Fiona Stiles Matte Finish Foundation Concentrate Review + Swatch: Shade 05

Hi there!

Today's review is on the Fiona Stiles Matte Finish Foundation Concentrate in shade 05.

Fiona Stiles is an acclaimed makeup artist, so right away I trusted that her products were of great quality. And I was not wrong in doing so...kind of.

The packaging of the foundation feels so high-end and sturdy. It's got a convenient pump, it's bottled in a frosted glass container, and the cap has a cool, purple, geometric design. For its $30.00 price tag I was impressed. 

Shade 05

As for the actual product, I found the foundation to have a medium, natural finish rather than a matte finish. While I am disappointed that it doesn't truly give me a matte appearance, I surprisingly like the natural finish of it. Because it's not matte it gives me a "my skin but better" look- which I love because I don't look like I have cake face and my fine lines and dry spots aren't accentuated too much. 

But to see if I could mattify the foundation, I tried using a couple of primers underneath it.  First, I tried layering Soap & Glory's One Heck of a Blot primer underneath. And then I tried out Smashbox's Photo Finish primer. And then I tried out a combination of the two. But alas, neither of the primers had much of an effect on mattifying the foundation or my face. I also found setting it with powder to not have much of an effect either.

As for the shade range, there are 10 shades available on Ulta.com. I found shade 04 to be a little too pink for me, so I settled for shade 05. While it's a bit too tan for my skin at the moment, I am able to get away with it by blending additional product down my neck. 

Bottom Line

The foundation doesn't give a truly matte finish, so be aware when making your purchasing decision. But also keep in mind that makeup reacts differently for everyone. While it isn't matte on my skin, it could be matte on yours. 

All in all, I'm a fan. I'm definitely going to try out more of Fiona Stiles' makeup. I've already got my eye on one of her eyeshadow quads and her highlighting stylo. 

I hope this was helpful for some of you!

Allison 

Favorite IT Brushes For Ulta: #110 Airbrush Buffing Foundation Brush + Dual Ended Highlight/Define Brush

Welcome back!

Today's post is all about my favorite, must have IT Brushes For Ulta.

They include the #110 Airbrush Buffing Foundation Brush and the highlight/define dual ended brush from the 'Your Contour Must-Haves Set'. With these two brushes, I am able to apply my foundation, concealer, and powder effortlessly.

#110 Airbrush Buffing Foundation Brush

I think this brush is perfect for those looking for a brush that can help create a full coverage look with liquid foundation. It's able to provide full coverage because of its densely packed bristles. I also use this brush when I spot conceal; and, in a pinch, I can blend out under eye concealer. 

If you're looking for a brush that doesn't offer as much coverage, the #101 brush might suit your fancy!

Dual Ended Highlight/Define Brush

This dual ended brush is meant to be used to contour and highlight the face, but I don't use it for those purposes. 

I use the 'define' end to blend out my under eye concealer and to blend away any foundation that settles into fine lines. I think it's the perfect size to fit in the under eye area (it's about the size of a dime).

I use the 'highlight' end to powder my under eye area and my face. It's a fluffy paddle brush that lays nicely on the face.  

'Define' end

'Highlight' end; frontal view

'Highlight' end; side view

Bottom Line

If you're looking for a foundation brush that gives full coverage, the #110 brush is for you. If you are looking for multipurpose brush that allows you to contour, highlight, blend, or powder, the dual ended brush from the 'Your Contour Must-Haves Set' would be ideal for you. These brushes are pricey, but I think that quality brushes are essential for building the perfect base. 

A final note, makeup brushes can be used however you choose. You can use them for their intended purposes or play around with them to see if they fulfill any other needs. 

I hope this was helpful!

Allison <3

*Links are not affiliate links 

Nyx Gotcha Covered Concealer versus It Cosmetics Bye Bye Under Eye Concealer

Hi there!

Today's post is all about the It Cosmetics Bye Bye Under Eye concealer and the Nyx Gotcha Covered concealer. 

First off, Bye Bye Under Eye is meant for the under eye area (but of course you could apply this anywhere on the face) while Gotcha Covered does not specify where one should apply the product. But based on its thick consistency and finish, I have been using Gotcha Covered solely on my under eye areas. 

