Review: Covergirl Outlast Stay Fabulous 3 in 1 Foundation

Take a deep breath after reading the name of the foundation! What a long name!  I got this Covergirl Outlast Stay Fabulous 3 in 1 Foundation early January and had plenty of time to test this out.  You may notice from my foundations review, that I don't really use drugstore foundations.  My biggest fear is getting the wrong color!!!   But since Revlon Colorstay Whipped Foundation, I was pleasantly surprised with drugstore foundation, so decided to give it a go.  Typically when I think of Covergirl, I don't think of foundations (probably mascaras), but you may be surprised this review and the performance of this foundation.
(if you want to get to before after pictures, just go straight to the end of this review. :)

WHAT IT CLAIMS
All-in-one foundation with a long-lasting formula that fuses primer, concealer, and foundation in one easy step! The 3-in-1 formula provides a flawless look that lasts all day long.

• All day, longwear formula
• Primer, concealer, and foundation in one
• Smooth, flawless finish
• SPF 20

COLORS
This foundation comes in impressive range of 16 different shades ranging from fair to dark. Enough colors for everyone or wide range of skin tones. From what I can tell, it does appear more pink cooler undertone, but there are few shades with slight yellow undertones. And if you are much darker skintone there is Covergirl Queen (Latifah) Collection All Day Flawless 3 in 1 version.

I picked up Buff Beige (#825). It has slight yellow undertone, and I was lucky enough to pick the right color.  It matches me really well.  As a reference, I'm about MAC NC20-25, Revlon Colorstay Whipped in Nude Beige (#220), Make Up For Ever HD Foundation #117 or #120, YSL Le Teinte Touche Eclat in B30.


PACKAGING
It comes in a glass packaging with pump and a cap.  Pump can be locked and unlocked, so if the cap comes off, you won't have any accidents.  I'm loving that fact that this drugstore foundation comes with a pump.  It is easy to control.  This packs in regular standard 1.0 fluid ounce of product.

CONSISTENCY
It is a thick liquid foundation.  It's not too fluid because it doesn't run on my hand when I pump, and thick enough that it stays put when I pump it out, yet fluid enough to blend easily. It also gives you enough time to blend and buff your foundation before it sets.

COVERAGE AND FINISH
 It claims medium to full coverage.  But I find that I get plenty of coverage with one pump and one layer.  Other than my undereye concealer, I did not use additional concealer in the pictures below.  You'll see that it has full coverage. It covered my freckles, dark spots, and my blemishes.   It really blends like a dream with slightly silicone texture. As it claims, it has a lasting power of a primer, coverage of a concealer and blendability of a foundation.  When you first apply, it doesn't set right away, so you have teeny teeny dewy finish for few minutes.  Then it sets to a matte finish.  I wouldn't say completely matte, because without powder I still see a slight glow and dimension to my face.  And as day goes by when it really sets to my skin and mixes with my facial oil, it starts to look really nice and almost natural.  It doesn't settle in my lines or pores.  It stays on really well without making my face oily or seeing any separation for about 12 hours.  I find that it looks better without powder as it's matte already.  I do use loose powder to set my concealer underneath my eyes.

Now for some before and after pictures.  As mentioned, I did not use concealer on my blemishes and you can see that it is fully covered.  Also it stayed put all day and I did not need to touch up at all up to 12 hours!!!

Close up of my blemishes on my chin. (sorry for the color change, without makeup, my face is super pale and my camera picks up a lot of light in my face)

 

 

MY THOUGHTS

I was very surprised by this foundation and major kudos to Covergirl!!! They really did a fantastic job of creating a solid foundation.  Because this foundation is matte, it'll appeal more to normal to oily skin.  I have normal to dry skin, a bit more dry these days, yet this foundation works well without drying out my face, or accentuating my fine lines or pores.  It looks good all day.  I can apply this foundation with a buffing brush or fingers effortlessly.  If you have dry skin, make sure you moisturize well before applying any kind of matte foundation.

 

You can get this foundation at CVS, Walgreens, Target, Ulta, Bed Bath and Beyond.  I got mine at Bed Bath and Beyond for $9.79 which is a little cheaper.  But if you are afraid that you are going to be stuck with the wrong color, I'd suggest CVS who has a very flexible no questions asked return policy.  Bed Bath and Beyond as well if you have one with beauty department. 

 

Miloberry approved! I'd definitely repurchase.



