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

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