Here's a swatch of Nyx Gotcha Covered in Light and It Cosmetics Bye Bye Under Eye in Neutral Medium

To preface, Bye Bye Under Eye has been my go-to under eye concealer since about December. It's got great coverage, it's moisturizing, it's easy to apply, and a little goes a long way. But after getting close to running out of the product, I started looking for a new under eye concealer because it doesn't fully cover my dark circles (and I do color correct) and it's a bit pricey for my liking (it's $24.00 at Ulta). I quickly found out about Gotcha Covered and ordered it from Ulta.com. Here are my thoughts:

Pros

It's affordable

It's highly pigmented (but still doesn't fully cover my dark circles)

It comes in 10 shades (Bye Bye Under Eye has 4 shades)

It's not drying

It doesn't crease as much as Bye Bye Under Eye

It has compact & simple packaging

Cons

It has a slippery, greasy finish if not set with powder

It doesn't last as long as Bye Bye Under Eye

Bottom Line

If you're on a budget and want a wider shade range, try out Gotcha Covered. I think that the two products are pretty similar in that their textures are the same (thick, smooth, & glossy), they offer about the same coverage, they're both packaged in convenient squeeze tubes, and they're non-drying on the under eye area. Overall, I don't think you can go wrong with either one of them.

Hope this was helpful,

Allison

Soap & Glory One Heck of a Blot Foundation Review + Swatch: Happy Medium

Hi there!

So today I bring you another review- this time on Soap & Glory's new One Heck of a Blot Foundation. (If you want a quick rundown of pros & cons scroll down)

To preface, I always set my foundation with a setting powder; so I don't know how this foundation acts on its own.

The foundation claims to last for 12 hours on the skin, provide full coverage, blur away imperfections, and control shine. And all for $19.00!

What's unique about this liquid foundation is that it dries to a powder finish (which I believe is how it helps absorb and control oils). I've got dehydrated skin that becomes oily throughout the day, and I think that this foundation does do a pretty good job at keeping shininess at bay (I find that I do end up being a little shiny).

There are some cons to this product. I find that it can accentuate any dry spots and there are only 4 shades available (I bought the second to the last darkest shade).

Above you can see a swatch of it compared to MAC's Pro Longwear Foundation in NC25. The swatch comparison clearly shows that the two foundation shades do not match, but once Happy Medium is blended onto skin it's not as "dark". I would guess that Happy Medium could suit those who are about an NC25-30. 

Bottom Line

Pros

Easily blendable 

Easily buildable (first layer proves to be a medium coverage)

Controls shine for a good amount of time

Does not feel like a mask on the skin

Affordable (especially with Ulta's $3.50 off $10 coupon)

Product dispenses easily with pump

Cons

Very limited shade range (comes in Fair Enough, Cool Sand, Happy Medium, & Caramel)

Can accentuate dry spots

Doesn't keep skin completely matte all day

Overall, I recommend this product if you can find a shade that suits you.

Hope this helps!

Allison :)

PS: I apply this foundation with the It Cosmetics for Ulta brush #110

Milani 2-in-1 Foundation Review: 01 Creamy Vanilla

Hi there!

First and foremost, I lost swatch pics and images of the foundation; but rest assured that Creamy Vanilla should match those who are about an NC20-25. I tried out shade 02 but felt that it oxidized too much. 

But what I can do is list some pros and cons of the foundation!

(Image does not belong to me: https://milanicosmetics.com/Conceal-Perfect-2-in-1-Foundation-Concealer.html)

Pros:

It is medium-to-full coverage (additional concealer could be needed for some)

It is available at drugstores (where you have the option of using coupons)

It is packaged in a sleek glass bottle (with a pump!)

It does not emphasize dry spots too much

It blends easily

Cons:

It's got a particular scent (so stay away if your nose is sensitive)

It does not control oil very well (but it doesn't claim to be mattifying)

The longevity is not too great (at least on my oily skin)

Limited shade ranges in stores (there are more shades available online)

It can feel "mask-like" (it can feel heavy on the face)

Bottom Line:

I recommend this foundation to those who are looking for a thick, full coverage foundation; who do not have very oily skin; and who do not mind the feeling of foundation on the skin. If you're looking for a "my-skin-but-better" foundation, look elsewhere because this foundation isn't very modest. 

Hope this was helpful!

Allison :)

PS: The finish of this foundation (on my oily skin) is satin to dewy.

Physicians Formula Murumuru Butter Bronzer Review

Hello!