Sephora Pantone Color IQ- Perfect Foundation Match

I was in Northern California over the Thanksgiving weekend visiting my family.  I luckily had time to visit a friend in San Francisco, and I had been dying to visit the Mothership of Sephora (Sephora's headquarters is in San Francisco).  So I dragged my friend to Sephora in Union Square.  The reason I wanted to go to this particular store is because they offer foundation match with a special gadget that is only in this location and New York Time Square location.  I heard about this special foundation matching that's done in London through Boots, No. 7 Brand, and I knew they had to offer this service in the United States, so when I searched, Sephora came up.  Sephora started offering this service in July of 2012 and will be testing it in the two - SF and NY location first before launching it else where.

If you are confused as to what I'm talking about.... Pantone is the master of color matching.  If you have painted your house, you'd have most likely heard of it.  If you were to take a piece of fabric and wanted a paint that color, Pantone will be able to match it or produce that color for you (I believe.... ).  Also recently Pantone has been collaborating with Sephora to create beautiful colorful makeup.  Now, they have created a hand held tool based off the Pantone X-Rite Spectrocolorimeter used in the design world.  This device takes image of your skin, analyzing and assigning you an official Pantone skintone number.  With that number, they will be able to give you a list of foundations carried by Sephora that will match you perfectly!  I have tried numerous amounts of foundations of EACH BRAND, just to achieve that, and it was not an easy task.  So I knew if I had a chance to go to SF location, I had to try this out.

Facts about the SEPHORA + PANTONE COLOR IQ:

SEPHORA + PANTONE Color IQ Handheld Device: Image takes 1.8 seconds to capsure Produces  27 photographs in black and white using 8 different visible LED bands and 1 ultraviolet band COLOR IQ measures only in red/green/blue Ultraviolet and three split spectrums Grid of 100x100 pixels across skin sample which then becomes one color composite New method of color measurement, including texture and surface sample variables, allowing for the most accurate color positioning Cameras vs COLOR IQ device for pigment precision: Traditional cameras uses ambient light (huge pigment variables) COLOR IQ can measure pigment in pitch darkness, does not require ambient lighting for precision matching

SEPHORA + PANTONE Color IQ Skintone Library: Ethnicity isn’t relevant when color matching- there are more factors in the physiology of the skin that determine color (hemoglobin, sun exposure, freckles, skin conditions, sun burn, excess or absence of melanin) 110 colors are mapped out by the Pantone Color Institute that comprise the SEPHORA + PANTONE Skintone Library Colors are based on SEPHORA’s current foundation landscape and can be expanded as more brand offerings are added, making the most comprehensive foundation library available at retail iPad app platform, exclusive to SEPHORA only available in SEPHORA stores

Recommendations for the best SEPHORA + PANTONE Color IQ match: No workout 30 minutes prior to match No chemical or harsh peels 3-6 days prior to match Drink more water and less caffeine prior to match, caffeine restricts blood flow, affecting flush of skin If you are wearing self tanner, disclose to the Sephora artist for a better match

As soon as I walked into Sephora, I asked for the Pantone Color IQ, and I was directed to a little kiosk in the middle of the store.  It had a mirror on both sides, with an iPad placed in each of the sides.

They gave me and my friend face wipes to remove the makeup off our faces.  Then they realized I had freckles on my face, and they said there's a chance the images would pick up my freckles too much and I'd end up with darker shade than my face.  So I asked them to get images off my decollette, neck area because I like to match my neck and chest area anyways to get more even/natural foundation finish.  They thought it was a good idea, so I didn't have to remove my makeup.

You see the device on my neck.  This took about 30 seconds to accomplish.  Then the little device spit out a color number, which for me was, 4Y06 (medium skintone with yellow base).

Here's the partial color chart that they use.  They they put the color number into the iPad, and it spits out the results for the foundation matches for you.

This wasn't my results, but this is a sample of what you'd get on the iPad.

If you see on the left side, it says, matching shade, lighter, redder etc..., so you can get results of other shades that are very similar to that. And change the formula, coverage to narrow your results.  Then you can e-mail yourself the results!

The shades/brands I got "perfectly matched" were very limited.  It gave me 3 shades from bareMinerals Foundation, Josie Maran Matchmaker Serum Foundation, and NARS Sheer Matte Foundation.  And from the NARS Sheer, and bareMinerals foundation that I have already used before, it sounded like the matching was spot on.  I also e-mailed results from lighter of my shade since my neck is still a little more tanned than my body, and a little yellower shades.  After going through the list of the foundations I have used, the results were spot on.  I wish I'd have taken off my makeup and got a reading on my face too, just to see what results it would have given me.   So after this FREE service, they offered to make me samples of the foundation.

But overall, I was very happy that I got to go and experience it for myself.  It's such a genius device.  I hope this goes nationwide to all the Sephora stores soon!  It'd make our lives so much easier!!!

