Thursday, April 21, 2016

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







Friday, April 15, 2016

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











Thursday, April 14, 2016

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.