After looking high and low for a review on Physicians Formula's new Butter Bronzer and not finding much, I decided to just purchase the product and try it out myself! 

To start, the product is available in two shades: Light Bronzer and Bronzer. I purchased the latter as it is the darker option, and I thought it would suit my NC25 skin more. 

My first impression of the product was, "Holy cow, this scent is insane." I assume the scent is a product of all the infused seed butters (MuruMuru, Cupuacu, & Tucuma) and any other artificial fragrances. I advise you stay away from this product if you're very sensitive to fragrances. 

As for its bronzing abilities, upon first swatch, I didn't think much of it. I actually thought that it could be used as a face powder. But alas, it can actually bronze my skin! Granted it's nothing near Too Faced Dark Chocolate Soleil or Benefit's Hoola bronzer. But because it's not as deep in color, you don't have to be too careful in applying it to the face. I will say that this bronzer won't do a great job of bronzing those around or above NC/NW30. Additionally, this product does have a slight sheen, but it's nothing crazy. 

To compare, I swatched both Too Faced Dark Chocolate Soleil and the Butter Bronzer. I did edit the photo so that the Butter Bronzer swatch could show up well enough. 

All in all, I would recommend this bronzer to those who have a fair to medium skin tone and want a product that is easy to work with. It blends easily, isn't overly pigmented, and isn't too warm or cool. I wouldn't recommend this to those who have a deeper skin tone, are sensitive to strong smells, or want a 100% matte bronzer. 

Hope this was helpful!

Allison

A final note: the packaging is bulky. It has a mirror and houses a sponge applicator (which I don't advice using for bronzing). I suggest depotting the product if you're not a fan of bulky compacts. 

A Review: GOOD & CLEAN Pore Purifying Mini Peel

Hello!

I've always been some sort of acne product hoarder and stick to what I know (salicylic acid, benzoyle peroxide, etc.), but I've recently been into Alba Botanica (because they're cruelty free and contain natural ingredients) & decided to give this peel a go. And I'm glad I stepped out of my skin comfort zone because holy cow- I love this product. I always thought that skin care products driven by fruit/vegetables extracts were some sort of hippy dippy gimmick, and could never work as well as hard core chemicals that have been created by scientists- but I was wrong.

Fortified with 6% Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHAs), this peel is able to remove dead skin cells and relieve pores of toxins- enabling more breathe-ability. I've never used a chemical peel before because I thought that peels would essentially work exactly like facial scrubs & exfoliators. I have to say that I'm Team Peel now because my skin has never felt so soft and cleansed. I've used Neutrogena Oil-Free Acne Wash Pink Grapefruit Foaming Scrub  for years and thought its micro beads were able slough away all of my skin's impurities well enough, but after using Alba's Mini Peel, I'm convinced that AHAs are better suit for digging deep into pores and cleansing. This isn't to say that I'll stop using scrubs, because I do enjoy the feeling of exfoliating, it's just that I'm more open to the world of AHAs now. 

I apply this gel a few times a week for at least two minutes. It does make my skin tingle a little bit, the scent isn't overwhelming, and it is kind of on the pricier side for a drugstore product. Anyway, I'll be repurchasing this peel in the future, and recommend it to those who are looking for a gentle skin care product to clear out pores and soften skin. 

Hope this helps :)

*Disclaimer: Photo does not belong to me.
 Photo Credit: © 2012 The Hain Celestial Group, Inc

A Review: L'Oreal EverCrème Sulfate-Free Moisture System™ Nourishing Leave-In Spray

Hello!

You can buy it here:
L'Oreal EverCrème Sulfate-Free Moisture System™ Nourishing Leave-In Spray

I've recently had to deal with frizzy, brittle, and damaged hair due to dying my hair in June (you can read about it here). I've colored my hair multiple times in the past, but this time around my hair has just not been cooperating. In attempt to "return" my hair back to its natural texture, which is smooth and tangle-free, I have been trying out  L'Oreal's EverCrème Sulfate-Free Moisture System™ Nourishing Leave-In Spray.

 And I have come to conclusion that I love it! 

It mainly interested me because it is a vegan product and doesn't have heavy waxes. In addition to the fact that I have not used a L'Oreal product since I was a child (I loved their fish-shaped packaging). The L'Oreal website states that:

"...Infused with Omega-3 and 6, this lightweight conditioning treatment nourishes hair and restores hydration. Hair is instantly detangled, smoothed and healthy-looking—without any weighdown."