Review: Giorgio Armani Maestro Fusion Makeup

This new revolutionary makeup, Giorgio Armani Maestro Fusion Makeup ($62), 8 years in the making, was released in the US early October 2012.  I've seen few reviews and it was a very mixed review.  But I really wanted to try it.  It sounded like something revolutionary and unique.  And I'm all about the next best thing. Linda Cantello, International Make-up Artist for Giorgio Armani Cosmetics says, "It's not a foundation, it's a complexion perfector."  It is made of 60% oil and 20% pigments, unlike the traditional foundation that consist of 80% oil and 20% water.  This product contains five volatile, semi-volatile and non-volatile oils that evaporates at different rates.  Sounds really cool doesn't it?  I knew I had to try this!

WHAT IT CLAIMS:
Benefits:  A formula that is easy to apply with unified distribution, and covers imperfections.  An ultra-fine oil-pigment suspension that perfects the complexion, instantly igniting skin's natural luminosity.  A water and powder-free base.

Technology:  An unforgettable and unique texture created by patented Fusion Technology.  The Fusion makeup technology delivers the thinnest color film that blends perfectly and corrects skin imperfections without buildup.

-A water and powder-free base
-Totally non-comedogenic
-Five time-released oils evaporating gradually
-Smart pigment technology
-Easy, fast, fresh and flawless application
-SPF Broad Spectrum UVA/UVB 15

COLOR:
This complexion perfector, (as the Giorgio Armani Cosmetics Make Up Artist calls it) comes in 12 different shades.  3 shades for fair skin, 6 shades for medium skin, 3 shades for dark skin.
I am MAC NC20-25, and the lady matched me to #5.5.  And it might be a tad on the darker side for me.
Eventhough it comes in all different shades, this product is made to color match your skin.  So I think it's a lot forgiving even if you choose the wrong shade.

PACKAGING:
Maestro Fusion Makeup is in a frosty glass bottle with a dropper.  It contains 1 fluid oz., the standard foundation size.  Quite different from others since it's not a pump.

CONSISTENCY:
The consistency is very liquidy.  You squeeze the dropper once in the bottle, and pour a drop in the back of your hands, and you can see it run.  The most liquidy foundation I have ever seen.  One drop is enough to cover your entire face with a thin layer.

COVERAGE AND FINISH: 
This foundation, or complexion perfector, or fusion makeup is nothing like I have ever tried.  When you first drop this on your hand, you see the color, and you see the pigments.  When you start blending into your face it disappears.  It is very sheer but only enough to correct minor skintone issues.  It does not cover.  As you are blending into your face, you can see that the feel of this liquid is changing.  You can feel the oils evaporating.  It feels absolutely silky smooth.  And you cannot tell that you have makeup on.  From other reviews I have read, it says that it's best when you let this sit/adjust on your skin for 5-10 minutes, because it can look a little powdery at the beginning.  For me that wasn't the case.  It looked just fine immediately and the same 5-10 minutes later.  This did not cover anything, as the coverage is very very sheer.  It was only enough to slightly even out the redness.  I layered it 3 times, using my fingers.  Coverage was the same as it was the first and second layer.  Finish very very natural and slightly glowy.  It remained natural and sheer all day like I wasn't wearing any makeup on my face.  But when I accidentally put a paper on my face (at work), I saw that it transferred onto the paper.  Strange because it didn't even look like I was wearing makeup yet I saw color on the paper.   It didn't make my nose, T-zone any oilier than normal without powder.  It also did not dry out my face.  It seriously felt like I was not wearing anything! 

Before & After without flash- in natural light.  You can see that it covered up minor redness.  Note the pimple on my chin.  You can still spot it.  And for some strange reason, it photographs better than it actually looks in person.

  

And this is no makeup, with eye makeup, and full makeup with flash.  I think it even photographs even better with flash! LOL (is it me or does this look like a mug shot? hahahaha) mental note: smile next time.

APPLICATION:
Before use, you must vigorously shake the product to mix up the pigments.  I have tried my fingers and a foundation brush.  I liked the feeling of my fingers better as it will warm up the product and help the oils evaporate.  But as it claims, you can't go wrong with any method of application.

THIS FOUNDATION IS LIKE:
Actually it's not like anything I have tried before.  And this is exactly what Giorgio Armani Cosmetics was trying to accomplish.  A foundation, complexion perfector, fusion makeup as they call it, is one of a kind, revolutionary type make up.  Which is the main reason I wanted to try it.

