap now, which hurts my heart a bit as it was my first NARS eyeshadow purchase – and I hate to part with a NARS product, regardless – but it’s gotta go.  I never used it, and it could be receiving some mad love elsewhere, so…Ohhh, how badly I wanted this Rajasthan duo from last year’s Fall collection!!  As soon as it landed on counters I scooped it up, and I’m still very pleased with the purchase.  The golden metallic shade is very subtle but really, really gorgeous; the dark blackened-teal shade is mysterious and adds depth to any look.  Its texture is a bit more stiff than the gold shade, but it isn’t usually a problem.  Overall, a solid combo which you can make work a variety of ways.The lovely Grand Palais duo from this past Spring collection.  Previously reviewed here.  I don’t use this as much as I’d like, but I still get great pleasure from it, especially the taupe side, and I think this adds two new shades to my eyeshadow collection, that I might not have purchased otherwise.  Soft and lovely!

NARS eyeshadow duos retail for $38CAD.

My one lipgloss from the brand:I posted a swatch of Wonder back in the Summer after I received it also at the Sephora luncheon.  Great shade of tomato red-orange.  My first and only NARS gloss ever, and I really love everything about it – the texture, the opacity, the shade.  Eventually I’ll pick up another from the line (they retail for $28CAD), but at this point I have too many to entertain buying any more at the moment!

And the basics:I totally forgot to include the Smudgeproof Eyeshadow Base in the group shot, oops!  Too late now (literally – it’s almost midnight)!  I discussed the awesomeness of the base in my Best Of post – really stellar product that works wonders for keeping your eye makeup in place.  Go check it out!I also just extolled the virtues of the Sheer Glow foundation in my last post – this shade in Syracuse is an insane match for my skin, it blows my mind a little bit.  Definitely get to your nearest NARS counter and at least try this formula out, it’s worth a look!As much as I love loose powder for it’s long-lasting ability – as in, you don’t have to buy it very often because it lasts forever! – I also hate it for the same reason.  I thrive on change, and MAN do I ever want to change to a different powder than this one!  This is the shade Mountain, and that’s another thing I’m totally over – powders with shades, rather than just an overall translucent one.  I won’t make that mistake again.  In the meantime, I swear I’ve only used a third of this product, and I’ve had it for probably two years!!  It really just needs to get be finished already.  Absolutely nothing wrong with the product, it sets makeup well and looks natural, but I’m just done with it now.  I want something new, damnit!! (The loose powders retail for $42CAD)

So that’s my collection – nothing too crazy but I like just about all of it and I feel that it was all money very well spent.  I’d like to try some of the new Longwear Eyeliners, and the Larger than Life mascaras, as well as continue to pick up a new blush every so often.  NARS to me is like the upscale, less gimmicky version of MAC, which suits me to a tee.

What do you think of my collection?  And of NARS in general? 

Retail Therapy

Today I bought a $55 foundation merely because I was cranky and needed the uplifting boost a ridiculous purchase can (briefly) buy you. Granted, the foundation is amazing (NARS Sheer Glow – more on that in a minute), but it’s one of those purchases that I a) didn’t truly need, and b) might have a bit of buyers remorse later, which totally negates the ‘good’ feeling I was striving for. In any case…

Work is pissing me off severely the past week and as I have to work to live, unfortunately there’s not a whole lot I can do about it right now. Except shop, apparently.

NARS Sheer Glow foundation is normally not something I would pick up, for a multitude of reasons. First being that it’s $55(CDN) before tax and that’s kind of ridiculous. Second, I generally don’t wear foundation unless for a special event, or if my face is having one of *those* days. Third, its for normal to dry skin, which mine is resoundingly NOT. HOWEVER. I received a sample of the product in a swap back in early summer. The shade was too light for me then but it’s absolutely perfect now. Additionally, my skin has still been acting up terribly the past few weeks and I desperately needed something to cover and hydrate the scaly dry patches of skin. The bottle of Revlon’s Colorstay for Combo Skin just didn’t seem to be a good solution. Insert Sheer Glow. Lovely and hydrating, and miraculously didn’t harm my upset skin in the least – in fact, I think it may have even improved it! The package states that it hydrates and improves skin brightness, radiance, and texture, making skin softer and smoother. Amazingly, it did! My skin looks better now than it has in MONTHS. I can’t entirely contribute this to the foundation, but the fact that it didn’t further irritate my skin and adequately covered the issues without looking cakey or heavy was enough for me to be vastly impressed.

Interestingly, general consensus on makeupalley.com doesn’t give this foundation a very high rating (3.9 out of almost 600 reviews*) so I normally would have given it a pass, but I’m so glad I didn’t.  It might be too heavy in the summer, but for now it’s perfect.  Sheer, even coverage but still more than enough to deal with any minor discolorations.  While I’m still smarting a bit from the price tag, I still feel that it was an entirely justified purchase that I’ll be quite pleased with over time.  Anyone else try this product?  Are you a yay or nay?

*Curiously, those who consider themselves very oily gave it a 4.7 rating (out of 9 people) and 100% would buy it again.