I can attest that this leave-in-conditioner does leave hair "detangled, smooth, and healthy-looking", but most importantly it makes my hair feel healthy. It is recommended that the spray is used with the EverCrème Shampoo and Conditioner, but I believe that the product does a fantastic job on its own. I finger-comb the conditioner when my hair's damp to wet, starting at ear-level and ending at my roots, and allow my hair to air dry overnight. I then wake up to smooth, light-weight, frizz-free hair in the morning! One downfall is that this product isn't great to use on dry hair because it can have the opposite effect it has on wet hair: dry and a little heavy. 

All in all, I definitely recommend this leave-in-conditioner to anyone looking for something to tame damaged hair. 

:) AL 

* Disclaimer: Photo does not belong to me.
   Photo Credit: 2013 L'Oreal Paris

Summer Brights

Summer is just around the corner and the West coast is definitely feeling it. One of my favorite products to transition to Summer weather is a bright and fun nail polish. Normally the only nail polish I use is OPI Lincoln Park after Dark or Betsey Johnson for Sephora by OPI “Forever Wild”. Those two are essentially very, very dark purple hues which look almost black. But once Spring/Summer roll around I drop them and pick up my Barry M Nail Varnish in Pink Flamingo or OPI Lost Without My GPS.

They aren't too similar but they live in the pink/red scope. Pink Flamingo is a bright, creamy bubble gum pink   and Lost Without my GPS is a creamy coral red. Neither of the polishes have glitter, reflects, or much of a sheen. Formula-wise, I like Barry M more because it’s less “chip-prone”, which means it can last longer on its own if I’m too lazy to sandwich it between a top and base coat. Barry M formulas tend to be more creamy than OPI in my experience. 

(Click photo to enlarge)

(Click photo to enlarge)

(Click photo to enlarge)

I’m not a daring person when it comes to bright clothing, so I like wearing bright hues on my nails to add a little pizzazz and have some quirky colorful fun in the summer. If you’re trying to introduce more color into your wardrobe, wearing vibrant polishes is a simple and affordable starter.

I’ll be going to Europe for vacation in June so I’m definitely planning on ransacking Boots or Superdrug to pick up more Barry M polishes! 

Xo Allison 

PS: Lost Without My GPS was limited edition & Pink Flamingo is sold primarily in the UK.

Review: NYC Smooth Skin Bronzing Face Powder (Sunny Bronzer)

I have to confess that I’m a bronzer addict. And it all started with Cargo Water resistant Bronzer. Followed by Too Faced Park Avenue Princess and Benefit Hoola. Seeing as the aforementioned products aren’t the most wallet friendly, I’m going to review a bronzer that’s just as good and way more affordable. 

NYC Sunny is a matte brown bronzer powder that is awesome for bronzing and contouring. It can be found at many drugstores or supermarkets and comes with a generous amount (0.33oz. / 9.4g). Some people are wary that it’s not a good product because of its affordable price, but I can guarantee you it’s just as good as what you can find at Sephora or a counter.

The cute sun embossed bronzer comes in an orange plastic compact; with a mirror attached on the inside (which always earns a gold star in my book). The plastic piece which joins the flip top and pan isn’t the strongest, but it does the job.

I must point out that those with fairer skin should be careful with application. This is because the bronzer leans a little more orange-tinged than some.

My point is that if you want a trusty and affordable matte bronzer then NYC Sunny should be next on your Wish List.

  

*Under natural light

* Under natural light

xo AL

Review: Maybelline Falsies Volum’ Express (waterproof) Mascara

Hey guys! I’m going to preface this by saying that I only use waterproof mascara. Not water resistant- waterproof. This is because I have very straight eye lashes, which point straight ahead or downwards. In order for my lashes to hold a curl, I can only use waterproof mascaras. I’m no scientist but it’s something about the formula. Most people don’t like using waterproof mascara because it’s a pain to take off, but I’ve gotten used to it. And honestly, it’s not that bad. So, onward to the review.