GREAT FOR: 
I think this would be great for someone who doesn't like the feeling or the look of wearing makeup.  But someone who already has great skin, and doesn't have much to cover up and wants a little extra help.  Because if you have scars, zits to cover, you'd have to cover it up with concealers and that'd defeat the purpose of wearing undetectable makeup.  I think this would be fine on all types of skin- oily, combination, and dry.  I think it'll be fine on all ages, as it does not accentuate any lines in particular.  Some reviews said it accentuates dry spots, or fine lines, but I'd have to disagree for my skin.  But I also keep my skin hydrated and exfoliated at all times.  Also this contains silicone, and octinoxate if you are allergic to any of these ingredients.

MY THOUGHTS:
I have to start by saying, this photographs a lot better than it looks to the naked eye.  As you can see in the pictures above, it looks as tho it blurrs out the imperfections in photos and looks to make my complexion brighter.  But this is not the case in real life (which is unfortunately the world we live in.)  I can see all my freckles and sun spots shining through as if I have nothing on.  And that's even with 3 layers of undetectable coverage. 

I love trying new products especially that's the next up and coming.  And from what I heard and tested, it is a one of a kind makeup and this is something that has not been done before.  But I definitely need more coverage than what this is giving me.  I really really love that this makeup is undetectable, but that'd be great if it actually had better coverage and was undetectable.  If it doesn't cover anything, I hope that you can't see anything. LOL  Only those with one or two spots to cover and wants to slightly even out their skintone should use this.  It was definitely not what I was looking for. 

Don't get me wrong, I think it's a wonderful product (not the greatest), but I don't think we were meant to be. :)  Whatever Giorgio Armani claimed to do, it does just that.  And as Linda Cantello states, this is not a foundation.  So don't expect the typical foundation results.

Because it photographs beautifully, I'm really on the fence, but I like my face to look flawless in person, and not only in photos.  It's a great complexion perfector, but I wouldn't keep it to be used as a replacement for my foundations. I'm glad I tried it though.  And when my sun spots get better, I may reconsider then.

TIP:
Also I'd not recommend using any kind of water based product as moisturizer or primer underneath this makeup.  Because it's an oil based product, it will not mix well together.  It can ball up, or slide all over the place.

WOULD I REPURCHASE:
That would be a no.  I'm actually going to return it.  I can't justify keeping this since I know it's not for my needs.  Especially for $62 and when I know already I won't be reaching for this when I know I want that extra coverage.  Unless miraculously my skin becomes perfect. hahaha  Sorry Maestro Fusion Makeup... we just weren't meant to be....

AVAILABLE AT:
Nordstrom, Saks, Neiman Marcus, Barney's, Bloomingdale's or Giorgio Armani USA (Online)

Review: YSL Le Teint Touche Eclat Illuminating Foundation

I have been trying the Yves Saint Laurent's newest foundation, Le Teint Touche Eclat Illuminating Foundation ($55) for the last two months.  And I thought it was about time I review it.

WHAT IT CLAIMS:
For the first time, the magic light of Touche Eclat is in a foundation with the added benefit of SPF 19 sun protection.  Infused in a weightless fluid, this foundation targets shadowy areas and highlights the contours of the face.  Free of opaque fillers, its perfecting texture evens the complexion and helps conceal imperfections while enhancing your skin's natural beauty. Available in 17 shades with SPF 19 broad spectrum UVA/UVB protection.

Free of
-Parabens
-Sulfates
-Petrochemicals
-Phthalates
-GMOs
-Triclosan

I was quite excited about this foundation when I first heard about it.  It's a foundation version of the Touche Eclat Radiant Touch ($40) which has been a cult favorite for decades.   A lot of people use the Radiant Touch underneath their eyes or as an illuminator.  Personally I think the foundation is worth it considering the Radiant Touch is only 0.1 oz for $40 while the Foundation is 1.0 oz for $55.  You do the math.

COLOR: I picked this up in shade Beige 30.  I'm about MAC NC25, MUFE HD #120, Clinique Even Better Foundation Buff #25, Urban Decay Naked #4 for reference.  The shade looks a lot darker through the bottle than the actual product when dispenses.  One of the reasons I was quite happy with Beige 30 was because it had a yellow undertone to it.  I have problems with so many foundation claiming it to have yellow undertone, yet when I put it on, I still see the pink undertone.  I think this is perfect for light colored asians like myself.  However, you have 17 different shades to choose from.

PACKAGING:  It's in a heavy glass bottle with gold writings and gold cap.  Very Yves Saint Laurent signature packaging if you ask me.  It comes with a nice pump and the lid fits perfect over the pump.  It is a little heavy to be carrying around everywhere, but personally I don't carry my foundations except when I'm traveling.  And this bottle is not cheaply made glass that will easily crack.  However, I'd be devastated if I broke this!  It has 1 fluid ounce of product, which is a pretty standard foundation size.

COVERAGE AND FINISH:  Slightly dewy, glowy but dries semi-matte.  I know Allure recently gave this a Best of Beauty Award in the medium to full coverage foundation category.  At first, I thought it was going to be a sheer light to medium coverage because of the natural coverage and finish it has.  However, after some thought I'd agree with Allure.  The consistency appears to be very sheer at first, but it's quite pigmented and it gives decent medium coverage with one pump and one application.  I was quite happy with one pump, so I have never tried layering.  It has a dewy and slightly glowy finish at first, but once it settles it turns into semi-matte.  Also it absorbs into the skin quickly making it look sooooo natural and sooo beautiful and probably easy to layer flawlessly as well.  Even after many hours of wear, it stays on really well and makes it look more and more natural.  It also surprisingly has good oil control for a dewy/glowy foundation.  I personally like to wear this on it's own because it is so beautiful without the powder, but when lightly powdered, my nose doesn't get shiny utnil the 9th or 10th hour.  It also does not settle into fine lines and make you look older.  It actually reflects light to give you the lifted radiant appearance.  Also it does not dry out my face throughout the day as some foundations do (even glowy ones).

THIS FOUNDATION IS LIKE:  I'd say similar product to this foundation from what I've used is NARS Sheer Glow Foundation is the closest comparison, but I'd say YSL has much better coverage.  It's also similar to the Urban Decay Naked Foundation, however Naked foundation dries more matte, and it tends to dry my face more than the YSL.YSL Le Teint Touche Eclat is unique and much better.

APPLICATION:  I like to either use a buffing brush (Real Techniques), paddle foundation brush (Bobbi Brown), or my fingers.  I think they all apply beautifully.  When I apply with my fingers, it almost feels like a tinted moisturizer, but with really good coverage.  I just love the radiance it gives. ♥  And this foundation, YOU MUST SHAKE BEFORE USING!  Don't forget! :)

GREAT FOR:  Women of all ages.  I'd say all skin types, but I'm guessing people who have oilier skin tend to stay away from glowy/dewy type foundation.  For those, I'd say skip moisturizer and just put this on. 

Here are some pictures of before and after in different lighting.  Also I had a lot of time before I did this review, so luckily I had a lot of pictures. :) 

This one is with natural lighting and with no makeup, with just foundation, and full makeup.  With just foundation, it did an awesome job of covering up the discoloration underneath my eyes, giving it that nice lifted look.  Also you can see that the coverage is quite good without any concealers.

In this picture, I had put on my eye makeup and brows, so you don't get distracted by me not having any makeup on.  In natural lighting, I did just eye makeup & brows, and then I added foundation, and then full makeup.  You can see all of my redness and freckles disappear and giving but also giving it a nice natural finish.

This picture is the same but with flash photography.  No flash backs or ghostly white face with flash. Yay!

MY THOUGHTS:  I am more than satisfied with this foundation.  Even with the hefty price tag of $55, I think it's worth every penny.  It really gives you that nice glowy but not overly glowy, healthy skin look.  It has good coverage.  Also I thought maybe this would be a better foundation for the winter, but it has good stay power even in the month of September in Southern California, I think this would do just fine in the summer.  It does not dry out my combination dry face.  I think it's perfect for someone looking for a natural finish foundation but still looking for coverage.  Also I really love the scent.  It has almost a cucumber but a light oil smell?  Sorry I don't know if that makes sense, but that's how I'd describe it.  It photographs well even with Broadspectrum UVA/UVB coverage of 19.

WOULD I REPURCHASE: Absolutely YES YES YES!  I'm so happy with this foundation.  It's so light, that I can see myself wearing this every day!

YOU CAN BUY IT AT: Sephora, Nordstrom, Saks Fifth

HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!  Sorry for this long post.  I'm still trying to figure out what kind of format to have when I'm reviewing, so I'm trying out different formats.  And this foundation, I obviously had a lot to write about. :)  And if you have any thoughts on the type of reviews I've done, please let me know!

ANNNNNDDDD.... This is my 99th post! Yayyyy!!!  Next one will be my 100th post and a giveaway announcement!!!  Please subscribe, LIKE my facebook page, FOLLOW me on Twitter for my next post and more chances to win!  Thank you all!

First Impression: Shiseido Radiant Lifting Foundation

If you follow me on facebook, you probably saw my status update about this.  And if you follow my blog, couple months back, I reviewed the Shiseido Perfect Pore Refining Foundation.  Unfortunately, I did not get a chance to wear that too much because the girl at the Macy's counter did not match me correctly.  So after seeing horrendous pictures of my ghostly white face, I decided to stop using it.  I liked it, but color mismatch was a big no no.  Then recently, I was talking to the lady at the makeup counter at Macy's, and told her about my situation and she said just bring it back.  I told her I no longer had a receipt nor the box.  She said as long as they can look it up on my Macy's card that I purchased at Macy's, they will take it back.