Initially, I thought that Falsies Flared (also from the Maybelline Falsies line) was my HG but I’m adamant that the company changed their formula, and thus the mascara is less volumizing and lengthening. This mascara, Falsies Volum’ Express, is basically the original Falsies Flared. It’s volumizing, lengthening, and holds up my wimpy Asian lashes. It’s more volumizing than lengthening, but judging by the brush you can’t really ask for it to give you a lash extension effect. My belief is that the more bristly and big in diameter, the more volumizing the mascara. If the brush is thin and long, the more lengthening (think L’Oreal Telescopic). Also, this mascara does clump- which I think is a part of the mega volumizing effect. I like some clumping because it gives the appearance of thicker lashes. You can always use tweezers or a needle to carefully separate lashes if you think they're too clumpy (stress on the careful part). 

Another thing, the shape of this brush is unlike any I've seen before. It's kind of got a paddle-ish, 2-D tear drop shape to it. It's flat, wee bit scooped, and wide. Interesting.
Anyway, this mascara has become my go-to product for eye makeup. I can wear this without eyeliner or eye shadow and it’ll give me a little bit of oomph. I frequent the gym a lot and this is the only makeup I'll wear; just because I think it makes me look a little less scary when I'm in my sweaty "beast" mode.

Hope this review helped some!
xo Allison

PS: Waterproof mascara is the bees knees because you can wear it in any season. Summer for if you want to go for a swim (can't promise you won't get a panda eye effect), Spring if you've got watery eyes from allergies, Winter for crying during sappy holiday movies, etc.

Review: Tarte Amazonian Clay 12-Hour Blushes (Natural Beauty + Dollface)

Hello!

So this will be my first official blog post! I thought I'd start off with a review of two of my favorite blushes- Tarte Amazonian Clay 12-Hour Blushes in Natural Beauty and Dollface.

Hinted by its name, Natural Beauty gives a natural flush to the cheeks with its red-based hue. Tarte's website describes it as "red", while Sephora.com describes it as a "strawberry red". Personally, I describe this blush as a berry red. If you're looking for a basic red blush then this is the one for you. It may look a little daunting but it gives a great flushed appearance on my warm toned skin. I would advise a light handed application to those with fairer skin so you don't end up looking sun burned or too flushed. 

Matte Red

On the other hand, Blissful is described by Sephora and Tarte as a "warm peach"; I think that this blush is a pinky peach shade-which pulls more pink than peach. Personally, I do not think that this shade is insanely overwhelmingly awesome but it's a nice, basic pink to have in one's collection.

Matte Peachy-pink

Now let's discuss the blush's widely acclaimed 12-hour staying power. I would not say that these blushes have the ability to last 12 hours, but I do think that these blushes have the best staying power of any blush product I've tried. I've worn either of these blushes through a whole day of school, without re-touching, and they've stayed on the entire time. Admittedly, after a handful of hours the blush won't look as it did the morning you applied it, but it's still hanging in there. Of course if you're up to the 12 hour challenge, you can apply the blush in light layers or wear a cream blush under as a base. 

Moving onto packaging. The blushes are encased in sturdy plastic compacts with a nice mirror attached to the inside of the flip-lid. The plastic is pretty sound and, when closing the compact, gives a satisfying click. The color of the packaging also depends on the shade it contains. Which is handy if you're unable to open the compact and swatch the shades. 

I must note that these blushes are not the most pigmented products in the market. If you're looking for a super pigmented blush then I would look elsewhere. If you're willing to give a pigment underdog a chance then these will tickle your fancy. Comparing the two, Natural Beauty is more pigmented than Blissful. 

Under daylight
Top- Blissful
Bottom- Natural Beauty 

Under daylight
Left- Blissful
Right- Natural Beauty 

Under daylight
Top- Natural Beauty
Bottom- Blissful

With flash
Left- Natural Beauty
Right- Blissful

Some final words: Tarte is a popular company which is branded as more natural and "earth engineered". The company does not formulate their products with parabens, phthalates, or synthetic fragrances. And my favorite part of the company is that they do not test their products on animals and is stamped with approval.

For those of you who have Amazonian blushes on your wishlist or cringe at the steep price, I advise that you sign up for their email notifications or social media platforms. I was reading the morning news, aka Instagram, and Tarte posted an Instagram exclusive 50% off flash sale promotion. Of course the day happened to be Valentine's Day, so I justified the purchases with it being Single Awareness Day in addition to the crazy discount.

Enough with the babbling! If you've made it with me through this treacherous blog entry journey and live to read this ending then props to you girl, or boy.

:) AL