Yesterday, I took it back, and to find out that Shiseido pulled the Perfect Pore Refining Foundations off the shelf to re-formulate the product. I don't know why, but they said it's to make it better.  So I decided to try out their newest released foundation, Radiant Lifting Foundation ($45 for 1.2 oz) (released early August 2012).  I checked on the web to see if there were any reviews, but it was too new.  So I kind of bought this blind.

I just wanted to give you a glimpse and my first impression.  I'll do a full review later, but I was so excited, I wanted to do a initial quick review.

I love innovative products.  Whether it's something stupid as a straw, cleaning product, detergent, etc... but when it comes to makeup and I think it'll work, I'll go for it.  Which is what I did with the Radiant Lifting Foundation.  Definitely this foundation is geared towards women of age... but I think you can start at 30 (or when you start to see fine lines).

Briefly, it claims:
Revive your skin with light. A revolutionary anti-aging foundation with innovative light technology to eliminate shadows and give skin a radiant, youthful glow. Radiance Reflecting Powder provides a soft-focus effect and luminosity to wrinkles for a more youthful, lifted appearance. Offers a smooth, radiant finish for 12 beautiful hours and a rich moisturizing effect for 24 hours.

My first impression:
1. Great full coverage without being heavy
2. Very natural (which is insane because it has full coverage)
3. Semi-matte but still very hydrating
4. Glowy and hydrating on the skin
5. Lasted 6 hours without budging or separating or lifting off my skin... (so far)

I think this might be love at first sight... BUT... I will keep testing for a full review...

Picture of me wearing it today at the 7th hour... looks like this can be an HD foundation...

Watch this video to see what it is supposed to do... you might think this can't be real... LOL

UPDATED Review: Urban Decay Naked Skin Foundation

My apologies my readers... I have been using this foundation wrong.  I forgot to shake it and apparently that separated the foundation and I've been applying the non-pigmented portion.  Please see the crossed out part and my updated review... THIS CAN HAPPEN! We must read the instructions!!!  I'm kind of glad, I gave this foundation another chance....

For the last couple of months, I have been trying out all sorts of foundations.  I'm on a mission to find the perfect Summer, Winter and Night Time foundations.... (if you are wondering, how I'm trying out all sorts, I've been going into stores to try them on, or getting samples at Sephora.) So on this journey, Urban Decay released their Naked Skin Foundation ($38).  I quickly went into Sephora and got samples of three different shades.  I used their skin match system which consists of this clear plastic bookmark looking sheet.  You put it onto your skin and the one that disappears is the one that matches you.  Unfortunately, this system did not work.  Half of the shades looked like they disappeared.  So I went with good 'ol fashion way of trying them on.  And also testing it against other foundations that I knew that matched my skin.

Urban Decay also launched a optical blurring brush ($24) along with this foundation.

What it claims:
Urban Decay claims it's weightless and virtually invisible liquid foundation that creates a luminous, demi-matte finish. 
What it does:This formula helps skin achieve a natural, illuminated and bright finish— like the beautiful skin you were born with. Naked Skin is formulated with light-diffusing spheres, transforming you to look professionally retouched. Buildable coverage allows women to customize their look. Available in a meticulously calibrated range of shades, Urban Decay’s precise shade numbering system does poetic justice to both warm tones (ending in “.0”) and cool skin tones (ending in “.5”). The finish is matte, never flat, and luminous, but not shiny.

What it is formulated WITHOUT:
- Parabens
- Sulfates
- Synthetic Fragrances
- Phthalates
- GMOs
- Triclosan

What else you need to know:
This makeup loads skin with a list of nourishing ingredients including: Matrixyl 3000 (a powerful anti-wrinkle peptide), protective and brightening Litchiderm, antioxidant Green Tea and Sodium Hyaluronate for optimal skin hydration and nutrient absorption. Naked Skin is suspended in a sleek, sophisticated pump bottle, allowing more control and less waste of product.

My Thoughts:
(As I always mention, I have combination skin with dry cheeks and slightly oily in the T-zone.  I am in my 30s, so I don't like foundations that will accentuate my fine lines and I need coverage for my sunspots.)
From the sound of this foundation, it sounded heavenly.  I really like light textured, natural looking foundation.  So I thought this would be great for summer and winter. 
The feel of the foundation is pretty liquidy.  But when blended you can see the pigment.  Packaging is beautiful and sleek.
As of the foundation itself, I was not impressed with the staying power.  Even with a primer and powder, this foundation lasted about 4 hours before it started to lift off my skin and started bunching up on my cheeks, and almost completely gone on my nose.  And I was indoors in my AC blasting office the whole time I tested this.   UPDATE: When you apply it, I think it's best to apply with your fingers.  I've tried different foundation and buffing brushes like the one they recommend, and I found that it applied the best with fingers.  I think it better warms up the product and makes it easier to apply.  I was able to build the coverage with this technique and apply 3 layers. @.@  (Make sure you shake the bottle before applying... as this is the reason why my foundation did not stay on the times I applied before doing this updated review.)  After you are done applying, it had a dewy finish for quick second... then it had more of a powdery, demi-matte finish.  I didn't even have to apply powder.  It's been about 4 hours now, and still no shine on my nose, and still pretty semi-matte.  And foundation is still intact.  (what a difference shaking the bottle can make!)  However, because my cheek area seems to be a bit on the dry side, I feel a little pulling on my skin.  So definitely not for those with dry skin. 

With 3 built up layers, the coverage was decent.  I'd say closer to medium coverage, but almost on full coverage side.  It worked great with the Urban Decay 24/7 Concealer Pencil on my dark spots.   

Before I said this is foundation for dry skin, but I have to take that back.  It's actually not for dry skin due to the demi-matte finish.  And foundations tend to get more dry as the day goes by.  It's good for normal to combination oily. 

Coverage is pretty good.

Stay power is pretty good.

I'm about NC30 if I'm matching to my tanned body, and I wore shade number 4, along with Urban Decay 24/7 Concealer Pencil in NSA and it was a perfect match!

I have to take my words back from previously on not recommending this foundation.  I would recommend this foundation for normal to combination oily skin looking for natural but buildable type foundation and not worrying have to powder. 

However, I don't think this is the best foundation EVER, and certainly not exactly on the cheap affordable side.

  Once again, I apologize for applying this wrong and doing a horrible job at reviewing it the first time around.  Hope this updated review helps and perhaps you should give it a shot if this is what you are looking for.

I have to agree, that it is natural, and illuminating and with demi-matte finish at first....  But this is almost sheer to light coverage foundation.  I was also not impressed with the coverage either.  They do have 18 shades available, from light to dark, which is a good range of colors.
I really wanted to like this foundation, because I love Urban Decay.  But by making this virtually invisible, it does not do what it needs to do as a foundation.  You might as well stick with tinted moisturizer or BB Creams.  And the lasting power was the worst part. If it didn't last indoors, I can't imagine what it will do in outdoors.
I cannot recommend this foundation to anyone unless they are looking for something sheer and you have dry skin that will keep this sucker without coming off.  But for $38, you can get something better, and I still don't think it's worth $38.
I have seen good reviews on Sephora and other blogs.  So check them out before making a determination for yourself.

If you are looking for a foundation and have combination skin, and looking for good but natural looking coverage, keep following me.  I'm on a hunt, and I have found few that I've been really impressed with.  More foundation reviews coming soon. :)

Review: Chanel Vitalumiere Aqua - Fresh and Hydrating Cream Compact Makeup

In the past, I've tried the Chanel Vitalumiere Aqua Liquid Foundation after hearing rave reviews about it from Youtube Gurus and all over the blog world.  And when I finally got it, I actually found it to be quite dry on my face.  I absolutely hate it when my face is dry.  Dry skin = wrinkly problematic skin!  So I ended up returning that.

However!!!! Last month Chanel released the Vitalumiere Aqua Fresh and Hydrating Cream Compact Foundation in the US ($58).  Since my problem with the liquid version was too dry, I thought the Hydrating Cream Compact would be perfect!  Generally I love Chanel foundations.  So I was pretty excited to try this out.

Description of this compact from Chanel:

This water-based formula blends effortlessly and offers the lightness and radiance of a fluid with the ease and convenience of a compact format. The complexion is immediately hydrated and smoothed, with a look of natural, flawless radiance and a comfortable feel that lasts all day.

In the US, they released 10 shades ranging from 6 shades in the Beige family and 4 shades in the Beige Rose (pinkier undertone).  The range isn't that great.  If you have darker skin, this probably won't work for you. 

I bought Beige 20.  It probably will be a little dark for me during the winter, but I've been getting some sun so my neck is getting darker.  I didn't want my face looking too different from the rest of my body.  (sorry, I took the pictures after I had already used it, that's why it looks dirty cuz the surface is rigid)

The shade against my arm in shade 20 Beige.

The compact pops out.  I haven't seen any refills for this, but I'm guessing that's what they are planning on since they pop out.  Hopefully the refills aren't as expensive! :)

Direction says to apply with dry sponge only.

But I like applying this with my Real Techniques Buffing Brush ($18 for Core Collection - 4 brushes)( I looooooove this brush for buffing foundation... leaves it flawless!)

This super duper soft vegan friendly synthetic buffing brush is heaven for cream and liquid foundation.  I haven't done a comparison to the Shiseido Perfect Foundation Brush yet, but right now this is my favorite brush.  Great great price for awesome awesome quality.  Sorry going off topic... this will have to be another blog post. ^_^

Bottom line, I really like the Vitalumiere Aqua Cream Compact.  I've been looking for a foundation that was hydrating enough without making my face oily or the foundation moving around all over my face.  This compact also gives you a slight healthy glow (which I like).  You can always minimize the glow with powder.  If you are looking for something hydrating with great coverage, this is dreamy.  I think it's an awesome cream compact foundation.  But unless the refills are cheaper, I'd have to think twice about repurchasing this because of the price. 

Some Pros and Cons in my opinion...

Pros:

- very hydrating

- water based formula

- not heavy

- buildable medium to full coverage: tip- You do have to becareful not to cake this on.  Make sure to blend well from center of your face to the outer.  Then build up the coverage if you need.  You don't want to look like you are wearing a mask.  :)

- looks very natural

- lasts all day- I was able to wear this to a lake and kayak and fish for about 6 hours in the sun  and it did not move all over my face or make it oily.  I was seriously quite surprised by the performance of this cream compact.

- very light and easy to blend

- chanel packaging rocks

- does not flash back in flash photography despite the SPF 15

- you can carry it with you easily.

Cons:

- Pricey- it is $58.  It's probably the most expensive foundation I own.  Most of the Chanel liquid foundations don't go above $55 except for Chanel Lift Lumiere Firming and Smoothing ($65).

- Lack of shades- for some reason different shades are relased in different countries depending on the popular shades, demographic of that country.  In the US they only released 10.  Anyone who has ebony, darker skin cannot get the shade they need here in the US.

Review: Shiseido Perfect Refining Foundation and Perfect Foundation Brush

Recently I purchased the Shiseido's newest foundation, Perfect Refining Foundation along with their Perfect Foundation Brush.  I've been searching for the perfect liquid foundation for forever and I always found myself just going back to the BareMineral's Foundation. So in the winter the BareMinerals is a little too try for me so I've been using BB Creams on a daily basis and foundation from Faceshop when I go out at night...
Before I purchased the Shiseido's foundation, I bought Chanel's Vita Lumiere Aqua cuz I heard so many great things.  But it was still drying up my cheeks throughout the day and it wasn't as glowy as I thought it would be.

So here's my review on Shiseido Perfect Refining Foundation- $38.
It comes in a small 1 fluid ounce bottle for $38.  It looks smaller than others, but 1 fluid ounce is about some other foundations pack.And a little goes a looooooong way!!!! Seriously little tiny drop can cover half of your face.

- it has medium buildable coverage
- super easy to blend with fingers
- semi-mat ( so no powder is needed except maybe t-zone)
- non-drying
- lasts all day
- comes wide variety of shades in natural, pink, yellow undertone.  I bought natural I00 very light ivory.
- looks very natural

Bottom line: It's now my favorite non-glowy liquid foundation! (still in search for that perfect glowy foundation) I think my favorite part is that I can wear it all day without having to worry about whether my foundation is moving around all over my face or drying it out.  I really hate it when I look like I have dry patches or cracks.  And I hate touching up while I'm at work! lol

Now on to the Perfect Foundation Brush- $30

I'm assuming since this brush has the "perfect" in it, so it must have been released along with the Perfect Refining Foundation.

- soft tight packed bristles with short handle for precision
- can be used with liquid, cream, and powder formulas
- angled for contouring your face
- not quite sure what it's made of

But this really is the best foundation brush I have ever used in my life.  I think I love the brush more than the foundation itself (if I had to choose).  It has soft tight packed bristles that can pack that foundation in every pore of your face!  I dot the foundation on my face first and I take the brush and stipple (stamping motion) and blend it out.  It does not leave any traces of streak on your face like some of the other foundation brushes do.  I'm sooooo in love with this brush!  I've also used this with concealers and it applies everything flawlessly!  Looooooooove!

Here's my before and after pictures of the foundations for your reference.....  I've been suffering from hormonal acne which I cannot control with products I use.  Acne disappear and re-appear every month.  And now it's created some scarring which now I have to cover along with my freckles.... :(  This foundation seemed to do a great job of covering with one sheer cover.

In the 3rd and the 4th picture you can see the difference.  Do you see how it even covered up my veins?

And here's how it looks all together. :)  It's semi-matte, but I think it still gives a natural glow. :)
I'll definitely re-purchase again.